2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · Engine · 101,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipe, and the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle eventually failed start and was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V699000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire · 1 injury

Not sure what component caused the vehicle to burst into flames. It is no longer (to the best of my knowledge) available for inspection (unless still at tow yard). The Jeep burned, caught another vehicle in the driveway on fire, as well as fence separating neighbor's house, and spread to structure (my house). Vehicle was inspected by ins. reps/others. It was taped off as battery was still live. Fire report states vehicle fire. Car was parked in driveway and was not driven for two days. No prior warnings or recalls.

Filed Jul 31, 2023 · Body, Electrical · 80,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Liftgate Cannot Be Opened While Vehicle Is In Motion" message was displayed. Additionally, there was a burning odor detected after pressing the Auto Start/Stop button to start up the vehicle, with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The power liftgate was intermittently inoperable and also inadvertently opened while parked in the garage. The dealer was made aware of the failure and confirmed there was no recall associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V338000 (Electrical System, Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Warranty ended on 2/7/22. Car has 58,300 miles. Experienced white smoke coming from the engine on 2/21/22. Took to the dealership right away and diagnosed a warped cylinder head, leaking water pump, and bad starter motor. Never saw the temperature high on the car. The white smoke was experienced after sitting overnight. Also Catalytic converter may have issues. Called Jeep customer service and could not extend “good will” coverage to pay for the repairs.

Filed Nov 12, 2020 · Seats · 54,000 miles · WA

While driving the jeep on the city street, I smelled something burning. I felt the drivers seat warmer get really hot, felt it with my hand and got shocked. I right away turned off the seat warmer. Once I got home, I noticed there was a hole in the seat and part of my sweater got burned.

Filed Sep 11, 2020 · Brakes, Electrical · 39,434 miles · WA

All warning sensors went off on the dash, my brakes locked, luckily at low speeds either while parked or pulling into a parking spot. It had to be towed 3 times, one time we had a little smoke coming from under the hood which turned out being the corroded harness. My brake lights were all stuck on. Jeep says it was the wheel speed sensor, 2 out of 4 have been replaced. I've also had to have my wiring harness replaced twice (within 6 months) due to corrosion. All of this happened at the same time.

Filed Sep 8, 2019 · Fuel system · 18,800 miles · IL

On sept 3, 2019 I was driving at 45 MPH when the engine stalled and I coasted to a stop. Engine restarted after many attempts, drove about 50 feet when engine stalled again. Overcome by a strong smell of gas I exited the car and saw fuel coming out from under the engine. As the car sat the fuel leak subsided. Towed to the dealer we bought the car from (zeigler of downers grove) tow truck driver stated I was lucky it didn't start on fire. When the car was up on the back of the tow truck bed dealer tried to start the car to get into neutral and we were able to see the fuel pouring out from under the car. Picked up car the next day and I was assured this car was fixed. I voiced my concern on the dangers of driving a car with gas pouring out of it. Repair order shows "replaced broken fuel clip tested vehicle and vehicle is now operating as designed". 5 days later (9/8/19) had to have the car towed 30 miles back to the dealership because the car is again leaking gasoline. Not feeling very safe in my 2017 jeep grand cherokee

Filed Jul 23, 2017 · Electrical · 52,000 miles · VA · fire

After driving approximately 15 miles to work I noticed a whirring sound like a bearing going bad in the water pump, alternator, etc. Just before I arrived the "check battery" light came on. After my shift, the vehicle started with no problem, the sound was gone and the "check battery" light did not come on. After driving approximately 2 miles, the whirring sound started again and I smelled smoke. I immediately pulled to the side of the road. When I opened the hood, smoke and flames were coming out of the alternator (I have video of the smoke in mov format which this site doesn't allow). The fire burned itself out. However, the vehicle's electronic system was dead - no lights, window, radio, etc. This issue has the exact same characteristics as mopar's recall p60 campaign # 14v634000 electrical / alternator / generator - alternator may fail without warning. However, this vehicle has a 180 amp alternator rather than a 160 amp. This is extremely dangerous, especially in the dc - northern virginia area, as you have minimal time to respond to something that causes the vehicle to ignite and shuts down all of the electrical systems.