Jeep Grand Cherokee knocking problems

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Seats · GA

The issue I am reporting involves the Active Head Restraint system on my vehicle. I have been victim to the inadvertent deployment of this system not once, not twice, but three times now... In February of 2024 the driver and passenger headrests were replaced under the x88 warranty extension. As far as I know, those were the original headrests that had been replaced after they inadvertently deployed (fortunately, while no one was in the seat). Here we are, only 2.5 years later and one of the NEW headrests has failed in the same way! Once again, we were fortunate that no one was in the vehicle when it happened. My issues are these: -I am a disabled veteran with neck issues, and appear to be driving a vehicle where the head rest is a ticking time bomb. -The faulty headrests were replaced, but apparently with headrests equally faulty. -I can not afford to get rid of my vehicle, I can not in good conscience sell my vehicle at fair market value knowing it is defective, so I am stuck. -The x88 warranty extension is past the 10 years since the original headrests were put in service...but I am now dealing with a 2.5 year old headrest that has failed... -What happens if my headrest deploys while I'm driving down the road..? With my underlying medical issues, what would that do to me? Will it cause me to wreck? Will my loss of control of my vehicle impact another family on the road? WHY WAS A KNOWN FAULTY COMPONENT NOT REPLACED WITH A REENGINEERED COMPONENT THAT REMEDIED THE UNDERLYING ISSUE(S)??? I am requesting the help of all agencies with purview over this issue. Please assist me in achieving a viable remedy, not a temporary coverup bandaid. This is clearly a matter of safety and security for not only myself, but any passengers I may have as well as whatever other vehicles may be on the road around me should operation of my vehicle be impacted by the failure of this faulty "safety" device. Thank you.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine · LA

Awaiting motor mounts. Causative water pump replacement. Loose feeling and creaking sound when operating the vehicle. Hard knocking sound when shifting gears to drive or reverse. I thought most of all of the sounds were normal because it is a Jeep. This has been for more than I realized.

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 Jul 28, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · CO

My 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure and set DTC P2338 ("Cylinder 3 Above Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Threshold"). Although my VIN is not included in Safety Recall 78C (the federal safety agency 25V‑766), my vehicle experienced the same failure mode, symptoms, and diagnostic code associated with the recall. Stellantis' STAR Center reviewed the case, confirmed internal engine damage, and recommended complete engine replacement. While driving at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. I was able to safely exit the highway, but this defect created a serious safety risk and could have resulted in a crash. Stellantis has already expanded the recall population after identifying additional affected vehicles. My vehicle was built during the same production period, experienced the identical failure, and has a manufacturer-confirmed engine replacement recommendation. Chrysler's XC2 program provides unlimited years/unlimited mileage engine coverage for this defect, which is linked to engine manufacturing issues. Based on the identical failure characteristics and confirmed diagnosis, I believe my vehicle is affected by the same defect and should be included in Recall 78C and the associated XC2 warranty coverage. I am submitting this complaint to request that the federal safety agency investigate whether additional vehicles outside the current recall population are experiencing the same defect and whether Recall 78C should be expanded to include affected vehicles such as mine.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WV

My 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit EcoDiesel (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced a catastrophic engine failure at approximately 116,000 miles while driving. The vehicle suddenly displayed an oil pressure warning, and I immediately shut the engine down to avoid further damage and potential safety risks. At the time I shut the engine off, the engine was not making catastrophic knocking noises and was not leaking oil heavily. The vehicle was towed to Astorg Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Parkersburg, WV. Before inspection, I specifically instructed dealership personnel not to start the engine because I suspected a serious oil-related issue and wanted to avoid causing additional damage. Despite these instructions, the dealership started and ran the engine anyway. After the dealership started the vehicle, the engine condition reportedly worsened significantly, including severe engine noises and much heavier oil leakage. I was later informed the vehicle would require complete engine replacement, with estimated repair costs ranging from approximately $10,000 to $24,000. At the time of failure, the vehicle was also subject to the unresolved Z46 High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) recall, which had not yet been completed. I had previously been informed that recall parts were available and the repair would be scheduled. I am concerned that the unresolved recall and/or related fuel system issues may have contributed to this catastrophic engine failure. I am also concerned about the potential safety risk associated with sudden oil pressure loss and catastrophic engine damage while operating the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint so the failure and unresolved recall involvement are documented and reviewed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 24, 2026 · Engine · MI

