1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Oct 4, 2007 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

After safely placing the gear lever into the park position and leaving the vehicle with the engine running, the car suddenly went backwards, knocking me down, hitting another car and crashing into a house. *jb updated 10/24/07.

Filed Feb 4, 2003 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · SC

Vehicle makes a knocking noise. Noise appears to be coming from area of front passenger tire area....my mechanic has replaced the shocks, control arm bushings and transmission mount strap and track bar bushings....this has not solved the problem. The jeep dealership in north charleston, sc has replaced the sway bar links and basically rebuilt the rear end....still knocking persists. Jeep advises noise is normal...I disagree. Jeep worked on this vehicle about 2 years ago...my mechanic in january of 2003. Knocking only occurs over light bumps, roughness in road...or on dirt roads. Knocking especially loud when turning a corner. Would really appreciate any information on this. Also, in mornings especially when cold outside when you put jeep into reverse a loud whining noise coming from rear. Have had transmission fluid changed, but did not help.

Filed Sep 4, 2001 · Transmission · MA · crash · 1 injury

I had rented a 1998 jeep cherokee from the hertz car rental at newark, nj airport on 11/06/99. On 11/26/99 I pulled up to the closed gate of a warehouse complex in new jersey. I stopped, put the vehicle in "park" got out and opened the gate. I re-entered the vehicle and drove through the gate stopping on the opposite side. I once again placed the vehicle in "park" and stepped from the driver's seat to close the gate I had just driven through. I was standing at about the left rear tail light walking towards the gate to close it when I noticed the jeep moving past me towards the gate I had just driven through. I turned to my left, towards the jeep to see what was happening. I saw it moving in reverse just as the open driver's door struck me knocking me to the ground. I rolled away under the open door as fast as I could so I wouldn"t be run over by the front tire. When I managed to get to my feet I saw the gate catch the open driver's door and fold it against the front fender. The jeep was moving in reverse at about 10 MPH towards a heavily travelled road so I ran after it as fast as I could. I was able to dive into the driver's side and jam the shift lever into park just as the jeep crashed into a parked car. I couldn't believe what happened and thought since the incident that I was somehow at fault. I was not seriously hurt, just some scrapes and bruises and torn clothes from being knocked down. It scared the hell out of me and now I wonder how many other hertz jeeps has this happened with.

Filed Aug 10, 2001 · Transmission · FL · crash · 1 injury

Consumer stepped out of vehicle while it was parked and still running, without any indication the vehicle went into reverse, knocking consumer down and bent the drivers side door and left side frame.

Filed Jul 24, 2001 · Transmission · MI · crash · 1 injury

Jeep was at idle in park, unoccupied, then slipped into reverse and ran backwards, knocking owner down as they attempted to enter to stop vehicle. Nearly ran over owner, broke glasses and cut head when hit by door. Jeep went backwards into a woods and struck a tree, badly damaging entire driver side and rear of vehicle. Shift lever not in reverse when vehicle was entered, still halfway in park.

Filed Jul 6, 2001 · Transmission · TN · crash · 1 injury

While vehicle was idling in park it started rolling backwards, knocking consumer down and dragging her into a neighbor's yard. Vehicle impacted a mail box, and stopped when it struck a house. Consumer suffered head lacerations, scars on her forehead, and a broken left arm that required surgery. Plate and 9 screws installed during operation. Also, there was a back injury, and she was confined to bed for 6 weeks. Manufacturer examined vehicle and could not determine a reason for problem. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Jun 6, 2001 · Brakes · WA

I bought a jeep grand cherokee limited with 16,000miles in march 2000 & thought it was a fine running vehicle with excelent brakes. Jeep recalled the rotors & replaced them with stainless steel ones on 10/10/2000 at 29,234miles. The mechanic commented about a problem & on the way home we also noticed a terrible change in the car. When the brakes are applied the vehicle bucks & shudders, practically knocks your teeth out! Very reduced & unsafe stopping resulted. These rotors have now been replaced four times & tomorrow will be the fifth time, all still under warrentee. These new jeep rotors have been manufactured out of plane, like a warped record, resulting in unsafe braking & great discomfort. Our fine vehicle has become a lemon with these rotors! Chrysler will not give us any help, except to tell us to deal with our local jeep service manager, who doesn't have a clue what to do. Do you have any suggestions? Letter to the state attorney general?