Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 5 MPH, smoke appeared from the engine compartment and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and the smoke smelled like burning wires. The failure was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V046000 (air bags). The failure mileage was approximately 160,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The radiator fan has burned out twice within 17 months. The first time it occurred the contact was pulling out of a drive thru at 10 MPH and the vehicle began to overheat. The following day, she took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the air conditioner fan relay switch failed, which caused the radiator fan not to work. The dealer replaced the fan and it worked properly. However, seventeen months later, the failure has recurred. The vehicle is currently at the dealer. The manufacturer stated that there was a recall for this failure and the contact believes it is due to a manufacturer defect. The NHTSA campaign id number was not found. The failure mileage was 56,000 and current mileage was 74,000.
I started my Jeep, noticed my hatch was not closed, got out while it was running, the second I closed my driver door, my Jeep went into reverse on its own, and kept accelerating higher, this vehicle took off very aggressively, luckily my wife was in the passenger seat, she put it in natural, and shut the car off before anything was struck, now due to I believe the rapid acceleration it runs horribly when I put it in drive. This Jeep is an 2003 , well broke in and maintained, there's no other reason as to why it "became self aware" I have a lot of vehicle knowledge and this is virtually and unfathomably impossible , please review every aspect of this vehicles complaints as this is very unsafe
I was traveling on a side street in huntington, wv about 30 MPH when all of a sudden the motor shutdown everything shutdown and I tried to move the Jeep out of the line of traffic. This is very difficult since there was no power to the vehicle. I was headed toward I-64 on the on ramp when all of a sudden it happen again. Car were coming toward me and with much difficulty I manage to get it partially out of the road. I finally got it started back up and it happened on two other occasions. I am afraid to drive my Jeep. I need help in knowing what to do. Autozone put the instrument to help diagnose the problem and check indicated the battery is good. What should I do?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, the engine stalled. The contact was not able to restart the vehicle and another vehicle driving 65 MPH crashed into her on the rear driver's si de. The contact sustained back and neck injuries but no medical attention was sought. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. Updated 08-20-14 updated 08/27/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road, restarted the vehicle, and drove home. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine and air bag warning indicators illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V046000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 212,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled intermittently without warning. In addition, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the alternator, the fuel pump, the oxygen 2 sensor, and the cam sensor, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 121,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 65 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,000.
Airbag light has stayed on even after a battery replacement. Check engine light now stays on for no apparent reason.That's all,thanks
Engine complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 7% of the model year's 762 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2003 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 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.