2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

I am reporting recurring safety defects in our 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve, delivered XXX. Since delivery, it has exhibited severe bucking, jerking, rough running, unexpected surging, hesitation, and failure to accelerate when I press the accelerator. Before delivery, [XXX] Jeep replaced four main-chamber spark plugs on XXX, at only 4 miles (RO #104686). At approximately 1,400 miles, Douglas Jeep found excessive oil or unburned fuel on the plugs and replaced all eight (RO #XXX), without explaining or correcting the underlying cause. On XXX, at approximately 1,181 miles, the engine stalled completely after a jolt shifting from reverse to drive. On XXX, it nearly stalled at 25–30 mph near [XXX] and [XXX] with our granddaughter aboard. On XXX, it nearly stalled at approximately 45 mph on [XXX]. On XXX, at approximately 60 mph, it hesitated sharply and jolted, feeling as if it might stall. Also on XXX, in approximately five miles of stop-and-go traffic moving 5–10 mph, it repeatedly bucked, jerked, surged, and failed to accelerate normally, bringing us dangerously close to vehicles ahead. Forceful jolts pushed us hard against our seats. The Jeep was at Douglas Jeep XXX . The symptoms persisted after repair. On XXX, its service order recorded “chug and buck,” with no correction available. On XXX, the service director attributed the behavior to “atypical throttle engagement,” although incidents continue. The SOS/ASSIST system also repeatedly fails to connect; on XXX it displayed “Feature not active,” and the sheriff’s department contacted us about 15 minutes later. These frequent failures could leave us unable to summon help after a crash or breakdown. We request the federal safety agency investigate possible engine/powertrain defects, repeated plug fouling, stalling/loss of propulsion, and emergency-call failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

While driving the vehicle, it completely shuts down unexpectedly. This issue is not related to the auto-start functionality. When the vehicle dies, it goes completely dead. The first time it happened, it restarted on its own but shifted into park and activated the emergency brake. During the next two occurrences, the vehicle also shut off, and I had to manually restart it. No warnings or anything; it just completely goes dead. This puts me and my family at risk. The car can shut down on a major highway suddenly, causing a multi-car accident or, worse, a fatality. The vehicle has been to the dealership (Chrysler) the first time I was told its because my battery is dead, but since I am below 80%, Chrysler will not replace the battery so the batteries were recharged however I was told I will be back for replacement batteries eventually. The second time, the technican drove the car home (it stayed over night) and the car shut down on him while he was driving also. Chrysler says this only happens when I jump start my car and its not a manufacture issue. The result in this visit is my engine blown a 150v bold (something) and this is causing the shut off. Chrysler refused to fix saying Its not including in warrent since I only have 7k miles. The dealership took the cost and repaired the car. The third time it happened, Im still waiting for the dealership. I have not taken the car for the third incident. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership (seen twice ) and the manufactor (Chrysler)

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · IL

The engine hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Especially while turning. This happens 100% of the time. If you are accelerating very slowly, then no issue. However this is not common. The hesitation has resulted in several near accident situations.

Filed Oct 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · ID

New 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee (2.0L turbo I4) has open, unrepaired safety recall 26V‑559 (FCA 54D): the tire pressure monitoring system may not detect low tire pressure or illuminate the warning telltale; remedy is an RFH module reprogram. The vehicle also has an open manufacturer campaign for 2.0L engine spark plug replacement and additional software flash campaigns. I scheduled service for these recalls at an authorized FCA/Stellantis dealer (Larry H. Miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, Boise, ID). I dropped the vehicle off on a Wednesday at 7:00 AM; the dealer kept it nearly 4 full days and returned it Saturday evening with zero recall work performed, citing shop scheduling delays. The service advisor told me to call/email the following Tuesday to reschedule; those calls and emails were not returned. Voicemails and emails to the dealership's service manager and general manager have also gone unanswered. As a result, I am driving a new vehicle with an incomplete safety recall and no dealer remedy scheduled. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred. Problem has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I have escalated to the manufacturer and am attempting to book the recall at an alternate dealer. I am reporting that the manufacturer's dealer network has failed to remedy this safety recall in a timely manner.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

