Brake Disc Rotor problems of the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee - part 1

I own a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee that has 2 potentially dangerous issues with it. Due to a manufacturers design flaw, the brake lights malfunction on a regular basis. The light shorts itself out when the headlights are turned on leaving me with no brakes at night. In addition, the door lock actuator in my rear passenger door has broken. Since Jeep saw fit to only provide a key on the drivers door, this rear door neither locks nor unlocks which would result in a potentially lifethreatening situation if I were involved in a wreck and was unable to exit the vehicle from this door. My cooling fan broke, I replaced with a non-oem model which chewed a hole in my radiator after 100 miles. Replaced radiator and fan. Radiator broke after a year, re-replaced. After searching online I found that these are fairly common problems and not the result of some action on my part.

On 2001 I bought a brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee limited from a Jeep dealer, little after I bought it I noticed a vibration when applying the brakes, but I did not think there was anything wrong, brand new and my first 4x4 I thought it was the way 4x4 works. Until about a year ago that I received a letter about a demand made to Chrysler from some other owners of Grand Cherokees that have the same problem and when they went to have it check at the dealer they were told that there was a problem with an uneven surface of the brake rotors. Chrysler never took any action about this factory defect and denied repair of defect. After I received this letter I took my Jeep to the dealer to have it check and I was told the same problem with the front disk rotors was causing the vibration on my car. I contacted daimlerchrysler by mail on October 2006, asking them to repair the factory defect and they never answer back, then I called them by phone to their customer relations center at 1-800-992-1997 and asked for an answer to my problem but they denied paying for any repair since I was out of the warranty period and I asked for a written decision but it was also denied and only given a reference number 15833938 for my inquire on 1-3-2007. As I said earlier in this letter, I was unaware of any real brake problem with my vehicle until I was contacted by a letter from a third party with the same problem as I dated June 1, 2006. Daimlerchrysler never contacted me about this problem or did any recall on this and that is why I was out of the warranty period. Thank you for reading my complaint and hope something can be done about it so this big corporation take responsibility for their products.

Rotors, calipers and brakes need cut or replaced anywhere from 1 to 4,000 miles. As of this date, this is my 7th time! a pulsation in braking. . . The manufacturer has replaced or cut the rotors 6 times, the drive once, the calipers once and the brakes one or two times. . . I went to an independent on 11-29-06 and had 2 rotors replaced, 2 resurfaced/cut and brakes replaced with 26,500 miles on vehicle. A 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited.

: the contact stated while braking the steering column vibrated. The harder the brake pedal was applied the more the steering column vibrated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership in 2003 and the rotors were replaced. The vibration returned and the dealership stated the rotors need to be replaced a second time. The vehicle was located in a salt belt state. Updated 10/25/2006 -.

: the contact stated while applying brake pressure at high speeds, there was a pulsation and an increased stopping distance. The vehicle was seen by a dealer and the rotors were replaced. Afterwards, the brake pulsation continued to persist.

: the contact stated when the vehicle reached between 8,000 and 10,000 miles, the rotors begin to warp. The vehicle's rotors were previously warped 10,000 miles before the last occurrence. This primarily occurred while driving 40mph and above. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer determined this was normal wear of the rotors; however, the dealer suggested resurfacing the rotors again.

Purchased the car used August 2005. First noticed a vibration in the steering when braking around February 2006. Took in to mechanic for oil change and had brakes changed. Was advised that the rotors were warped and needed replaced.

: the contact stated while applying brake pressure the front of the vehicle the steering wheel and the brake pedal vibrated. The dealership replaced or resurfaced the rotors and replaced the pads three times. The repairs temporarily solved the problem, but it recurred. The local dealer is unwilling to complete further repairs.

