3.2

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,750 miles

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problem #4

Sep 252003

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I recently found out that the viscous coupler in my 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee needs replacing. This part when defective does not allow the vehicle to make safe turns. The turning radius at slower speeds is absolutely awful and I have had several near misses while trying to manuver the vehicle that suddenly drives as if it we in 4WD low gear. I have heard that this is a common problem from others who own Jeep and postings on the web. I have been aware of the tight turning radius for quite a while but was not aware anything was wrong. The vehicle has been in for tune ups and oil changes and nothing has been mentioned to me until just now.

- Waterbury Ctr, VT, USA

problem #3

Dec 242002

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
Transfer case failed at approx. 75,000 miles. No known cause/effect discovered. Mechanics said this should not have happened.$1800 to fix. Believe Chrysler knows it has a defective transmission and will not recall them.

- Red Lion, PA, USA

problem #2

Jun 022003

(reported on)

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
While driving on the highway vehicle locked up and started smoking. Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that problems were differential and transfer case.

- Hackensack, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jan 102003

Grand Cherokee 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles
Heard a noise coming from the rear of the car took it into the shop and was told that it was the rear differential, and I was also informed that my transmission was slipping in 1st & 2nd gear. I had the differential repaired and the transmission serviced. We got snow this year where you would need the 4 wheel drive, well being I never had the need to use the 4 wheel drive mode I was surprised to find out that mine didn't work. Took it into the shop and was told that the transfer casing and transmission need to be replaced. So I took it to the dealer I bought the Jeep from. I let them repair my transfer casing and was told because I didn't have the exact same tires on the vehicle that is what caused the transfer casing to fail. The tires were the same size on the front and rear just different brands. They told me that I didn't have a problem with the transmission. I then picked the Jeep up and the roaring sound came back so I took it to the dealer to see what they thought the noise was I was told at that time that my front differential was bad and needed to be repaired and that the rear differential was also bad, but being I had that work done at a independent shop I had to take it back to them to fix the rear and then took the Jeep back to the dealer to have them do the work on the front. I am in the process of taking the Jeep back to the dealership because my Jeep is now pulling to the right. I was able to drive my Jeep for a week. I really have not had my Jeep since January I really think that daimler Chrysler knows there is a problem with the 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee and I hope that something will be done about.

- Chesapeake Beach, MD, USA