Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Found that there is a plastic fuel tank mounted behind the rear axle hanging down below the bumper and was told if I get rear ended it could cause an explosion that would need to have a hitch receiver installed to protect the fuel tank
Passenger side front door would not unlock. All doors automatically lock when vehicle speed increases above approximately 15 MPH. Vehicle was parked and passenger was not able to open door using door handle. After several minutes we were able to get the door to unlock and passenger was able to egress the vehicle. This could pose a serious threat to occupants that could lead to serious injury or death by delaying or preventing their exiting from the vehicle in an emergency or after an accident. This locking system failure also disables the external door operating mechanism making it impossible for someone outside the vehicle to open the affected door thereby making it more difficult for them to assist those inside the vehicle. This make, model and year vehicle has a recall that addresses loss of fuel tank integrity following a rear end collision. …
Was removing rear hitch so I could repaint it and noticed that my gas tank shield was rotted and gas was leaking above shield so I removed the rotted shield and found leak.it was caused by dirt and road grime getting in above where shield was rotted.thank god I caught it before shield started to fall and spark against road.come to find out that shield is the only thing holding gas tank in vehicle which I believe is totally a hazard for all Grand Cherokee owners from 1999-2004 at least.I went online and found out this was a major defect in all from 1993-2004 and yet no recalls.there have been many fires from this and I believe it should be looked at.mine at present just sits in yard as they want 400 hundred for shield and 400 hundred or more for tank.all junkyards tell me that they are all rotted and so they have none to sell.all junkyards tell me the same so I have no idea what to do …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would completely shut down. There were no lights and no power steering when the vehicle shut off. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The failure also occurred several times while driving 75 MPH. The contact had to wait 2-3 minutes before the vehicle would restart. She took the vehicle to the dealer a few times and they stated that the crank sensor was the cause of the failure. The dealer removed and replaced all the codes; however, the failure recurred three times afterwards. She returned to the dealer in April of 2008 and was informed they wouldhave to run more tests. The contact then traded in the vehicle for a newer model. The current mileage was 83,074 and failure mileage was 81,808. Updated 07/15/08. There was a noise coming from the steering when the consumer made left turns. …
I purchased this Jeep and not even a month after having it cut off with driving down the road. It will say I have no gas and the tank will be full. At times it would start other times it had to be towed (3 times in fact). This has happened 5 or 6 times at all different speeds. I took it to a dealership 450.00 later still had the problem. This is very scary for the Jeep to shut off while driving. I have two small children. I am wondering how is there not recall for this. As I have read clearly this is not just my Jeep. This is a huge safety concern. Another thing I also notice I can hit a bump then it beeps and tells me my hood is open. Which it is not. I love my Jeep but cant enjoy it bc scared that it will cut off at anytime.
Within four years approximately 8,000-10,000 miles both front brake rotors had to be turned twice and then replaced. Also, both front calipers had to be replaced. This causes vehicle to vibrate and make a grinding noise when braking. Dealer and manufacturer were notified, and were unable to locate the cause. The brakes pulsated while driving. The dash vent did not work, and the air only worked through the defrost. The consumer stated the front end of the vehicle felt loose, the dealer discovered the ball joints needed to be replaced. The driver side rear quarter panel was loose
The pistons holding up the front hood assembly failed and can no longer bear the weight of the hood. No one was injured when the initial failure occured. This presents a major problem when servicing the vehicle as there is no other reliable mechanism to hold up the hood. Placing a stick or other object to hold this open is an accident waiting to happen. Jeep was contacted and would not pay for replaing this faulty component. Other pistons which hold up the rear hatch as well as the pop-up glass also cannot effectively hold up the weight of the conponents they were designed for.
I had a minor hit in rear ..and fuel skid plate got pushed in and almost ruptured gas tank..this happened over a year ago ..now the skid plate is starting to rot/rust out and it would cost over $600.00 to repair ..due to the June 2013 recall of this item I think Chrysler should be responsible for this repair ..I contacted them and they said I would not be covered because I did not have a hitch attached to my car ..this is wrong ...what goes here ..can anything be done about this ..I fear now driving my Jeep because I have no gas tank skid plate left ..
Tl* - the contact has a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. The contact stated that he filed a complaint last year (14939715), because one side of his vehicle rusted and the frame of his vehicle fractured. The contact stated that on 03/17/2007 he took his vehicle in for inspection and found that the other side is now rusted and a section by the front wheel well will soon be sheared off of his vehicle. The current and failure mileage were both 104000 miles.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the rear passenger side sub frame became fractured without warning. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was unable to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.
Body complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the body & structure of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2% of the model year's 1,638 complaints. The component named most often is body (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 4 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 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to body & structure problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.