10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 53,713 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Replacement of broken blend door and leaking heater core.
- Salina, KS, USA
On January 22, 2007, I heard a "cracking" noise under the dash as I started my Jeep in the morning. Later that morning it became apparent that it was not possible to get any heat in the cabin, nor was it possible to defrost the windshield. After trying various settings, all that can be achieved is to blow cold (ambient) air (currently 4F) out of the various vents/defroster. This does very, very little to remove frost from the windshield. Additionally, the heater core has begun failing. This releases additional moisture into the cabin, causing even worse fogging (frosting this time of year). This combination of failures renders the defroster totally ineffective, and requires the dangerous act of wiping or scraping the inside of the window about every 5 minutes under normal winter conditions. I am informed that this condition is caused by the breakage of "mix doors" in the HVAC system, a known defective "weak part" that is currently being replaced (at customer expense) on virtually all 1999-2004 Grand Cherokee with automatic climate controls. Breakage of these parts can constitute a serious hazard, and should be a required recall by DC. I have had to undertake this repair myself - a huge task, as I do not have the $1800 to have the dealer repair it.
- Auburn, NY, USA
On Nov. 29, 2006, purchased used 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee ltd. With 49,723 miles from Chrysler dealer. On Dec. 2, 2006, tried to use passenger heating and cooling. Could get only cold air. Windows would fog and be unable to clear causing visibility and safety problem in addition to heating issue. Took back to dealer who refused to warranty problem and quoted $1047 to replace "blend door." Took to second Chrysler mechanic shop for second opinion who said it was not blend door but could not diagnose cause of problem. Check internet for similar problems and posted issue on forum and resulted in following thread: www.topix.net/forum/autos/Jeep-grand-Cherokee/tserat48371icob68. this forum has 48 posting as of this date with same or similar problem with Jeep Grand Cherokee cars and with Chrysler.
- Douglasville, GA, USA
I own a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with 51,400 miles on it. The events leading up to the failure of the ventilation system were (1) rapid fogging of front windshield, (2) fogging of front passenger windows, (3) failure of passenger heat while still maintaining driver heat function, and (4) only cold air release on passenger side of Jeep. Consequently, (1) the windshield and front windows do not defog, and (2) no heat whatsoever comes from the passenger side floor and dash ventilation system. To correct this problem, a "blend air door" is necessary at a high cost of approximately $1,200 inclusive of 7 hours of labor. According to service department at Jeep and online forums, this has become a very common problem for 2000-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited's with duel zone ventilation systems.
- Omaha, NE, USA
Blend door assembly and heater core failed on 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Resulted in loss of defroster for front winshield which resulted in loss of vision through windshield. Replaced heater core, blend door assembly, actuator, and recirculation door assembly.
- Cumberland, RI, USA
My Jeep seems to be in need of a heater core replacement which is expensive to fix from what I understand. I feel that this is a major safety issue because everytime we get in the car to drive, the windshield is completely fogged up, the defroster doesn't work, heater doesn't work, but the A/C does. I constantly have to fill up the antifreeze, and I cant help but wonder if the fumes being emitted from the windshield are hazardous to me and my family? it is so hard to see through the window at any time of the day because even when you wipe the fog off, it comes right back. I fear getting into an accident with my wife and kids in the car. We contacted worthington Dodge of carlsbad, who referred us to daimler Chrysler since we have the extended warranty through them. They told us that it is not a common problem, nor is it a safety issue, and they basically told us :oh well, we wont cover it, and get it fixed yourself."
- Carlsbad, CA, USA
The contact stated the heater and defroster on the passenger's side of the vehicle was not working. There was no heat coming from any of the vents on the passenger's side. The dealership diagnosed the problem as being the actuator door. The dealership stated this was not a safety issue and offered no free repair. This was not covered under the extended warranty.therefore, no repairs have been made.
- Littleton, CO, USA
I own a 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee, in less than 3 yrs, the heating actuators and switching baffles for heat/cooling split temperature. Control has failed after this short time, which is a design issue ! warranty did not cover the cost to repair.
- Crossett, AR, USA
Consumer stated dual climate control failed. As a result, extremely cold air blew in.
- Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Edmonton, 00, USA