The front brakes on the 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Laredo) had a heating problem that was warping the brake rotor. Jeep apparently issued a technical service bulletin to its authorized repair facilities indicating that the rotors, pads, and calipers were generating excessive heat because not enough gas was being vented off during braking. The tsb advised to replaced the rotors, pads, and calipers. When we contacted our local Jeep dealer about some vibration in the drive train during braking, we were simply told that the brake pads needed to be replaced. Further questions led us to the root of the problem, which was the topic of the tsb. Jeep claimed it was not a "problem", and they said as it was related to the brakes, it was no longer a warranty item. The owner of the dealership told me that they were seeing this problem on "a lot" of 2002's. I feel that they are not telling consumers what the problem is, they are just replacing the items, billing the consumer for the cost of the rotors, and calling it good. In my opinion, a properly manufactured system should not lead to brake rotor warping under normal operation of the vehicle. This Jeep has 26,000 miles on it, and the pads show the amount of wear I would expect at this stage. When I questioned Jeep corporate about the issue, they advised that since no recall has been issued, they see no need to cover the cost of the replacement. I believe that they are quietly replacing these brake calipers, pads, and rotors without telling the consumer, just so that no complaints are filed, and then, no recall. Brakes are a crucial safety factor in a family vehicle, and my complaint is that Jeep should stand behind their product better. This clearly is a manufacturing/design flaw, which they even recognize (thus, the tsb).

- Littleton, CO, USA