Check a VIN

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is electrical system, typically around 78,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Grand Cherokee model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
75/100
Owner complaints
734
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
62
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
15-20mpg

The worst 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Stalling 163Won't start 41Loss of power 33Key fob 31Check engine light 29Airbag light 24Wipers 22Power steering loss 15Headlights 13Engine failure 12ABS 11Won't shift 11Warning lights 11Fuel pump 8Sudden acceleration 8No deployment 7Brake failure 7Jerking 6Hesitation 5

Recalls 4

Electrical system: ignitionReported September 17, 2014 · 292,798 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 14V567000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported May 7, 2013 · 295,345 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 13V175000 · Recall details

Electrical systemReported February 6, 2008 · 1,338 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured.
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 08V059000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported September 12, 2007 · 28,755 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This would increase the vehicle's stopping distance and could cause a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 07V415000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 62

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 62 bulletins for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cyl DieselRWD182320
3.0L 6‑cyl Diesel4WD172219
3.7L 6‑cylRWD152017
3.7L 6‑cyl4WD151917
5.7L 8‑cylRWD131915
5.7L 8‑cyl4WD131815
4.7L 8‑cyl4WD141915
4.7L 8‑cylRWD141915

What 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical, Visibility · 30,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While stopped in traffic, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact parked, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the windshield wipers intermittently activated while driving. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V059000 (Electrical System, Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Electrical · 155,330 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was started in the driveway but immediately turned off. The vehicle was restarted and shifted into reverse(R); however, the vehicle drove forward instead. The vehicle was immediately turned off to avoid a crash. The following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed to immediately respond while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,330.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · OK · fire

5.7L Hemi Engine fire. The primary cause was a wire harness retention clip failure that allows the starter wiring harness to lay on the steering column. As it turns, it cuts into the harness and provides battery voltage to the steering column. In my case, there was a power steering fluid leak combined with the electrified steering assembly started a fire. Any similar combustible fluid would have the same result. It may be a potential recall that should be investigated. VIN 8C244809. Incident occurred on 1-28-26. I have video footage of the issue if needed.

Filed Feb 7, 2026 · Airbags · NC

Driver's steering wheel airbag malfunctioned and deployed unexpectedly while backing into a parking space. Safety of passengers through potential of bodily injury and car crash due to lack of sight and sudden explosion/deployment of airbag while car is actively being driven could have been causedby this malfunction. Various incidents of this safety issue have been reported, but no recalls have been officiated yet for this specific year and model. Vehicle has not inspected yet, it just occurred this morning. Insurance was notified, but said it needed to be inspected by a mechanic or dealership. Airbag light came on today for the first time while driving home and then airbag malfunctioned/deployed while parking.

Filed Apr 20, 2025 · Transmission · CO

When driving it will randomly shift into 4th gear very hard and stay in 4th until you turn it off. It will happen at any speed and be fine for months or do have the issues consistently for long period of time then stop. It happens with no pattern or related reasons.

Filed Feb 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Dear Sirs: Two months ago I went to the local Jeep Dealer (Taraborelli, in Bariloche, Argentina) asking for 4 incomplete recalls. Two were completed but, in particular the number 57, the local dealer informed me that they asked MOPAR for spare parts (CDBOH113 -680050499AA- and CBTTP578AA and CBTTP57LAA) without any response from MOPAR. To my surprise the recalls appear now as "completed"! The dealer received my complaint and asked me to report the problem. They are waiting for the spare parts to complete recall repairing. What I'm expected to do about this problem?. Original recals were N11, N23, P57 and P73, those related with software were resolved but for P57 they required spare parts to MOPAR it is very important affecting the driving. I do appreciate your response asap. Thanks in advance [XXX] 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 3.0 CRD VIN [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Electrical · AZ

Ignition switch sticking in on position. Making electrical type sound and a burrrr sound. Called Jeep corporate and told not on recall list.I See recall for 2008 jeep grand Cherokee for this exact issue but they say not for Laredo.

Filed Dec 29, 2024 · Electrical, Suspension · NJ

My Wireless Ignition Node is showing a failure. Key Fob not recognized and displays unknown key warning. Leading to the failure, the key would get stuck in the start position and I had to manually return the key to the on position. The front calipers had also recently been replaced when my mechanic noticed it was defective. All of these incidents occured before I was aware there were any recalls on the vehicle, but now that I am aware; all of the incidents leading up to the WIN failure make more sense. I brought my concerns to the dealer and they were of no help in resolving my issue. My mechanic, in his best opinion, also believes these issues should be considered under the recall for the Ignition system relating to the recall.

Filed Nov 26, 2024 · Electrical, Seats · 170,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon returning to the vehicle, the contact’s daughter noticed that the front driver's side seat was smoldering. The contact stated that her daughter reported that the entire seat bottom of the seat was charred and melted the plastic frame and the seat cover. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat heater had engaged independently, causing her daughter to place a blanket on the seat to safely drive the vehicle. A mobile independent mechanic inspected the vehicle, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Nov 20, 2024 · Acceleration, Brakes · MD · crash · fire

My 2008 jeep grand cheroke has caught on fire multiple times & started smoking. The rpms would always jump High and one day I went to go leave and it went real high causing it to accelerate on its own and went I went to go try to stop it my breaks failed and emergency brake would not work.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee before you buy

Compare the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Grand Cherokee vs Ford EdgeGrand Cherokee vs Subaru OutbackGrand Cherokee vs Chevrolet BlazerGrand Cherokee vs Hyundai Santa FeGrand Cherokee vs Nissan MuranoGrand Cherokee vs Toyota 4RUNNERGrand Cherokee vs Honda Passport

Other model years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

Owners have filed 734 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, close to a typical Grand Cherokee model year.

What is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee year score?

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Electrical system, with 473 complaints, typically around 78,000 miles. Next is engine (146).

How many recalls does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

4 recalls, covering electrical system and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical?

Yes, 3 recalls: 14V567000, 13V175000, 08V059000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have the most electrical problems?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (928 complaints), 2012 (837 complaints) and 2011 (780 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee range from 15 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl diesel, RWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.

Share your experience with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Tell other buyers what went wrong and what it cost. We review every report before it appears, and we never publish names, emails or VINs.

No names, contact details or links. Reports about a dealer or a person are not published.

Is this car on a recall?Check VIN