2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 733 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 23 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 10 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, ignitionSep 17, 2014
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.
If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. 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 and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
Campaign 14V567000 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
Electrical systemFeb 6, 2008
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,338 MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND COMMANDER VEHICLES. THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.
THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR NOT TO START AND/OR CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ENGINE STALLING OR INOPERATIVE WIPERS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 08V059000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperSep 12, 2007
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS IN A CERTAIN LOT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM GRAY IRON INSTEAD OF DUCTILE IRON AS DESIGNED AND COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.
THIS WOULD INCREASE THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO SEE IF THEY FALL INTO THIS LOT AND, IF SO, WILL REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 07V415000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
40 reports, newest first. Show all
Air bags, Feb 7, 2026
Driver's steering wheel airbag malfunctioned and deployed unexpectedly while backing into a parking space. Safety of passengers through potential of bodily injury and car crash due to lack of sight and sudden explosion/deployment of airbag while car is actively being driven could have been causedby this malfunction. Various incidents of this safety issue have been reported, but no recalls have been officiated yet for this specific year and model. Vehicle has not inspected yet, it just occurred this morning. Insurance was notified, but said it needed to be inspected by a mechanic or dealership. Airbag light came on today for the first time while driving home and then airbag malfunctioned/deployed while parking.
Air bags, Aug 8, 2024
While driving down the interstate at approximately 75mph to 80 mph, the driver side air bag curtain deployed with no warning or indication. There was no impact or bump in the road to cause vibration or a false signal to trigger the activation of the air curtain. I was simply driving the vehicle as normal when it deployed. When the airbags deployed, it caused me to swerve due to fear of the load noise, physical impact of air curtain, and visual interference. Fortunately, there was no traffic in the adjacent lanes, and I was able to get to the shoulder of the interstate. After I assessed the situation and calmed my nerves I navigated to my destination under the risk of visual impedance on the driver side. Emergency services was not contacted. The vehicle was not inspected by a professional however it was discussed with certified mechanics. In addition, I contacted the manufacturer in which they responded with..."There are no recalls for this vehicle, the vehicle is 16 years old with over 150K miles therefore they will do nothing. Regardless of the mileage and vehicle age, this should NOT have happened as there was no cause for it to happen. Luckily no additional damage took place or any major injury or fatality.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2023, crash
Tboned in an intersection, jeep rolled over multiple times, no airbags deployed. checked online, no recalls in effect so they should have gone off.
Air bags, Jun 14, 2023
At approximately 12:05 pm on Monday, 6/12/23, I was making a right turn into a parking spot in front of Golden1 Credit Union, at 1040 E. Cypress Avenue. I was halfway into the turn when my driver's airbag deployed, striking me in the stomach and right hand and forearm. Despite being startled by the loud explosion, I managed to finish parking without hitting either the vehicle next to me or the curb. Approximately 1-2 minutes later, there was a second explosion from the airbag that sprayed small particles at me, again striking my right forearm. The incident left three superficial burn marks on my hand and arm. (I did not photograph them until this moment; only one mark is still visible.) My first thought when the airbag deployed was that I had been shot, as I heard a loud bang, smelled what I thought was gunpowder, and felt pain in my arm and stomach. I happened to be on a phone call with my spouse when it occurred (via hands-free stereo Bluetooth), so he heard the explosion followed by my shriek, and he also heard the second explosion. I had the vehicle towed to my trusted mechanics at Advanced Automotive. My service advisor was curious whether my vehicle (which I purchased used, in 2020) had been part of a safety recall in the past. In addition to his own research, he contacted a colleague at the local Jeep Chrysler dealer regarding same. Neither of them found any recall for my specific VIN, or for my specific vehicle year. He expressed his concern that even if they were to replace the airbag module, there was no guarantee that it would fix whatever had caused it to inadvertently deploy, and he recommended that I seek service from a Jeep/Chrysler dealer and implore them to take accountability for the issue. Prior to this incident, there was never any indication that anything was wrong with any safety system on the vehicle.
