2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,297 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 8th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 47 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 41 people were injured and 2 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignition, switchJul 21, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, drivers should adjust their seat to allow clearance between the driver's knee and the ignition key, and remove all items from their key ring, leaving only the vehicle key. Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, to July 5, 2007, and 2006-2007 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, to July 5, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.
If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the OFF or ACCESSORY position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. Chrysler sent interim notifications to owners in September 2014. The recall began on October 9, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P41.
Campaign 14V438000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, transfer case (4-wheel drive)May 7, 2013
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.
If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
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.
Campaign 13V175000 on NHTSA.gov
SuspensionJun 19, 2009
ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.
THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.
Campaign 09E039000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lightingApr 7, 2009
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/moduleSep 14, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE SOFTWARE PROGRAMMED INTO THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE MAY ALLOW A MOMENTARY DELAY IN BRAKING WHEN COASTING UP A HILL DURING CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ABS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WITH NEW SOFTWARE THAT PREVENTS THIS CONDITION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 07V434000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleAug 8, 2006
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE INFLATOR CONNECTOR FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ASSEMBLED.
THE AIR BAG MAY NOT INFLATE PROPERLY WHICH CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS.
DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG INFLATOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN THE WEEK OF AUGUST 2, 2006. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 06V295000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
755 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Jan 15, 2026
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 116,000, and after taking the vehicle to a certified mechanic, the Carfax report indicated that the actual mileage was 167,000. The contact had not reported the odometer fraud to another agency.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Dec 5, 2025
Vehicle will all of a sudden shut off with out warning while driving. It has shut off while in motion going about 25miles per hour . I hurry and put it in park and restart it. It has restarted every time. Sometime the lights on the dash will flash for a moment but has only done that 2 times out of the 10 that it has shut off while driving
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2024
Transmission not changing gears. Transmission control module issue
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 30, 2024
I am experiencing so many problems with my jeep. It shift out of gear then start shutting down. Lights appear all across the dash board. At times, I have difficulty in shifting gear.The clutch slip and I get this burning smell. Then engine light comes on. It slow to move after shifting it into the forward gear. Sometimes it doesn't move when I shift it into the forward gear. Then when it does, it start bucking and kicking while driving. It slows down even when you press the gas pedal. Lastly, I have major problem with my a/c. It runs cool for a second and then completely shut off.
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH and attempting to merge into traffic the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated; however, the vehicle coasted to a stop and all the electrical power had failed. The contact turned the ignition to the off position and waited before restarting the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The contact stated that the electrical failure and the vehicle stalling were intermittent at first, but have since become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the stalling and electrical failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V438000 (Electrical System). The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 6, 2023