NEW SAFETY INCIDENTS – [XXX] – PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON FILE I am reporting additional serious safety concerns involving my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve, purchased new on [XXX]. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have experienced repeated bucking, jerking, rough engine operation, hesitation, loss of power, and stalling. On [XXX], the vehicle completely stalled. On [XXX], it nearly stalled while traveling through a busy intersection with my granddaughter in the vehicle. The vehicle was at Douglas Jeep for approximately 24 days, from September 23 through October 16, 2026. The dealership replaced all eight spark plugs after discovering excessive oil or unburned fuel contamination on the plugs. Despite these repairs, the dangerous drivability problems continue. During a recent test drive, Douglas Jeep General Manager John Grupe personally experienced the vehicle bucking and jerking at low speeds. On [XXX], I experienced additional concerning vehicle movement. After shifting into reverse while backing out of my driveway, the Jeep moved backward at approximately 4–5 mph without my foot pressing the accelerator. When shifting into drive, the vehicle also moved forward without accelerator input, reaching approximately 5 mph and maintaining that speed until I applied the brakes. I recorded video evidence of these incidents. The vehicle continues to buck and jerk severely at low speeds, including while maneuvering, turning, and driving through parking areas. I am particularly concerned about pedestrians, children, and other motorists. Despite multiple repair attempts and approximately 30 days out of service, these problems remain unresolved. I have repeatedly notified Stellantis and the dealership about the continuing safety concerns. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document these new incidents in connection with my previous safety complaint and evaluate whether these recurring drivability problems represent INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · SC

driving down the road at any speed, the jeep will stop on a dime like you applied the full brake and shut off. i this has occurred 4 different time almost causing 2 bad accidents, one involving an unloaded log truck on hwy 130 in nc and the other one on hwy 544 in sc. The other two were while trying to accelerate out onto the rd. All this occurs without any warning. The engine will race quickly up to 35mph making rpm go to 7, the dash will go completely red when pulling off at red lights. I refuse to drive it thru a small town where people cross at, Jeep has been reported back to dealerships for all the same reoccurring problems since 130 miles.. Spark plugs replaced 2, elec parts been replaced , nothing is fixing the problem. MB Jeep is where i purchased the Jeep. Will not hold a speed, it will control speed itself. I took it back Saturday to dealership, bc I refuse to get killed or kill anyone else with all these problems. I was also told that my jeep of the 26 model engine change out was no the only one. All of them are coming back in with major problems.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

"I am filing this supplemental report to provide critical new technical information regarding a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve. This vehicle has experienced recurring engine instability, including rough idling, jerking, bucking, and loss of power. Most critically, on September 22, 2026, the vehicle nearly stalled while traveling 25–30 mph through a busy intersection, creating an immediate and severe safety hazard. Following this incident, an extensive investigation by Douglas Jeep, Stellantis STAR technical assistance, and a manufacturer engineer revealed oil contamination inside the engine cylinders and on the spark plugs. This is a recurring issue; the spark plugs were replaced prior to the vehicle's delivery in August 2026 and were replaced again in October 2026. Despite the involvement of a Stellantis engineer, the manufacturer has failed to provide a diagnosis of the root cause of the oil contamination or a permanent repair. The vehicle has spent approximately 30 cumulative days out of service since August 17, 2026. I am reporting this as a systemic mechanical failure that poses a significant risk of sudden power loss during operation."

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

Jeep just died going down the road - idle is off - report from computer says misfire on cylinders and bad emissions. Also auto shot off doesn’t work and radio freezes up.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

On September 22, 2026, at 1,445 miles, my brand-new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee suffered a sudden powertrain failure and almost stalled in a live traffic intersection. The vehicle experienced an active loss of motive power with no dashboard warning lights. I drove it immediately to Douglas Jeep, where the Service Manager scanned the vehicle and found active fault code P032F-00 (Insufficient Engine Torque) stored in the computer. The vehicle was grounded the next morning, September 23, 2026. Authorized technicians confirmed liquid engine oil intrusion into the cylinder head had flooded the main chamber spark plugs. This manufacturing defect causes sudden engine hesitation and loss of motive power in active traffic, creating an imminent crash hazard."

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Acceleration, Brakes · TX

My 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has experienced repeated engine shutdown and braking-related failures while driving. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Jeep dealership and is available for inspection upon request. On May 17, 2026, while driving to Fair Oaks dealership due to an unusual engine noise, the check engine and brake warning lights came on. The engine then shut off while I was in the roadway, and I experienced loss of normal braking ability. I was frightened but managed to move the vehicle safely to the side of the road without a collision. The dealer inspected the vehicle, replaced the spark plugs, and returned it on May 29. I later received a recall notice involving the spark plug issue. I returned the vehicle to the dealer on September 11, 2026, and the recall/service work was completed. On September 23, 2026, while driving to work, a similar dangerous failure occurred again. The check engine light came on, the engine shut off while the vehicle was moving, and I again experienced a braking problem. I was terrified but fortunately managed to stop safely. The vehicle was towed to the authorized Jeep dealership. The dealer inspected it and told me the problem was related to the auxiliary battery and repaired it. The problem has therefore occurred more than once and has been inspected/repaired by an authorized Jeep dealer. Jeep Customer Care has also been notified under Case #98217351. To my knowledge, police and insurance representatives have not inspected the vehicle because no collision occurred. I have not picked up the vehicle because I no longer feel safe driving it. An engine shutting off together with braking problems while the vehicle is moving creates a serious risk of a crash, injury, or death to me, my family, other motorists, and pedestrians. No one has been injured so far, but I believe we were extremely fortunate. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this repeated safety failure.