2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 238 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 23rd highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 24 involved a crash and 5 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingJun 8, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Campaign 23V411000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, delivery, fuel pumpJun 9, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Campaign 22V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 10, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Campaign 20V191000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
56 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, Jan 29, 2025
My check engine light came on so I took my car into the mechnanic. They noted the following: "Removed intake manifold and find cylinder three spark plug appears ok. Spin engine over to top dead center cylinder three. Pressurized cooling system and find combustion in coolant. Suspect vehicle needs new head gasket." The mechanic said that is a manufacture defect that they have seen with many Jeep vehicles. I called Jeep to inquire, and they let me know that my VIN number is not included in an existing recall for this same issue. The suggested that I reach out to the NHTSB to ask that my car be included in the existing recall.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 27, 2025
My Jeep Cherokee has lost power twice. Once while idling at a red light and once while going 70 MPH on the Interstate. The gas pedal went to the floor without resistance and would not give any fuel to the engine. The lights were still on so I didn't lose power completely, but the engine was not responding. The recent recal 25V011000 sounds like what happened to my car, but the 2020 model is not included in the recall. I have taken it to the dealership, but they could not find anything wrong with it.
Engine, Dec 6, 2024
Car wouldn't shift into drive. Git car towed in was told possible cam shaft issues. Car has been back 3 more times for same issue finally Stellantis replaced cam shaft. Now same problems are occurring and Jeep wants me to pay to replace engine on a 4 year old car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 23, 2024
This is the fourth time this has happened. I am scheduled to have the dealership begin to trouble shoot the issue again tomorrow. Upon the second time I took the vehicle to the dealership. They were unable to replicate the issue having had it in their possession for two weeks. I was driving to work this morning, driving downhill, turned on my turn indicator to take a right onto a highway on ramp, when in the middle of the turn complete electrical and engine failure. The radio, headlamps, turn signal, brake lights, power assisted braking and engine all cut out. The hazards worked, but no dash light indicator lit up letting me know. Only the glowing flash on the side of the road let me know. The dash was completely blacked out except for "shift to park to start". The steering didn't lock up thankfully, while pulling over I attempted to shift to neutral and start while in motion, nothing. I succeeded in coming to a stop on the shoulder shifted to drive, and the vehicle started right up. There were,and are no warning lights illumenated.
Engine, Jul 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and stalled. The RPM increased to high. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump was leaking. The contact stated that the valves, cylinder, head gasket, gasket case cover, gasket head cover, oil intake manifold, and oil filter housing were replaced, but the failure recurred. The mechanic performed a pressure test. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine seized and failed to move. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator ground wiring nut was corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,273.
Engine, Sep 18, 2023
Water pump has failed at 61, 573 miles. Jeep issued a warranty extension for water pumps in the 2013-2017 models. It appears they have not corrected the defects in their water pumps.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2023
I change my oil religiously on my 2020 Grand Cherokee, which has 67,000 miles on it. I went in today to change it at Bettenhausen Dodge (Bettenhausen Motor Sales Inc - Jeep, 8355 W 159th St, Tinley Park, IL 60477; [XXX] ; Phone: [XXX] ), and [XXX] , the service manager manager, told me I had no oil left in my car. He said something went wrong with a pump or something, and as a result I have no engine oil left.. And as a result some engine oil went into the radiator and other places. Plus, [XXX] added, they don't know yet if my engine is damaged as a result. Repairing only what they can see so far (i.e., radiator, pump, hoses etc and that's only if the engine was not damaged, which ostensibly they said they would check before work begins) will cost at least $4700. I asked why no "idiot red light" (as such warning lights used to be called, and such lights have been in every car I have owned since 1972) went on to alert me that there was NO ENGINE OIL LEFT in the car?? The manager said , none of their cars has a "low oil and/or no oil light". All they have is a computer program which informs the driver when to change the oil< and that computer warning system simply is based on miles driven, and it does not inform one if there is no engine oil or low oil. I can not hardly believe there is no red light to tell a person that there is low and/or no engine oil in the car!! The technology behind "idiot red lights" informing the driver of low oil and/or no oil has been around for over 70 years. I am i being lied to? What can I turn for help? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 18, 2023
While at a complete stop, depressed the accelerator pedal and reached approximately 30 miles per hour. The vehicle engine RPM's rose but the vehicle would not accelerate. Placed the vehicle in park and then began driving, where the vehicle appeared as if nothing occurred. This took place around 5/2023 at approximately 26000 miles. On 7/18/2023, the same incident occurred where the vehicle momentarily lost power again and would not accelerate even when the accelerator was depressed. This occurred at approximately 30450 miles. The vehicle then appeared to have no further issues beyond that.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 26, 2023
The check engine light started appearing on the dash and the adaptive cruise control kept appearing that it was off. The light would go off and come on again and the transmission would not shift gears and I could not go in reverse. I drove vehicle to Marino Jeep and they notified me of 3 defects in the internal transmission- which I still have my warranty as the car is at 32.800 miles ONLY on the odometer. This was a dangerous defect causing my car to stall.
