Jeep Grand Cherokee Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 4,329 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee across 32 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (475). The words owners use most often: “transfer case” (5% of reports).
- 4,329power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 713mention a crash
- 343mention an injury
- 8related recalls
- $2,000typical repair cost reported by owners
- 35%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Transfer case: mentioned in 232 of 4,329 complaints (5%)
- Park reverse: mentioned in 227 of 4,329 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical power train repair on the Jeep Grand Cherokee at $2,000, and half of them between $1,100 and $3,750.
Based on 78 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (1998–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 1,996 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 4,329 complaints, 713 mention a crash, 43 a fire, 343 an injury.
Jeep Grand Cherokee power train complaints by model year
When owners reported it
Related recalls (8)
Power train:automatic transmission:gear position indication (prndl)
Model years: 2022, 2023, 2024
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Jeep Wagoneer L vehicles. A software error may cause the transmission gear selection indicator not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Risk: A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 30D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning July 9, 2026.
Power train:driveline:differential unit
Model years: 2019
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Risk: A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2018
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch; power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
Model years: 2016
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
Risk: 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.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S28.
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2014, 2015
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Risk: Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.
Electrical system; power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Model years: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Problem: Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
Risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
Power train:automatic transmission
Model years: 2005
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l engines and nag1 automatic transmissions, the air conditioner evaporator condensate water may enter the transmission at the fill tube grommet seal. This can result in shudder during torque converter clutch engagement.
Risk: It can lead to increased transmission operating temperatures, boiling of the water, and a subsequent purging of transmission fluid into the engine compartment potentially resulting in an underhood fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission for leakage at the fill tube grommet seal. If no leak is detected, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If the presence of a leak is detected, the vehicle will be evaluated for shudder during torque converter engagement. If no shudder is detected, the transmission will be triple flushed, and new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If shudder is detected, the torque converter will be replaced, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. The recall began on october 31, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:floor shift
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.
Risk: Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. Daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on march 22, 2002. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact rented a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel shook violently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front left tie rod, brake assembly, gear shifter, tires, and several electrical…
I own a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe that has experienced a recurring safety issue involving unexpected deceleration and loss of acceleration while driving. The vehicle unexpectedly slows down and will not accelerate beyond approximately 60 mph, creating a potentially dangerous situation…
Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, 3.6L V6 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost accelerator response while traveling on the highway. The engine initially remained running, but…
On September 22, 2026, at 1,445 miles, my brand-new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a sudden powertrain failure and almost stalled in a live traffic intersection. The vehicle experienced an active loss of motive power with no dashboard warning lights. I drove it immediately to Douglas Jeep, where…
I am writing to formally request a review of an unresolved safety recall on my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I recently received a notice regarding safety recall 89D/NHTSA 26V-562, which indicates a serious rear coil spring hazard. Currently, replacement parts are unavailable, still being developed and…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Grand Cherokees have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 4,329 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?
Yes: 8 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,000 (half paid between $1,100 and $3,750), from 78 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most frequent phrase is “transfer case”, in 232 of 4,329 complaints, followed by “park reverse” (227).
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
- Electrical System problems (7,478)
- Engine problems (2,879)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (2,328)
- Air Bags problems (2,201)
- Seats problems (1,613)
- Service Brakes problems (1,504)
- Visibility problems (1,454)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (1,408)
See all Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.