Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Temperature/blend air doors failed in heater, rendering defroster useless--no visibility. This is a built in defect in 1997 jeeps and occurs to nearly all of them through no fault of owner or wear and tear by Chrysler's admission. Dealer charged $1400 to repair. Chrysler paid $700 of that. This is unfair to consumer and a safety defect. Parts 24652002,5134347aa,5134343aa,5012727aa,and 50127009aa were all replaced. This fault is a hazard due to inadequate mechanism selected by manufacturer in original design. Car cannot be driven on foggy days or indeed in winter. Chrysler should reimburse customers for this repair.
The sideview mirror adjustmet on my vehicle is set for each driver, and when that driver enters the car, the mirrors should change to the proper position. However, they frequently (but not always) move to a total down position. You have to remember to manually change the mirror position. Otherwise, you have no rearward view which has created numerous dangerous situations. The dealer admitted that this problem arises not infrequently, but requires replacement of the mirrors at $500 each. I already replaced one, and it failed again within a year. There needs to be a recall to rectify this dangerous situation.
Driver side exterior mirror on vehicle contains auto-dimming fluid that leaked out due to a manufacturing defect and now obscures drivers rear vision while driving. Attempted to address issue with local dealer only to be told it would take more than $500.00 to replace the entire mirror assembly instead of just the glass. Replacing just the mirror glass with the auto-dimming feature is not feasible per the dealer. This is total bs and the original manufacturer of the vehicle should be able to replace this removable part at a reasonable price.
Is it common for the blower motor resistor control module to get hot when in use. The blower motor stop working, and I thought it was the resistor that has gone bad, br testing the continuity still OK, plugs, wires OK. But this was what I did. I directly hooked the blower motor to the battery and it kicked off, I then reconnected the plug ....to the blower motor back (the resistor module still plugged in) and turn on the A/C again. It came on alright at different speeds, but the unit (resistor) became so hot to touch.
Anti-glare chromatic fluid is leaking from driver's side mirror due to a defective seal in this mirror causing poor vision problems. Dealer quoting $440.00 to repair this safety issue. Believe this problem should be considered a safety issue since it is effecting driver's vison of oncoming traffic during lane changes during backing of the vehicle.
Consumer noticed a chirping noise coming from the front wheels that disappeared when the brakes were applied. The dealer was unable to correct the problem the consumer was referring to. The consumer had a list of problems that needed to be corrected on the vehicle and they were: rotors and pads front and rear, emergency brake shoes, wiper blades, muffler and tail pipe, oil dip dip stick, right axle boot,emergency brake pivot, the back glass needed to be adjusted, the fuel pump module was replaced, the rear differential bearings were replaced. The consumer was told by customer service there were 2 outstanding recalls on the vehicle and the problem she was describing sounded as though it was related to one of the recalls.
1)"front sway link eliminator bars" both failed after front cv joint replacement causing very poor/dangerous handling. Dealer refuses to consider that prior removal caused damage, says they were rusty. 2) windshield wipers fail while going over bumps. Dealer refuses to cover under warranty. Wants nearly $400 for repair. 3) door locks, dome lights lock and unlock by themselves while vehicle is running or not, causing passangers/keys to be locked inside. Dealer refuses to fix. 4) check engine light comes on and vehicle fails to start, after several minutes vehicle then starts. Dealer refuses to believe there is a problem and won't fix under warranty.
Consumer states transmission does not shift the way it should, there is a delay when going into gear and it makes a noise, rear seal, pan gasket, and cooler lines leaking, humming in engine at 59-62 MPH, the wiper blades failed, while using remote there is a grinding noise coming from door area, the right front rotor is worn, the deqler replaced the front brake pads, and headlights need to be adjusted.
When the outside temperature drops below freezing the front windshield wipers move so slowly(1 pass takes 5-7 seconds) that they can not keep the windshield clear of debree and create a driving hazard. The dealer verified the problem but everything is within specs so they can not do anything about it. They also verified that this problem happens with all 1997 Jeep Grand cherokees under these conditions.
When driving at any speed vehicle wouldn't shift properly from first to second gear, and was shifting very hard. Lock on the driver's side door isn't locking properly. Also, water pump was replaced/ driver's side window motor went out, and there was a leakage in the sun roof which caused water to leak into vehicle on driver's side.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 991 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 32,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.