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
733 reports, newest first.
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.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 21, 2021
Electrical issues on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee purchased June 2020. Car keeps cutting off. The ignition key seem to be sticking between the ON and START position. Constantly having to pull onto the side of the rode or having to hurry and put my hazard lights on because car cuts off. I have taken it to the jeep dealership 2-3 times , they couldn’t diagnose my car. Only thing they did was put a new starter on. Problem still occurs. I’ve taken it to multiple mechanics. Problems unknown. A new starter , alternator & battery has been replaced. And recently my airbag light has came on. Which comes and goes. I’ve had this car since June 2020. and it’s given me the same problem with no one able to tell me what’s wrong with it and I’ve replaced the batteries in the key fob. Today the car was just blank when I put the key in. I’m so confused. Car won’t go over 40 mph. I kept notes and saved receipts and text messages via jeep , via the car salesman , stating how unsafe this car has been….
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2021
Gas pedal system failed. Sluggish acceleration when turning into traffic doesn't go past 20mph it stuck causing cars to swerve. Slow acceleration up bridges barely get up it without traffic backing up. Stop signs cars almost rear ended me truck wont move. Also crossing rail road tracks. I called Jeep said no recall on my vehicle. Got a diagnostic test at Mytee and Monro auto said fail gas pedal. Warning lights came on flashing 3 weeks ago on dashboard
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.
Electrical system, May 22, 2021
Jeep will completely turn off while driving at random times and at random speeds.The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to the manufacturer who stated that the ignition switch and key fob needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system).The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system). The contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Electrical system, May 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,800.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2021
JEEP WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING AT RANDOM TIMES AND AT RANDOM SPEEDS. THIS INCLUDES HIGHWAY AND LOCAL ROADS. MORE THAN ONCE, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR TURNED OFF AND I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF AND RESTART THE CAR. CAR WILL ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 40 MPH. THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MORE THAN ONE REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Electrical system, Mar 16, 2021
TL* 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 RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BROWN'S JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (483 ROUTE 112 PATCHOGUE, NY 11772, (631)289-8500) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Exterior lighting, Feb 12, 2021
SUCEDE QUE AVECES CUANDO EL CARRO DESPUES DE QUE ESTE ESTACIONADO O APAGADO , QUIERO VOLVER A ENCENDER EL CARRO Y NO ENCIENDE ,CUANDO GIRO LA LLAVE SOLO SE ENCIENDE LAS LUCES DEL TABLERO PERO NO LOGRA A ARRANCAR EL MOTOR
Steering, Engine, Jan 7, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65-70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL FAILED TO MOVE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE TIRE PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BATTERY, STARTER, AND ENGINE OIL WERE REPLACED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHCILE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MIELAGE WAS 113,000.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2020
THE SUNROOF DRAIN DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING WATER TO POUR OUT OF THE CENTER CEILING MAP LIGHTS,THE GARAGE DOOR CONTROL PANEL, THE DRIVER SIDE COLUMN, AND THE HANDLE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES A MAJOR DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAN CAUSE SEVERE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE, WATER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR AND MOLD/MILDEW BUILD UP. .
Power train, Nov 2, 2020
I HAVE TWO 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE'S. RECENTLY I BECAME AWARE OF THE FCA GROUP P57 RECALL WHICH IS AN UPDATED IGNITION CYLINDER AND WIRELESS MODULE AFTER ASKING AROUND MY CIRCLE ABOUT MY TWO VEHICLES STALLING. MOST RECENTLY MY WIFE AND CHILD WHERE DRIVING AT 110KPH DRIVING STRAIGHT WHEN HER GC SHUT OFF. SHE SAFELY PULLED TO THE SIDE BUT THIS IS EXTREMELY UNNERVING. MY GC HAS ALSO TURNED OFF, BUT MINE HAS BEEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR WHEN IDLING. MY VIN IS [XXX] HER VIN IS [XXX] MY LOCAL DEALER HAS SAID THERE IS NO OUSTTANDING RECALL AND THAT P57 DOES NOT APPLY TO EITHER OF MY VINS. \THIS IS CONFUSING SINCE MY EXISTING IGNITION CYLINDERS ARE THE SAME AS THOSE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND THE NEW PART REQUIRES A PUSH-TO-TURN (MINE DO NOT HAVE THIS NOW). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2020
I RECEIVED A NOTICED BUT WAS TOLD MY BIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE IGNITION KEY (FOBIK) DOES NOT RETURN TO "ON" POSITION SOMETIMES AFTER BEEN ROTATED TO THE "START" POSITION, INSTEAD STICKING BETWEEN THE TWO POSITION.