Electrical system, Engine, May 22, 2023
Per the dealership: The engine wire harness ws not sitting where it should have been, and was melted by the cadillac converter. This caused the auxiliary battery to fail, and the jump fuse block to blow.
Engine, Apr 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the failure could not be duplicated, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that on numerous occasions while attempting to start the vehicle, she heard a cranking sound under the hood before the engine turned over. The stated that the battery was faulty. The contact stated that the battery was replaced however, three weeks later the battery failed, and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the generator field control circuit was open and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,165.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 19, 2023
1.The electrical/engine/powertrain systems failed 3 times. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2.As the problem progressed, the car would only go forward, no ability to go in reverse, or to be put in park. 3.The dealership replaced the ABS Module, then later the Engine Control Module. 4.Event 1: September 1, 2022 Warning light for the stop/start feature came on, also the ABS light and check engine light. Dealership kept the car for the day, did a diagnosis, returned the vehicle stating it was safe to drive, and that an ABS Module had been ordered. Would contact me to schedule the repair. Event 2: September 8, 2022 Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, all warning lights came on, as well as all lights on the gearshift panel/center console, which kept blinking. Car would only go forward. Dealership installed ABS Module and returned the car to me. Event 3: September 29,2022 Warning light for the stop/start feature and check engine light came on again. I took the car to my local dealership with major concerns that the previous repair was not the only problem occurring and left it there. The Engine Control Module was eventually replaced. 5. I had no use of my Jeep Grand Cherokee from September 29 until November 8, 2022. 6. I have a major concern about the safety of this vehicle.
Engine, Mar 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle momentarily lost power and would not accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure also occurred a second time while making a turn. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,500.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving 30 MPH and various other speeds, an audible warning sound was heard inside the vehicle and the temperature gauge indicated that engine was overheating. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 28,000.
Engine, Oct 23, 2022
The vehicle when drive shuts engine off and tell you to shift to park. It has don’t it to me a few time and twice I almost got rear ended. I took it to the dealer and they say they can’t find anything wrong with it. To shut off the stop start system but it still does it when I stop start system is off. If you go online a lot of people are having the same issue Jeep just doesn’t want to acknowledge it. This is very dangerous because it does it at any speed stop and go or you could do 65 on the highway and it does it in jeep is aware of this because many people have complained about it and it’s going on death years. After some time, the system completely shut off and I was able to drive it without the stop start system. The message that came out was stop start system needs servicing, but the jeep dealer has no idea what that is. They have tested the battery and they said it’s OK. It Hass to do something on the transmission or something yeah true but this is going to be something if they don’t fix someone’s gonna get hurt and when they get a lawsuit that’s what you’re gonna do something for the negligence.
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly. Error is "shift to park". Driver shifts the vehicle into park. The car is then locked in park and the driver needs to restart the vehicle. The vehicle doesn't always restart. This has happened multiple times. After the first time, we took it back to the dealership where we bought the vehicle and they replaced the batteries. After the batteries were installed it happened again, took it to a Jeep dealership and they were not able to duplicate the issue so did not do anything. It happened again after that. This is extremely dangerous and can cause serious accidents since the vehicle is stalled in the middle of a road!
