2000 Jeep Cherokee: engine failure

Filed Nov 15, 2018 · Engine · 173,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 jeep cherokee. While attempting to start the vehicle, a loud ticking noise emerged from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the engine failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 173,000.

Filed Jan 1, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 126,000 miles · MI

As with many other xj owners, my cylinder head is cracked due to the defective 0331 head. I bought the jeep about 3 years ago, and about a year ago coolant started leaking into the oil. I talked with several mechanic friends and the head fleet mechanic at work told me the cracked head is extremely common. I was stranded on the side of the road, had to have the vehicle towed, and it sits as a giant paperweight in my garage as I cannot afford a new engine. I bought the vehicle with 122000 miles and have never taken it off road, modified it, or traveled more than 60 miles in a day. It has never overheated until the head cracked. Now I am looking at an enormous bill that my family cannot afford. I fail to see how so many vehicles can be affected and there is still no recall.

Filed Feb 1, 2006 · Engine · 89,941 miles · NY

On december 17th of 2003, I brought my 200 jeep cherokee in for service at a local auto shop. He discovered through a diagnostic check that the engine was skipping on # 3 and # 5 cylinder. They replaced the engine coil pack and spark plugs. The vehicle at that time had 89,941 miles on it. On january 31st of 2006, that same jeep was brought to the shop again with a skip in the engine. It was also determined through a diagnostic machine that the same problem was occurring. This time the engine had 126,350 miles on it. That is less than 40k miles in 25 months. I am not sure what the warranty is on this unit, but it would be greatly appreciated if someone could look into this manner. I have spent almost $600 in 2 years for the same problem. There must be some sort of an issue. Please let me know.

Filed Jul 31, 2005 · Engine · 55,000 miles · AL

My vehicle has been losing coolant for quite some time. It has relatively low mileage to have head problems, but I now have coolant in my oil. I have done some research and found that daimler-chrysler used 0331 cast heads on this model cherokee (2000 w/ 4.0l engine). It turns out that these heads were a poor cast allowing cracks to form near the #3 cylinder area allowing coolant to flow into the oil. This results in a drop in oil pressure and eventually bearing and engine failure. I consider myself somewhat lucky that I discovered this problem before the engine seized up on me, however I am now looking at over $1000 in repairs that should not be necessary for a vehicle with just over 50k miles. I am very disappointed since I believed jeeps to be reliably built vehicles. I sincerely hope that someone from daimler-chrysler will read this and rectify the situation before the engine failure leads to an accident or death.

Filed Apr 6, 2005 · Body, Brakes · WI

2000 jeep cherokee engine stopped without warning.***no answer required***. *mr there was a hole in the piston. After the dealer inspected the vehicle, they stated there was not enough coolant in the system which caused the front frost plug heater to come out and that the no 1 and 2 piston melted down. The consumer had to replace the engine with only 42,000 miles on the vehicle. The rotors were replaced twice. The rubber around all four doors shrunk to the point that wind and water would come through. Periodically, when the vehicle was locked the headlights and taillights would come on and go off for a few minutes. The chrome on the wheels was corroded and coming off. The front passenger electric lock was making a strange noise when the doors were lock or unlocked.

Filed Mar 12, 2005 · Engine · 70,000 miles · CT

Cylinder head cracked at only 70,000 miles allowing coolant into the oil sump, potentially leading to engine failure or, as dealer stated, "engine may seize completely *ak.

Filed Oct 10, 2001 · Brakes, Engine · MO

Engine blewout while driving at highway speed of 65-70 MPH. Dealer notified. *akvehicle jerks while in motion at hywy speeds. The compressor clutch was defective and was replaced. The brakes pulsate when applied. The front rotors was turned. Brakes shudder when braking from highway speeds. The rotors were found to be warped. The engine overheats. The cooling system was found to be under high pressure. The cylinder heads were removed because they were warped. The engine was replaced due to warpage. A bump is felt when coming to a stop. The rear driveshaft was replaced with revised parts per technical service bulletin. The rear end noise is still apparent. A new shaft and yoke were installed. The transmission shofts hard on acceleration in low gears. The transmission control module was reprogrammed. Acceleration is still jerky while in motion and the turn signals and headlights go on and off at random. Consumer asks for reimbursment of monies paid and to have vehicle traded for one that can be trusted.