2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · DC

On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of the 'Select_Terrain' from 'Auto' to 'Snow'. We were unable to turn off these settings. On the next day, we returned the Jeep to our CDJR dealer for repair. After inspection, the service agent reported that the Jeep experienced a “Transfer Case failure” and further recommended that I consider [purchasing] a new vehicle as these issues seem to be piling up. Failure of this nature is not normal wear. I have purchased 5 Jeep vehicles over the past 40 years and 4 of our Jeeps had over 250,000 miles of service without dangerous, catastrophic engine or drive-train failure such as this. This situation should remediated by the manufacturer and any affected components repaired or replaced. Finally, it should be noted that 3-days prior to the failure, the same CDJR dealer provided a 100,00-Mile 'service' that included "Op1 DMS All wheel Drive Fluid Exchange".

Filed Aug 9, 2026 · Engine · CA

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of the vehicle became so severe that I genuinely feared the vehicle could catch fire while I was still inside it. I was terrified for my personal safety and concerned that I could be seriously injured. This was not simply an inconvenience or an ordinary mechanical repair. In my opinion, the circumstances surrounding the engine failure created a potentially dangerous safety situation. The vehicle has subsequently remained at the dealership/service facility for an extended period while the engine issue has been addressed. I contacted Jeep/Stellantis regarding the engine failure. Stellantis offered approximately $13,000 in goodwill assistance toward the repair while requiring me to contribute approximately $3,200. However, my primary reason for reporting this matter to the federal safety agency is not the financial dispute. My primary concern is SAFETY. I am extremely concerned that an engine could experience such a catastrophic failure at approximately 44,000–45,000 miles and create circumstances in which I feared the vehicle could catch fire while being driven. As a result of this incident, I have completely lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle and do not feel safe driving it again, even if the engine is repaired or replaced. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this complaint and determine whether similar engine failures, fire-related incidents, or safety complaints have been reported involving 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles or vehicles equipped with the same engine. I am prepared to provide my VIN, dealership repair orders, diagnostic information, service re

Filed Jul 17, 2026 · Engine · OH

I am reporting a potential safety issue involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle developed a condition in which it would not stay running. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership, Valley Motor City in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for a scheduled service appointment on May 19, 2026. The dealership diagnosed and completed approximately $5,200 in repairs. On June 11, 2026, I was informed that the repairs had been completed, but the vehicle still would not stay running. The vehicle has remained at the dealership while technicians have continued attempting to determine the cause. After I escalated the matter to Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care, I was advised that the dealership is attempting to obtain additional diagnostic information and that an engine replacement may now be under consideration. I was also advised that the dealership is expected to complete higher-level technical review procedures and may request assistance from a Stellantis technical specialist if the cause still cannot be determined. I was later advised that the dealership was expected to provide follow-up information to Jeep/Stellantis by Tuesday, July 14, 2026. On the evening of July 14, 2026, the Jeep/Stellantis case manager advised me that the dealership had not followed up with her, and that she would follow up with the dealership and escalate the matter to her manager. The vehicle remains unresolved after 2 months of diagnosis and repair efforts. I am reporting this because a vehicle that stalls, shuts off, or will not remain running may present a safety risk, particularly if the condition occurs during operation. I do not know the root cause and do not want to speculate. I am requesting that this report be recorded as a potential safety issue involving a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine · 114,369 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft, battery, and two oil valves in the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who provided the same diagnosis. The battery, starter, and two valves were replaced. The contact stated that the failures persisted while driving on several occasions, with the message "Oil Overheated" displayed, and the temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,369.

