10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,204 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 2 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #85

Aug 012016

Grand Cherokee

  • 155,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving at freeway speeds (approximately 75mph) the vehicle intermittently stalled several times and twice in 1-hr it completely shutdown. The motor lost all power. It requires a complete restart of the vehicle. The key must be turned to the off position and restarted. It has done this several times before. It seams to happen under a load or while accelerating or pulling a hill. It has happened in high traffic circumstances and has at times been difficult and dangerous to pull to the side of the road. I've taken it to Jeep to have it repaired. They apparently have a star case number S1218000003 in which they say to change the spark plugs. This seems like a dangerous situation to put consumers in.

- Washington, UT, USA

problem #84

Apr 142016

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 84,000 miles
I was driving 15 to 20 minutes from home and my check engine came on. I immediately took it to my local gas station (25 yrs relationship) and the car stalled while close to the station losing all steering power. The owner took a look and said give me 24hrs to diagnose. The next day he showed me what happened....the water-pump internal bearing has broken causing the shaft to move back and forth causing the internal water-pump flywheel to break apart. This caused the water pump to dump all the coolant on the ground within 15 to 20 minutes. Final diagnosis was the engine seized due to lack of coolant pumping thru the engine. A new engine was the only solution. I can understand the water-pump having minor leaks with gradual leakage...this would have been caught by the puddles under the engine but not the rapid drainage I experienced. I reach out to Jeep hotline.... told the story and was willing to provide photos and physical parts for their qa and rd department to evaluate for design flaw. They were not interested and told me sorry out of warranty...and gave me no support or directions to send photos or physical parts. I'm concerned about other drivers who may experience this situation where death and injury may occur. I tried to attach 5 photo below...let me know if all 5 came thru. Thanks for your support. Remember all the failure was inside the sealed water-pump so corrosion and potential external rust issue was not a factor. Thanks in advance.......[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- West Chester, OH, USA

problem #83

Mar 102016

Grand Cherokee

  • 86,100 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 20 mph, the contact attempted to make a left turn and the vehicle shut down and the steering wheel locked up. The failure recurred several times. The check engine oil light illuminated. In each case, the vehicle restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the solenoid and the harness, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall associated with the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 86,100.

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #82

Feb 032016

Grand Cherokee

  • 76,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When stationary the car often does not start, jiggling around battery will sometimes start, also when in motion the car has stalled, this occurred in busy city road. We have been to the dealers service shops to receive recall fix and inspections 3 times and they say nothing is wrong

- Milton, GA, USA

problem #81

Nov 282015

Grand Cherokee

  • 81,400 miles
Car randomly shuts off for unknown reason. So far only while stationary in traffic.idle rpms drop suddenly causing car to stall. Vehicle can be restarted no lights or code indications.has occurred 3 times over 3 months dealer cleaned fuel system. Problem still exists

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #80

Dec 052015

Grand Cherokee

  • 127,232 miles
My 2008 Grand Cherokee will not start at all. Dash light up but will not turn over. Battery in new. Starter tested and ok. Win recall was performed. 4WD software updates were performed. Over the past year the vehicle has had multiple no start/no crank issues. After few hours or days, it will turn over. Vehicles is always parked/not moving when this occurs. The dealer wants me to pay out of pocket for the tow for a diagnostic test. If the test does not show anything, I pay another $120 for the diag and have to pay for tow elsewhere. Jeep customer service is useless. I pay monthly payment and insurance for a driveway ornament.

- Tobyhanna, PA, USA

problem #79

Nov 252015

Grand Cherokee

  • 103,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 25 mph, steam emitted from underneath the hood. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. There were no flames visible and the fire department was not called to the scene. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a leak coming from the radiator that caused internal damage to the engine. The engine would need to be replaced for the second time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Odessa, FL, USA

problem #78

Nov 012014

Grand Cherokee

  • 60,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it would not start without warning. The contact discovered that the clip that connected the solenoid to the starter became detached. The contact had to push the clip back onto the solenoid in order to start the vehicle. The contact sustained burns to his hand that did not require medical attention. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed that the starter wiring harness and clip had to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

problem #77

Nov 102015

Grand Cherokee

  • 76,000 miles
I was traveling on montrose parkway in rockville, md. I was traveling at about 45mph. I approached a slight bend to the left that had a slight decline. I lost control on debris that was left over from an accident earlier that morning. I struck and went over the curb with the right side of my vehicle. I went head on into a steel light post incased in a concert footer. The vehicle sustained very extensive damage to the front end. The airbags did not deploy during the collision. This is a very major concern to me because this could have turned out way worse, but I was very, very lucky to be able to only sustain bruising. This vehicle was a total loss.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #76

Oct 072015

Grand Cherokee

  • 121,000 miles
The vehicle shuts off for no apparent reason with no warning. It has happened multiple times. Sometimes while in reverse, sometimes while in drive and sometimes while moving from reverse to drive. It has happened at low speeds and at speeds up to 30 mph. Sometimes the vehicle won't let you shift to park to restart it. There are no indicator lights when it happens. Very scary as its happening more frequently. It has happened in dry and wet conditions, on residential and city streets. All indications are that ithe cause is the same as other Fiat Chrysler recalls fir the 2008 Grand Cherokee though ours is not on a recall list.

