Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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 while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lunged to the right. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lunged to the left or to the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that the driver's side rear control arm was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,009.
My jeep does the death wobble anytime I hit a small bump in the road, pothole, Lane marker...etc. it is very hard to control at that point and seems as though it might flip if it gets any worst or hit a big enough bump. It is very hard to control and to get to stop once it gets going. It poses a huge safety concern for myself and others being that I have to get the truck to stop when it does the death wobble which means someone coming behind me would/should have to stop as well and definitely is a nuisance to myself and other drivers. Please help. I have read and been told it could be any one of the steering or suspension components.
When the steering wheel is turned either completely to the right or left while moving forward or in reverse, a scrubbing noise is heard that appears to be the tire wheel coming in contact with the suspension.
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. …
When driving, the steering pulls to the left side fairly hard. Also, when making either right or left turns the result is a very jerky and not smooth. When there is a bump in the road, the steering wheel jerks and turns slightly causing possible dangerous driving conditions. The vehicle is drive-able however there is definitely some cause for concern. Have replaced the suspension with brand new shocks and there seems to be no difference in the steering wheel's response to bumps. Wheels also appear to be in great alignment as well. I have seen where this issue is very common with this make and model and would like to be able to get the issue corrected for a feeling of comfort and safety while driving my vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal vibration from the front of the vehicle which was also felt in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration ceased at low speeds. The contact stated that the failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to barnett Chrysler Jeep dealer, located at (3430 hwy 61 n, white bear lake, mn 55110) to be diagnosed. A cause for the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving above 40 MPH, the vehicle vibrated and shook without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ball joints and the trac on needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. After the vehicle was repaired, the failure recurred several other times. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 230,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front upper and lower ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred worst than before. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee when turning right or left at slow speed it has an awful grind noise. Also when driving on uneven pavement has death wabble and terrible sway. I have replaced control arms sway arms you name it. The suspension on the vehicle feels unsafe and May pose as if your vehicle May roll over at any time. I certainly wouldn't recommend this vehicle. It seems this has been a constant complaint by many consumers but yet no recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 40 MPH, the front of the vehicle began to vibrate (death wobble). The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic on numerous occasions who diagnosed that the front tie rods, steering column, and other parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,000.
Suspension complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the suspension of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2% of the model year's 1,295 complaints. The component named most often is front (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.