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: power train
39 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 9, 2026
On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of the 'Select_Terrain' from 'Auto' to 'Snow'. We were unable to turn off these settings. On the next day, we returned the Jeep to our CDJR dealer for repair. After inspection, the service agent reported that the Jeep experienced a “Transfer Case failure” and further recommended that I consider [purchasing] a new vehicle as these issues seem to be piling up. Failure of this nature is not normal wear. I have purchased 5 Jeep vehicles over the past 40 years and 4 of our Jeeps had over 250,000 miles of service without dangerous, catastrophic engine or drive-train failure such as this. This situation should remediated by the manufacturer and any affected components repaired or replaced. Finally, it should be noted that 3-days prior to the failure, the same CDJR dealer provided a 100,00-Mile 'service' that included "Op1 DMS All wheel Drive Fluid Exchange".
Power train, May 16, 2026
At 50k grand cherokee would flash reverse indicator and message shift to park also when reverse would engage it was with a harsh engagement. At 58k transmission would hesitate to shift into 4th gear.at 64k transmission would no shift past 3rd gear. Jeep dealer tried to charge $5900. For a bandage 4th clutch repair or $7000. For rebuild transmission .while I wish to repair it myself parts for transmission are not available and dealership says it won't pass state emissions test with transmission codes.the fact the vehicle can not reach highway speed do to failure and after reading online about many premature failures of this 850re transmission and lack of consumer available parts the vehicle should be recalled
Power train, May 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the service four-wheel drive warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was shaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, however the failure was not duplicated. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair which had a similar failure description, however the contact's VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Feb 16, 2026
Rocker arms and lifters failed
Power train, Feb 2, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 25, 2026
I purchased this vehicle, November 2023 and by August 2024 the vehicle went into Griffin Hubs to get the engine replaced. They had the vehicle for over a month and a half when I received it back after the engine I had it for a day and a half and had to take it back because it was making a loud grinding noise coming from the engine which then they had to replace a second time because the engine was shredded and was told they were going to put a new transmission in as well, but instead of just replaced a piece, and then two months later, the negative terminal for the battery was replaced in about four months later I take it into the dealership again because as I was driving the vehicle pulled back three times and then shot forward and that happened seven separate times dealership said they could not find an issue and then in November 2025, the vehicle goals back into the dealership for overheating needing a new water pump because I was losing coolant with no leaks. Get the vehicle back two days later my coolant is empty tied again call the dealership they said if it happened again, bring it back in two weeks later it did the exact same thing. My coolant was emptied, but there is no leaks coming from under the vehicle and now last week as I was driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and my gearshift wouldn’t catch any gears and as the vehicle is still moving my tires, then locked. The vehicle has been at the dealership for five days and they still cannot figure out what the issue is.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 31, 2025
My vehicle is losing power every randomly literally cutting off and on. Flashing lights won’t start at time , next day drives completely fine. I do not understand
Power train, Engine, Aug 14, 2025
My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6 ENG vehicle is cutting off while driving, I was advise it the transmission shift gear transmission, Which needs to be replaced and the can change the TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY - Remove & Replace 3.6L Eng, AWD on my vehicle. when I stop at the light the vehicle completely shuts off where I have to restart my vehicle. They said it was the 2nd battery which I changed and brought a new one. and the same day it still was cutting off. after several attempt in contacting them. I brought the vehicle into Chrysler Jeep Dodge of port Jefferson, and after reviewing they said I need to replace the transmission . I was also advised that there was a TSB Code that is now coming up # 21-00925 Revision C - P0733. I'm very upset as they're telling it current over the extended warranty at this time at 60,000 Miles. when I brought it in it was .. This should be a recall and they need to fix it I only had this vehicle for less then 5yrs brand new, when I started having these issues and can put me in a situation on the highway where I can get into a server accident. I strongly urger the RECALL as this is a known issue with this vehicle
Power train, Aug 8, 2025
Transmission, available upon request for inspection. Clunk’s into reverse, or doesn’t engage at all. Code p1da8, p0733. Has been confirmed by dealer. Will throw check engine light occasionally. Also shifts hard between gears 3 and 4.
Power train, Jul 21, 2025
At approximately 54,000 miles the transmission is not shifting. I parked in a parking spot, go into a store. Then come out and the vehicle will not shift into park or reverse. The check engine light came on for the park by wire issue. These transmissions have been known to have rough shifting and my vehicle has been no exception. It’s shifted rough at low speeds and the eco mode and auto start/stop system have also made it feel less than smooth to drive.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2025
Took to dodge dealer and they told me they have been have problems with traction control, 4x4 problems, misfiring cylinders . They spent 5 days trying to figure it out and told me it was a process of elimination . Replace rear diff motor and that didn't work, replaced TCCM, that didn't work, replaced both batteries , that didn't work, new spark plugs, that didn't work, replaced coils on the side where #1 cylinder miss fire, that didn't work. I've spent approximately $6,000 and still have same problem. I do not have unlimited funds. What should I do next?