Electrical system, Sep 8, 2020
SMOKE COMING OUT OF HOOD WHILE DRIVING. PULLED INTO FIRE STATION IN MILFORD, MI AND SMOKE WAS GETTING HEAVIER. FIREMEN ASSISTED AND SAID LESS THAN A MINUTE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN ON FIRE. WIRE CONNECTED TO ALTERNATOR WAS "SHORTING" AND SPARKS WERE MELTING CABLE WRAPPING AND PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS REPORT
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 28, 2020
THE KEY FOB GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND PUT IN PARK. IF YOU SHAKE THE SHIFTER WHEN IT'S IN PARK WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE KEY TURNED TO AS FAR AS IT WILL GO BEFORE TURNING THE CAR ON IT WILL USUALLY COME OUT AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS AND CYCLES OF THIS PROCESS. YESTERDAY, FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND WOULDN'T TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I DON'T KNOW THAT THIS SENSOR ISSUE IS RELATED, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR IS ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IS FILLED TO RECOMMENDED LEVELS.
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
Electrical system, Engine, May 10, 2020
WILL START OR NOT START. STARTER HAS BEEN REPLACED. ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY TEST GOOD. BELIEVE IT'S ELECTRICAL. *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.
Engine, Feb 10, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 30-65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE PARKED THE VEHICLE WAS HARD TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STARTER AND BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED PALMEN MOTORS DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM 5431 75TH ST, KENOSHA, WI 53142 (262) 671-1935 BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Jan 27, 2020
DASH STARTED FLASHING AND BEEPING AND LOST POWER. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME THAT COST$471.30. TALKED TO MOPAR THEY GAVE ME DEALERSHIP INFORMATION SAID THEY COULD GET ME A TOW AND LOANER CAR. I CALLED JEEP DEALERSHIP IN RAPID CITY, SD THEY SAID THEY "WONT COME GET IT OR GIVE ME A LOANER CAR BUT THE BRING IT BY ANYTIME THIS WEAK BECAUSE THEY USUALLY ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING."SO NOW IM AND HOUR AWAY WITH NO WAY TO WORK AND NO WAY TO GET JEEP TO RAPID BECAUSE OF FIRST TOW BILL.. THE MALFUNCTIONING PART HAS BEEN RECALLED ON MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 29, 2019
WHEN FILLING UP MY JEEP WITH GAS THE FILLER NECK OVER FLOWS EVERY SINGLE TIME AND I HEARD THE COUNTERPARTS ON THE DODGE DURANGO IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THEM FIXING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS A HUGE ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD AND SINCE OTHER JEEP OWNERS I KNOW WITH THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2019
JEEP OCCASIONALLY STALLS ON THE HIGHWAY WHILE GOING OVER 60 MPH. IT CAN'T BE RESTARTED WHILE IN NEUTRAL. MUST PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND PUT IT IN PARK. IT STARTS IMMEDIATELY ONCE IN PARK. IT HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS. NO ERROR CODES. DEALER CAN'T FIND THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Nov 15, 2019
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, IT WILL COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN EVEN WHEN GOING 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON BOTH LOCAL ROADS AND HIGHWAY. I WILL HAVE TO COAST OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, PUT THE CAR IN PARK, TURN THE KEY TO THE OFF POSITION AND THEN RESTART THE CAR. IT IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NUMBER 08V059000 BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. MECHANICS CANNOT FIND ISSUE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2019
THE ENGINE IS STALLING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING IN HIGHWAY. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS SHUT DOWNS AFTER THIS OCCURS. OTHER GRAND CHEROKEE HAVE RECEIVED RECALLS FOR THE SAME ISSUE (CONTROL MODULES) BUT NOT FOR MY VIN NUMBER. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.
Electrical system, Sep 24, 2019
VEHICLE DOES NOT START AND SHUTS OFF IGNITION MODULE OR IGNITION KEY (FOBIK) IS NOT FUNCTIONING THERE WAS A RECALL 14V567000 BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE NO RECALL ON MY VEHICLE AND ACCORDING TO THE RECALL IT PERTAINS TO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 08 AND MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 08