2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine failure

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 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 Sep 15, 2025 · Engine · NJ

P0303 code. Misfire in cylinder 3. Blown head gasket. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Car is only five years old with 115000 miles. Dealer suggested a new engine. A $12,000.00 expense to the consumer. $20,000.00 still owed to bank. After much research, it’s clear as day that this is an engineering flaw. Thousands of Pentastar engines have this recurring failure.

Filed Aug 25, 2025 · Steering · AR

Component/System: Electrical Power Steering (EPS) – steering cuts in and out while driving. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the steering intermittently fails, making the vehicle very difficult to control. This could easily cause an accident. Reproduction/Inspection: The issue has been reproduced multiple times while driving. The vehicle previously had an engine replacement at Bayird Dodge Chrysler Jeep in West Memphis, AR (now closed), but this steering problem remains unresolved. Manufacturer/Dealer Involvement: The original dealership is no longer in business, so I cannot return there for service. I have contacted Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care to request assistance. Warning Lamps/Messages: The EPS warning light has appeared during failures. The problem first appeared in [insert approximate date/month you noticed it]. Summary: The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (VIN [XXX] ) has ongoing electrical power steering failures. The steering cuts in and out unexpectedly, creating an extreme safety hazard. This issue needs urgent investigation and resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 12, 2025 · Engine · 77,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, and the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion leaking into the engine, which caused engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Filed Dec 6, 2024 · Engine · MI

Car wouldn't shift into drive. Git car towed in was told possible cam shaft issues. Car has been back 3 more times for same issue finally Stellantis replaced cam shaft. Now same problems are occurring and Jeep wants me to pay to replace engine on a 4 year old car.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · WA

This is the fourth time this has happened. I am scheduled to have the dealership begin to trouble shoot the issue again tomorrow. Upon the second time I took the vehicle to the dealership. They were unable to replicate the issue having had it in their possession for two weeks. I was driving to work this morning, driving downhill, turned on my turn indicator to take a right onto a highway on ramp, when in the middle of the turn complete electrical and engine failure. The radio, headlamps, turn signal, brake lights, power assisted braking and engine all cut out. The hazards worked, but no dash light indicator lit up letting me know. Only the glowing flash on the side of the road let me know. The dash was completely blacked out except for "shift to park to start". The steering didn't lock up thankfully, while pulling over I attempted to shift to neutral and start while in motion, nothing. I succeeded in coming to a stop on the shoulder shifted to drive, and the vehicle started right up. There were,and are no warning lights illumenated.

Filed Jul 9, 2024 · Engine · 50,273 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally and stalled. The RPM increased to high. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump was leaking. The contact stated that the valves, cylinder, head gasket, gasket case cover, gasket head cover, oil intake manifold, and oil filter housing were replaced, but the failure recurred. The mechanic performed a pressure test. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the engine seized and failed to move. The vehicle failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator ground wiring nut was corroded. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,273.

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 Dec 10, 2020 · Engine · 3,000 miles · FL

2020 jeep grand cherokee overland. Consumer writes in regards to engine trouble. *ld the consumer stated the engine failed while driving. The dealer and manufacturer were notified.

Filed Nov 28, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 329 miles · NJ

While driving 60 miles per hour along the southbound express lane of garden state parkway my new 2020 jeep grand cherokee started shaking. Within seconds, I pulled on to the grassy area next to the fast lane where my vehicle died. After getting towed to the dealership, I was notified that my new car with 329 miles on it is in need of a new engine, new batteries and new starter. Of notable concern on the repair order is the following: "what is present inside intake manifold is pieces of metal." while the case is not yet closed, chrysler informed me they intend to fix the vehicle under warranty and return it to me. This is a serious safety concern and I fear the blown engine, dead batteries and starter could have caused additional, unrecognized damage.