2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee: jerking or lurching

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I own a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel, with approximately 113,170 miles. The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent episodes of “Service Electronic Throttle Control.” During the most recent episode, the vehicle briefly jerked/lurched forward and then experienced a significant loss of engine power/boost. I scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0336 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Performance, intermittent). Clearing the code temporarily restored normal operation, but the fault later returned. During the most recent recurrence, the engine also cranked noticeably longer than normal before starting. FCA previously issued safety recall W79 concerning loss of crankshaft-position signal on these vehicles. The recall involved a software update intended to maintain engine operation using the camshaft signal if the crankshaft signal is lost. FCA also lists warranty extension X95 concerning the 3.0L diesel crankshaft tone wheel. FCA technical documentation identifies P0336 as a possible symptom associated with crankshaft tone-wheel magnetic material failure. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent shop to confirm the physical cause. I have stopped driving it because I am concerned that an intermittent crankshaft-position problem could result in unexpected loss of motive power, engine stalling, or inability to restart. I contacted FCA Customer Care regarding this issue. FCA has indicated that the applicable warranty extension has expired and has not agreed to assist with the repair. I am currently using a rental vehicle while the Jeep is out of service. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this suspected safety issue. The physical tone wheel has not yet been confirmed as failed, but the symptoms and P0336 code appear consistent with the failure mode described in FCA’s documentation.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · 170,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V332000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL). The contact stated that when the vehicle came to a stop, the vehicle jerked abnormally. Additionally, while driving forward, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that an unknown message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the gear shifter icons and gauge icons failed to activate and function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact asked the dealer to complete the recall repair; however, the dealer refused. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure persisted, and the vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Engine · FL

The engine kicks like the injectors are blocked or something. It happens in idle and all speeds, including highway speeds. It is not speed related. However, I am reporting this because it jerks the car at highway speeds and this is dangerous. I have one occurring trouble light regarding the oil pump but it’s not related. Something is troubling this engine like there is debris in the fuel line but all of my recalls have been fulfilled.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 145,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle was jerking and lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the road and contacted the dealer. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · 116,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. While attempting to accelerate, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating before returning to normal operation. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · CA

Loud ticking noise from engine that speeds up upon acceleration. Failing rocker arm causing debris leading to ticking noise. No error codes. Upon personal investigation online, have found "Pentastar Tick" to be a known problem in 2013-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees on Jeep forums. Problem can lead to misfire while driving, including jerking, damage to cam shaft, as well as engine damage.

Filed Sep 10, 2022 · Seats · NY

While the vehicle was in operation traveling straight ahead on roadway the vehicles drivers headrest “popped” causing operators head to jerk forward while vehicle was in motion. Driver was able to maintain control of vehicle but was startled by the sudden explosion and impact on head. This could have easily caused operator to loose control and be involved in a motor vehicle accident. There were no warning messages when this occurred and nothing had been done to the headrest prior to it exploding open. After inspecting the headrest it appears a plastic part inside the headrest snapped.

Filed Aug 26, 2022 · Airbags, Transmission · NJ

There are two issues. One is that the air bag light is on and never goes away and could mean faulty air bags, two the car is making a clicking noise and jerking when accelerating and the 4 wheel drive service light has come on. It could be the transfer case or differential. The car only has 60,000 miles and isn't driven everyday. It should not be having these safety issues.

Filed Dec 15, 2021 · Electrical, Seats · WI · 1 injury

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee drivers side heated seat burned a nickel size hole through the seat, burned a hole through my girlfriends sweatshirt and burned her skin. Thank god she was able to maintain her composure and pull over to a parking lot and get out. What if she had jerked the wheel (as it startled her) and caused a crash? What if she was on the highway?? What if the vehicle started on fire?? The vehicle is currently at the dealership and being inspected. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms.

Filed Jun 27, 2021 · Seats · NJ · 1 injury

Was driving with my girlfriend and we heard a loud boom and my girlfriend injured her head because the headrest exploded and jerked her head forward.

Filed May 20, 2021 · Seats · OK

I was sitting in the passenger seat in my driveway with the vehicle off getting ready for my family to go to the store. The passenger head rest busted open causing my head and body to jerk forward.

Filed Feb 12, 2021 · Transmission · 107,000 miles · MI

The vehicle stalls while driving on the highway. I will be driving on the highway at about 70 MPH and sometimes the car will give a jerk when I accelerate and suddenly the vehicle slows down to a stop (gas pedal does not work to accelerate) the car shifts itself from drive to neutral and a message appears on the dash screen "put vehicle into drive". Sometimes the check engine light turns on and sometimes is does not. Once the vehicle has stopped I'm able to restart the car and drive again. This occurs again sometimes multiple times in one day or will happen once every week or so. I was told to change the TCM, battery, spark plugs and clean the fuel injectors and that did not solve the problem. I've been to multiple mechanics and chrysler dealership service centers and they can never seem to duplicate the problem so they have no real answers as to why this is happening.