2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: jerking or lurching

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 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 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · NM

While driving approximately 65-70 mph on a highway, my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 with approximately 15,000 miles suddenly jerked to the right and a loud knocking/clunking noise was heard from the drivetrain area. Immediately afterward, vehicle performance decreased significantly and the vehicle struggled to accelerate. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a safety hazard due to surrounding traffic. No warning lights or messages appeared. The condition persists and the vehicle continues to have acceleration problems. This was very unsafe because either myself or other couldve been injured. I called jeep and they told me to drive it in to the Dodge dealership in Andrews TX, I want to emphasizes this is very unsafe, because it wont accelerate as it should. I have to drive down a road that oil tanker semis drive on as well.

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 Sep 18, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

Final the federal safety agency Complaint Vehicle information * Year: 2026 * Make: Jeep * Model: Grand Cherokee * Trim: Limited Reserve * Engine: Hurricane four-cylinder * VIN: [XXX] * Current mileage: 1,199 miles * Incident mileage: 1,181 miles * Incident location: Parking lot in [XXX] * Manufacturer case number: XXX * Dealerships involved: Sarasota Jeep and Venice Jeep Complaint title Bucking, jerking, rough running, unexpected forward movement, and stalling in Reverse Complaint description I am reporting a possible safety defect involving my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve equipped with the Hurricane four-cylinder engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle repeatedly bucks and jerks during acceleration, including at approximately 5 mph in parking lots. It also runs roughly and has demonstrated unexpected forward movement. These problems affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and operate smoothly and may create a safety risk near pedestrians, parked vehicles, other objects, and surrounding traffic. On XXX, at approximately 4:49 p.m., in a parking lot in [XXX], and with the vehicle at approximately 1,181 miles, I shifted the vehicle into Reverse. The Jeep shook severely and stalled. After I restarted the Jeep, it ran very roughly, continued bucking, and jumped forward unexpectedly. This created a potential risk of striking another vehicle, pedestrian, or object in the parking lot. The vehicle also continues to buck and jerk at approximately 5 mph in parking lots, creating an additional risk of unexpected movement near pedestrians, parked vehicles, and other obstacles. On XXX, at approximately 6:22 p.m., I contacted Jeep Customer Care and reported that the vehicle had stalled when I shifted into Reverse and that it ran very roughly after restarting. The manufacturer case number is XXX. I previously reported the bucking and jerking condition to Jeep dealerships. A service advisor at Sarasota Jeep stated INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Engine · NY

This engine does not run smoothly, it jerks coming out of a stop so there is delayed acceleration and it jerks every time you change gears. So I am almost rear ended at every stop light and stop sign. It also can lose acceleration or fail to accelerate on highways.

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 10 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving and making a right turn, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and responded as intended upon shifting into drive(D). No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of battery communication with the computer due to a dead battery. The battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a third time, but no further diagnostic information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact not to trade the vehicle due to the safety risk. The service manager informed the contact that another repair attempt was required before the vehicle could be considered under the Lemon Law. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 10.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Engine · 788 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated and started blinking quickly before remaining continuously illuminated. The vehicle was jerking, and while it was in park, it vibrated excessively. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. STAR engineers later determined that the spark plugs were inoperable. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred shortly afterwards. The vehicle was then towed back to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact requested a loaner vehicle, but the request was denied. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 788.