1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 386about this part
- Share
- 24%of 1,638 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 386 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 24% of the 1,638 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 70 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I would like to know why Jeep/chrysler has not done any recalls or fixes involving the powertrain control module (PCM) since it is a known issue with grand cherokees?!!! Instead they want customers to go out and spend approximately $200+ for a new one and even more $$ to have dealer install it. I love my Jeep don't get me wrong, but Jeep dropped the ball big on this one. Just about as bad as the gas tank issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10824319, filed 2016-02, 220,000 miles“I have a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I replaced the the rear pinion bearing in april of 2001 and it needs to be replaced again. Daimler/chrystler is unwilling to work with me on the repair of this item. Have been driving for 30 years and have never repaired this on any other vehicle once, much less twice!”
NHTSA complaint #10013932, filed 2003-04, 90,000 miles“At highway speeds of 40 to 65mph, I am hearing a whine comming from the undercarriage. I presume it is from the transfer case or the front drive shaft. Would like to know how to resolve this problem. This is my second Jeep, and could be my last if I can't resolve this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10019153, filed 2003-05, 50,000 miles“Excessive noise from rear differential. Dealer states components within differential are coming apart and that differential needs to be re-built. My cost is going to be between $1050 and $1300 for repair. I noted several other complaints from other consumers at the NHTSA site. Dealer states its a common problem. My previous 1988 Jeep did not have this problem. Any movement by NHTSA to force a recall or some adjustment from diamler-chrysler or am I just out of luck?”
NHTSA complaint #10047057, filed 2003-11, 71,000 miles“My 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee (gc) limited 8 cylinder quadradrive has given me nothing but problems since I bought it in october of 2002. I had the transfer seal replaced due to it leaking, the differential makes noise, the all wheel drive does not work (all wheel drive only works in low), and the tires lock up and make a noise when I am turning. It seems that their are other 1999 Jeep gc owners out there with the same problem. How about a recall to fix this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #10049385, filed 2003-12, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10017000Sep 1, 200545rfe/545rfe trans - delayed engagement due to cooler return filter replacement.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 38% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 31 | 12% |
| 2023 | 40 | 10% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 59 | 14% |
| 2020 | 39 | 16% |
| 2019 | 47 | 13% |
| 2018 | 75 | 9% |
| 2017 | 88 | 24% |
| 2016 | 78 | 25% |
| 2015 | 353 | 26% |
| 2014 | 475 | 20% |
| 2013 | 55 | 7% |
| 2012 | 102 | 6% |
| 2011 | 90 | 5% |
| 2010 | 22 | 19% |
| 2009 | 23 | 17% |
| 2008 | 77 | 10% |
| 2007 | 196 | 18% |
| 2006 | 173 | 14% |
| 2005 | 253 | 12% |
| 2004 | 54 | 4% |
| 2003 | 35 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 4% |
| 2001 | 102 | 12% |
| 2000 | 156 | 11% |
| 1999 | 386 | 24% |
| 1998 | 426 | 41% |
| 1997 | 254 | 26% |
| 1996 | 280 | 31% |
| 1995 | 247 | 34% |
| 1994 | 118 | 20% |
| 1993 | 99 | 18% |
| 1991 | 1 | 17% |
| 1989 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
622 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
165 complaintsEngine cooling
121 complaintsSeats
91 complaintsFuel system
85 complaintsElectrical system
84 complaintsAir bags
83 complaintsSuspension
76 complaintsVehicle speed control
57 complaintsSteering
53 complaintsOther or unknown
36 complaintsExterior lighting
35 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology