JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE · model year

2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

887 NHTSA complaints, 60 crash reports, and 10 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2003JEEPGRAND CHEROKEE carries 887 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 60 crashes, 17 fires, 73 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2003 GRAND CHEROKEE is air bags with 244 filings, followed by service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor (50) and visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system (49). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 10 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2003 GRAND CHEROKEE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

887
Complaints
60
Crashes
17
Fires
73
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

887 filings

Crashes Reported

60 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS244
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR50
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM49
SEATS44
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM42
VISIBILITY38
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR33
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS30
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING20
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION19
ENGINE16
STEERING15
POWER TRAIN13

Recalls (10)

15V04600028/01/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, to March 28, 2003, 2002-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, to May 23 2003, and 2003-2004 Dodge Viper vehicles manufactured November 1, 2001, to June 30,

06E06400017/07/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED

06E02200013/03/2006

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET BRAKE HYDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDERS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT BRAKE CYLINDERS FOR CERTAIN FORD, DAIMLERCHRYSLER, AND JEEP PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE BRAKE CYLINDERS WERE SOLD UNDER THE BRAND NAMES OF NAPA, RAYBESTOS, AIMCO, AC DELCO, CARQUEST, BENDIX, AND WAGNER. ONLY PRODUCTS THAT WERE

06E02300013/03/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPME

09E02500011/05/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

09V11700009/04/2009

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.

12V52700008/11/2012

AIR BAGS

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2002 and 2003 Jeep Liberty vehicles manufactured January 9, 2001, through March 28, 2003, and 2002 through 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 13, 2001, through May 23, 2003. A component in the air bag control module may fail causing the f

06V19700007/06/2006

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HEATED SEATS, THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ELECTRIC HEATER ELEMENT COULD OVERHEAT.

09E01200007/04/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES

06E01100001/02/2006

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

CERTAIN AFTERMARKET AIRTEX ELECTRIC FUEL PUMPS INSTALLED FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR CERTAIN 1997-2004 JEEP WRANGLER; 1997-2001 JEEP CHEROKEE; 1997-2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE; AND 2000-2003 DODGE DAKOTA VEHICLES. THE PLASTIC ELECTRICAL GROMMET CONNECTORS AT THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AR

Recent Complaints

20240828AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with the air bag warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,236. Parts distribution disconnect.

Mileage: 104,236

20240805AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the driver's side and passenger's side curtain air bags deployed without impact. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened; however, the case had not been assigned to a case manager. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags). The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

Mileage: 212,000

20230621SEATS

2 recalls have not been taken care of by the manufacturer. I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago and have noticed that the seats do indeed over heat. The airbags haven't deployed thankfully, but I'm not comfortable taking any chances. Do I have to pay a dealer to complete these repairs? Also, since I have had this vehicle, my blinkers and brake lights do not work consistently. They were in operable for almost a month. I had a Mechanix check them, and they said they were dine. Homer's auto shop florence oregon) I didn't drive at night for almost a month. Then my blinkers just started working again. All the fuses are fine, and no other electrical issues. Brake lights started working also. Up until 3 days ago, a driver behind me pulled around next to me at the stop light to tell me the brake light was out. I checked it when I got home and it was fine.

20230621AIR BAGS

2 recalls have not been taken care of by the manufacturer. I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago and have noticed that the seats do indeed over heat. The airbags haven't deployed thankfully, but I'm not comfortable taking any chances. Do I have to pay a dealer to complete these repairs? Also, since I have had this vehicle, my blinkers and brake lights do not work consistently. They were in operable for almost a month. I had a Mechanix check them, and they said they were dine. Homer's auto shop florence oregon) I didn't drive at night for almost a month. Then my blinkers just started working again. All the fuses are fine, and no other electrical issues. Brake lights started working also. Up until 3 days ago, a driver behind me pulled around next to me at the stop light to tell me the brake light was out. I checked it when I got home and it was fine.

20230621UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 recalls have not been taken care of by the manufacturer. I purchased this vehicle 2 years ago and have noticed that the seats do indeed over heat. The airbags haven't deployed thankfully, but I'm not comfortable taking any chances. Do I have to pay a dealer to complete these repairs? Also, since I have had this vehicle, my blinkers and brake lights do not work consistently. They were in operable for almost a month. I had a Mechanix check them, and they said they were dine. Homer's auto shop florence oregon) I didn't drive at night for almost a month. Then my blinkers just started working again. All the fuses are fine, and no other electrical issues. Brake lights started working also. Up until 3 days ago, a driver behind me pulled around next to me at the stop light to tell me the brake light was out. I checked it when I got home and it was fine.

20230515AIR BAGS

While driving at low speed, the side curtain airbags deployed along with the front seat belts. No injuries just stunted by the loud bang. I took car to Jeep dealership to have recall R06/15v-046 repaired and to diagnose cause of side curtain airbags deployment. Dealer would not repair recall R06/15v-046 due to the requirement that the side curtain and seat belts be repaired before making the recall repairs. Side curtain airbags repair was not accomplished because some repair parts are no longer available (seatbelts/headliner). Dealer indicated that, even if they could have repaired side curtain airbags that the cost of the side curtain airbags repair would be on me. Dealer charged me for a diagnostic of side curtain airbags deployment. I feel that the manufacturer is responsible for the defects and are responsible for restitution. Subject car has airbags light on know but not beforehand. What is my recourse now that my car is unsafe with no repair available and of little value?

