10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
46,572 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #54

Aug 142013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Driving on the highway when my 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee shifted into neutral by itself. I was not quick to react and was almost killed in a multiple car pile-up. A large 18 wheel truck and two other cars left the roadway to avoid hitting me. I was completely helpless and could not get out of the way. I pulled over to call my dad, but he didn't answer. After about 15 minutes, I restarted the vehicle and it shifted into drive on the side of the highway. I drove it home on the access road. This has happened to me twice now. My 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be part of this recall --recall number: 13V175000. I called Chrysler and they said they do not have any indication of why it is not. My case number with Chrysler is [xxx}. please help me before I and several other people behind me are killed. I drive 30 miles to and from work down I-35 and I-40 in Oklahoma city, these are two of the busiest roads which I drive this 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 60 miles, Monday through Friday. My vehicle is unsafe by an already known defect Chrysler has identified by recall number 13V175000, and yet they are stalling and failing to act. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #53

Aug 222013

Grand Cherokee

  • 80,500 miles
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland hemi 5.7 stalled after a rapid sudden acceleration. Jeep started "bucking" (losing power and regaining it) then took off without anything touching gas pedal and no warning. The Jeep went from 30 mph to over 50 mph and kept accelerating. I had to throw in neutral to get it to stop. I then pulled over and it stalled out. This has been reported to Chrysler case #[xxx] and I spoke to [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Worthington, OH, USA

problem #52

Apr 232013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 78,256 miles
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland 5.7 hemi stalled on freeway. I had to immediately pull over as heavy traffic and vehicle would not restart and I lost all steering/brakes/engine control. I ended up hitting a road cone (no notable damage) as I was pulling into the somewhat small pullover zone (was in highway construction). Vehicle restarted only after being put in park and removing and reinserting the key.

- Worthington, OH, USA

problem #51

Aug 212013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 80,400 miles
I was driving the Jeep and it accelerated suddenly as if the throttle was stuck. The throttle pedal in fact was not stuck and I had to shift into neutral to get it to stop accelerating. After shifting to neutral, the Jeep stalled in the roadway and I ended up driving through my neighbor's yard to avoid pulling out into a busy intersection as I had no brakes or steering. I almost ran over a pedestrian I didn't see walking on the sidewalk. This vehicle has been to dealerships multiple times for stalling at freeway speeds and stalling when driving around town. This has been an ongoing safety concern, especially with the stalling and Chrysler is well aware of the problem. Most recent Chrysler case # is [xxx]. they have replaced multiple things so far and the problem still exists. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Worthington, OH, USA

problem #50

Jun 102013

Grand Cherokee 4WD

  • miles
I received in late June a recall notice for my vehicle, titled "safety recall N23/NHTSA 13V-175 reprogram final drive controller module. When I took my vehicle to my local Chrysler Jeep dealer's auto repair shop, they notified me that the issue is software related and they had not yet received the software patch. I took my vehicle again to them in early July, mid July, late July and early August and still they have not yet received the software patch.

- Bowling Green, KY, USA

problem #49

May 152013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was a voluntary recall performed where the key fob was replaced. After the repair the key would not disengage from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated the win module would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the part was back ordered. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Midland , TX, USA

problem #48

Aug 122013

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system) several months ago and stated that the dealer informed him that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- East Brunswick , NJ, USA

problem #47

Sep 302009

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 9,396 miles
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo encountering several problems: The vehicle either won't start or starts then stalls. Experienced other problems with complete loss of power while driving on the highway at 60mph. Also had loss of blinkers, radio and wipers. The problems have been occurring intermittently since Nov, 2009 but becoming more common over last 3 months. Current mileage 43K. No codes found on computer for any of the problems. No dash lights when car stalls. It is very scary and certainly a safety issue that needs to be addressed. The earlier recall (H03/ 08V059) is the exact problems but our vehicle is not included in the recall.

- Saddle Brook, NJ, USA

problem #46

Jul 012013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system) and stated that the dealer informed her that the software for the recall was not available. The manufacturer was notified but could not provide a date for the parts to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

- Mongaup Valley , NY, USA

problem #45

Jun 072013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 63,000 miles
After starting the vehicle it was observed that some of the electrical system, including radio and turn signals were not functioning. Electrical eventually came back. This occurred several other times, generally after turning the vehicle off and then re-starting all of the electrical systems came back on. Approximately 1-2 weeks after the initial electrical issue the following occurred: While driving in a parking lot at approximately 20 miles per hour the engine suddenly cut out after a "clunk" type of sound. After trying several times to restart, the vehicle did start again and drove normally. Vehicle was taken to dealership where code P0688 asd was found. The dealership recommended replacing the asd relay switch. The dealership advised that this relay switch could be the cause of the vehicle dying while driving as well. Relay was not replaced as the dealership informed me the part of on national back order. The electrical cut out occurred again on 6/21/2013 but cleared up immediately upon a vehicle restart. On 6/23/2013 while driving on a highway at approximately 60 mph the engine cut out again. The electrical was also out, leaving me with a dead vehicle and no electronics to signal. After several attempts the vehicle was restarted. I believe that possibly the electronic fuel pump was cut out due to the electrical issue. Dealership informed me that this part is on national back order, which leads me to question whether there is a larger, unreported issue with this part. If there is not a demand for it, why is it on back order, and if there is a demand, perhaps there is an ongoing issue that Chrysler/Jeep is not reporting. Chrysler is claiming that this switch is not covered under warranty.

- Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #44

May 162013

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 106,815 miles
Wife traveling with son on fwy at legal speed of 70 mph w/cruise control on, car suddenly decelerated causing a violent maneuver forcing car into neighboring lane and almost crashing. She stated it was as if it suddenly downshifted into lowest gear and brakes applied forcefully. Regaining control she deactivated the cruise control and proceeded to destination at 50 mph. Took to dealership in davis where it was diagnosed as catastrophic failure of the transfer case which was then replaced at the cost of $2842.75. She retrieved car two days later and proceeded to drive back home (distance is @ 178 mi one way). Car repeated sudden deceleration upon entering the fwy and getting up to speed. Continued home due to medical appointments to keep. Kept cruise control off but called dealership to report that replacing the transfer case did not solve the problem. I pulled codes upon her arriving home and found only code 0430 (catalyst system efficiency below threshold [bank 2] indicating the converter not working to specs. Today she was returning to davis to visit with grandchildren and experienced the same situation. At 70 mph car suddenly decelerated rapidly (as if brakes were applied forcefully) and caused her to abruptly move into the lane to her left. She regained control and continued on at 50 mph. The dealership informed her no mechanics would be available until Monday but as she has a flight out of lax to catch early Monday a.M. she decided to continue on to L.a. without using the cruise control and proceeding at slower speed. The power steering pump was replaced on 4/15/2013 at dealerships recommendation due to a leak and the transmission was serviced in addition to having new valve cover and gasket put on. Spark plugs replaced, throttle body and combustion chambers cleaned and PCV valve replaced. Internet research indicates this is a repeated problem with the Jeep Grand Cherokee

- Westwood, CA, USA

problem #43

Mar 252013

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 47,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle would intermittently fail to start. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and the dealer replaced the fuel pump, battery, starter and the alternator, but the repairs did not correct the problem. The contact stated that the manufacturer told them that they could not repair the vehicle because they were unable to determine the exact cause of the failure. The vehicle was not further repaired. The failure mileage was 47,000.

- East Meadow, NY, USA

problem #42

Apr 302013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
Car stalls intermittently at 60-70mph. Loss of power steering, along with control of the vehicle. Vehicle re-starts up immediately after turning "off" and turning back on in park position. This has occurred more than 15 times in 6 months - with 3 near crash incidents. Dealer cannot duplicate the issue. Currently there are no fault codes indicating a 'manufacturing defect'. no diagnosis after 8 service visits. The issue has been escalated to Chrysler executive group. Flight-recorder returned no data.

