2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee visibility problems

The leather trim covering the dash beneath the windshield comes loose and deforms, dislodging or blocking the defroster vents and preventing warm air from reaching the windshield. Owners report being unable to clear condensation, frost, or ice from the driver-side glass.

When: 2 months after warranty expiration; complaint timeline suggests several years into ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Leather covering top of dash becomes loose and misshapen; Defroster vents dislodge or are blocked by deformed leather; No airflow to windshield from defroster; Condensation and frost cannot be cleared from windshield

Repairs/costs cited: Local vinyl shops unable to fix without windshield removal, which would require breaking the windshield. Replacement windshield for Overland model with rain sensor quoted at over $1,000. Jeep customer service refused repair citing out-of-warranty status.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer service refused to acknowledge manufacturing defect or repair the vehicle. Multiple reports noted in online Jeep forums suggest this is a widespread issue.

The defroster system stops operating or produces only cool air instead of warm defroster output, making it difficult or impossible to clear the windshield while driving.

When: One complaint at 51,177 miles; another at approximately 60,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Defroster stops operating; Cool air enters vehicle instead of warm defroster; Abnormal clicking sound from fan before failure; Difficult to see roadway due to fogged windshield

Repairs/costs cited: One case required replacement of entire fan housing. Another case at 60,000 miles diagnosed as needing unknown module replacement but vehicle was not repaired. No warning light illuminated in the second case.

The climate control system does not allow permanent engagement of the recirculation option; the intake automatically switches to outside air approximately every 5 minutes, causing allergens and pollutants to enter the cabin. The system is described by dealers as functioning by design.

When: Complaint filed during highway driving at 60-65 MPH

Symptoms owners cite: Recirculation mode disengages every approximately 5 minutes; Outside air intake opens unexpectedly while at highway speeds; Allergens enter cabin causing watery eyes and allergic reactions; Driver distracted searching for recirculation button while driving

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated two possible solutions: complete shutdown of intake or climate control software update. Owner suggests this is a software issue that could be fixed with a patch.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep help line explained that the climate control acts this way by design and refused to address the issue. Dealer offered no warranty repair.

The sunroof glass explodes spontaneously without any impact, collision, or external force. The vehicle owner describes it as an apparent manufacturing defect.

When: July 16, 2014 (exact mileage not stated)

Symptoms owners cite: Sunroof glass explodes with no external cause; Glass fragments fall into vehicle

Repairs/costs cited: Replacement glass on national backorder for over one month (until August 22, 2014). Most glass fell into front passenger seat. No injuries sustained.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty does not cover sunroof glass as it is not classified as a mechanical issue. Chrysler refused to pay for rental vehicle while waiting for parts, citing out-of-warranty status for glass. Owner reports worst customer service experience.

Factory-installed side-view mirrors are oversized and positioned directly in the driver's line of sight at intersections, blocking the view of approaching or stopped vehicles. Owners must move their heads to attempt to see around the mirrors, and such movement often does not help.

When: Noted within 2 months of ownership

Symptoms owners cite: Oversized mirrors block view of approaching traffic at intersections; Mirrors obstruct driver and passenger sightlines when trying to check for cross-traffic; Required head movement does not reliably restore visibility; Three near-collision incidents within 2 months of ownership

Repairs/costs cited: None provided. Owners requested mirror replacement or relocation to a safer position.

The driver-side windshield post creates a blind spot that obstructs visibility, and the driver is unable to see out of the driver-side mirrors, creating a dangerous situation when making left turns.

When: Noted at 300 miles (very early in vehicle life)

Symptoms owners cite: Unable to see out of driver-side mirrors; Driver-side windshield post obstructs sightline; Visibility obstruction noticed during left turns

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not taken to dealer; no repair attempted.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was contacted but took no action.

The passenger side sun visor catches fire while the vehicle is in motion, causing the vehicle to be destroyed. The fire produces smoke that causes inhalation injuries to the occupant.

When: At approximately 62,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal odor from vehicle vents at 45 MPH; Passenger side sun visor catches fire; Smoke inhalation injuries sustained

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed by fire. Fire department extinguished the fire. Police report filed.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Note: Complaint #10 references a sun visor wiring safety recall, suggesting this issue may be a known defect.

Vehicle subject to a safety recall related to sun visor wiring, but the dealer has not completed the recall repair despite the vehicle being under recall status.

When: Noted as of October 16, 2017

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle flagged under recall status

Repairs/costs cited: Dealer had not repaired the vehicle as of the complaint date.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle was under a recall order, but the dealer did not perform the repair work.