2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 4 recalls, 762 owner complaints and up to 16 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 6 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seats Vehicle recall #06V197000 · 2006 · 111,687 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with heated seats, the front passenger seat electric heater element could overheat.
Why it matters: Overheating could potentially cause a fire.
The fix: Dealers will replace the heated seat elements. The recall began on July 24, 2006.
Seats Vehicle recall #09V117000 · 2009 · 103,409 vehicles
What's wrong: 06v-197 completed (03-04 my) or seat heater elements service replacement (01-02 my). The front seat electric heater elements could overheat.
Why it matters: Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. The recall began on November 23, 2009.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #12V527000 · 2012 · 744,822 vehicles
What's wrong: A component in the air bag control module May fail causing the front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a supplemental jumper harness to the airbag control module, free of charge. Owners were notified of the recall by interim letter in January 2013. The remedy for affected liberty vehicles is expected to be available in April 2013. The remedy for…
Airbags Vehicle recall #15V046000 · 2015 · 752,644 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to electrical noise beyond the tolerance of the air bag electronic control module (ECM), a component in the ECM May fail, causing the front air bags, side air bags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Why it matters: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags May increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
The fix: Chrysler dealers will replace the air bag control module and side impact sensors as required, free of charge. This recall remedy was applied during earlier recall campaigns of these vehicles under safety recalls 12v527 and 13v040. All owners that have not had the recall repair performed under…
6 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #06E011000 · 2006 · 7,291 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 are not compatible with automotive fuels and May degrade causing a potential leak path for fuel.
Why it matters: In the presence of an ignition source, a fuel leak could result in a fire.
The fix: Airtex will notify its customers and will replace the affected fuel pumps free of charge. The recall began on January 25, 2006.
Brakes (hydraulic) Equipment recall #06E022000 · 2006 · 7,440 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 manufactured from July 27, 2005 through January 17, 2006 (date codes 0529 through 0602) are subject to this recall. When…
Why it matters: Loss of brake fluid can lead to a decrease in brake line pressure and an increase in stopping distance, which can result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Affinia (brake parts, Inc.) will replace the subject brake hydraulic master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2006. Owners can contact affina group customer service at 1-800-323-0354.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E023000 · 2006 · 292,000 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 equipment."
Why it matters: Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #06E064000 · 2006 · 4,029 vehicles
What's wrong: 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 equipment.
Why it matters: Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and May possibly result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E025000 · 2009 · 42,540 vehicles
What's wrong: 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, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Dope, Inc. will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 56 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (256): the most common themes are warning light on (51), fails to deploy (13).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (167): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), electrical failure (5).
- Seats (65): the most common themes are fire / smoke (6).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (64): the most common themes are noise or vibration (13), brake failure / soft pedal (6).
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 762 owner complaints, ranking #18 of 37 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 786). Complaints peaked in 2015 (90 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 70,802 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (1476 complaints, 10 recalls), 2004 (1295 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 6 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 762 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (256), visibility (wipers, glass) (167), seats (65).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 16 mpg combined (4.0 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.