- Long Branch, NJ, USA

problem #41

Dec 072011

Grand Cherokee

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4. The contact was driving approximately 25 mph, the engine stalled without warning. Upon restarting, the vehicle resumed normally. The failure occurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnosis. The throttle body was cleaned; however, the failure recurred. There was a recall associated with the regular series Grand Cherokee under NHTSA campaign id number 08V059000 (electrical system, visibility). The manufacturer was not notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Sodus, MI, USA

problem #40

Oct 202012

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 50,187 miles
In Oct. 2012 the car would not start. No click no nothing. However, the lights, radio, etc. Still worked. If you waited about 15 to 60 minutes it would then start. I took it to the shop and they replaced the starter. It ran fine until April 2013. Then once again it is doing the exact same thing. Now the $638 plus the cost I am incurring for rental car. I purchased the wrap warranty and they tell me that because it is attached to the battery cable it is not covered. I have read all over the internet of hundreds of people having electrical problems all related to this wiring harness. I am not a mechanic but I would think that this could cause a fire. Regardless, Jeep needs to recall these vehicles.

- Bonner Springs, KS, USA

problem #39

Jan 192013

Grand Cherokee

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the key fob malfunctioned, preventing him from unlocking and locking the doors. The failure also prevented the contact from using the automatic starter. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician verified the failure and advised him to contact the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 81,000 and the current mileage was 81,520.

- Troy , NY, USA

problem #38

Dec 302012

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 37,000 miles
While traveling on the highway at about 70 mph, the engine stalled and shut down. I had to pull over to the side and restart the car to continue. I've had similar issues with this vehicle dozens of times and I fear that one day it will cause an accident when it shuts down on me. The dealer seems to not know what to do about it and I'm scared that I'll get hurt driving the car.

- Miami, FL, USA

problem #37

Oct 012012

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 73,000 miles
The moving vehicle inadvertently stalls. The stall has mostly occurred on the highway at speeds of 70-75 mph, as well as on-ramps and off-ramps. The frequency of occurrence is approximately (3-4) times per month. When the vehicle stalls I have to quickly put the vehicle in neutral and restart the engine. Fortunately the engine restarts immediately and I am able to resume driving. The problem was reported to a local (ri) dealership, who was unable to diagnose a problem/defect. I am apprehensive about driving this vehicle, and I am a police officer with extensive training. I will not allow my wife to operate this vehicle.

- Cranston, RI, USA

problem #36

Oct 032011

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 36,000 miles
I have had an on going electrical problem with my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee. When I am driving my Jeep at various speeds it goes off. It has happened numerous times at different speeds. On the interstate at 55 miles per hour it has gone dead at night and my headlights, dash and steering all goes out. I have had to shift into neutral and restart the car. It has gone off more frequently just driving around town, no warning happens it just dies. I have had my car in the shop several times and their tests show nothing wrong and when they drive it "they say it does not die on them". it is in the shop now again and has not gone off on them. They put a recorder on my car and let me drive it and said if it died to push the recorder button and it would record the incident and they would know what was wrong. It went off 6 times in two days and I pushed the button 6 times. They said they checked the recorder and it showed no incidents!!!! I know this is a safety concern, I guess no one will do anything until there is a fatality. I understand my VIN# is not included in the recall for the 2008 Jeep electrical problem. I am not sure why.

- Byhalia, MS, USA

problem #35

Oct 022012

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 71,000 miles
While driving my vehicle the gauges started to go up and down, the radio went on and off, the turn signals were interrupted, all the idiot lights came on and went out leaving the engine light on. I called my garage and found out the front control modular is going. There was a recall on 2008's but my vehicle was not included due to manufacture date. My vehicle is only 4 years old and was used previously by diamond Chrysler. I have not received any recalls. According to them my vehicle is clean. Now I will have to pay close to $1,000 to get it fixed. If a recall goes out it should go out to all vehicles in case one such as my vehicle gets missed.

- Oxford, ME, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »