Most common 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Share of the 883 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Grand Cherokee years: 2016, 2020, 2017. Years to avoid: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2024, 2023. Compare all years →
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (4)
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Chrysler is recalling 103,409 my 2001-2004 Jeep grand cherokee vehicles with heated seats and with Chrysler recall no. 06v-197 completed (03-04 my) or seat heater elements service replacement (01-02 my). The front seat electric heater elements could overheat.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Remedy: Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began May 13, 2002.
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. An internal nut in the steering gear assembly could loosen and cause the steering gear to lock up.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly. Owner notification began December 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Child seat
Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles, pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 225, "child restraint anchorage systems." some of the owner's manuals for these vehicles are missing instructions that provide a step-by-step procedure, including diagrams, for properly…
Remedy: Owners will be provided with an addendum to the owner's manuals.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
NHTSA has conducted extensive analysis of the data regarding fuel tank integrity for the model year (MY) 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee (JGC). As a result of that work, the agency has decided to upgrade its safety defect investigation to an Engineering Analysis and to expand the scope of vehicles included in the investigation.
Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires
ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 incidents, 75 fatalities and 58 injuries) involving the SVs.Based on this analysis, ODI issued a Recall Request Letter (RRL) on June 3, 2013…
Roll-away in reverse when parked
Daimlerchrysler has recalled the zj models to incorporate a secondary detent spring into the shifter.even though the wj 6 cyl. Vehicles use the same manual detent lever that as the vehicles in the recall population, odi believes that the wj redesigned shifter, which improves floor shifter functionality and ergonomics, helps to provide feedback to the driver to indicate whether ?park? Has or has not been…
Fuel Storage System Crash Related Fires
In a letter dated October 2, 2009, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned NHTSA to open a defect investigation and recall model year 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokees.CAS alleged that the subject vehicles have defective fuel tank storage systems that present a fire hazard in crashes.
What 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say
Brakes all 208 →
The 2001 Jeep just came to a stop while it was being driven on the highway. It had always had engine issues. The front wheel suspension on the passenger side of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee laredo is bent and while driving it on the street or highway it causes the vehicle to pull to the left and is unstable when driving it on a highway or street. The engine has a knocking sound whenever it is running. The brakes to the vehicle has been slipping and making a grinding noise while driving it. Sometimes the Jeep doesn't want to drive over 70 MPH when driving in the highway or street. We have had to replace the brakes because they started smoking while driving on the highway. There is electrical issues with the car as well where the radio doesn't play as well as other electrical parts don't work. My 2001 Jeep has stopped while my husband was driving it on the highway and it is not drivable. …
I was driving in a mall parking lot looking for a parking space. I was turning the corner to go down the next aisle and all of a sudden I had no control of the Jeep. As I turned to the left to continue looking for a park, the Jeep was speeding out of control and I was slamming on the brake with both feet and the Jeep just kept accelerating! I was unable to steer away from the vehicles I was heading towards. As I was heading towards the first vehicle that I hit, I was trying to steer away from it and then the Jeep turned to the right and kept accelerating. I ended up hitting four other vehicles ( 5 vehicles total) and finally came to a complete stop after hitting the last vehicle. There is extensive damage to my Jeep and to the other vehicles involved. We have not had the damage accessed yet, so we do not know how much this will cost to fix. I believe my Jeep is totaled. …
A/C & heater all 163 →
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. No heat on the passengers side in the winter, ac doesn't work correctly according to the dial settings. Defrost and defogger doesn't work as should. Have to have the drivers side window open some to be able to see and keep the windshield clear. Windshield fogged up too quickly once last winter and I put the vehicle in a ditch at 5 am in the middle of winter. Got a small cut over the right eye. My understanding I will have to get the ac/heat blend doors and actuators replaced in the unit which requires the dash to be removed and cost is over 1000 us dollars. The parts are inferior and made of plastic and as I can see by the number of complaints on the internet there are many, many failures. I have not had the repair done because it's just too expensive.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the heated seats seized to function without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the heating elements malfunctioned and recommended that the elements be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 98,000. Updated 02/12/16 updated 02/18/16.
Seats all 113 →
The bolt broke on the driver's side seat. I had it replaced and I would like the car manufacture to reimburse me. Several Jeep owners have posted on this issue. For the 2001 Jeep front seat bolt recall, it is important to note that there is no specific recall for the front seat bolts. However, there have been complaints regarding the stability and safety of the front seats in the 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Complaints: Many owners have reported issues with the front seat frame breaking, causing the seat to become unstable or wobbly. 1 Safety Concerns: These issues have raised safety concerns, as they could lead to serious accidents if the seat is not secure. 1
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. The contact was driving 60 MPH when the front driver side seat warmer became excessively hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer confirmed that the heater switch had burned out the heating core. The contact also stated that the vent doors failed to open, causing the heating and air conditioning units to fail. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again where the failure was confirmed. The manufacturer was contacted and they advised that VIN did not qualify for a repairs under NHTSA campaign id number:09V117000 (seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileages were 96,000.
2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 16 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good car?
Based on 883 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Grand Cherokee rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Grand Cherokee at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The brakes — 208 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › disc › rotor. Next are the a/c & heater (163) and seats (113).
How many recalls does the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most recent from April 9, 2009 (seat heater/cooler). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2020 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2024 and 2023. See the full Jeep Grand Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.