2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and problems
The 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 safety recalls and 762 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
Recall 15V-046: Air Bags
Problem: 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, 2004. 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.
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the air bags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
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 safety recalls 12V527 or 13V040 are strongly encouraged to have it performed and not wait for the final remedy to be deployed to the field. The recall began on December 29, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R06.
Recall 12V-527: Air Bags
Problem: 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 front airbags, side curtain airbags, and/or seatbelt pretensioners to deploy inadvertently while the vehicle is being operated.
Risk: Inadvertent deployment of the airbags may increase the risk of injury and the possibility of a vehicle crash.
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 affected Grand Cherokee vehicles is expected to be available later in the year. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753.
Recall 09V-117: Seats
Problem: 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.
Risk: Overheating could potentially cause a fire or injury.
Fix: Dealers will replace the front seat heater elements free of charge. The recall began on november 23, 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall 06V-197: Seats
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with heated seats, the front passenger seat electric heater element could overheat.
Risk: Overheating could potentially cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the heated seat elements. The recall began on july 24, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 257 | |
| Visibility | 170 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 68 | |
| Seats | 67 | |
| Electrical System | 59 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 44 | |
| Power Train | 37 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 | |
| Steering | 24 | |
| Engine | 16 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 | |
| Suspension | 14 |
Most reported parts
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor — 50
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 49
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor — 33
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 30
- Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler — 21
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
- Air Bags › Frontal — 10
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Heater Core — 9
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 71,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 15V-046 (air bags), 12V-527 (air bags), 09V-117 (seats), 06V-197 (seats). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners report air bags problems most often (257 reports), followed by visibility (170). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 71,000 miles.
Are Jeep recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.