20230515SEAT BELTS

While driving at low speed, the side curtain airbags deployed along with the front seat belts. No injuries just stunted by the loud bang. I took car to Jeep dealership to have recall R06/15v-046 repaired and to diagnose cause of side curtain airbags deployment. Dealer would not repair recall R06/15v-046 due to the requirement that the side curtain and seat belts be repaired before making the recall repairs. Side curtain airbags repair was not accomplished because some repair parts are no longer available (seatbelts/headliner). Dealer indicated that, even if they could have repaired side curtain airbags that the cost of the side curtain airbags repair would be on me. Dealer charged me for a diagnostic of side curtain airbags deployment. I feel that the manufacturer is responsible for the defects and are responsible for restitution. Subject car has airbags light on know but not beforehand. What is my recourse now that my car is unsafe with no repair available and of little value?

20221208AIR BAGS

Airbag light has stayed on even after a battery replacement. Check engine light now stays on for no apparent reason.That’s all,thanks

20221208ENGINE

Airbag light has stayed on even after a battery replacement. Check engine light now stays on for no apparent reason.That’s all,thanks

20221208UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Airbag light has stayed on even after a battery replacement. Check engine light now stays on for no apparent reason.That’s all,thanks

20210910AIR BAGS

Takata recall. The contact owns a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V046000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who stated the parts were not available and on backorder. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

20201030AIR BAGS

ON FRIDAY OCTOBER 9,2020 APPROX. 5:56 PM I WAS COMING OUT OF ACME PARKING LOT, STATIONARY AT TRAFFIC LIGHT AWAITING A GREEN LIGHT . ALL CAR WINDOWS WERE UP, AC ON. NEXT THING I KNEW I HEARD A "DING" AND BEFORE I KNEW IT, BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED , SHATTERING PASSENGER GLOVE BOX APART, SENDING DEBRIS AND PLASTIC IN MY FACE. DRIVER STEERING WHEEL DESTROYED. ENTIRE VEHICLE FILLED WITH "FIRE LIKE SMELL" FROM DUAL AIR BAG DEPLOYING. NO INJURIES TO MYSELF, NO ONE ELSE IN VEHICLE WITH ME AT TIME OF INCIDENT. NO ACCIDENT OF ANY KIND HAD OCCURRED THAT WOULD EXPLAIN DUAL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT ANY IMPACT TO VEHICLE. I CAN PROVIDE PHOTOS UPON REQUEST. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.

Mileage: 71,000

20201019SEATS

DRIVER'S SEAT FRAME/BRACKET BROKE IN FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT, ALLOWING THE DRIVER SEAT TO LEAN DETACH FROM THE FLOORBOARD AND MOVE BACKWARD TOWARD THE REAR SEATS. WHEN RESEARCHING THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE, IT SEEMS THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT. IF THE DRIVER SEAT FRAME CANNOT HOLD UP TO NORMAL USE, HOW WILL IT HOLD UP TO THE FORCES EXERTED UPON IT IN THE EVENT OF A REAR-END COLLISION? THIS IS AN OBVIOUS SAFETY DEFECT AND BASED ON THE VOLUME OF OTHER CONSUMERS THAT HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, IT IS UNBELIEVABLE THAT ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE.

Mileage: 176,000

20200910AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 5 MPH, WHEN THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BURNED INJURIES ON HIS RIGHT ARM BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER AUTOCENTRO CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP & RAM LOCATED AT BARRIO BAIROA INDUSTRIAL PARK, KM 3.2 PR-1, CAGUAS, 00725, PUERTO RICO, 787-999-9115 AND WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Mileage: 85,000

20200909AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT A DRIVE THRU, THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ABRUPTLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATION BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE WINDSHIELD, STEERING WHEEL, GLOVE BOX, AND DASHBOARD. AS A RESULT, THE GLOVE BOX HIT THE CONTACTS CHIN AND FOREHEADS LEFT SIDE. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 230,000. ## VIN FAILED ## JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO ##

Mileage: 230,000

20200714AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT IMPACT OR WARNING. MTN VIEW CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM (6276 ALABAMA HWY, RINGGOLD, GA 30736, (706) 935-2328) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V046000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 150,000.

Mileage: 150,000

20200308ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.

Mileage: 138,000

20200308VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.

Mileage: 138,000

20200308STEERING

JUST RECENTLY IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING AND BACK DRIVER WINDOW FELL WHILE DRIVING WHILE IT WHAT SNOWING WHILE MY SON WAS IN THE CAR. HAVE A POPPING NOISE IN STEERING OR SOMEWHERE IN FRONT END. I CAN'T USE MY ACCELERATE BUTTON ON STEERING WHEEL WHILE IT'S IN CRUISE BECAUSE IT WON'T STOP ACCELERATION ONCE YOU PRESS IT. I WAS GOING ABOUT 55 AND WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO 60.

Mileage: 138,000

20200304ENGINE

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

Mileage: 205,000

Compare 2003JEEPGRAND CHEROKEE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE have?
The 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 887 NHTSA complaints, 60 crashes, 17 fires, 73 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
Yes, the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 10 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The most-complained component for the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE is AIR BAGS with 244 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR and VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM.
Is the 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.