Most Common Problems Of Jeep Grand Cherokee

Quick Answer: The most commom problem of Jeep Grand Cherokee are the leather dashboard issue, engine stalling, alternator failure, e-gear shifter failure and there is even complain about the power windows.

The leather dashboard warps over time

Jeep Grand Cherokees are available in various trim levels, including the popular Overland. Leather dashboards in Overland models tend to wrinkle with age, first surfacing between 45,000 and 60,000 miles. With time, damage will only get worse.

FCA US, the manufacturer of the vehicle, has acknowledged the problem, but has declined to take responsibility for it, instead blaming the owners and the environmental conditions.

Owners of Jeep Grand Cherokees have reported that the issue has happened to them even when they were careful. While Jeep doesn’t want to take responsibility, owners can contact their dealerships for a repair.

Engine Stalls

The symptoms of an engine stall include knocking, erratic gear shifting, and a reduced fuel efficiency. Stalls can occur without warning and often without any indication on the dashboard. The car stalls as a result of failure of the brakes and the accelerator.

A stalling problem with your car can be caused by a variety of factors. Bad gas is one common cause, along with an improper clutch application or an old battery. An engine stall only worsens with time, so it is essential to have it fixed right away. A dirty air filter is another common cause of engine stalls.

Also, corroded battery terminals can cause a Jeep Cherokee to stall when the battery cable is loose. A loose battery cable won’t let a strong electrical current reach the engine, so it won’t crank. A Jeep Cherokee’s battery should be replaced if it’s more than three years old.

Electrical System Failure

Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical system failures are among the most common issues. The electrical system distributes power throughout the car. If it fails, it will either shut down or display the service engine light. To make sure it isn’t a battery issue, you should have the car checked by a technician.

Whenever you encounter an electrical issue with your Jeep Grand Cherokee, you should consult an auto repair shop immediately. The average repair costs $88 to $111, not including taxes. Your Jeep Grand Cherokee may even cost more.

Alternator Failure

Alternators can also fail on Jeep Grand Cherokees. Some models from 2012 through 2014 might be fitted with faulty alternators that may catch fire while driving. In some cases, the alternator may simply be shorted and can be easily repaired.

Among the affected vehicles, whining noises, smoke, and burning odors were reported. An alternator that has blown can cause a fatal accident, as drivers or passengers will not be able to notice the fire.

During an alternator failure, power will drop in the electrical system, causing critical vehicle systems to shut down. There may be a disablement of the ABS, ESC, ECM, and/or CBC as a result. A recall later issued by FCA cited an alternator replacement requirement.

Ignition Switch Malfunction

The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years 2005-2007 were among the 800,000 vehicles recalled by FCA due to a faulty ignition switch. Drivers were warned to take extreme precautions and avoid contact with the key until the ignition switch is replaced.

When the ignition switch malfunctions, the airbags, power steering, and power braking features of the vehicle may no longer function. Some drivers reported the engine stalling while traveling at highway speeds.

Drivers were warned to avoid contact with the key until the ignition switch is replaced. Jeep Grand Cherokee ignition switches cost between $15 and $100, not including labor.

Electronic Gear Shifter

The electronic shifter in the Grand Cherokee does not work intuitively, and it is easy to accidentally put it in the wrong gear. Using the parking brake can help to prevent rollaway accidents, but it is not foolproof.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration investigated the electronic shifters and concluded that they suffer from a poor design. Jeep recalled the model years in question to correct the problem.

Front Axle Oscillation

The Grand Cherokee’s coil-based suspension system has a lot of related parts, and the front end might suffer from the dreaded “death wobble”. An inspection of the front end might help you identify the exact cause of the death wobble.

Not Environment Friendly Engine

Jeep Grand Cherokee models built in 2014 and 2015 were not as environmentally friendly as advertised, because the engine used emissions software to defeat testing, and a fix is available to help the engine stay within federal guidelines for nitrogen oxide emissions.

Exposed Fuel Tank

The fuel tank on the Grand Cherokee is more exposed than the fuel tank on other vehicles, making it easier for a sedan or compact car to drive underneath the rear end and cause fuel to spill.

Defective Power Window

When power windows do not work as designed, they can become a big problem. They can let rain, snow, and hail enter the vehicle, and bugs can also enter.

Aluminum On Valve Stems

Even though aluminum has helped to make vehicles lighter in weight and more economical at the gas pump, but it has its limits and can be a mistake when used to make a particular part. Jeep owners have learned that the use of aluminum on valve stems was not a good move by Jeep.