2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine overheating

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · NJ

September 1: The vehicle triggered diagnostic trouble code P0306 (Cylinder 6 Misfire). It was immediately taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced to address the misfire. September 30: The engine suddenly refused to crank or start. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed a completely blown starter motor and noted thick white smoke billowing from the tailpipe upon replacement. Further testing revealed that engine coolant had flooded into Cylinder 6. Present: The vehicle was towed to an authorized Jeep Dealership for a comprehensive engine teardown. The dealership technicians confirmed that both the cylinder head and the engine block deck are permanently warped due to extreme localized thermal stress. Dealership advised coolant was not low and no codes on the computer to show that there was overheating occurring. All oil changes were done at the dealership and stellantis don't want to help with the replacement of the engine goodwill offered 10,500 digital imaging says no my fault I drove it overheating Coolant not low per dealership and no lights how was I to know it was overheating

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · OK

Oil Filter Housing/Oil Cooler Failure Causing Oil and Coolant Contamination, Serpentine Belt Failure, and Engine Overheating My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E, equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, has developed a significant oil leak originating from the oil filter housing/oil cooler assembly. A mechanic has identified this assembly as the source of the oil leak and confirmed that its failure is allowing engine oil to mix with the coolant. In addition to internal oil and coolant contamination, engine oil is leaking externally onto surrounding engine components, potentially including the serpentine belt and pulley system. The vehicle recently experienced a complete serpentine belt failure while driving, resulting in engine overheating and requiring me to pull over immediately to prevent additional engine damage. I am concerned that oil leaking from the housing assembly may have contributed to the premature deterioration and failure of the serpentine belt. The oil contamination of the cooling system presents additional safety concerns, including reduced cooling efficiency, damage to cooling system components, and the possibility of severe engine damage or unexpected vehicle disablement. The combined risks of external oil leakage, internal coolant contamination, serpentine belt failure, and engine overheating create a potentially dangerous situation, particularly during highway driving. I am concerned that the oil filter housing/oil cooler assembly may have an underlying design or manufacturing defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate this issue in 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine and determine whether a safety recall or other corrective action is warranted.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, 3.6L V6 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost accelerator response while traveling on the highway. The engine initially remained running, but pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response. Multiple warning indicators illuminated simultaneously, including the electronic throttle control, ABS, traction control, airbag, and four-wheel-drive systems. The vehicle also exhibited unusual electrical behavior, including unexpected activation of the high-beam headlights. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and would no longer crank or start. The sudden loss of propulsion while traveling in highway traffic created a serious safety hazard and placed me at risk of a collision. This incident follows an extensive history of significant mechanical failures and repairs to this vehicle, including: Replacement of the cylinder head following repeated overheating and engine misfires. Complete transmission replacement following transmission-related failures. Replacement of the radiator and cooling fan assembly TWICE within approximately one year, most recently during a trip to North Carolina. Additional mechanical concerns, including a camshaft-related diagnostic trouble code. Despite these major component replacements, the vehicle continues to experience serious reliability and operational failures. These repeated problems have occurred despite attempts to address them through dealership repairs and manufacturer warranty assistance. Stellantis previously extended the vehicle's warranty as a goodwill gesture following earlier issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

