1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee: windshield wiper failure

Filed Dec 14, 2008 · Visibility · 71,000 miles · NM

I have had an issue with the heating and cooling unit on the dual zone control in the past, about 4,500 miles ago, and took it into the dealership to have them fix the problem. I took it into get repaired because it was not fogging or defrosting my vehicles windshield and I was unable to see during the winter when I was driving up to colorado and had to stop every few minutes to wipe off the condensation. This was a terrifying event since it was snowing on the highway I was traveling on and there were vehicles trying to control their own vehicles which I could not see. At one point when I needed to pull the vehicle over and wipe off the condensation and unfreeze the windshield wipers from the windshield I was unable to see the railing and hit it, thankfully I was only going about 5 MPH but I still banged up my bumper a little but at least I didn't die. This is an issue that is obviously due to the poor design of the vehicle since it has now gone out again in less than 5,000 miles. I cannot believe that daimler chrysler has not recalled the parts that cause this problem and are waiting for someone to die from this design before they will do the right thing and recall. It costs more than $800 to repair the first time and I cannot afford to fix this issue just so that I can see the cars that are on the road and the lines to stay in my lane. Please help!

Filed Apr 22, 2003 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

The vehicle experienced the following problems: no horn, interior lights, or door locks, the ABS/brakes lights were on, continuous overheating when idled, despite repeated brake work, they were still a problem, the dashlights didn't get bright as normal, hissing noise in the brakes (booster was replaced), blower motor was inoperative along with mode position (replaced blower motor resister wiring harness), front pinion seal leaked and was replaced, there was a broken bolt in the rear stabilizer bar (removed), when the vehicle was placed in drive from park, it shifted hard (replaced driveshaft), the control module was replaced, the brakes pulsated on numerous occasions (tsb was completed), the blower module was replaced, all gauges stopped working,all warning light would come on, the engine temperature climbed higher than normal (replaced the fan power transmitter), the windshield wipers had become inoperative, and the arm had broken (replaced the rear arm). The consumer requested the dealer to back the vehicle. Mr scc

Filed Mar 4, 2002 · Brakes, Transmission · IL

Rotors are shot and it seems I'm not the only one, 4 wheel drive will not disengage even after I shift it out of 4 wheel drive (large popping noise when it does disengage). Rear wiper works sometimes and othertimes it won't. Now I'm being told the transfer case is leaking and needs to be replaced (seal and shaft). At 53,000 miles these items seem ridculous. I've checked around on the internet and it seems like others have the same problems.

Filed Jan 28, 2002 · Body, Brakes · CT

While driving at 40 MPH, and upon pressing down on brake, vehicle shaks very hard, rotors appear to be very worn, vehicle has been taken to dealer approximately 5 times already. *ak consumer also stated there is a ticking noise from engine when starting up,steering damper and drag link assembly were loose,transmission shifts hard into reverse, right rear turn signal bulb was replaced, vehicle began to overheat, right side mirror was cracked,speaker was inoperative, the trim on the door panel was loose, exhaust system was loud, parking brake needed to be adjusted, passenger side seat belt was inoperative, passenger wiper blade was not cleaning the window, keyless entry remote was inoperative

Filed Aug 14, 2001 · Brakes, Fuel system · IN

When shifting vehicle in reverse it makes a loud noise and vehicle jerks. Dealership replaced tranfer case twice, and rebuiltd the driveshaft.*ak the vehicle would not start due to fuel pump failure. Driver side wiper blade was worn out. Rear differntial was worn, also the rotors were replaced, the fule injection was serviced cleaned the throttle body, power steering fluid was serviced,tires were rotated,pinion bearings, front axles seals replaced.

Filed Jun 8, 2001 · Visibility · MA

When it is cold windshield wiper blades will only touch at the very ends so they don't clear the windshield and you can't see out, even when the windshield and wiper baldes are completely cleaned. This is a very dangerous condition. The dealer has replaced the blades twice but the problem persists.

Filed Nov 16, 1999 · Transmission, Visibility · MI

Since date of purchase wipers did not function, air conditioner intermittently fails to blow air for periods up to 30-60 seconds. Can occur repeatedly, with only seconds in between. Overhead computer system repeatedly sounds alarms that the lift gate is open when it is closed. Rear defroster comes on at its own whim, and at times will not turn off unless key is turned off. Transmission was replaced. On board panic system (integrated with the keyless entry system) goes off at will, sounding the horn and flashing lights. Occurs almost continually when vehicle is locked. The body control module was replaced, numerous attempts at investigating the wiring, replacing connectors and sensors have still left us with the defects. The vehicle is well known in the community because it simply cannot be silenced. We have been told that numerous other 1999 and 2000 models of grand cherokees have had similar problems, especially with respect to the transmission which has caught fire when it failed during driving (as related by a jeep dealer service department) we were lucky my husband noticed a problem before it reached the point of no return. Please contact if additional information is needed, will be happy to provide whatever it necessary to begin an investigation into the plague known as the grand cherokee.

Filed Apr 14, 1999 · Visibility · WA

The wiper blades stiffen and lose contact with the windshield, except at the ends, at temperatures below 30 f. The blades will not even clear water from the windshield. Stopping and cleaning the blades only works for a few minutes. In order to see where you are going, you must look through the bottom of the windshield. I have been driving in identical winter conditions for over 20 years with subarus and my other jeep and have only experienced this type of problem under extreme conditions. I feel that this is a serious safety problem that jeep needs to address. The dealer says that nothing can be done unless they have a tsb.