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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,297

Of the 2006 reports, 47 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 41 people were injured and 2 people died.

Primary concernElectrical system755 reports · 58% of complaints
Owner complaints1,297Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship6 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system755
  2. Power train175
  3. Engine124
  4. Structure120
  5. Other or unspecified73
  6. Service brakes72
  7. Exterior lighting64
  8. Air bags60

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

1,297 reports, newest first.

  1. Engine and engine cooling, Oct 4, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER STALLING, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DUPLICATED THE PROBLEM, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE STALLING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED.

  2. Vehicle speed control, Oct 2, 2006, crash

    AN EMPLOYEE OF MINE AT MY FULL SERVICE CARWASH GOT INTO A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND AFTER SHE STARTED IT AND PUT IT IN GEAR THE VEHICLE TOOK OFF AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER CUSTOMER VEHICLE. *JB

  3. Air bags, Sep 28, 2006

    SAFETY RECALL F39 ON VEHICLE 6C357905. I HAVE CALLED AND LEFT MESSAGES OVER FOUR WEEKS FOR THE SERVICE TEAM TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. NO ONE RETURNS MY CALLS AND WHEN I CALL BACK, THEY SEND ME RIGHT TO THE MACHINE. *NM

  4. Tires, Sep 26, 2006

    I OWN A 2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE VEHICLE CAME NEW FROM FACTORY WITH GOODYEAR TIRES: WRANGLER SR-A 245-65R-17. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE HIGHWAY AND ONE OF THE REAR TIRES BLEW OUT. CALLED GOODYEAR AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. THEY CREATED A FILE (#860902) AND REFERRED ME TO THE NEAREST TIRE STORE NEAR MY HOME. AN INSPECTION OF THE TIRE BY THE STORE REVEALED NO ROAD HAZARD DAMAGE. THE TIRE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. GOODYEAR REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TIRE AND ONLY OFFERED A 56% REIMBURSEMENT ON THE COST OF THE TIRE (NOT LABOR OR INSTALLATION). THE JEEP WAS PURCHASED NEW IN JANUARY 2006 AND ONLY HAD 13,000 MILES WITH 30% TREAD WEAR. DECIDED TO PURCHASE THE REPLACEMENT TIRE FROM WWW.TIRERACK.COM. MAILED THE INVOICE TO GOODYEAR TODAY. HOPE TO RECEIVE A REFUND SOON. STILL AM VERY DISAPPOINTED THEY WON'T REFUND 100% OF THE COST OF THE TIRE. IN ADDITION, ALSO WORRYING IF THE REMAINING TIRES ON THE CAR WILL FOLLOW THE SAME PATTERN AND BLOW UP. THE BLOWN-UP TIRE REVEALED 7 DOUGHNUT SHAPED HOLES ON THE SIDE. *NM

  5. Power train, Sep 19, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING 17 MPH DOWN A CURVY MOUNTAIN ROAD IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE LOW, THE VEHICLE JUMPED OUT OF LOW GEAR AND SPED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN AFTER THE RPM'S REACHED 1800. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THE HEMI ENGINE WAS DESIGNED TO JUMP OUT A GEAR TO CONSERVE GAS.

  6. Power train, Sep 14, 2006

    MY 2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE HAS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND PLACED INTO REVERSE, ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE JUMPED APPROX. 15 FEET BACKWARDS. ALSO, ONE TIME WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, SITTING IN TRAFFIC, THE ENGINE REVVED ON IT'S OWN AND IT JUMPED FORWARD APPROX 15 FEET. IN ALL THREE INCIDENCES, THE BRAKES WHERE DEPRESSED AND WHERE NOT ABLE TO HOLD THE VEHICLE BACK. THE BRAKES HAD TO BE RELEASED AND THEN RE-APPLIED TO GET IT TO STOP. *NM

  7. Exterior lighting, Sep 4, 2006

    THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS ON 2006 GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLES IS MUCH TOO STRONG AND BLINDING, LEAVING SURROUNDING DRIVERS POTENTIALLY LESS APT TO REACT SAFELY TO CHANGING DRIVING CONDITIONS. THESE ARE DRL LIGHTS, NOT NORMAL OR HIGH BEAMS. ALL VEHICLES ARE THE SAME, I HAVE VERIFIED. *NM

  8. Electrical system, Aug 28, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, WHEN THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WAS GENTLY PRESSED, THE IGNITION SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ALERTED.

  9. Engine and engine cooling, Aug 26, 2006

    2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 65TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION: 15 DAYS OFF THE LOT WHEN WHILE DRIVING 15-20 MPH ENGINE COMPLETELY DIED. I COULD NOT STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR ANY INDICATION OF A PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED "MAJOR INTERNAL ENGINE FAILURE" AND REPLACED WITH NEW ENGINE. ABOUT 4 MONTHS LATER RATTLING SOUND TURNED OUT TO BE CATALYTIC CONVERTER THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. STILL WAITING FOR THE PART. SUV STILL DOES NOT DRIVE 100%. SOMETIMES WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THE TRUCK DOES NOT RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. *JB

  10. Seats, Jul 30, 2006, crash

    I AND ONE PASSENGER WERE INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING A 2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. I WAS STOPPED AND WAS HIT FROM BEHIND AND THEN WAS PUSHED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY PASSENGER IMMEDIATELY COMPLAINED OF HER LEFT CALF HURTING HER. WE LOOKED TO SEE WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS PAIN--IT WAS THE ADJUSTMENT BAR LOCATED UNDER THE SEAT. THE ADJUSTMENT BAR IS LARGE AND STICKS OUT FROM UNDER THE SEAT. I FELT THAT IT SHOULD NOT BE STICKING OUT SO MUCH. I CONTACTED THE CAR COMPANY (DAIMLER-CHYRSLER). THEY HAD SOMEONE INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THEY SENT ME A LETTER BACK STATING THAT I DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY AIR BAG AND SENT A BROCHURE ON AIR BAGS. I NEVER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE AIR BAG. THEY MENTIONED IN ONE SENTENCE AT THE END THAT THE ADJUSTER BAR WAS NOT DAMAGED AND OPERATED PROPERLY. MY CONCERN IS THAT I PURCHASED AN SUV TO FEEL SAFE AND THE ADJUSTER BAR CAUSED DAMAGE??? THE MANUFACTURER FAILED IN UNDERSTANDING THE PROBLEM WHEN I VOICED MY COMPLAINT AND FAILED IN PROVIDING A SAFE VEHICLE. THE ADJUSTER BAR CAUSED A HUGE BRUISE THAT WAS VISIBLE FOR 2 WEEKS. AND STILL 2 AND HALF MONTHS LATER THERE IS STILL PAIN. THE COMPANY SHOULD NOT BE SO QUICK TO DISMISS COMPLAINTS AND SHOULD ACTUALLY READ THE COMPLAINT AND UNDERSTAND IT. THE DESIGN OF THE ADJUSTER BAR NEEDS TO BE EXAMINED AS TO NOT CAUSE INJURY TO OTHERS IN THE FUTURE. *JB

  11. Child seat, Jul 10, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED AFTER HAVING THE CHILD SEAT INSTALLED BY THE POLICE THE BASE DETACHED AND THE HANDLE BECAME LOOSE WITH SCREWS FALLING OUT. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

  12. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Air bags, Jun 27, 2006

    MY WIFE AND I PURCHASED A 2006 JEEP WK 4X4 ON FEB 20 2006. AS SOON AS WE LEFT THE DEALERSHIP WITH 150 MILES ON IT THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED. ABOUT 1 WEEK AFTER THE REPAIRS THEY MALFUNCTIONED AGAIN AND WHERE FIXED AGAIN ONLY TO MALFUNCTION 2 MORE TIMES AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS AND CLEARED THE CODES. AT THE 3000 MILE SERVICE THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK ON THE FRONT CRANK SEAL WHICH WAS REPLACED. IT HAS ALSO BEEN IN THE SHOP 5 TIMES DUE TO AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT IN WHICH CASE THERE WAS A MULTIPLE CYLINDER MISFIRE, THE DEALERSHIP SAID THERE WHERE NO PROBLEMS AND CLEARED THE CODE EVERY TIME ONLY FOR IT TO COME BACK ON. I JUST PICKED MY VEHICLE UP FROM THE DEALER AGAIN BECAUSE THE CRANK PULLEY AND DAMPENER WHERE WOBBLING REAL BAD AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN FOR THE SAME REASON. ALL REPAIRS WHERE MADE AND AFTER I LEFT THE DEALERSHIP 15 MILES DOWN THE ROAD THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS WHEN I'M STOPPED AND SHIFTS REAL HARD. THE DEALERSHIP SAID ITS FINE AND THERE IS NOW EVIDENCE OF THAT. ALL THESE INCIDENTS ARE ONGOING SINCE THE DAY IT WAS PURCHASED. *JB