This submission is an update to the federal safety agency Complaint #11727024. The vehicle continues to experience recurring engine overheating and misfire conditions. These issues have been previously diagnosed and are consistent with known manufacturer Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to this engine. Despite this: The dealership has not performed the appropriate diagnostic protocol (including STAR testing) The manufacturer, Stellantis, closed my case without resolving the issue No repair or corrective action has been completed The vehicle remains in operation due to lack of manufacturer support. This condition presents a potential safety risk, including: Loss of power while driving Risk of engine failure or shutdown Increased risk during normal roadway operation The vehicle is regularly operated by my 17-year-old daughter, which increases concern regarding driver safety and reliability of the vehicle under these conditions. This situation reflects: A known defect documented by the manufacturer Failure of the dealer network to properly diagnose/repair Closure of a manufacturer case without resolution of a safety-related issue I am requesting that this complaint be reviewed as part of any broader pattern of similar failures and considered for further investigation.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I am reporting a repeated safety-related issue involving my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Overland. The vehicle has experienced ongoing engine misfires and overheating, which create unsafe driving conditions. The issue presents as follows: -Engine begins to misfire, causing rough operation and shaking. -The check engine light flashes intermittently indicating active misfire. -Vehicle performance becomes inconsistent, with concern for loss of power while driving. -Vehicle experiencing coolant loss/overheating, concern for engine failure. These conditions create a serious safety risk, as the vehicle may lose power unexpectedly or become inoperable while driving. Multiple repair attempts have been made, including replacement of ignition components (coils and spark plugs) and other related service. The issue continues to recur, and the root cause has not been resolved. Despite repeated attempts to resolve the issue through the dealership and manufacturer, the problem persists and the vehicle remains unreliable. The manufacturer has not provided a resolution despite multiple attempts, and communication is unsuccessful I am submitting this complaint due to ongoing safety concerns and a lack of resolution.

Filed Jun 6, 2025 · Electrical, Suspension · CA

Vehicle code: C1562-98 AIR PUMP CONTROL - air suspension compressor is overheating or there's a problem with the control system, leading to issues with adjusting the vehicle's height. With further inspection he found a leak in the air bag fittings. Vehicle Power Control Module has caused vehicle to shutoff while driving on the highway. Air suspension and electrical issues continued after 60 days of attempted repairs.

Filed Oct 14, 2023 · Transmission · VA

Paddle shifters are disabled with no way to enable them. While towing, there is no way to reduce downhill speed maximizing the use of the power train while minimizing the use of the brake system causing the brakes to overheat and a potential crash incident.

Filed Jan 31, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

I purchased this car on 1/12/2022. It immediately began to have issues, first a coolant leak and then a check engine light. I have been told the check engine light is related to RFH codes for passive entry and Chrysler cannot provide a a date for the software update . I am forced to forced to drive a brand new vehicle with a check engine light on, not knowing if it’s safe. I feel this is unacceptable, I see many stories of the same vehicle just shutting down while driving.

Filed Dec 23, 2021 · Driver assistance, Electrical · WA

-The new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L-Limited was made to be a third, row off-road, all weather driven vehicle. #1: The front windshield is flush with the front pillars. This causes accumulated snow or off-road dirt to easily be pushed to the driver side window (with no way to wash off) and blocking the driver’s side mirror. This makes it impossible to to use the blind spot light on the side mirror. In my case, I had audio alarm turned off as not to wake the kids while driving across the country. So I had a couple of near misses until I was able to stop, clean the driver’s window and turn the blind spot alarm back on. This is not a big deal if driving in clear rain, just not off-road or snow. It’s available for inspection whenever needed. -Our safety was placed at risk by creating a blind spot, making my driver’s side mirror and sensor obsolete. This created me nearly striking the cars beside me. -I just returned from the dealership(Puyallup-Larsen Jeep)an hour ago and the staff admitted it was a flaw. They actually recommend I go buy some aftermarket window lip, that does not exist. It was disgraceful to say the least for them to admit a flaw and suggest I fix it on my own, after having my car for 8 hours and it having 3500 miles on it. -No warning lights other than the blind spot sensors activating that I could be sure was activated or not. #2: The third row seat over heated the phone charging cord, causing light cabin smoke and burning a slight hole in the gym bag. My 7 y/o twins were woken up and advised me she think she smelled smoke. I figured it was nothing, it a brand new vehicle. She said “something is burning Dad”. I turned the cabin light on as my 14 y/o said she now smelled something in the second row. I saw a light fog and immediately pulled over, ran to the back and yanked out the cord out of the car. The cord was overheated to my touch. The cord had burned the plastic bag the Happy Meal toy was inside. Available for inspection whenever.