Air bags, May 18, 2023
Clockspring has gone bad and caused my airbag light to come on and off. A recall has already been placed for Jeep Wrangler but Grand Cherokee should have been included with the same issue.
Air bags, Visibility/wiper, Dec 9, 2021
My air bag light has been lit up like a Christmas tree for since June. I have not been in an accident and the wipers are not responding properly when turned on.
Air bags, Aug 21, 2021
The air bag deployed without the vehicle being in an accident. I was traveling on I80 heading East at 70mph when the airbag deployed. I have not taken it to a dealer, I can't afford the repair bill at this time. No one other than family has inspected the vehicle. It is not an insurance issue. There was no warning that the airbag was going to go off. However there is now a light on in my dash. I do not know what caused the malfunction. I was in the vehicle alone thankfully. It was the passenger side airbag. I have contacted Jeep and they are not accepting any responsibility. They declined the claim as they put it in like 2 hours via e-mail.
Air bags, Jun 9, 2021
The airbag sensor is on. I had it checked at a independent mechanic shop the name of the shop is Magic AutoCenter, also my esp and abs sensor is on to. A lot of times I have to manually touch the esp button to turn off the traction.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2020
THE IGNITION WON'T TURN TO ON WHEN I PUT THE FOB IN THE IGNITION. THERE WAS A RECALL # P57 BUT IT SEEMS THAT MY VIN # DOESN'T FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. WHO CAN I SPEAK WITH REGARDING THIS? THANK YOU. *TR
Air bags, Apr 16, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING OR AN IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: [XXX]. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CASE WAS CLOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED ANY ASSISTANCE. LOCAL BODY SHOPS AND DEALERSHIPS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE DUE TO BEING UNABLE TO INSURE THE FAILURE WOULD NOT RECUR. *JS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Air bags, Jul 21, 2019
AIR BAG LIGHT ON- OFF WHILE DRIVING.. CHIMING BLINKING, MOSTLY SOLID ON . DRIVER SIDE AIR BACK DISABLED, CODE B1B02,. JEEP DEALER/ SERVICE CHARGED A FEE FOR AIR BAG LIGHT DIAGNOSTIC PROVIDED ONLY CODE
Air bags, Jul 12, 2018
BACKED UP IN STORE PARKING LOT, PUT IN DRIVE AND AIR BAG ON STEERING WHEEL EXPLODED. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING, NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR, BAG JUST EXPLODED. CAUGHT ON STORE SECURITY TAPE, 2 EYE WITNESSES, POLICE REPORT FILED.
Air bags, Jun 3, 2018
AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS GOING OFF & ON, WHEN DRIVING, LOCAL COUNTY ROAD
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 18, 2018
THE FOBIK WHEN INSERTED DOES NOT TURN VEHICLE ON (ACTS LIKE VEHICLE BATTERY IS DEAD) BUT WHEN KEY IS REMOVED AND REINSTALLED IT WILL THEN CRANK. THEN OTHER TIMES IT CRANKS BUT IS LIKE IT'S IN OFF POSITION (INSIDE LIGHTS NOR RADIO COMES ON) ALSO, AFTER ACTING UP THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON WITHOUT FLASHING OR GOING OFF. WINDSHIELD WIPERS "MOTOR" DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY (WORKS BUT STOPS IN FROM OF DRIVERS WINDOW AREA) UNTIL IT'S PUT ON HIGH SPEED. THESE ISSUES OCCUR BEFORE AND AFTER VEHICLE IS STARTED. BOTH AREAS OF CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 11, 2018
THERE WAS A WIRE COMING OUR OF THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I CALLED NYLE MAXWELL JEEP TO ASK TO BRING IN MY CAR AND THEY COULD NOT SCHEDULE ME UNTIL 4 DAYS LATER. I ASKED IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE IT AND THEY SAID YES. THE FOLLOWING MORNING MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE AND THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AS HE WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE. THIS HAPPENED ON APRIL 14TH. IT IS MAY 11TH AND I STILL DO NOT HAVE ANY ANSWERS FROM JEEP OTHER THAN IT WAS INSPECTED BY THEM. I HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED FURTHER AND HAVE CALLED EVERY OTHER DAY TO CHECK ON MY CASE NUMBER. THEY TELL ME THEY WILL PUT A MESSAGE IN THE NOTES AND SOMEONE WILL CONTACT ME ASAP AND I STILL HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED.