  13. Electrical system, Jun 15, 2006

    2006 GRAND CHEROKEE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN WHEN THE DRIVER GENTLY GRAZES THE IGNITION SWITCH. *KB THE IGNITION SWITCH IS LOCATED LOW ON THE VEHICLE'S DASHBOARD RATHER THAN ON THE VEHICLE'S STEERING COLUMN, WHERE IS HAS BEEN LOCATED ON PREVIOUS MODELS. THE SWITCH'S NEW LOCATION RESULTED IN FREQUENT CONTACT WITH THE DRIVER'S KNEE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE DRIVER IS MOVING HIS OR HER FOOT FROM THE THROTTLE TO THE BRAKE. *NM

  14. Electrical system, May 24, 2006, crash

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 25-30MPH, THE KEY WAS SLIGHTLY TAPPED, THE IGNITION TURNED OFF, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO HIT A TREE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER WERE ALERTED AND DETERMINED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED AT THE SCENE.

  15. Structure, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2006

    TWO ISSUES. 1. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS ON THE VEHICLE ARE NOT DESIGNED TO STAY OPEN. THEY RETURN WITH EXCESSIVE FORCE AND HAVE DINGED ANKLES SEVERAL TIMES. ANYONE MORE FRAIL WILL HAVE A CRACKED ANKLE. 2. THE HORN IS TOO DIFFICULT TO ACTIVATE. *NM

  16. Power train, Apr 26, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE MADE A BANGING NOISE AS THE GEARS SHIFTED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INSPECTED THE VEHICLE TWICE, BUT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, IT WOULD IDLE VERY LOW AND EVENTUALLY CUT OFF. UPDATED 05/30/06. *JB

  17. Electrical system, Apr 13, 2006

    DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE IGNITION SWITCH CAME OFF 4 TIMES WHILE DRIVING DUE TO LIGHT CONTACT FROM CONTACT'S RIGHT KNEE. BOTH THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. UPDATED 05/16/2006 - A COMPLAINT WAS REGISTERED WITH DAIMLER/CHRYSLER, AND CONTACT MET WITH THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE DEALERSHIP. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP ALREADY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD THE GENERAL MANGER THAT THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY KEY CHAINS. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT HAD REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE KEY CHAIN AND STILL EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERATIVE THE CONTACT HAD TO TRADE IT IN AND EXPERIENCED A HUGE FINANCIAL LOSS. *AK *NM

  18. Power train, Apr 1, 2006

    2005 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE 6 CYL CAR WAS IN TRAFFIC STARTED MOVING TO 25-30 MPH THEN CAR STARTED BUCKING , LOOSING POWER AS I APPLIED MY FOOT ON PEDAL, NO SIGNS OF OVER HEATING (GAUGE WAS LESS THAN 1/2 MARK OF C/AND H.. MOVED FROM LEFT LANE TO SHOULDER WITH CAR RUNNING IT BASICALLY WAS MOVING AT 5 MPH AS I APPLIED MY FOOT ON GAS. ONCE IN PARK IT IDLED WITH SOME SHAKING , I TRIED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CAR IN DRIVE THE CAR WENT REVERSE, I CALLED FOR HELP AND THE NYSDOT WITNESSED THE CAR GO IN REVERSE WITH THE CAR IN DRIVE. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. 12,000 MILES. FALL OF 2005 I HAD BROUGHT THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE AS I FELT THAT THE CAR WASN'T GOING INTO THE PROPER GEARS ALMOST NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY LACK OF POWER,DEALER COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING........ *NM

