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Title: Extremely Disappointing Experience with 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Poor Durability & Lack of Support
I am writing to share my highly disappointing experience with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the lack of customer support from Stellantis. As a long-time admirer of Jeep’s reputation for durability, I expected much more from this vehicle, especially as I approach retirement and needed a reliable vehicle.
Here are the major issues I've encountered:
1. Rusting Parts Within 1.5 Years:
o The wheel lug nuts began rusting at just 1.5 years, requiring immediate replacement.
2. Brake Components Deteriorating Early:
o At 2 years, I discovered that the brake cylinders and drums had rusted and deteriorated to the point of falling apart during a routine brake pad replacement. This posed a serious health and safety risk.
3. Emergency Brake Cable Rusting:
o By 3 years, the emergency brake cable rusted and snapped, which was yet another sign of poor quality parts used in this vehicle.
Despite living in Southern Ontario, where the climate is comparable to Michigan (where the vehicle is manufactured), I made sure to maintain my vehicle carefully, including regular washings during winter to prevent corrosion. Unfortunately, these issues were still prevalent.
4. Transmission Failure at 95,000 km:
o After a minor rear-end accident, my transmission failed, leading to a diagnostic code (P0733-00). Initially, I believed it was accident-related, but after months of investigation, it was confirmed the damage might not be linked to the accident. Since I had exceeded the 100,000 km warranty, I was left facing a $14,000 repair bill.
5. Stellantis' Customer Service:
o I contacted Stellantis customer service multiple times, and while a claim was created, I did not receive any meaningful resolution. After 5 months of waiting, my warranty was denied, leaving me with no financial assistance for the repairs. During this time, I continued making finance payments without a car to use.
In the end, I had to pay out-of-pocket for a $14,000 transmission repair at an independent mechanic, as I could no longer afford further delays.
This experience has made me question Jeep’s claim of durability and whether cost-cutting measures are affecting the quality of their vehicles. I would advise potential buyers to seriously reconsider before investing in this brand, as my experience has been filled with frustration and financial strain.
Would I recommend this car? Unfortunately, based on my experience, I cannot.
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June 10, 2024
Unprompted review