Filed Mar 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

on or around 12/15/2024 (42257 miles on vehicle) jeep will power on start and stop, all alights on dashboard light, unable to shift into or out of gear when parked. When driving but stopped at a red light car shut off. Attempted to restart unable to, car put into park attempted to restart lights came on but engine didn't turn over. Tried again few minutes laster and the car turned on. Returned apartment, parked car. was unable to shift car into park, car shut off on its own again, car then able to go into park. A few days later start engine, car turns on put car in reverse, car shut off on its own, all lights and warnings on dashboard light up and stay on. Unable to start engine, unable to shift car into park. turn car off, shift into park, on 12/17/24 Car towed to Lake Chrysler dodge jeep ram auto Lewistown PA. told that it was the can bus connector needed to be replaced. Part replaced. 10/10/25 (54630 miles) car in for inspection, oil change, reported to mechanic engine was making high pitched sound/noise when driving up steep hill on highway the week prior. Was told by mechanic "that is normal when driving up steep hills, after a long drive" " we didn't hear it or find anything" Car continued to make this noise on the same hill since. Car in for oil change at David Dodge on 1/12/26 (58,974 miles) reported to mechanic again that engine continues to make a high pitched sound/noise when going up hills, on highway drives and after longer drives. per shop nothing was found. Asked if I should make an appointment for it to be tested and told no not needed. On 3/2/26 check engine light on, waring start/stop unavailable service stop/start system this happened off and on for next few days. Car brought to mechanic on 3/6/26 (60,000 miles) diagnosic test run cylinder misfire, R and R intake manifold to check coil and spark coolant found on spark plug, borescope #3 cylinder Head gasket, cylinder head, block issue . Recommend total engine and radiator replacements

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · GA

On September 15–16, 2025, my vehicle was serviced at AutoNation CDJR North Columbus, where the technician documented: “Oil filter housing failed internally.” •No repair, replacement, or warning was provided to me about the risk of catastrophic engine failure. •I was not presented a signed repair decline form. •Internal failure was documented but not escalated. On February 13, 2026, the engine failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The dealership quoted ~$13,094.83 for engine replacement but did not authorize repair. During this time, oil and coolant leaks were observed, indicating continued mechanical risk and potential safety hazards.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Engine · WI

On sat 01/24/26 I was filling my washer fluid and I looked down and saw oil on the bottom on right side. I left it parked until I took it 2 miles to dealer told them what I saw and they looked at it and the plastic oil canister housing broke and got oil in my antifreeze. They told me powertrain warranty would not cover the whole fix. I have seeing alot of people have had same problem I think jeep needs to get a recall out for that since it has been a problem. This is not right it should be all covered now I won't have all the money after they get it fixed to.pay. have never had any problem jeep ran good never over heated oil pressure always at 31 to 32 pressure. Never new I had a problem until I looked under hood to fill washer fluid. Something needs to be done about this asap. It all because jeep don't wanna have to fix all the ones like this. I didnot get any photos was so upset I saw oil never even thought about getting pictures. They need to get a recall on this asap thank you very much. It is at the dealership kunes country in Platteville wisconsin 53818 Thank you

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 Jan 8, 2026 · Engine · NY

This complaint concerns a serious ongoing engine defect in my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. The vehicle experiences ongoing misfire, rough idle, loss of smooth engine operation, and valvetrain noise. The Jeep runs very poorly and feels unreliable and unsafe to drive. The problem appears to be consistent with camshaft and rocker wear described in Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin 09-011-25. The vehicle has been repaired three times at: NJV Auto Center Inc. 27 Orange Turnpike Sloatsburg, NY 10974 Despite being $2,500 out of pocket, the issue has NOT been resolved. This appears to be a widespread manufacturer defect affecting Pentastar engines. Loss of proper engine function while driving is a safety concern and creates risk of breakdown or loss of power. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate.

Filed Nov 1, 2025 · Engine · KY

I brought my jeep in for a concern about an antifreeze leak on 1/3/25. I had 130,112 miles on my vehicle and was my warranty expired at 125,000 miles. They thought it was a water pump gasket at the time. I took my jeep back on 10/30/2025 and they confirmed a head leak, that wasn't checked last time. This is a safety issue since it has been confimed that other jeeps within same year have the same issue. If I am driving on the interstate and this issue got worse, then it will be a safety issue for everyone driving around me and me and my passengers in the vehicle as well. It has been inspected by Murray Dodge and Jeep. I have not gotten any warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to failure. First appeared before 1/3/25. I was 5,000 over my mileage- since I was a traveling RN at the time.