Transmission at 72000 right after the warranty.
Fan relay switch. I am on my 5th one at 90.00 per switch, and it happens at the most inopportune times, like in traffic.
Other than the sensor issue, it is OK and handles well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 21st March, 2009
Reliable car overall, but lots of minor but owner-fixable repairs have been required
1) Radiator fan relay failed. This causes the Jeep to overheat in idle, but run at a normal temperature while driving. I replaced the relay myself, but it required removal of the front bumper to get at it, since it sits below the passenger side front headlamp.
2) Driver side window regulator cable broke. I replaced this myself by taking the entire door panel off.
3) Passenger side window regulator cable broke. Yep, about 12 months after the driver's side. I replaced this one myself by taking the entire door panel off.
4) Heater blend door sticks. This makes hot air during the winter months intermittent. Currently trying to fix this.
5) Multiple OBD-II codes for evaporative leaks and pedal position sensor problems.
My Jeep has been mechanically reliable on the "big ticket" items (engine, transmission, AC, and suspension) so far, which is good.
I change my own oil, but have not serviced the transmission regularly. The small things that have broken have been annoying to be sure, but they were fixable by me with a little mechanical know-how and a lot of reading on the Internet.
I've found that my problems are relatively common to this year model.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 2nd February, 2009
Almost a great vehicle. Too many repairs of cables, electrical, and vaccuum systems
Brakes cause rumbling and jumping at approx 15000 miles.
Crankshaft position sensor replaced at approx 4000 miles.
Front left window regulator cable snapped at 20000 miles.
Front right window regulator cable snapped at 25000 miles.
Rear left window regulator cable snapped at 85000 miles.
Emergency brake cable snapped at 30000 miles.
Radiator fan and relay and cable replaced at 40000 miles.
Radiator fan relay replaced again at 85000 miles. Dealer improperly installed it per the service manual.
Turn signals work intermittently. Dealer claims it needs $1000 worth of repairs. The subsystem specified in their report does not appear to be related, so the verdict is that they don't know what they are doing and/or are bilking the customer.
Throttle valve position sensor replaced approx 70000 miles.
Vacuum system leaks reoccur and make good money for the dealers. Charged $135 to "diagnose" and replace a gas cap. Problem re-occurred after the OBDII computer had a chance to determine that it was not resolved. Questionable dealer service department.
Dealers in my area areas replace too many parts and don't get to the real cause of problems. At least one repair was performed using a shortcut and the part (fan relay) failed again -- most likely to to overheating because of improper installation.
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is a solid vehicle with a truck feel rather than a gooshy granny suspension. The automatic transmission appears to use actual clutch plates, which provides a rugged shift with some sacrifice of smooth shifting. Again, think truck.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 1st February, 2009
I do like it, I think so far, it has been one of my best vehicles
I had intermittent problems with it stalling when trying to go step on gas a little more to pass or increase speed on the highway. I had a friend who is a mechanic look at the problem. The check engine light would come on and the car would would over rev. My friend hooked it up to the computer, and the reading stated a misfire in plug 1. We replaced all the spark plugs, and he had to clean out the gas line because it was rusted due to water in the gas. Therefore, the rusty pieces would break off and cause the misfire. He also replaced another part for it that I can't remember what it was at this time.
The seal on the driver's window is loose, and if I push it back in place, it's fine.
I also have the problem with the "honking" steering wheel, which is intermittent on my Jeep.
When I purchased it used, I lucked out, and the previous owner had replaced all the tires with Dunlop, and they seem to last pretty well. Thanks for the warning about the Wrangler tires.
I also have problems with uneven wear on the tires, I'm assuming from the calipers, which one mechanic told me could only be fixed at a dealership. Super.
But, I also think that it has lasted quite well for the mileage I put on it, and all in all has been a good vehicle. I don't know whether or not I will get a Jeep again, tho.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 16th December, 2008
1st Mar 2009, 05:01
You say: "The transmission appears to use actual clutch plates". As opposed to what? As far as I know, all auto transmissions work on hydraulic pressure, gears, clutches, and sometimes bands. Find me a vehicle (other than a Honda or a CVT) that doesn't use "actual clutch plates" in its auto tranny.