Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact stated that the vehicle started after approximately five attempts. The contact then stated that she heard a loud noise near the fuel tank after the vehicle was started and while driving. The check fuel warning light, the check engine warning light, and the check pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the brakes were serviced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact then stated that the mechanic noticed that the fuel pump was in the back seat of the vehicle and stated that the fuel pump was missing. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
My wife was backing up in our drive way she did not see my sons Honda civic behind her very poor vision from being so high factory settings. She ripped the gas tank open. A few years later she was rear ended and again the tank ripped open we were lucky both times no fire. Then we have had death wobble every Jeep suffer,s from it at some time in it,s life as per the dealer. I replaced every steering part in the front end after 40,000 miles again it happened to me at 55mph on the highway I came so close to it rolling it over it took me more than a month to get back in it. The design of the rear is just an accident waiting to happen the rear is the same as a ramp to drive up. I am far from a rich man this product cost me close to 40,Grand. I truly thought we could get a few cost free miles.I am disabled I live on a fixed income. Now my investment is worthless. …
Takata recall - had my 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee in for the recall in January 2018. They fixed airbag recall and problem seatbelt light constantly being on even when driver is correctly seatbelted in- the light stays on. Now, it is August 27, 2018 and both air bag light and seat belt light are back on. Also, the fuel tank skid plate is completely rusted through. This leaves the gas tank fully exposed, leaving you susceptible to any number of possible scenarios where the fuel tank could ignite, especially if one was to be rear ended by another vehicle. It is not protected by "solution" to replace the tow bar package. I know serveral other people with the same vehicle and fuel tank skid plate rusting through completely. …
The part of factory installed gas tank skid plate broke. The piece underneath the tank back part fell to the ground while the forward part remained attached. If I was backing up, the plate could have caught on the ground forcing plate into the gas tank spilling gas and possibly causing a fire from the friction or hot exhaust . At the time I was just pulling out a gas station when I heard a scraping noise. I pulled to the curb and looked under the car and saw the plate hanging there. If I had backed up I could have easily ruptured the gas tank and cause a fire. This plate is attached to the main skid plate by welds and is a very heavy gage and will not bend easily. What would happen if the front of the plate fell while I was traveling down the highway at highway speeds?
I have owned my Jeep for 3 yrs now and its has been a wonderful vehicle but last yr I noticed the gas tank cover starting to hang down. Now there is a big piece about to fall off and the tank is completly exposed. I have read a lot about this issue and am not sure what is going on. It seems that I May be able to have a hitch installed and maybe not. It seems there is a huge issue with this and is my tank going to just fall down one day. Also why cannot any one get the air bag restraint module for the recall of my vehicle. What good is having a recall if they can drag their feet. I just would appreciate some info and help to get my car fixed. Thank you
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V046000 (air bags) and stated that the parts needed for the repair were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Ma 10/15/2015 the dealer informed the consumer she did not need the hitch installed and it was to protecting in case of an accident. Two days later, the consumer was rear ended. There was no fire or injury. Upadted
"Takata recall" my driver's seat has been replace once, at my own expense, due the seat becoming extremely "wobbly" and being broken from the bease frame and frame under seat. I was on highway driving when the seat first became slightly unstable, had I unfornatunately been struck from the rear, I would've been violently thrown forward. I have researched this matter and found that there had been a recall for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee laredo wj, yet I found nothing on this site. It costs me $600, which is a lot for a disabled veteran. But my safety comes first. Please look into this
I wanted to advise you that the consent order signed on 7/24/15 with FCA us llc and NHTSA might have some problems in its implementation . I have a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee that according to attachment b, #15 on page 33 should be eligible for an unrestricted $100.00 gift card upon inspection at a dealership. I called Jeep at [phone] and was told I was not eligible for the $100.00 gift card. I just wanted to let you know about a possible non-compliance issue with the consent order.
Why are some 1993-2004 jeeps getting recalled do to fires from rear accidents, when all have the same placement of the gas tank behind the rear axle. For less than two hundred dollars for a corrective hitch I am not willing to put my family at risk and because I will not nor will I ask others to jeopardize their livelihoods.please understand my Jeep has been good to me and I to it as it is in great shape, but I do feel a need to express my concerns to all till this matter is settled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the fuel tank detached while the vehicle was being driven. The driver pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road, strapped the tank back to the vehicle, and drove home. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 213,000.
NHTSA investigations
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…
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 1,295 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 8 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 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.