1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fuel System Problems

Which parts fail

• Storage › Tank assembly
  80
• Storage › Fuel gauge system
  44
• Delivery › Fuel pump
  34
• Storage
  4
• Delivery
  4
• Fuel injection system
  3

Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  47%
• 25k–50k
  24%
• 50k–75k
  712%
• 75k–100k
  712%
• 100k–150k
  1832%
• 150k+
  1933%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

On January 18th 2014 I was parked on the side of the road. The roads were somewhat icy and my Jeep was rear ended by a 2005 Hyundai santa fe. The damage sustained to the Jeep included a bent bumper and bent frame, resulting in the frame being pushed up against the fuel tank, causing the fuel pump to become faulty and a slight amount of fuel to leak out from the top. There is a current recall on this model year Grand Cherokee due to a potential fire being caused from rear-end collisions from the gas tank; however I did not become aware of the recall until after the accident occurred. Chrysler's poor handling of the recall and their poor notification system made it so that the Jeep was not able to be properly repaired. Now, because of the damage, the recall fix will not be allowed to happen because the rear bumper and frame received damage. The vehicle, as of now, has yet to be repaired. …

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Cherokee. After the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure), the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, there was excessive smoke coming from the tire and rim on the front passenger side. The contact smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire braking system failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,501.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at approximately 20 MPH, there was a fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The contact discovered fuel leaking from the fuel tank. The contact mentioned that the fuel gauge indicated low fuel levels immediately after refueling. In addition, the low fuel warning light illuminated on numerous occasions causing the contact to refuel the vehicle often. The vehicle was inspected by a certified mechanic who stated that the failure was due to the plastic fuel line. The contact also stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000.

I was driving my Jeep to work all of a sudden it bucked and backed fired 2 times and then completely shut down no steering but was able to get to side of road restarted got it back home this has happened many times cant count how many times, I have had it towed home 4 times this year because of this problem and couldnt restart sometimes it bucks and feels like its going to shut down but restarts by its self without turning key this happens at any speed changed tps, crank sensor, starter, fuel pump, pick up coil,distributor cap and rotor plugs and wire, alternator now inside dash lights are starting to flash dim and bright. I bought it 2009 used with a little over 100,000 miles ran great but the last couple years been having trouble with this situation every time I change things it will work for awhile and then starts to act up again.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 02V053000 (power train) and 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure); however, the parts for the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the ignition was failing and caused the vehicle to lose power. The contact took the vehicle to the galanta Chrysler dealer who stated that they were not able to repair the vehicle due to no parts being available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 165,893. Parts distribution disconnect.

The engine control module shorts out and causes an onset of problems from wrong air/fuel ratio to shutting off car power while in drive and/or stationary. The vehicle shut off on me going down the highway at a constant speed, then suddenly I was unable to accelerate and was nearly hit by an 18-wheeler. This short in the ECM even caused backfire in my muffler and flooded muffler with gas. I have become aware of this on many jeeps from 1993-1997. Was this a recall at one point? Also, the vehicle information center does not work, this also is common. Additionally, the EVAP canister fittings have just deteriorated, causing the hoses to not get a secure connection and improper emissions.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the coil sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 169,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH and hauling a trailer, the tow hitch fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the hitch needed to the replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously inspected under NHTSA campaign number: 13V252000 (fuel system, gasoline, structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. .....updated 01/27/16

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that he was stopped at a traffic light when another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle. The contact's fuel tank ruptured from the impact and the fuel spilled onto the highway. The driver and front passenger both sustained concussions. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 15,000. ...updated 02/13/17

Last summer I had the vehicle in the shop for intermittently shuts off when driving.they replaced fuel pump. And alternaer and belts.the vehicle was also had a tuneup.the vehicle sta.. Iirts right up but when I am driving it will cut off at any time.the vehicle is unsafe .I have put over two thousand dollars in my vehicle.the dealer has taken my money and the vehicle is a death trap.I am retired and I need my car to get around.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Fuel System complaints in other Grand Cherokee years