1. Window regulator faulty: 1st incident occurred 9/2003 at 40,000 mi; driver window fell down due to faulty window regulator. Although warranty had expired, manufacture replaced, charged me $50 deductible. 2nd incident occurred 11/05 at 79,700 mi. ; front passing window, it fell down due to faulty window regulator. Dealer stated known problem, as did daimler Chrysler, but told me I would have to file a complaint with NHTSA. Was told that is what extended warranty is for. (they apparently do not back their product and are not quick to resolve known defects. ) 2. 12/2004 transmission problems (clutch ring): car would not go in reverse; shifting rough. Was told known problem and was told I was lucky that it wasn't the whole transmission. Repairs approximately $600. 3. Brake problems: warped rotors/calipers/pads replaced at 24,000. I am currently on 3rd set of brakes (just now have 80,000 mi on car). Last set did not last a year. Premature warping, squeaking brakes, rattling car, steering wheel, just like the other complaints listed at NHTSA. Have had a few near accidents due to the shaking. Replaced at my expense except for the 24,000 mi job. 4. Emissions code on check engine light: due to faulty gas cap. Dealer charged me $100 for the diagnostics, and almost 18 for a gas cap. I have never heard of such a think, and feel it is something the mfg should be responsible for since it is an environmental issue. Again, was told I was lucky that it was only a gas cap?? why should I feel lucky when I spend $28,000 for a car that has known issues with the model and the mfg acts as if they didn't care, and tells me I should pay $2500 for an extended warranty. No, they should fix the known problems. We pay that much under the misconception that they stand by their product. As a result, I have problems with tires wearing out sooner than they should and front end alignment issues.

I purchased a new Jeep Grand Cherokee laredo in may of 2001. In July 2005, I noticed a pulsation in the brake pedal when decelerating from highway speeds greater than forty mph. The dealer said the rotors were warped, and recommended replacing the front brake rotors and brake pads. The cost would be over $300. 00. The car has 13,00 miles. But it is over 3 years old, so repairs are not covered under any warranty. This problem is very common, and appears to be linked to the calipers as well as the rotors. Replacing the calipers with design, as well as the rotors and pads reportedly eliminated recurrent problems. Is a recall justified to correct this problem?.

2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. Had front brake rotors replaced twice due to warping and DC paid eventually as warranty or good faith by DC or dealer (last was due to new service bulletin); brake rotors still warping in service at 39,000 miles--dealer refaced rotors again (3rd time) and at my request replaced rear brake pads--not warranty work or good faith; I had to pay $400. Dealer admits rotors still may only last 5,000 miles since DC Jeep has poorly underdesigned the braking system. Why won't DC Jeep fix problem and reimburse for repairs to inferior equipment?.

Consumer complained about a brake problem. The rotors warped, causing the brake pads to wear out prematurely and effect the brake performance. Vehicle is currently out of warranty. Provide further details.

Consumer complained about a brake rotor problem. Took vehicle back to the dealer on 3 separate occasions, and was informed that it was possible that the pads were different from the pads that were recommended for this vehicle, giving the driver a spongy effect when applying the brakes. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who was not trying to remedy this brake rotor problem.

Vehicle vibrated/shook when braking. Vehicle was takento the dealer, who turned the rotors on two separate occasions. However, problem recurred.

First noticed condition about month or so. Vibrations when slowing down from above 50 mph speed. I thought maybe alignment problem. Last week the vibration became very bad, the steering wheel vibrated as well as the front end of the car. Hard to control the car. Seemed there was pulling to the right also. (the car has 36000+ mi. It's a 2001 gc Jeep. ) took the car to a goodyear dealer who said it was warped rotors. They made front brake disc pad replacement, resurfaced left & right front rotor as well as rear ones. The dealer mention this can happen on these vehicles when the rotors/brakes get wet. Well, dah! what happens when it's raining and your running through puddles of water. How often is this going to happen with this vehicle? it is not covered by warranty which is specifically mentioned in the maintanence booklet. Sounds to me to be a common problem with this vehicle.

While driving,the driver noticed that the vehicle would vibrate uncontrollably without warning. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the brake pads,and rotor needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Consumer informed mechanic that this problem happened on more than one occasion.

While applying the brakes from a high speed front end shakes violently.

I have a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee laredo 6cyl. At approx 27,000 I experienced a vibration/pulsation when the brakes were applied. I took it into the dealer for diagnosis and was informed that the front pads were worn out and the rotors were out of round and needed turning. I had that work performed with dismay that every 27,000 miles that would need to be done. It is now 48,000 miles (21,000 later) and the same problem has occurred. According to Jeep a revised brake caliper design has been built to correct the problem. As of this last changing (using the new rotors and calipers per TSB 05-003-02b) I will have spent $700 in less than 2 years on brakes that should not have worn out once inl 50,000. I was informed that this replacement was not covered under warranty, but being that it is premature failure of a poor design, I believe that it should be.

Original incident April 03. Front brake system replaced. Service bulletin at dealership was issued. Vehicle was under warranty. Approx 34,000 miles on Jeep. July 27, 2004, 5,100 miles after repaired and problem thought corrected, vehical began pulsating. Dealership adv rotors warped and would not cover it since it is now out of warranty.

The rotors have been replaced three time since the consumer owned the vehicle.

Dec 01 (4882 miles) vibration when braking at highway speeds, difficulty steering upon braking, warped rotors. March 03 (about 15000 miles) same problem, warped rotors fixed in July 03. Feb 04 (about 22000 miles) same problem, daimler Chrysler will not fix. Warranty is almost over, July 14 2004, spoke to manager, he stated that daimler Chrysler will not fix problem. It is dangerous for highway speeds as there is vibration and steering difficulty upon braking.

I bought my Jeep new in July, 2001. Within he 3 years of owning it, it is now in the dealership for its 5th time being serviced for brake failure. Out of those 5 times, it is now having its 3rd set of rotors. I have spent an unacceptable amount of personal time and money in having this vehicle repaired and will be seeking resolution both from the manufacturer and michigan state lemon law if necessary. Dealer states that manufacturer is aware of the problem and unwilling to pay for the repairs once outside of standard warranty. I feel the brakes are unsafe and the vehicle should be recalled.

My 2001 Grand Cherokee is experiencing a severe vibration problems when braking. I've contacted the NW Jeep dealership in beaverton oregon and they have informed me this problem is not taken care by the Jeep corporation. I believe this is an inherit defect to the car since I had this same problem fixed a year ago and now they are refusing to fix the same issue since it is not under warantee any longer. I've spoken to several Jeep owner on the similar vintage vehicle and they are also having the same issue. I believe the government should force the Jeep corpoartion to put the vehicle as a recall item.

Rotors warped between 16000 - 18000 miles. Dealer davis-moore replaced front rotors, calipers and pads. Resurfaced rear rotors and replaced rear pads. No charge. Rotors warped again at 34k miles. This time dealer charged me $170 to turn all four rotors. I complained about the longevity of the rotors and that the turning is not a permanant fix. There is a material or system problem with the brakes. Please look into. Mv .

Front brake rotor warpage. Font rotors became so warped that causing pulsation in the steering wheel almost resulting in loss of control. I contacted Chrysler dealership, and they said there was nothing wrong with them. There is a service bulletin where they replace the calipers, rotors etc under warrenty provisions. Why was there a redesign of the brakes if there was not an design issue with them in the first place. And why are they covered under warrenty and not under a safety recall. If the brakes are involved is that not a "safety" issue. It is nice to be able to stop when needed.

Have a recurring issue with my 2001 Grand Cherokee where violent shaking happens when the brakes are applied at higher speeds. The dealer replaced the calipers and rotors at 13,000 miles per a service bulletin from Chrysler. I had same issue again at 19,000 miles, rotors were warped again. I am having same issue now at 26,000 miles and the dealer stated that although this is recurring issue known to them and Chrysler, "I am on my own" and I would have to pay for the rotors again. I had no choice but to pay as this is the vehicle used to take my children to school and back and I do not want to risk an accident. I contacted the Chrysler consumer center and they stated that brakes are only covered until 12,000 and unless a recall was issued, they would not assist me. I feel that it is not reasonable to have to have the rotors and calipers replaced or adjusted every few thousand miles and the violent shaking that occurs from this defect could cause a serious accident.

