Jeep Grand Cherokee Electronic Stability Control (esc) Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 266 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 266 complaints with NHTSA about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee across 23 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (52). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (9% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Traction control: mentioned in 24 of 266 complaints (9%)

At what mileage do electronic stability control (esc) problems happen?

Based on 222 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles31 · 14%
10k–25k miles11 · 5%
25k–50k miles39 · 18%
50k–75k miles40 · 18%
75k–100k miles34 · 15%
100k–150k miles41 · 18%
150k+ miles26 · 12%

How serious are the reports?

Of 266 complaints, 13 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 5 an injury.

Jeep Grand Cherokee electronic stability control (esc) complaints by model year

Peak: 2014, with 52 complaints
1996: 419961997: 31998: 319981999: 42000: 320002002: 22004: 620042005: 282006: 3120062007: 182008: 1020082009: 22010: 320102011: 162012: 2220122013: 132014: 522014522015: 122016: 1220162017: 102018: 620182019: 52022: 12022

n = 266 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectronic Stability Control (esc) complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Grand Cherokee10%40,000
2019 Grand Cherokee51%65,000
2018 Grand Cherokee61%5,835
2017 Grand Cherokee103%38,000
2016 Grand Cherokee124%18,000
2015 Grand Cherokee121%31,373
2014 Grand Cherokee522%57,500
2013 Grand Cherokee132%75,000
2012 Grand Cherokee221%54,000
2011 Grand Cherokee161%70,000
2010 Grand Cherokee33%31,000
2009 Grand Cherokee21%59,121
2008 Grand Cherokee101%122,500
2007 Grand Cherokee182%89,550
2006 Grand Cherokee312%100,428
2005 Grand Cherokee281%100,000
2004 Grand Cherokee60%121,500
2002 Grand Cherokee20%146,330
2000 Grand Cherokee30%136,000
1999 Grand Cherokee40%185,000
1998 Grand Cherokee30%180,000
1997 Grand Cherokee30%132,520
1996 Grand Cherokee40%170,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2019, with 45 complaints
2008: 2200822009: 222010: 3201032011: 222012: 4201242013: 18182014: 352014352015: 35352016: 292016292017: 29292018: 322018322019: 45452020: 232020232023: 332024: 1202412025: 222026: 120261

n = 266 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Electronic stability control (esc)Oct 8, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V636000 · 132,792 vehicles

Model years: 2014

Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Dodge Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2013, to April 11, 2014. Due to an issue with the software for the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM), the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) may be disabled.

Risk: If the ESC is disabled during certain driving situations, the driver may not be able to adequately control the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the SCCM software, free of charge. The recall began on November 24, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P64.

Electronic stability control (esc); electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator; service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/moduleOct 17, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V483000 · 90,981 vehicles

Model years: 2014

Problem: Chrysler Group, LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 8, 2013, through August 20, 2013. Due to a disruption of computer communications and loose alternator ground wires, the affected vehicles may experience random illumination of multiple instrument cluster warning lights, loss of cluster illumination and loss of anti-lock brake system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) function. Because of these conditions, the vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, "Controls and Displays," and No. 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: A loss of ABS and ESC function reduces the driver's ability to control the vehicle. Drivers would not be warned of brake system failures or any other failures which would be illuminated on the dashboard display. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS and instrument cluster module software and tighten the alternator ground wire, free of charge. The recall began on November 19, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N58.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster went blank and failed to display the speedometer or fuel gauge. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that before the failure the battery was recharged…

Received Oct 5, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768965

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the vehicle jerked while the accelerator pedal was…

Received May 9, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11659964

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V838000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall…

Received Jan 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11638711

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle leaned to the right and then to the left intermittently. The contact observed an audible warning chime and a message to "Service Air Suspension Soon" was displayed…

Received Sep 27, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11616901

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the engine revved but the vehicle hesitated while accelerating. However, the contact stated that the vehicle accelerated after removing the foot off the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the Service…

Received Sep 8, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11543434
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Grand Cherokees have electronic stability control (esc) problems?

No. NHTSA has 266 owner complaints about electronic stability control (esc) for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Jeep Grand Cherokee electronic stability control (esc)?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list electronic stability control (esc). Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about electronic stability control (esc) problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 24 of 266 complaints.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

See all Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.