- Clarkston, MI, USA

problem #75

Sep 162015

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

For several months my vehicle has been shutting off while I am driving due to the key fob popping out of place. I went to the dealer in January 2015 and was told the part is not ready and to call for an update. I have called and been back several times only to be placed on a waiting list. I have been contacting them and getting the same response the part is not available. On 9/16/2015 while operating the vehicle I noticed the navigation/radio console start to pixilate and become inoperable then the console blacked out, after that the entire dash board lit up and I received several system warnings (service gauges, park assist disabled, check sensors, service suspension, my engine light and wipers came on, I was unable to signal, use my lights or turn off the wipers) all of this happened while I was driving. I made a right turn into the parking lot out of fear at this time I heard the key fob pop back and the car completely powered down and I was unable to break because the brakes locked up. The parking lot was semi-empty so I was able to maneuver until is rolled to a stop. I thought I was going to die. I need a resolution now, I still have two years worth of payments left and I want this problem resolved.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #74

Mar 282015

Grand Cherokee

  • 81,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at approximately 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

- Elsobrante, CA, USA

problem #73

Sep 012015

Grand Cherokee

  • 69,000 miles
9/1/15 at approximately 8:20 P.M. unintended change in ignition switch to the off position resulting in engine shutdown, electrical and power steering completely shutdown/lock. Collision averted by pulling resting 45 degree angle against the curb. Engine restarted thereafter. T/C to another dealership (this time downtown los angeles) and I am glad to report an appointment for this coming Friday, 9/4/15.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #72

Sep 022010

Grand Cherokee

  • 20,000 miles
Multiple incidents of unintended change in ignition switch position to the off position, resulting in engine shutdown, electrical and power steering completely shutdown/lock. First occurrence (approximately 2010) was during a left-hand turn, which nearly caused a multiple vehicle accident. Constant airbag light warning. Multiple other occurrences since then, resulting in multiple calls to dealer and contact to 1800 numbers provided. Fac P57/NHTSA 14V-567 important safety recall notice received and dealer again contacted. However, I was advised that the ignition is no longer in production and there is no way of knowing if/when the part will become available. Accordingly, no repair/remedy can be made. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #71

Aug 242015

Grand Cherokee

  • 106,000 miles
Went to get in my car to go to work and it wouldn't start. I assumed it was just a battery. So I called aaa to jump me. He advised that your key should not wiggle when in the ignition. He was 90% sure that was the cause for my battery issue. He jumped me so I could get to the garage to have it tested to see if it was a battery or another issue because he didn't want to replace battery if that is the issue because it would drain it again. I went.8 of a mile and was stopped in traffic and all the lights started flashing on the dash and it went dead. Called again to get jumped. I went 5 feet and it staled out again. He had me towed to dealership because he thinks it is part of the recall. Went to dealership, they couldn't give me a loaner and told me if part of recall it would take 3-4 weeks to get the part. I don't have another car. Next day called on it and eventually was advised that it was the ignition recall but I had to pay for the battery. I don't feel I should have to pay for that because it was drained because of the product recall. Next day- drove 15 miles and the check engine light came on. Took it back and the dealership doesn't know what is wrong. I didn't get the notice of recall until 08/24/15 at 3:00 in the mail. It was released in 2014, why am I just getting it now. I could have been killed in it because of this recall. If I would have been on the highway and it just stopped, I would have been killed. There is something majorly wrong with these Jeep and the way people send out these recalls.

- Annville , PA, USA

problem #70

Apr 052015

Grand Cherokee

  • 100,000 miles
Chrysler has a recall for my 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee for the ignition switch P57/NHTSA 14V-567. The part is not available to repair my vehicle and they do not have an estimated or actual date this part will be in. Chrysler refuses to accommodate the customers with a loaner vehicle. Why is Chrysler not accountable for my car troubles after the recall (which I never received a recall notice)? the government fined Chrysler 70 million dollars and will fine additional monies if the vehicles are not repaired. Why am I suffering and not being accommodated with a working vehicle when the billion dollar industry (Chrysler) has a mishap? my experience: - when vehicle ignition is turned off it only goes the way, the key fob sticks and will not exit. This causes the radio clock light and the gear shift panel to stay lit, which in turn drains the battery. (had to purchase a jump start kit $70 + tax) for when the battery is dead. -since, the key will not exit the ignition I must leave my work area at least twice a day (sometimes more) to check, if the key fob will come out. Once it took 11 hours before key would exit, after running the engine for over 3 hours. I am in jeopardy of losing my livelihood if this issue continues for much longer. It has been going on for months. The recall started November, 2014. How long will I suffer, because I dont have money to purchase a different vehicle and why does this always affect the most unfortunate individuals like me. -there is a 90% chance that my vehicle will be stolen (since key is left in the ignition). I work in durham, nc on the week-end; I pray that I will be able to get back to raleigh if this happens. I cry most nights in fear of losing my jobs. Please, help me!!!!!!

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #69

Aug 052015

Grand Cherokee

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the engine did not start. The vehicle was towed to dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #68

Jan 082015

Grand Cherokee

  • 92,000 miles
The vehicle failed to turn off as the key remained between the off and accessory position. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. This appears to be hazardous and needs to be addressed.

- Suwanee, GA, USA

problem #67

Nov 102014

Grand Cherokee

  • 78,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system); however, the part to do the repair was not available. While driving approximately 70 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The failure recurred multiple times. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide the part for the repair. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.

- Rancho Palo Verdes, CA, USA

problem #66

Oct 082012

Grand Cherokee

  • 82,300 miles
I have had my Jeep gc lockup. This happened 8 times since late Oct. 2012. The conditions are as follows. The engine stops, I have no control, no brakes or steering. 2 times I was driving one of the two I ran into a post. This put a big dent and scratch on my car. The first time this happened I was in a parking lot. In order for me to get the car stated I had to force the key to move. I called Chrysler 3 times. They put me on the rush list. This was over a year or 2 ago. They won' even talk to me anymore. Once I was doing 70 mph on the expressway. The engine just stopped and I had no control other than braking, but there was no braking assist. I got a recall letter from Chrysler about 2 years ago. And still noting what is going on?

- Jenison, MI, USA

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