2003 Jeep Laredo problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 64 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Laredo year — the 2003 model ranks #6 of 18 Laredo years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (10), brakes (10), and airbags (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
64
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
5
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2003 compare to other Laredo years?
What are the most common 2003 Jeep Laredo problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 10 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 10 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 9 | 14% | — flat |
| Engine | 8 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 6 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 5% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Other | 3 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 2 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING SHE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY BRAKES AND THEY WOULD NOT STOP VEHICLE. SHE PUSHED THE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOOR, AND THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT STOP, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. AFTER HITTING THE OTHER VEHICLE SHE STILL COULD NOT GET BACK WHEELS TO STOP…”
“WHEN USING THE WIND SHIELD WASHER SYSTEM, THE WASHER MOTOR WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE FLUID, THEREFORE ROAD VISIBILITY WAS HINDERED CAUSING NEAR ACCIDENTS DUE TO THE COMBINATION OF SUN GLARE AND ROAD SALT DEBRIS. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND RESPONDED THAT THE WINDOW WASHER FLUID SYSTEM IS MOST LIKELY…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 JEEP LAREDO. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE SLAMMED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN IT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE…”
“AXLE/SHOCKS WERE REPLACED, AND THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED THREE TIMES FOR MAKING A LOUD PIERCING NOISE FROM THE FRONT/ UNDERBRED, AND SWAYING. VEHICLE STILL PERFORMS THE SAME.*AK”
2003 Jeep Laredo — common questions
Is the 2003 Jeep Laredo reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 64 complaints put the 2003 model at #6 of 18 Laredo years. It is one of the Laredo years to avoid.
What are the most common 2003 Laredo problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (10 complaints), brakes (10 complaints), airbags (9 complaints).
Does the 2003 Jeep Laredo have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2003 Jeep Laredo.
Which Jeep Laredo years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Laredo years to avoid are 2000, 2002, 2001, 1999, 1996, 2003, 1997. The cleanest record among Laredo years belongs to 1986.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.