Electrical system, Air bags, Mar 5, 2018
TAKATA RECALL (POSSIBLY). THE JEEP WAS TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR ABOUT 30 SECONDS AND THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. AN EMBER CAME OUT OF IT AND FELL ON THE CARPET IN THE BACK AND BURNED A HOLE ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE METAL, NOW MY CLUSTER PANEL IS GOING NUTS AND ALL OF MY ELECTRICAL IS MALFUNCTIONING. THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE OF MY JEEP TO CAUSE THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. *TT
Air bags, Jan 31, 2018
AIR BAG LITE KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF,WHEN DRIVING.
Air bags, Engine, Nov 10, 2017
THE IGNITION SWITCH HAVE PROBLEM SOMETIME PUP OUT BY SELF. AND AIR BAG LIGHT IT'S ON AND BEEP TO MUCH.
Air bags, Jul 4, 2017
MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, JUNE 28,2017, AND THE LIGHT WILL NOT GO OUT. I PURCHASED THE JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE IN 2008 USED. FROM ENTERPRISE, I HAD COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS, IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AND THE AIRBAG NEVER CAME OUT. BUT NOW MY LIGHT IS ON. IS THIS JEEP UP FOR RECALL. THE VIN NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Mar 14, 2017
AFTER 5 MINUTES OF DRIVING THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT (E-BRAKE WAS NOT ON), THE ABS MODULE LIGHT, AND THE ESP BAS LIGHT CAME ON SIMULTANEOUSLY AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF. I TRIED TO RESET THE COMPUTER MANUALLY MULTIPLE TIMES TO SEE IF THE LIGHTS WOULD EVENTUALLY TURN OFF BUT EVERY TIME THEY CAME ON. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO A REPAIR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZES IN JEEP REPAIR AND THEY RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND TOLD ME THAT I REQUIRED A NEW ABS MODULE ASSEMBLY, PASSENGER SEAT BELT LATCH AND A CLOCK-SPRING ASSEMBLY FOR THE DRIVERS SIDE AND R/F BRAKE CALIPER THAT HAD BROKEN OFF FOR NO REASON. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I WERE TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT NOT ONLY WOULD MY BRAKES NOT LOCK PREVENTING FURTHER DAMAGE BUT MY DRIVER AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY AS WELL CAUSING INEVITABLE INJURY. THIS HAD COST ME ALMOST $1400 NOT TO MENTION I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR SEVERAL DAYS.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jan 10, 2017
TAKATA RECALL PLUS ELECTRICAL AIR BAG CODE, KEY FOB REPLACEMENT AND CONNECTION, TROTTLE AND HOSE.BROKEN BACK WIPER ARM
Air bags, Dec 16, 2016
MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IT JUST CAME OUT. ALL POWER IS GONE. *TR
Air bags, Apr 28, 2016, crash
OUR 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STRUCK AN OLDER MODEL CAR IN THE SIDE AS THE OTHER VEHICLE ROLLED THROUGH A RED LIGHT. WE WERE TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENOUGH TO SUFFER A TOTAL LOSS, BUT THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH VEHICLES WERE IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 18, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WITHIN A MONTH OF OWNING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HEATER MOTOR, FUEL PUMP, BELTS, AND THE AIR BAG AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS RANDOMLY FLASHED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT AND INDICATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED BECAUSE OF THE WEATHER CHANGES, WHICH WAS NOT A DIAGNOSIS. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED THE VEHICLE BEING DIFFICULT TO START UPON TURNING THE KEY OVER. THE DEALER REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED THE KEYS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.