Power train, Structure, May 9, 2025
Issue #1: The vehicle exhibits substantial cabin vibration, particularly affecting the steering wheel. This necessitates maintaining a firm grip on the wheel when operating at speeds of 30 mph and above. The vibration intensity escalates in direct proportion to the vehicle's velocity. It has been reported that this vehicle model has documented issues with rear drive shaft bushing failure, which may contribute to excessive play and vibration. Issue #2: The interior door trim applique has delaminated and broken. This issue has been previously reported in Service Bulletin 23-001-19 REV.B, Group: 23-Body, dated 8/10/2019, for a different Jeep model.
Power train, Apr 29, 2025
While traveling Vehicle intermittent hard shifts, or no shifts, goes into neutral unexcitingly, sometimes no reverse. SES light on. 77,278 miles Dealer advised stored code - TCM P0733-00 Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. Dealer also advised vehicle needs Transmission replaced, Repair estimate $5970.28 Previous issues include ABS system repair and engine coil pack issue.
Power train, Apr 22, 2025
Transmission needs fully replaced, certified technician said the see this all the time in these Jeeps. Dealership said they had to replace one at 56k miles, this car has 85k miles, well taken care of. Research shows this is a very common issue. Jeep needs to cover these transmissions and recall!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 13, 2025
At 100,000 miles , traction control light and 4wd service light came on. Dealer said rear diff motor replacement needed, and the TCCM . I replaced and problem still persists . Now red triangle come on dash and says pull to safety motor will turn off. Turning wheel it hesitates like it's not engaging correctly.
Power train, Apr 7, 2025
Transmission system failed causing slipping when going into 3rd gear. Dealership inspected it and is telling me the output shaft has to be replaced. The check engine light came on when it started slipping.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 1, 2025
UNKNOWN. Electronic Stability Control service light activated intermittently for a couple days along with the 4WD service light. After 2-3 days, the ESC light remained lit. Twice when starting the vehicle, the 4WD low was activated without manually shifting gears, in which changed to normal within a minute later. Intermittently, when the vehicle braked to a stop and switched gears to reverse, the vehicle shuttered before continuing in reverse. Another incident while driving and coming to a stop at a traffic light, upon coming to a stop, the vehicle seemed to almost stall but reengage. The vehicle is at approximately 41,500 miles as of 4/1/2025. The vehicle was taken to a Dodge dealership in which report the transfer case needed repair. With under 50,000 miles and utilizing the 4WD only approximately 4 times within the 5 years of ownership with no issue, the transfer case may be faulty or a software update needs to be performed.
Power train, Mar 12, 2025
Car running fine no indication there was a problem, no lights on dashboard or sound. Jeep stalled on highway and engine light came on. Shut car off completely turned it back on and able to move to a safe location. Turned off car again for some time and when turned back on shift gear will not move into drive, reverse neutral. Needed to get it towed to mechanic who diagnosed it as a failed transmission at 88,000 miles. Towed to dealer who confirmed failed transmission. Was able to get cost assistance through jeep for 70 percent of cost but see the recent recalls on jeep because of transmission I feel it should have been a total replacement especially at u der 100,000 miles
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2025, fire
Driving down the interstate at 75mph, the vehicle all of a sudden lost the ability to accelerate and felt like it shifted into neutral. We were able to pull over to the side of the road safely and as we were getting out of the vehicle, we noticed flames shooting out from under the engine. My wife and I made it out safely and as we got about 100 yards away and looked back toward the vehicle, the entire front part of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. We sat along the side of the interstate and watched the vehicle burn for 20-25 minutes. We just had the vehicle in for service 6 days prior to get a new battery, a new aux battery, an advanced diagnostic, brake fluid exchange, and a fuel system service. The evening we picked up the vehicle from service, we got an email with a powertrain alert indicator. We then checked the app on the phone and everything in the powertrain section of the vehicle health report was green. I have several videos of the vehicle burning but it doesn't look like I can upload a video file.
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.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2024
The car will be driving and it all of a sudden stops and has all the lights on the dashboard coming on. Every single warning light coming on the car comes to a stop and will not move. This has happened three times and the dealership tells me they don’t know what the issue is.
Power train, Mar 8, 2024
Transmission failure, vehicle will not start and will not shift into reverse, leaving driver stranded and stuck in vulnerable parked position. Check engine light comes on with P1B14-00 code - "Park by wire unintended park position". Engine light did not come on until after issue happened. Dealership diagnosed and confirmed issue and engine warning light code P1B14-00. They re-flashed vehicle ECU due to recall and that did not resolve issue. They are suggesting completely new transmission.
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.
Power train, Apr 25, 2023
When using SPORT mode, the vehicle will surge forward when coming to a complete stop. The surge could cause a MVA. Have not taken in for service or inspection. No warning lights. Just don't use the feature.