2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Jan 25, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · WI

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.

Filed Aug 21, 2025 · Acceleration, Airbags · NC · crash

It was a clear day as I arrived at work. While pulling into a parking spot, the Jeep suddenly accelerated over a curb and into a tree. I was able to turn the wheel upon seeing the tree, which helped me avoid hitting other vehicles on the opposite side of the island. I had to depress the brakes multiple times before the vehicle finally stopped just short of another tree. During the incident, I was on a conference call. The attendees confirmed that there were no warning sounds from the vehicle—only the sound of the impact. Notably, the airbags did not deploy. The front driver-side area sustained extensive damage, causing the driver’s door to jam. Fortunately, I did not suffer any physical injuries. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair shop. When connected to a scanner, no error codes were detected. Repairs took nearly five weeks. Although the front sensors were replaced, they still did not function properly. The shop consulted a technician who remoted in and advised them to replace all the sensors again and inspect the wiring. Although the vehicle has been repaired, I remain fearful of driving it. I’ve read similar reports on this board suggesting these issues may be related to the electrical system. I plan to contact the dealership to ask whether they have experience with such cases and if they can inspect the systems.

Filed May 14, 2025 · Acceleration, Brakes · 64,000 miles · MI · crash

The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated the vehicle had been driven for three hours and parked. Moments later, the vehicle was restarted and while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration. While pressing the brake pedal, the vehicle did not stop and continued to accelerate forward, and the speed increased. While attempting to avoid driving into a river, the contact made a left turn and crashed into a tree. After crashing into the tree, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward and began to increase speed. The contact shifted the transmission shifter to the park position, and the vehicle was stopped. During the incident, no injuries were reported, a police report was taken the next morning, and the vehicle was towed to a nearby towing facility. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the failure was caused by a computer malfunction. No further information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 64,000.

Filed Sep 20, 2023 · Acceleration, Brakes · 35,800 miles · NJ · crash

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving forward into a parking space the brake pedal was hard when pressed and the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed to the side of a building. After the incident, it was discovered that the front brakes had seized and the vehicle was undrivable. The contact indicated that during the crash the collision avoidance feature did not active. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. A police report was taken at the scene. No injuries were reported. The manufacturer was notified of the crash and an engineer was sent to examine the vehicle. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 35,800.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Transmission · NH

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.

Filed Dec 14, 2022 · Driver assistance, Fuel system · TX · 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.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 350 miles · AZ

With my foot completely off the accelerator, the vehicle spontaneously accelerates under certain conditions. While in standard or sport mode, in second gear going about 20mph, there is a reproducible RPM surge that causes the vehicle to lunge forward. This somewhat feels like being rear ended.

Filed Dec 6, 2019 · Acceleration, Brakes · 500 miles · IL · crash

I was slowly backing into a driveway when the jeep grand cherokee suddenly accelerated on its own. I repeatedly hit the brake pedal but the jeep wouldn't stop; instead it kept going faster. It smashed into the garage door and the brick wall of the garage, demolishing them. The jeep was brand new with only 500 miles driven, and it was equipped with a complete safety package that should have automatically stopped it before an impending impact but it did not do so. This was an extremely terrifying experience and it felt like a nightmare.