Engine, Feb 11, 2022
Updating NHTSA ID Number 11382705, 10/22/20. Dealer diagnosed issue on 9/15/21 and it was caused by a defective battery. Battery was replaced and there has been no further issue. Please remove or supplement No. 11382705
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with 45 error codes relating to the vehicle not being able to communicate with the blind spot and doors due to battery failure. The battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer. The contact was uncertain if the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with engine control module (ECM) or body control module (BCM) failure. The dealer informed the contact that the windshield seal was not installed correctly during manufacturing, which caused water to seep in and damage the engine control module (ECM) or body control module (BCM). The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered since it did not have an extended warranty. The failure mileage was 14,787.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 12, 2021
Bought jeep in December 2020. Currently at 8000 miles. In October 2021, the vehicle would not turn off. The push button would go between ACC and Start but not in the off. Dealership has never seen this and after 8 days, are not able to definitively tell me what the issue is. The assumption has been given that the car is not recognizing that the vehicle is in Park. This is an assumption as whatever diagnosis that is being done is not finding the error.
Engine, Jul 17, 2021, fire
Jeep caught fire while parked. Origin of cause states right side of engine is fire origination
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2021
VEHICLE IN MOTION CITY & HIGHWAY. THE ENTIRE VEHICLE DIES. THE ENGINE TURNS OFF, ALL THE LIGHTS DIE, NO STEERING, DASHBOARD & RADIO DIE. A FEW SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE RESTARTS ON ITS OWN, LIGHTS COME ON, DASHBOARD LIGHTS UP AND RADIO WORKS. THE ONE REMAINING ISSUE THAT INDICATES THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE RADIO COMPLETE RESETS TO WHAT I BELIEVE IS THE ORIGINAL SETTINGS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS ACQUIRED. IT HAS BEEN IN THE DEALERSHIPS MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY OF COURSE CAN NOT DUPLICATE SO THEY SEND ME ON MY WAY. THEY HAVE HELD THE JEEP TO DRIVE BUT CLAIM THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE. ALSO THERE ARE NO CODES SHOWING WHEN THEY CHECK. TRY DRIVING AT 65 MPH WITH A DEAD CAR. AGAIN THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR ABOUT A YEAR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2021
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON IT HAS TO DO WITH THE EMISSIONS CONTROL THE VEHICLE DOES NOT RUN PROPERLY. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES GOING ON NUMBER 4 FOR THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THAT IT FALLS UNDER THE LEMON LAW BECAUSE THE EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT VEHICLE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH OUR THREE MONTH OLD GRANDCHILD AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL IN TRAFFIC ON A BUSY HIGHWAY WITH VEHICLES PASSING BY HER AT 45 TO 50 MILES AN HOUR.
Engine, Dec 10, 2020
2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE TROUBLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE FAILED WHILE DRIVING. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. *JS
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 28, 2020
WHILE DRIVING 60 MILES PER HOUR ALONG THE SOUTHBOUND EXPRESS LANE OF GARDEN STATE PARKWAY MY NEW 2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STARTED SHAKING. WITHIN SECONDS, I PULLED ON TO THE GRASSY AREA NEXT TO THE FAST LANE WHERE MY VEHICLE DIED. AFTER GETTING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY NEW CAR WITH 329 MILES ON IT IS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE, NEW BATTERIES AND NEW STARTER. OF NOTABLE CONCERN ON THE REPAIR ORDER IS THE FOLLOWING: "WHAT IS PRESENT INSIDE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS PIECES OF METAL." WHILE THE CASE IS NOT YET CLOSED, CHRYSLER INFORMED ME THEY INTEND TO FIX THE VEHICLE UNDER WARRANTY AND RETURN IT TO ME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN AND I FEAR THE BLOWN ENGINE, DEAD BATTERIES AND STARTER COULD HAVE CAUSED ADDITIONAL, UNRECOGNIZED DAMAGE.
Power train, Engine, Sep 14, 2020
TRANSMISSION LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. WAS NOT ABLE TO KEEP RATE OF SPEED. CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR STRANDED IN TRAFFIC.