2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems And Complaints

Jeep Grand Cherokee user complaints and problems

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been quite a popular vehicle from the legendary brand but soon after its launch, it became riddled with several problems such as fuel tank rupture during a rear collision, transfer case actuator defects, and a plethora of transmission along with powertrain issues. Among the issues reported, the Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems were quite high along with a high number of electrical issues too. The SUV also faced several quality issues with its interior too where its infotainment display screen’s lamination came off.

Engine problems

• Engine stalling and loss of acceleration: A plethora of complaints regarding both the mentioned issues were recorded against the Jeep Grand Cherokee throughout several model years. The loss of acceleration issue was the most recorded one on the 2016 models where the powertrain would lose all motive power randomly while driving. The engine stalling issue was present in considerable numbers in the 2016 model year but it followed into the successive 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years too. The engine stalling reports mention that while driving the engine would stall. The stalling would occur more while the driver comes to a complete stop at a stoplight or at an intersection to take a turn.
• Ecodiesel engine stall and fire issue: The Grand Cherokee models equipped with the eco diesel powertrain were prone to stalling and, in some cases, catching fire. Moreover, apart from the stalling issue, the powertrains were notorious for bursting into flames as well and it was a common occurrence with the 2016 eco diesel Grand Cherokee models.
• Transmission issues: The transmission issues with the Grand Cherokee have been present for quite some time now. Specifically, the fourth-generation model of the SUV was badly hit by transmission issues, and the most recent 2021 model also shows its presence too. The most frequent issues with the transmission reported were hard shifts with jerking along with the transmission coming out of drive mode while driving. This also resulted in stalling of engines of the affected vehicles too.
• Engine failing to restart: Complaints regarding the engine failing to start were also among the most recorded ones and its presence was more pronounced on the fourth-gen model of the SUV. A majority of the reports mention that while driving, after coming to a complete stop the engine would stall, and in most cases, it would fail to restart despite all the electronics of the vehicle working fine. In most cases, a faulty fuel pump relay was the culprit whereas in some other cases, the cam phasers required a replacement.

Safety problems

• Airbags failing to deploy: Most of the reports against the Jeep Grand Cherokee regarding this issue mention the airbags failing to deploy even if the vehicle was involved in a head-on collision. In some cases, partial deployment of the airbags occurred such as the front passenger’s airbag deployed while the driver’s airbag failed to deploy.
• Sunroof exploding: A random explosion and complete shattering of the sunroof was reported by several owners against the 2020 Grand Cherokee. All the reports state that while driving, there was a loud sound of a bullet being fired or an explosion followed by the sunroof completely shattering on the driver as well as the passengers inside the vehicle.
• Brake failure: The Grand Cherokee faced plenty of complaints regarding this issue too. The recorded complaints state that in several cases, under panic braking situations or normal driving scenarios, the brakes of the affected vehicle failed to result in crashes and collisions.

Electrical problems

• Infotainment system issues: The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s infotainment system faced several complaints over the last 5 model years regarding various issues. And the most common of them was the display screen getting delaminated causing ghost touches and distraction while driving. In several instances, the display screen would freeze, disabling the rear camera display along with other necessary information displays as well. In some cases it was reported that the radio and other connectivity features of the system would malfunction, creating considerable inconveniences while driving.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls

The NHTSA records portray a rather problematic track record of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the vehicle can be deemed as unreliable as well based on the reports. The records also show that the SUV wasn’t quite reliable before the fourth-gen model either while the models from 2011 onwards were hit severely with plenty of powertrains, electrical, and transmission issues with most of them being quite serious. The Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls include fuel pump, braking system, transmission, and fuel line related recalls and all of them were recorded for the fourth-gen model. We certainly hope Jeep irons out the aforementioned troubles with the vehicle on the latest fifth-gen model.

Recall Date	NHTSA Campaign ID	Component Affected	Recall Issue	Explanation
March 23, 2016	16V168000	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	Front Left Brake Caliper May Break	A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
April 27, 2016	16V249000	POWER TRAIN, EXTERIOR LIGHTING	Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Failure	If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
November 10, 2016	16V814000	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	Damaged Fuel Rail Tube may cause Fuel Leak	A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
October 19, 2017	17E061000	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	Supercharger Bracket may Damage ABS Line	A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
August 13, 2020	20V475000	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	Crank Position Sensor Tone Wheel may Delaminate	An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
January 11, 2018	18V048000	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	Fuel Line Separation may Cause Fire	If the fuel line separates, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel line separation increases the risk of an engine compartment fire and injury.
May 1, 2018	18V280000	POWER TRAIN	Incorrect Transmission Park Rods Installed	If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
May 17, 2018	18V332000	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled	If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
August 9, 2018	18V524000	ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	Voltage Regulator may Fail and Cause Stall	A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
October 29, 2018	18V759000	EQUIPMENT	Accelerator Pedal may be Trapped by Floor Mat	If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
October 29, 2018	18E097000	EQUIPMENT	Accelerator Pedal may be Trapped by Floor Mat	If the floor mat prevents the accelerator pedal from returning to idle, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
November 12, 2020	20V699000	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	EGR Cooler May Crack	Internally Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
March 26, 2020	20V183000	POWER TRAIN	Front Differential Pinion Gears May Wear	A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
April 2, 2020	20V191000	BACK OVER PREVENTION	Rearview Image Can Remain on Display/FMVSS 111	The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

What model year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee to avoid?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee, as per the NHTSA reports, can be termed unreliable. And if we consider its fourth-generation model, the number of issues was quite high. Among the issues, a majority of them were unacceptable such as the powertrain problems, transmission problems, and electrical problems. Hence, avoiding the SUV from its 2014 to 2018 models would be a safe option.

Should you buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee checks all the right boxes when it comes to attracting buyers with its chunky design, commendable off-roading prowess, and solid performance along with comfort. Although its poor reliability aspect is not new it still managed to clock some impressive sales figures. Yet, assessing the NHTSA records, we can safely say that buying a used Grand Cherokee would be unwise. You might consider the Hyundai Palisade if off-roading sits near the bottom of your bucket list while the Toyota 4Runner would be adequate to suffice your off-roading needs.