1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems & Reliability

When it comes to classic SUVs, the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee often finds its way into conversations, especially among those who appreciate a rugged ride with a touch of nostalgia. As a 30-year-old, you might remember seeing these iconic vehicles cruising down the road during your childhood, or perhaps you even had the chance to ride in one. Known for its off-road capabilities and robust design, the 1999 Grand Cherokee was a popular choice for adventurers and families alike. However, like any vehicle, it wasn’t without its quirks and issues. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the common problems that owners have faced over the years and explore the overall reliability of this classic SUV. Whether you’re considering buying a used 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee or you’re just curious about its performance history, understanding its potential pitfalls is crucial. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, we’ll cover the key areas where this vehicle has shown its age. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ll also highlight the aspects that have kept this SUV on the road for decades, earning it a loyal fan base. So, buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane and explore what makes the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee both a beloved and sometimes challenging ride.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Temperature Blend/Recirculation Doors May Fail and Cause AC Problems

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a known issue with the temperature blend and recirculation doors, which can lead to problems with the AC system. This can be a bit of a headache, especially during extreme weather conditions when you really need your AC to work properly. While it’s a common problem, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering the overall reliability of this vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Will not Start Due to Wireless Control Module Fault

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has had its fair share of issues, with one of the more frustrating problems being the engine not starting due to a fault in the wireless control module. This issue can leave you stranded unexpectedly, which is definitely a bummer if youre relying on your Jeep for daily commutes or adventures. While its a solid vehicle in many respects, this particular glitch can be a real headache for owners.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • The Fuel Tank is Hard to Fill and/or the Fuel Fill Nozzle Shuts Off Repeatedly While Fueling

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to have a common issue with the fuel tank being hard to fill, and the fuel fill nozzle shutting off repeatedly during fueling. This can be pretty annoying, especially if you’re in a hurry or trying to fill up on a cold day. While it’s not a deal-breaker for everyone, it’s definitely something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Power Window Motor May Fail Due to Regulator Assembly

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a known issue with the power window motor, which can fail due to problems with the regulator assembly. This can be a bit of a hassle, especially if you rely on your windows for ventilation or drive-thru convenience. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering the overall reliability of this vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Electrical Contacts in the Tail Lamp Housing May Break or Melt

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has had some issues with the electrical contacts in the tail lamp housing, which can break or melt over time. This problem can lead to malfunctioning tail lights, which is definitely a hassle and could be a safety concern. While it’s a known issue, regular checks and maintenance can help catch it early and keep your Jeep running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • The Remote Keyless Entry System May Not Function Intermittently

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to have some issues with its remote keyless entry system, which might not work consistently. This can be a bit annoying, especially if you’re in a hurry or have your hands full. Overall, while it’s a bit of a hassle, it’s not a deal-breaker for most people who love the ruggedness and capability of the Grand Cherokee.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • AC Blower May Only Work on High or Melt Connector at Blower

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to have a common issue where the AC blower only works on the high setting or might even melt the connector at the blower. This problem can be pretty annoying, especially during hot weather, and might require some repairs to fix the blower resistor or connector. Overall, while the Grand Cherokee is known for its ruggedness, this particular issue can be a bit of a headache for owners.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Brake Pulsations Due to Warped Front Brake Rotors

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been known to experience brake pulsations due to warped front brake rotors, which can be a bit of a hassle for owners. This issue can lead to a less smooth braking experience and might require more frequent maintenance or rotor replacements to keep things running smoothly. While it’s not a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Front and Rear Differential Pinion Seal and Transfer Case Leaks

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee seems to have some issues with the front and rear differential pinion seal and transfer case leaks. These problems can lead to fluid loss, which might affect the vehicle’s performance and longevity if not addressed promptly. It’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this model, as it could impact the overall reliability.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light due to cylinder #3 misfire

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for having a few reliability issues, with one common problem being the check engine light coming on due to a cylinder #3 misfire. This issue can lead to rough idling and reduced engine performance, which might require some attention to keep the vehicle running smoothly. While it’s a bit of a hassle, addressing this problem promptly can help maintain the overall reliability of your Jeep.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • Water Leak and Sloshing Due to Clogged Evaporator Drain

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a known issue with water leaks and sloshing sounds due to a clogged evaporator drain. This problem can lead to water accumulating inside the vehicle, which is not only annoying but can also cause further damage if not addressed. While it’s a common issue for this model year, regular maintenance and timely repairs can help keep your Grand Cherokee running smoothly.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • HVAC Air Flow Switching to Defrost When Accelerating

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Loose/Worn Suspension/Steering Components May Cause Wobble in Steering Wheel

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is known to have issues with loose or worn suspension and steering components, which can lead to a noticeable wobble in the steering wheel. This problem can affect the overall driving experience and may require regular maintenance to ensure safety and reliability. While it’s a common issue for this model year, addressing it promptly can help maintain the vehicle’s performance.

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

  • Noise from differential

Analysis:

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee is known to have some issues with noise coming from the differential, which can be a bit annoying for drivers. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the vehicle is unreliable, it’s something to keep an ear out for, especially if you’re considering buying one. Overall, the Grand Cherokee from this year has its quirks, but many owners still find it to be a solid ride.

Conclusion

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Picture of Flagship One

Flagship One

The world's top supplier of programmed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Injection Control Modules (IDM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM), Engine Control Units and all other car control units. With over a decade in the business, we are the most reliable source when it comes to programming services for replacement engine control modules.

What Customers Think About Us