  19. Electrical system, Mar 9, 2006

    2006 GRAND CHEROKEE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. *TS WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE VEHICLE IGNITION SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WHEN THE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THE PROBLEM WAS THE RESULT OF THE LOCATION OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. IT WAS ONLY ON INCH ABOVE THE CONSUMER'S KNEE CAP WHEN HIS FOOT WAS ON THE THROTTLE. WHEN HE LIFTED HIS FOOT OFF THE THROTTLE TO APPLY THE BRAKE HIS KNEE WOULD TOUCH THE KEY AND THE IGNITION WOULD SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS A RENTAL. *NM

  20. Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Mar 2, 2006, crash

    2005 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO. 8 PM. TURNING RIGHT INTO MY DRIVEWAY, FOOT ON BRAKE, SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION OCCURRED, CAR RACED DOWN STEEP DRIVEWAY, ROARING, I TURNED IT UPHILL INTO TREES, AND IT WAS STOPPED BY TREES. STILL REVVING LOUDLY UNTIL KEY TURNED OFF. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. FRONT END PRETTY SMASHED UP. *NM

  21. Electrical system, Feb 3, 2006

    THIS CONCERNS AN UNSAFE DESIGN OF SUV. I RENTED A 2006 JEEP CHEROKEE IN JAN. 2006 FROM AVIS RENTAL CAR COMPANY. I AM A FREQUENT RENTER AND RENT A WIDE VARIETY OF AUTOS. I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WHEN THE JEEP ALL OF A SUDDEN WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. BEING A VERY EXPERIENCED DRIVER I LOOKED AT THE RPM GAUGE AND NOTICED THAT THE RPM WAS ON "0?? INDICATING THE JEEP WAS NOT RUNNING. THE RADIO WAS STILL PLAYING (AS THIS IS A FEATURE COMMONLY AVAILABLE THAT THE RADIO WILL PLAY AFTER THE AUTO IS SWITCHED UNTIL THE DOOR IS OPENED). I SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTARTED THE JEEP. IT WAS NOT UNTIL LATTER THAT DAY THAT I REALIZED WHAT HAD HAPPEN BECAUSE IT HAPPENS AGAIN. IN THE CHEROKEE, THE KEY SWITCH IS LOCATED LOW IN THE DASH FACING THE DRIVER. THIS LOCATION OF THE KEY SWITCH AND THE COMBINATION OF A LARGE KEY WITH A SELF-CONTAINED REMOTE ELECTRONIC DOOR OPENER MAKE IT POSSIBLE THAT THE TOP OF MY KNEE COULD HIT THE KEY SWITCH AND EFFECTIVELY SWITCH OFF THE AUTO WHILE IN MOTION. I WAS ABLE TO ASSET THE PROBLEM AND REACT ACCORDINGLY BUT IF HAD BEEN MY WIFE OR MY 17 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT OTHER WISE WOULD HAVE BEEN UNEXPLAINABLE. WITH THE AUTO SWITCHED OFF MANY OF THE AUTO'S SYSTEMS DO NOT WORK. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AS COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE!!! *NM

  22. Electrical system, Dec 28, 2005

    RENTED 2006 JEEP CHEROKEE AT AIRPORT. DURING TWO STOPS AT INTERSECTIONS I REACHED TO SWITCH RADIO STATIONS AND ACCIDENTALLY AND LIGHTLY BRUSHED THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THEY SWITCHED TO "ACC" AND THE VEHICLE TURNED OFF. WHEN I SAY "LIGHTLY BRUSHED" I MEAN JUST THAT. I WASN'T EVEN AWARE OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED UNTIL THE SECOND INCIDENT. TWO THINGS APPEAR DEFECTIVE: THE PLACEMENT OF THE IGNITION AND THE FACT THAT JUST A LIGHT TOUCH TURNS THE KEY OFF. HAD I DONE THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY BEEN INOPERABLE AND A DANGEROUS SITUATION WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. *NM