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
238 reports, newest first.
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.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2023, crash
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 MPH, she collided with a Ford F-150 that ran a red light and entered the lane aggressively. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained brain injuries (concussions), and medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified, but no assistance was given. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Other or unspecified, Aug 22, 2023
While trying to start the Jeep with the keyfob in the vehicle the Jeep will not start and I get Keyfob Not Detected error on my dash. Followed by Hold keyfob to start button to start.
Air bags, Aug 18, 2023, crash
While stopped due to traffic back up on the freeway i was rear ended at about 80 MPH luckily there was another car behind me…the air bags didn’t deploy at all and I’m wondering why?
Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2023
The leather dashboard is bubbling and wrinkling. I read that this can cause the entire dashboard to come off if the airbags were to deploy. I’ve also seen other complaints where it continues to bubble up so high that it decreases visibility
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power and stalled. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact late drove the vehicle to a second dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Approximately one year later the same failure had occurred and the vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failures. The failure mileage was 20,000.
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.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 14, 2023
The rack and pinion isn’t working properly. Damaged.
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, 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.
Power train, Apr 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull over into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacture stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 55,803.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 7, 2023
The vehicle stops on its own without warning, and a few times it has run me off the road. Infotainment issues (this is the one that made the vehicle qualify for a lemon claim). I have a YouTube page dedicated to uploading videos. Some of the videos cannot be uploaded because of background music and copyrights. I'll attach a link here, feel free to look at all the videos. Sample video --> https://youtube.com/shorts/87vigoL8p_g?feature=share I have a lemon law claim going, but the company is, as expected giving me the runaround. The issues have met my state lemon law requirements for a claim. Verified by the lawyer I've hired.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 7, 2023
PARK SENSE FEATURE IS TURNED OFF, BUT PARK SENSE KEEPS ENGAGING. WITH ERRO MESSAGE "PUT IN PARK THEN PUT IN GEAR. I RECEIVE THIS ERRO MESSAGE 4 0R 5 TIME, BEFORE I'M SBLE TO PUT IN GEAR AND DRIVE VEHICLE, THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING PERIDOCALLY SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE, BUT GETTING MORE FREQUENT.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 28, 2023
After hitting a bump in the road, my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit began to violently wobble while being flat towed behind my motor home on I-475. Vehicles in close proximity of the Jeep I was towing were at risk as there was a possibility that the vehicle could have broken loose or flipped endangering others. It appears that this defect is already known to the manufacturer of the Jeep and other models have been proven to have a defect that causes what is known as the DEATH WOBBLE. Apparently, Jeep has bought back some vehicles with the DEATH WOBBLE defect. The vehicle is currently being analyzed by the Newnan Peachtree Jeep dealership in Newnan Georgia. The owner's manual clearly states that the vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Instructions to flat tow the vehicle were followed as written. Jeep should be liable to the damage caused by this defect and do whatever it takes to remedy the problem. Buying back this Jeep from the owner should also be an option to the owner/customer.
Tires, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Fortera, Tire Size: P245/70/R17, DOT Number: 1PJHLFNWR. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed there were cracks on the sidewalls of all four tires. The vehicle was equipped with original tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the tires had prematurely rotted. The tires were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the replacement tires had also dry rotted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
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.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 16, 2023, crash
Hello dear….I suffer from a problem when I’m driving my truck and it’s as follows: when the gear is on D and my truck stopped ,and I stomp the gas pedal with a little force my truck keep going I can’t stopped for 40 seconds after which return to the normal driving state,this situation happened to me 5 times,I don’t know if the speed control cable can interfere with the speed control servo pulley and not allow the throttle to return to idle when disengaging the speed control (a stuck throttle could result)..,,
Seat belts, Jan 23, 2023
within 32000 miles the belt retract failled. would not lock in place, or retract. dealler said it was a spring faillure. could be a bad heat treat that would afect more vehicles.
Service brakes, Jan 14, 2023, crash
The brakes failed. When I pushed on the brakes the car unexpectedly accelerated into a vehicle in front of me, then swerved out of control and crashed into a pillar, then stopped. The break remained smashed to the floor, and I had a hard time lifting the break to see if it would drive. UPDATE 06/13/2023- Consumer sent in copy of complaint addressed to BBB. Consumer states "Re: FCA Third Complaint (#86264538). As a result of the ongoing vehicle malfunctioning and the fact that Chrysler is refusing to provide a release so that the vehicle owner can service his vehicle serviced by a Certified Chrysler mechanic. I had to file a third complaint with the FCA. I understand that the FCA decided not to respond to your inquiry and that Chrysler is not taking responsibility for the vehicle, but today. Mr. Owens was advised that until the FCA Legal Department provided a release neither the Certified Chrysler Mechanic at Hudson Valley Auto nor anyone else could service the vehicle because of the product concern." "Due to the product concern Milford Auto Group-Jeep Chrysler Dodge Ram where Mr. Owens purchased the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, advised Mr. Owens that he could not sell his vehicle back to the dealer or trade it. Not only does the vehicle appear to be a lemon under New York Lemon Law, since it has been to the repair shop three times, but State Farm underestimated the amount of damage to the frame and transmission to avoid totaling the vehicle. Neither Chrysler nor State Farm have investigated the reason for the accidents. The faulty and non-existent investigation is an act of bad faith of State Farm and illegal. State Farm and Chrysler are suppressing the evidence contained in the CDR Crash Report from Field Coordinator James Brozovich (AA-AS/TSS- A). Bosch Automotive Services Solutions LLC. Because Mr. Owens only has one vehicle we remain in danger of additional potential serious injuries and even death. Not to mention the danger that the vehicle poses to the public. The vehicle owner requires a release to establish that the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo is certified safe." On June 5th, 2023, in a federal lawsuit that I filed, Stellantis contributed your repairs either in whole or in part for spoilage. Subsequently spoilage may reduce or eliminate my damages altogether. Therefore, you are liable to me now. Since I am suing the FCA, for failing to investigate, you now have incurred vicarious liability. Despite reading the Black Box CRD Crash Data, evidence of a vehicle malfunction, Chrysler is denying all liability, because of “spoilage”.
Power train, Jan 11, 2023
Transmission failed while driving in traffic. Car decelerated from 45MPH to 0, gas peddle would not accelerate, break was locked in place, steering wheel locked, no warning lights appeared, flashing D on gear shift (was in drive), alert appeared on screen “Shift to P then desired gear”, car would not shift gears and gear shift was locked in place then pressed the Push to Start button, car restarted and then shook and jerked forward before allowing me to switch gears from Drive to Park then back to Drive. I was almost rear-ended by two PickUp trucks and SUV. Trucks behind me swerved out of the way to avoid hitting me and almost drove into an 18-wheeler. This occurred 1/10/2023. Problem first occurred in October 2022 in grocery store parking lot while shifting between Drive and Reverse gear. Same thing happened as stated above.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 14, 2022, crash
While slowly turning into a parking slot in front of a building, the vehicle surged forward, jumping the curb and striking a metal handrail and the corner of the building. Substantial damage resulted to the front, hood and cooling systems.