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.
Power train, Electrical system, May 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE SHIFT INTERLOCK SYSTEM BECAME STUCK AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO SWITCH GEARS WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD EITHER FAIL TO START OR CONTINUE TO RUN AFTER THE IGNITION WAS TURNED OFF. FURTHERMORE, THE CONSOLE LIGHTING SYSTEM FAILED TO REMAIN ILLUMINATED. JOHNSON DODGE CHRYSLER JEEP RAM IN BUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEY, 07828 WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
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.
Electrical system, May 16, 2018
WHEN I ATTEMPT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, MY KEY GETS STUCK AND DOES NOT TURN ALL THE WAY TO THE LEFT TO THE "OFF" POSITION. IT GETS STUCK MIDWAY, SO I HAVE TO TURN IT TO THE RIGHT TO RESTART THE ENGINE AGAIN AND THEN BACK TO THE LEFT. I HAVE TO DO THIS MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE KEY SLIDES ALL THE WAY LEFT INTO THE OFF POSITION.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 14, 2018
WHEN PUMPING FUEL AT A GAS STATION, THE FUEL SPILLS OVER IN LARGE AMOUNTS ONTO MY JEEP, FENDER AND ONTO THE GROUND. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN ONCE.
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.
Power train, May 1, 2018, crash
I WAS DRIVING ON NYS ROUTE 17 IN THE VICINITY OF LIBERTY WHEN MY LEFT FRONT AXLE BROKE, THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF, THE VEHICLE VEERED LEFT AND CRASHED INTO THE CENTER ISLAND GUARD RAIL.
Other or unspecified, Apr 25, 2018
EVERY ICON ON THE DASHBOARD GOES ON ALL AT ONCE WHILE DRIVING. EVEN AFTER THE CAR IS TURNED OFF THE INSIDE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAY ON FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. IE ICONS INCLUDE: ABS, CHECK ENGINE, AIRBAG, STABILITY CONTROL, BRAKE, AND A LIGHTENING BOLT NOT SURE WHAT THAT IS FOR.
Electrical system, Mar 28, 2018
2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH 14V-567 RECALL NOTICE PROBLEMS. *LD *TR
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
Suspension, Power train, Wheels, Mar 3, 2018
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCES AN ISSUE IN ONE OF THE AREAS NOTED, USUALLY WHEN ACCELERATING THROUGH A GRADUAL TURN TO THE LEFT SUCH AS ON AN "ON" RAMP. THE DRIVE TRAIN HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY BOTH INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AS WELL AS JEEP'S AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER IN YONKER'S, NY WITH REPORTS OF NO PHYSICAL DAMAGE. THE JEEP SERVICE CENTER HAS STATED THAT WHILE THEY TOO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE MALFUNCTION, THEY ARE INCAPABLE OF DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM, SUGGESTING IT BE DRIVEN BY THE OWNER "UNTIL IT WORSENS".
Other or unspecified, Mar 2, 2018
BATTERY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE POWER SHUTS OFF TO HEATED SEATS. ELECTRICAL FIRE SMELL COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. BATTERY WAS REPLACED LAST MONTH.
Electrical system, Feb 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND FAILED TO RESTART RIGHT AWAY; THEREFORE, THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT WAS ABLE TO RESTART. THE FAILURE PROGRESSED AND RECURRED OVER FIVE TIMES. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO CRANK, BUT FAILED TO START MORE THAN ONCE. THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED FIVE TSBS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THREE RECALLS ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE DEALER (ROUTE 18 CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM, 400 NJ-18, EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ 08816, (732) 387-2600) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. UPON ATTEMPTING TO TURN THE ENGINE OFF, THE KEY BECAME STUCK BETWEEN THE OFF AND RUN POSITIONS. IN ORDER TO REMOVE THE KEY, THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT A FEW MINUTES UNTIL A CLICKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE IGNITION BEFORE REMOVING THE KEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A JEEP DEALER. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THIS WAS AN ONGOING FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2014. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (104TH 1800 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234, (720) 907-0928), BUT HE COULD NOT RECALL THE DIAGNOSIS OR REPAIRS THAT WERE NEEDED. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE ISSUE ONLINE AND FOUND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), WHICH HE BELIEVED WAS THE FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRNED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
Air bags, Jan 31, 2018
AIR BAG LITE KEEPS GOING ON AND OFF,WHEN DRIVING.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 29, 2017
2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL ON PARTS P57 AND P73 ON VEHICLE. *LD *JS
Other or unspecified, Dec 13, 2017
STEERING COLUMN/AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING DEFECTIVE/ISSUE LIKE WITH THE JEEP WRANGLER RECALL. HAVING TO REPLACE AND THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL IN MY OPINION
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 21, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, AN ABNORMAL CHIMING NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE BATTERY INDICATOR FLASHED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE KEY FAILED TO RELEASE FROM THE IGNITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE BATTERY WAS CHECKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALER (CAPITAL CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM, 200 WATERFIELD RIDGE PL, GARNER, NC 27529). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Nov 3, 2017
WHILE DRIVING IF THE THROTTLE IS PRESSED IT OFTEN STICKS DOWN FOR A FEW SECONDS. ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IT HAS STUCK FULLY OPEN. THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY MECHANICAL BINDING OR DIRT/DEBRIS CAUSING THE ISSUE.
Engine, Oct 23, 2017
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY LOSES ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING, THE CEL AND ETC LIGHTS GO ON LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. AFTER ENGINE IS SHUT DOWN AND RESTARTED THE CEL AND ETC REMAIN ON BUT CAR HAS POWER TO DRIVE. OFTEN TIMES AFTER SITTING OFF FOR PERIOD OF TIME THE LIGHTS MAY BE OFF BUT CAR MAY SHUT DOWN AGAIN AFTER DRIVING A SHORT , SOMETIMES LONG, DISTANCE. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE MERCEDES-BENZ 3.0 CRD ENGINE IN THIS MODEL JEEP. CHRYSLER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM.
Fuel system, Diesel, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 19, 2017
DIESEL FUEL IS LEAKING FROM BOTTOM OF THE TANK. INSUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN FACTORY INTEGRATED SKID PLATE/ HANGAR TRAPS SALT AND GRIM/ DEBRIS . INSUFFICIENT DRAINAGE LEADS TO FUEL TANK ROTTING FROM EXTERIOR SIDE AND LEAK RAW DIESEL FUEL ONTO ROADWAYS AND PARKING SURFACES.
Electrical system, Sep 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, THE IGNITION FAILED TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE CONTACT HAD TO WAIT 30 SECONDS OR MORE FOR THE IGNITION TO RELEASE THE KEY. THE CONTACT HEARD A BUZZ NOISE BEFORE THE KEY WAS RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAD TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE UNATTENDED FOR HOURS DUE TO THE KEY NOT BEING RELEASED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHITE PLAINS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (70 WESTCHESTER AVE, WHITE PLAINS, NY 10601 914-946-2600), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED THE NUMBER TO NHTSA TO FILE A COMPLAINT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,528.
Electrical system, Sep 11, 2017
2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE INFORMATION. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED INFORMATION CONCERNING A RECALL. UPDATED 09/11/2017*JS
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2017
CAR GETS STUCK IN GEAR, STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING, REVERSE GOES OUT UNTIL PERIODICALLY
Engine, Aug 12, 2017
JEEP STALLS WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND WILL NOT RESTART UNLESS THE KEY IS REMOVED THEN PUT BACK IN AND TURNED ON. IT HAPPENS IN DRIVE ON ANY ROAD WAY. TURNING, IN PARK, AND IN REVERSE. HAS HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 70 MPH. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES.