2000 Jeep Cherokee: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Feb 5, 2005 · Brakes · 7,000 miles · MI

My 2000 jeep cherokee was purchased new in 2000. Since then, my front brakes and rotors have had to be replaced every 7000 miles. The dealer replaced them at 7000 miles and after that refused. Said it was normal wear and tear after 10,000 miles and not under warranty. Said it was because I drive my vehicle for work (post office) and stop a lot. There are 35 pages of complaints on the internet stating exactly the same problem at every 7000 miles and 54 complaints on your site with the same problem. When the rotors warp, the car is very difficult to stop safely at 40 to 55 MPH. Apparently, chrysler has had this complaint since 1998 thru 2003. Why hasn't there been a recall? A safety violation?

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Brakes, Fuel system · 8,000 miles · TX

When the brakes were applied, there was a pulsation in the steering wheel, which was caused by warped rotors. *jb the consumer felt that a new design was needed. The front brakes had been repaired twice. *scc. The fuel pump module was replaced.

Filed Aug 17, 2002 · Brakes · CA

At about 8,000 miles while driving down from big bear lake, the car experienced sever front end vibration during braking he car was returned to tuttle-click where they determined the rotors were warped. The rotors were turned under warranty. About 11 months later while returning from my next trip to big bear the problem recurred at 13,000 miles. The car was returned to tuttle- click and the problem was identified as warped rotors. This time they refused to turn the rotors even though the 3 year / 30,000 mile warranty was in effect. This is a safety related design defect and should be corrected.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Brakes · MI

Rotors warped excessively every 17,000 miles. Also, extended stopping stopping distance. Consumer smelled brake fluid when brakes were applied ,and the front end shook. Problem has existed since december 2000, and progressing. Dealer was notified. Please provide more information.

Filed Jun 28, 2002 · Brakes · IL

Brake rotors warped and were replaced at 22,000 miles and warping has reoccurred. Front end shakes when brakes are applied, and there was extended stoppping distance. Dealer was notified. *ak

Filed Jun 26, 2002 · Brakes · OH

Front brake rotor warping at 8,000 miles. Front right tire wear, front tires out of balance...vehicle now has 14000 miles and is pulsing and vibrating again.....I am in the process of contacting an attorney....this is not what I tought I bought and I am not going to change rotors every 5-15 thousand miles for the life of the vehicle.

Filed Apr 23, 2002 · Brakes · IL

Front brakes rotors are corroded and are prematurely wearing. Cause unknown.

Filed Jan 5, 2002 · Brakes · NJ

Warped rotors cause dangerous front end shimmy when brakes applied - manufacturer denies defect exists - similiar problem, send contact info to [email protected].

Filed Sep 22, 2001 · Brakes · NJ

At 7,000 miles, the vehicle would shake violently and the brake pedal would pulsate excessively when the brakes were applied at highway speeds of 40+ MPH, especially downhill. Took to dealership and they were able to replicate condition. Dealership explained that shaking and pulsations were due to defective rotors which had warped from excessive heat - not due to emergency braking, but just normal use. Dealership replaced rotors and pads without cost to customer. Unfortunately, the same problem arose soon after my first anniversay with the vehicle at about 17,500 miles. Took to same dealership and they diagnosed the same problem (rotor warping due to overheating - not from abusive braking, but from normal braking by customer). They repaired the problem by resurfacing front rotors and replacing front pads without cost to the customer (excellent service department). My concern is that the service department rep stated that the same problem would come up again after about 8-10,000 miles because the rotors and braking system are defective from the manufacturer. He stated that jeep and the federal government have to "bump heads" before this problem is permanently corrected. Please make jeep acknowledge and correct this serious problem before someone is killed or seriously injured. Jeep needs to stand behind its product if it wishes to maintain its rather good reputation. If not, jeep will lose its customer base and will eventually go the way of the dodo bird. The other problem I have experienced is the malfunctioning of the my rear trunk door lock. It gets stuck quite often, such that I cannot disengage the lock to open the trunk. I must lock and reopen the vehicle's locks (with the remote control) to get the rear hood lock to work properly. Otherwise, my 2000 jeep cherokee is quite satisfactory. However, I worry about my out-of-pocket expenses once my warranty expires. Can you investigate these problems and try to get jeep to commit to a recall?

Filed Sep 18, 2001 · Brakes · WI

Rotors warped very fast. Service technician stated manufacturer was putting same rotors on cherokee's, which were too heavy of a vehicle in comparison to wranglers. Steering vibrated when brakes were applied, and vehicle would not stop. This was 3rd set of rotors put on every 7-9 miles. Rotors have been changed.

Filed Aug 20, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · MA

Braking at highway speed causes violent shimmy and causes the vehicle to lurch to the left or right. Dealer told me it was the brake rotors warped. They are not covered past 12mo/12kmile warranty. This is a serious safety concern and should be recalled and covered under warranty.

Filed Jul 16, 2001 · Brakes · LA

Heavy duty front rotors...non component style....built to run mail routes..right hand drive. Front brakes continually overheating causing rotors to have to be turned every 3 to 6 thousand miles. Front brakes getting so hot...rotors turning blue. Now with a brand new set of rotors and new pad on front..new shoes and turned rotors on back...after only 30 minutes of running..overheated..blued rotors and brakes faded..completely away. Vehicle would not stop. Back brake do not appear to be holding at all. Only one set of back pads needed in 26,ooo miles while 4 sets of front pads worn out or broken from overheating of rotors. First set of rotors replaced after turning 2 times..they warped causing shimmy in front end on braking. This vehicle has never had good brakes. Pedal has felt mushy from day one and very hard pressure must be applied to pedal in order to come to a complete stop. Dealership has already replace one master cylinder and I just had another one installed. Don't know where the problem is...but when vehicle is up on stands in rear..and placed in gear..back wheels continue to roll when brakes are applied. Seems that there is not nearly enough pressure being sent to back brakes. Vehicle seems to be relying solely on front brakes. All lines have been checked..and wheel cylinders and calipers are okay. Dealership says...no recalls or problems from other customers. I can see from reading this forum...that is not true! Please help! I don't want to wreck when my brakes fail and possibly injure myself, grandkids, or someone else. Especially don't want to wreck on the mail route. The post office might just frown on that...especially since jeep is very much aware that they have a problem but still insist that there is none! Help!!!!