2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Acceleration · 244,287 miles · MO

On march 8, 2016, while driving northbound on interstate 49 in harrisonville, mo, the engine speed raced when taken off cruise control. The jeep stayed at highway speed -- above 60mph -- and even pressing the brakes did not slow down the jeep. The only way I was able to get the jeep under control was to turn off the entire engine ignition. Only by exerting effort to overcome and compensate for the loss of power steering and power brakes was I able to coast to a safe stop off the highway. The tow operator who responded attempted to start the engine but found the same result ' runaway engine revs. The jeep was towed to dealer service department that evening. The next morning, service advisor investigated and determined that the throttle pedal was stuck down to the floor. He loosened it by manipulation. The throttle butterfly valve was found to be stuck in the open position by a shredded piece of rubber that flaked off the resonator body intake connector. Service department performed: 'rubber from intake seal stuck throttle body. Removed debris'. The technician showed me the piece of shredded rubber and gave it to me. I kept it, and the entire defective resonator body, in my possession. There may be other reports of runaway engine revs but this instance seems to be related to the design of the resonator intake pathway. Although my jeep has 246,289 miles on it, the defect was not a result of wear but seems to be result of defective design. The intake air pathway is subject to shredding rubber parts which can come loose, enter the intake air pathway and block the throttle butterfly. This seems to be an unnecessarily hazardous design.

Filed Jul 29, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · OR

My power steering went out, the air conditioner quit working, the air bags light will not go off, headlights come on and off when no one is in the vehicle, the electrical sensors are inoperable, and the heated seats get too hot, or not work at all. I have yet to receive any recalls for my 2002 jeep grand cherokee overland. I would like to know why I have not received any recall notices for the problems that have prompted chrysler to issue recall notices for above issues.

Filed Feb 27, 2008 · Steering · 55,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep grand cherokee. While driving between 2-30 MPH, the steering wheel made a grinding noise when it was turned. There was a loss of power steering fluid and maneuverability. When fluid was added to the vehicle, the power steering and grinding noise returned. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the power steering high pressure hose failed. The high pressure hose was replaced. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 55,000 and current mileage was 68,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2008 · Steering · KY

Power steering pump has failed for the 4th time in last year. Have now learned this is a known problem by chrysler and is due to poor design that has the power steering pump driving an auxiliary cooling fan. Results in loss of power steering and extremely reduced drivable.

Filed Jul 10, 2007 · Steering · 60,000 miles · NH

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 jeep grand cherokee. While driving 30 MPH, the vehicle's power steering failed without warning. The contact, who is a mechanic, inspected his vehicle. He stated that the top connector of the power steering hose had failed and all the fluid leaked out. The current and failure mileages were 60,000.

Filed Oct 18, 2004 · Steering · 48,535 miles · MD

Lost steering. Tie rod assembly came apart. Threads stripped and rod popped out. Lost control with no steering. Bounced up curb, right front tire bounced off a tree and car wound up off the road. Damage included steering rod and linkage, bearing, bent front drive axle, tire, wheel and more.

Filed May 7, 2003 · Steering · 29,000 miles · MA

Lost steering. Tie rod became disconnected. Dealer says that bolts were tightened but that the threads stripped off of the knuckle that tie rod attaches to.