The ignition I believe lost connection with the key fob. Multiple times while driving the vehicle will randomly just die. An when trying to start sometimes it does nothing unless you push key in a certain way.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Oct 27, 2023
While driving on the highway the entire car suddenly shut off, on three separate occasions. All the lights lit up on the dashboard then the car would not accelerate. I turned it off when I reached the shoulder, waited about a minute then turned the car on again. I am grateful my daughter and I are still alive. I've had it in the repair shop for a month. They replaced the brake system and dealt with grounding issues but, they cannot figure out why it keeps happening. This is a very serious issue and I see that others have complained about it. Yes, the car is old and has over 175,000 miles on it but I see that this is a common problem so it should be addressed.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 25, 2023
driving down the road my head lights with flicker on and off and its making the lights inside the jeep go on and off as well reported this awhile ago as well due to the face that tis is not safe while going down the road sometimes it will shut off on its own while driving and then it will come right back in like nothing happened
Electrical system, Engine, Jun 30, 2023
If vehicle sits for more then 8 hours you can drive it - but once the vehicle has been turned off Vehicle will not turn on for more then 5-10 seconds and will just turn off. Sometimes it says invalid key when it’s the primary key and not spares. Acts as if it has kill switch. Problem keeps happening constantly
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Fuel/propulsion system, May 6, 2022
The vehicle's gauges will turn off while driving randomly. The speedometer, odometer, tachometer, fuel gauge will all zero out for unspecified amounts of time. Sometimes 10 seconds, other times until the vehicle is started back up. This occurs when the vehicle is in motion. So, is very dangerous. Sometimes it causes the car to completely shut off and come back on. While shut off, the car sounds like it is struggling to continue its forward progress. This happens occasionally. Once the car corrects itself, the check engine light appears. After starting the car 2-3 times, the misfire corrects itself. I did a previous report related to the air bag light is on, but not sure if it is related with the same electrical problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2022
There wasn’t an accident while driving my vehicle (thank god). My key stopped working for my ignition. I had an ignition recall on my vehicle (as to what the dealership told me). My vehicle has now been with the dealership since around Christmas maybe even a little bit before that. They did my ignition recall as to what was wrong with the vehicle. So they say.. it was towed in because it would not turn over.. they gave me a new key and put in a “new ignition” and still would not turn over. The dealership said my key would not flash over with the computer? Also, stating I needed a new skim module. Which they stated that Chrysler discontinued that part. I was not offered a rental.. which is fine I guess.. I’m a single mother of two kids. It has now been about four months about. I have never had in my life had the problems that I do now. My job is about to fire me, completely. The problems that I have had getting my children to and from school and doctor appointments, etc. I’m really at a loss for words. My vehicle had no problem starting before the ignition - key - issue. I really don’t know what else to do.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Nov 2, 2021
While driving all dashboard and exterior lighting goes off and engine and brakes seem to be impacted. Possibly an ignition switch failure.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2021
The Jeep dealer replaced my ignition switch that was part of the 2014 ignition switch recall. My Jeep continues to lose power after successfully turning on. It will turn on for a less than one minute, all the lights on the dash board will turn on, and the engine will have sudden loss of power. It can take up to an hour to get it to turn back on without it losing power again. If driven after it turn on without waiting at least 2 minutes, the car will suddenly lose power while in drive. This has been happening on an almost daily basis since 2019, which resulted in it being parked in the driveway for 6 months for fear it would turn off while driving on the freeway.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2021
The ignition key switch does not work properly sometime I cannot even start the vehicle and sometimes going down the road the vehicle just cuts off with no warning whatsoever , I just got the vehicle and was not told by the dealership that the vehicle had this problem, had I known I wouldn't have bought it,, are there any recalls on this vehicle about this problem ? It needs to be fixed its very unsafe , Thank you
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2021
WHEN PUTTING THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE IT WILL LIGHT UP AND SAY IT IS IN EVERY SINGLE GEAR AND RUNS IN A VERY HIGH GEAR AND WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF THAT GEAR
Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 9, 2021
DURING ROUTINE VISITS TO MY NEIGHBORHOOD SUPERMARKET, I'VE NOTICED WHILE DRIVING THE RPM METER WAS GOING UP AND DOWN AT A STAND-STILL. NOW THE VEHICLE WAS MAINTENANCE REGULARLY AND I HAVE HAD ISSUES BEFORE I'VE REPLACED THE EGR VALVE, THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR, SPARK PLUGS, PCV VALVE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER, A/C COMPRESSOR EVEN REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE TRUCK ALSO SEEMS TO LACK POWER EITHER THAT BEING AN OLD SOFTWARE THAT IT IS USING OR THE OVERALL DRIVETRAIN IS JUST ABYSMAL. THERE ALSO SEEMS TO BE A LOUD THUD THAT COMES FROM DIRECTLY UNDER THE VEHICLE WHEN ENGAGING P R N & D. EITHER THE BUSHINGS ARE WORN OR THE DRIVESHAFT IS WORN. THE TRUCK HAS BEEN MULTI POINT CHECKED AT A LOCAL CDJ DEALERSHIP AND IT PASSED. ALSO THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED ON A RECALL. GOING AT LOW RPMS, I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN GOING FROM 15-30 MPH THERE SEEMS TO BE A DELAY IN TRAVEL AS THE TRUCK WILL SEEM TO BE LAGGING OR WANTS TO SLOW DOWN WHEN MY FOOT ISN'T ON THE ACCELERATOR. WHEN IN MOTION, GOING AROUND 60-80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE A MODERATE SHAKE AS IN IT VIBRATES FROM THE UNDERCARRIAGE INTO THE CABIN AREA. IT WILL FEEL LIKE YOU'RE ON A ROLLERCOASTER AND THE VEHICLE IS JUST RUMBLING DOWN THE ROAD. IT FEELS SAFE AT TIMES, BUT WHEN THE 'SERVICE 4WD' LIGHT APPEARS IT BECOMES ALMOST FRIGHTENING TO DRIVE THE TRUCK AS IT REQUIRES MORE ATTENTION THEN ANY OTHER VEHICLE I'VE ENCOUNTERED. ALSO GOING BACK TO THE LAG, YOU'LL HEAR A CHAIN-LIKE SOUND AS IF THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS AN ISSUE. I'VE GOTTEN MOST OF THE FRONT-END REPLACED: TIRE-RODS, BALL-JOINTS, CV-SHAFTS/AXLES, STRUTS, STABILIZER LINKS AND MORE. NOW WHEN TURNING THE TRUCK, THERE SEEMS TO BE A LACK OF POWER AS WELL. I HAD THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR TESTED AND THEY BOTH CAME BACK GOOD. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT INTERNALLY THE TRUCK JUST WASN'T MEANT TO HOLD UP.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 14, 2021
WHEN DRIVING THE DASH LIGHTS WILL COME ON HEATER STOPS WORKING MAKING IT UNSAFE
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2020
WHEN THE LIGHTING BOLT CAME ON MY CAR WENT LIMP IT ALMOST CAUSED A MAJOR WRECK ON THE HIGHWAY
Electrical system, May 11, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ALL INSTRUMENTATION, GAUGES, AND WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF AS IF YOU ARE STARTING THE VEHICLE UP. DURING THIS ELECTRICAL 'FIT' THE HEATER FAN STOPS, ALL BELLS AND WHISTLES ALSO CLICK AND CHIME. FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED THE VEHICLE STALLED SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING DRIVEWAY, I ROLLED TO THE CURB, PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT OFF KEY THEN RESTARTED. NO ISSUES FOR WEEKS UNTIL IT HAPPENED AGAIN, THIS TIME UNDER POWER AT SPEED ON HIGHWAY LOST ALL LIGHTS AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS, BUT VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN. SOMETIMES THE ELECTRICAL FIT SELF-CORRECTS, OTHER TIMES YOU MUST SHUT OFF AND RESTART TO CLEAR ISSUE. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP SEVERAL TIMES BUT ON EACH OCCASION THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE ISSUE. ON ONE TRIP THEY BLAMED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND REPLACED IT AS PART OF RECALL, BUT THE ISSUE CONTINUES TO HAPPEN. NEXT VISIT THEY BLAMED THE AFTERMARKET REMOTE STARTER WHICH HAS BEEN IN THE VEHICLE SINCE BOUGHT. BUT TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY, I BYPASSED THE REMOTE STARTER FOR MONTHS AND ISSUE STILL HAPPENED. HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY SO I SEARCHED ON-LINE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR ISSUES REPORTED. ONE REPORT POINTED ME HERE TO FIND MANY SIMILAR OFFICIAL REPORTS SO ADDING MINE HERE. DANGEROUS WHEN ON HIGHWAY AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT MIGHT LEAVE YOU WITHOUT POWER. FRUSTRATING TO SEE SO MANY OTHERS HAVE SAME/SIMILAR ISSUE AND JEEP/CHRYSLER DOING NOTHING ABOUT IT. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 29, 2020
DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 60MPH - ALL MY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS STARTED FLASHING, THE CAR LOSS ALL POWER AND TURNED ITSELF OFF. I WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE CAR TO SHOULDER. PUT BACK IN PARK AND 2007 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE DROVE THE REST OF THE TRIP (10 MILES) WITH NO OTHER ISSUES. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! THANKFUL THERE WAS NOT MUCH TRAFFIC WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 7, 2020
HAVE HAS TO REPLACE WATER PUMP 4 TIMES FOR LEAKING. REPLACED 2 POWER STEERING PUMPS. TRANSMISSION AND SLIPPED AND CHIRPED SINCE I BOUGHT IT. NOTICED METAL SHAVING IN MY OIL.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 21, 2020
THE VEHICLE'S GAUGES WILL TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING RANDOMLY. THE SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER, TACHOMETER, FUEL GAUGE WILL ALL ZERO OUT FOR UNSPECIFIED AMOUNTS OF TIME. SOMETIMES 10 SECONDS, OTHER TIMES UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS STARTED BACK UP. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. SOMETIMES IT CAUSES THE CAR TO COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND COME BACK ON. WHILE SHUT OFF, THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT IS STRUGGLING TO CONTINUE ITS FORWARD PROGRESS. THIS HAPPENS EVERY COUPLE THOUSAND MILES (2-3 MONTHS APART). ONCE THE CAR CORRECTS ITSELF, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARS. AFTER STARTING THE CAR 2-3 TIMES, THE MISFIRE CORRECTS ITSELF AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS OFF.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 11, 2020
MY VEHICLE CUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING SOME DAY'S ON THE HIGHWAY AND HANDLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IS BROKEN SO I CAN'T GET OUT OF TRUCK WITHOUT PUTTING WINDOW DOWN AND OPENING FROM THE OUTSIDE LIFT GATE GLASS COMES OPEN ON IT OWN AND IT SPEED AND RPM GOES UP ON IT OWN WITH THE CAR CRANKED AND NOT BEING DRIVEN
Steering, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Dec 16, 2019
I HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE ISSUE FOR YEARS NOW. AT ONE POINT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WAS REPLACED AT THE LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER. THE ISSUE I HAVE IS IDENTICAL TO THE ONE IN THE LINK ATTACHED. UP UNTIL A FEW WEEKS AGO, I LIVED WITH IT. NOW THE ISSUE HAS TURNED DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT ALSO AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AND TURN. WHEN THE BRAKES SEEMED COMPROMISED, I TOOK THE JEEP IN FOR REPAIR BUT THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I PICKED IT UP LAST WEEK FROM THE REPAIR SHOP AND TODAY IT WAS THE POWER STEERING THAT WENT OUT ALONG WITH THE USUAL DASH PANEL FUNCTION GOING OUT. I REALIZE THAT THIS IS AN OLDER JEEP BUT IT SEEMS CHRYSLER SHOULD STILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VEHICLE SAFETY. HTTPS://WWW.MCALL.COM/NEWS/WATCHDOG/MC-JEEP-CHEROKEE-DASHBOARD-SHUTOFF-IGNITION-RECALL-WATCHDOG-20141213-COLUMN.HTML THIS ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE EXACT ISSUES I HAVE SEEN REPEATEDLY. NOW THAT THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ASSIST HAVE BOTH HAPPENED OVER THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS WHILE DRIVING (SUPPOSEDLY FIXED BY THE IGNITION SWITCH RECALL), THIS JEEP IS TOO DANGEROUS TO BE ON THE ROAD.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 3, 2019
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE GRAND CHEROKEE HAS SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE LOSES ALL POWER, LOSES POWER STEERING AND BRAKES CAUSING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. DASH LIGHTS ALL GO OUT. UPON RESTART, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ON BUT VEHICLE FUNCTIONS AGAIN.