After having rotors resurfaced three times and having them replaced once, the rotors have once again warped to the point of causing violent shaking of the steering wheel when the brakes are applied. This has become a serious problem and people are going to get hurt if a safety recall is not done. Chrysler seem to believe it is the comsumers problem and they do not want to work with the comsumers on a solution. For $35,000 you expect to at least have working brakes.

Brake rotors on my 2001 Jeep grande cherokee have been replaced at 7,968 miles, 14,133 miles, 21,839 miles and the condition is recurring at 26,677 miles. Information from the dealer indicates that this is a problem effective thousands of Jeep owners nationwide and daimlerchryster is not cooperating and not taking responsibility for obviously defective equipment that is being replace with defective equipment. Odi - NHTSA apparently has not launched a formal investigation, but certainly should. To force daimlerchrysler to address this problem and initiate a much needed recall.

While driving at any speed and when the brakes were applied there was severe vibration in the brake pedal and steering wheel. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the rotors and the brake pads twice. A technical service bulletin was issued concerning this problem. The consumer stated that the disc were too close to the rotors which caused the excessive heat. The excessive heat caused the rotors to warp.

Have experienced pulsation/vibration during braking since owning my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The pulsation/vibration is moderate to severe, depending on braking speed. Dealer resurfaced the front brake rotors at 13241 and 23328 miles, and, applied TSB 0500302 at 35470 miles. Vehicle now has approximately 45000 miles, and, pulsation/vibration is now ocurring again. I have written daimler Chrysler concerning this ongoing problem, and, am currently awaiting their reply. This problem is not just an annoyance. Brake pulsation due to brake rotors having excessive run out (warped rotors) is a saftey issue. Operating a vehicle that has brake rotors with excessive run out will cause one or all of the following problems: a. Excessive heat in rotors, resulting in additional rotor warpage and possibly rotor failure, and, ineffective braking; b. Excessive heat in calipers, resulting in caliper failure, and, possible brake failure; c. Excessive heat in brake fluid, resulting in ineffective braking. I could continue to have the dealer resurface the front rotors on this vehicle (at a cost to me of $110. 00 per visit) until the rotors cannot be resurfaced anymore, and then purchase new rotors, only to begin the process of resurfacing the rotors every 10000 miles. Doing so is not a solution to the problem, this is just treating the symptom of a serious design flaw and safety issue. Again, I cannot stress enough, this problem is not just an annoyance, it is a safety issue that could have drastic consequences if not resolved. Please help with the resolution of this problem. Thank you.

I have 47000 miles on my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee and have had to replace the rotors twice. Once at about 25000 miles and now again at 47000 miles. What a rip off.

Vehicle experienced vibration when applying the brakes while driving 35-55 mph. Vehicle has been to the dealer on three separate occasions. Dealer turned the front rotors on the first occasion, replaced the front rotors on the second occasion, and turned the front rotors on the third occasion. Currently, the problem recurred with less then 11,500 miles. The rotors kept warping.

When brakes are applied they pulsate and a high rate of speed cause the steering wheel and vehicle to shake violently. The brakes have been checked and are fine but each time I have to get the rotators turned and the problem seems to resolve for several thousand miles but eventually it returns. I have had the rotators turned 3 times now and the problem has reappeared again with the only alternative now is to have the rotors replaced. Even after rotators are replaced I have been told by mechanic's that the problem will still occur due to the braking system creating too much heat and eventually wharping the rotators again.

I have a 2001 Jeep grand ch. Laredo, which I am the original owner. The brakes acted different that my previous vehical, but I assumed it was the 4 wheel abs. It kept getting worse to the point of almost losing control on hard braking. I went to york motors in prescott to see if there was a brake recall. I was told no and my problem was warped front rotors with out them even looking at the vehical. I went to brake masters and was told that the rotors had to be turn on the vehical because the backing plate it self was warped. $149. 00 later the braking is great. I talk to other Jeep owners same problem. I believe this is wide spread and should be investigated.

I have had a recurring problem with brake rotors warping to which Chrysler has not yet repaired the problem. The warping causes vibrations so severe it makes braking a serious problem, especially at high speed coming off of an interstate highway.