2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Apr 1, 2016 · Brakes, Steering · 110,000 miles · NJ

First: I had purchased this vehicle used with approx. 110,000 miles on odometer. Steering wheel violently shakes on moderate to heavy braking as well as moderate shaking upon deceleration on highway surfaces as well as interment clunking from frontal suspension area under similar conditions. The steering wheel may be pointed straight ahead or at a slight left or right position. There are times when the shaking, under the above conditions, is very slight or nonexistent at all. I believe it is in the front steering linkage/suspension and not the brakes. I have personally inspected the components mentioned above as I have mopar experience in the past as a technician. I have also had a second opinion from an independent technician well versed in jeep technology. Second; I also have a problem with the oil pressure being erratic when warmed up and either stationary or in motion. I have replaced the oil pressure sending unit and performed mopar diagnostics on the cluster as mentioned in the shop manual to no avail on this 4.0l engine with automatic transmission.the gauge reads well when cold but when warmed up it will drop to zero with the gauge alarm warning me of the action. Then moving erratically between the 40lb marker and zero pressure while in motion or stationary. I and a few technicians are having difficulty determining where the problem is generated. On a note, there is a slight consistent ticking noise such as a valve lifter or rocker arm coming from the engine, warm or cold, stationary or in motion. It occurred when I purchased the vehicle and is still occurring today. Thank you for any consideration that you may provide to me as this is my only means of transportation and I am handicapped. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 21, 2006 · Body, Electrical · 83,000 miles · MI

Just disgusted with the number of repairs I have needed to make to this vehicle. In the last six years the following repairs have been done: brakes replaced 3 times and need to be done again door window motor cooling fan, radiator evaporator coils hood lifters-hood will not stay up drivers door clunks starter compressor leaking axle seals and now I have a cracked head on the engine. The jeep just failed out of the blue. Glad I was close to home. This vehicle is a lemon. Buy american again--most likely not. Are our "american" vehicles being built with inferior parts? Or are they programmed to be obsolete within a few years?

Filed Oct 7, 2002 · Brakes, Steering · NY

Transfer case bad on delivery. Snap ring not installed unit replaced. Brake rotors warp every 20k miles. Replaced with aftermarket at 40k.. Steering column clunk and feels loose. Dealer replaced with new, same problem exists. Excessive clunking and looseness in driveline. Loud clunk park to reverse dealer says normal but lots of complaints. Mr

Filed May 1, 2002 · Brakes, Transmission · MD

Re: braking system, vehicle has always had shimmy or pulsation and feel that vehicle will not stop. Complained to dealer at 9,000, 20,000 and again at 34,000 miles as well as numerous times while at dealer for oil changes. Always told this is just how vehicle brakes until 34,000 when told that all pads need replacement and rotors are warped. Chrysler refuses to pay or acknowledge defect despite my record of complaints. Re: drive shaft, vehicle clunks as stopping and takes a long time switching gears. Complained at 5,000, 9,000, 20,000, and 34,000. Drive shaft supposedly replaced at 5,000 and 9,000 miles, although independent mechanic doubts upon review. Chrysler considering another replacement after 34,000 mile complaint.

Filed Nov 21, 2001 · Transmission · MA

My jgc has had off and on problems since I bought it virtually. Not being a particularly complaint oriented person, I at first attributed the transmission problem on this truck to the fact that I had never owned a 4wd vehicle before. From the outset this truck shuddered when in a tight turn, either direction. During the first winter ii owned it, I left it in my driveway in park only to come out later to find it at the end of my drive. This happened a number of times, once stopping only because it stopped up against my wife's car. I thought I was crazy at first--now I won't leave this vehicle on a flat surface without the emergency brake on. Recently, the truck developed a huge, and frightening "clunk" between 2nd and 3rd gear I believe. Again, I did not make much of this until the "check engine" light came on more or less permanently. The truck will no longer shift into appropriate gear, has poor acceleration and worsening gas milage, and runs at erratic at best rpms. I have taken it too the dealer who on the first visit told me they couldn't reproduce the problem and told me to bring it back when it happened again. It happened again on the way out the lot. I took the truck back about a week later and was told it would cost about $250 to diagnose the problem. A week later, I took it back to the dealer, angry that I had found my exact problem on a technical service bulliten from chrysler itself. The dealer althogh very nice basically told me I would have to pay to have the transmission replaced at a cost of some (at least) $3,000.00. I am taking the car back next week to have the dealer tear down the transmission, after having attempted to speak to the district manager, who mysteriously disappearred upon my arrival. Having read now virtually identical complaints to mine on this internet sight, I am now torn between letting them repair it to what seems like no avail , filing a lawsuit, or trading the vehicle in and losing a ton of money. Thank you for your time.

Filed Aug 7, 2001 · Transmission · ME

When transmission is trying to shift into another gear, would make a clunking noise. Have taken vehicle to dealership 6 times for the problem. Mechanic had indicated that noise could not be located , informed owner all jeeps make clunking noises. Ak

Filed Jan 31, 2000 · Brakes, Transmission · HI

The first week I owned my brand new vehicle, it started clunking and jerking. Several weeks later, they replaced the drive shaft. I continue to have similar and other problems with the transmission, gear shifting, brakes, etc...I inquired of the dealership whether or not there were any reported manufacturers defects and they said no. They lied.