2019 jeep grand Cherokee 3.6L. Severe misfiring on expressway causing vehicle to shake uncontrollably and stall. “Pentastar tick” Ticking sound coming from engine. Took to local repair shop and right cam shaft is worn down causing misfiring and engine damage. Cost is $4,000 for the camshaft replacement and will likely need a new engine. Vehicle has less than 109,000 miles on it. Known issue on this vehicle, I called multiple shops and they all said that the can shaft is probably bad because they see the issue all the time.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · SC

As I was on my home on 2/20/26, I encountered some issues. I made a right turn onto the highway and my vehicle did a little drift but made this weird sound and the front end shook. There were no warning lights or dings that came across the dash. I pulled over into the closest parking lot to see if I could notice anything. I couldn't because I only had the light from a parking lot lamp. So decided to try and make it home which was another 15 minutes away. As I got back on the road and pressed the accelerator, I could here ticking sounds coming from the rear of the vehicle. When I approached the next traffic light and pressed the brakes, the front end shook, making the steering wheel shake, and the rear end drifted left. I made another left and pressed the accelerator. I got up to around 40 phone. The vehicle started pulling to the left and then stabilizing. I turned to my suspension articulation screen. As I was driving and the vehicle still scaring me to the point of a heart-a-stroke, I could see the axles trying to maintain contact with the road. At the same time giving me the feel of a loose steering wheel and a bad suspension. The vehicle continued to shift and shake and feel loose. When you turn into my neighborhood and before my house, there are two deep curves and a lake. I went into the first curve fine until the end of it. (At this time the lake is on my passenger side). As I was coming out of it, the steering wheel feels like its hard to turn or locked. I have to turn left into the second curve. The vehicle would not turn and the rear end felt like it was drifting right. At the edge of the road there is a slight downhill and the lake about 50 ft or so. Luckily, I was able to make the turn before going of the side of the road. Once I made it through the curve, the vehicle did do some shaking, loose steering, shaking, and back end motion until I parked in the yard. Its been parked since then. Thank you for your patience and attention to this matter.

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed lifters/rocker arms and severely damaged camshafts. The dealer technician explicitly stated this failure mode is “typical” for this engine design and documented progressive internal damage affecting both cylinder banks, not an isolated component. This failure mode is not sudden; it develops gradually over tens of thousands of miles and can lead to sudden engine power loss, stalling, or seizure without warning. A loss of propulsion at highway speed, during lane changes, intersections, or while transporting children creates a clear risk of crash, injury, or worse. There was no evidence of driver abuse, lack of maintenance, lubrication failure, or misuse. The dealer confirmed oil condition and service history were appropriate. The defect appears to be internal, latent, and manufacturing-related, consistent with numerous consumer complaints, technical service bulletins, and ongoing litigation involving this engine family. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the failure could have escalated to: •Sudden loss of engine power at speed •Inability to accelerate to avoid hazards •Engine seizure causing loss of steering assist •Increased crash risk with child passengers onboard The vehicle was removed from service due to safety concerns. This defect is repeatable, predictable, and well-documented, yet not subject to recall at this time. I am reporting this to support investigation into a systemic engine defect that presents a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Engine · 170,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, oil was leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and determined that the oil housing unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the oil housing unit had failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud ticking sound coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the rocker arm, piston, and camshaft had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Engine · IL

My 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee (3.6L engine) suffered a sudden and catastrophic engine failure immediately after the dealership misdiagnosed a coolant leak from the oil cooler assembly. The oil cooler on this engine has a well-documented history of cracks, coolant contamination, and sudden oil loss across multiple Jeep model years. On October 25, I reported a coolant leak to the dealership, including a photo of bright pink coolant. The service advisor incorrectly told me it was “oil mixed with coolant,” did not document urgency, and did not involve a technician. I received no warning that this leak was dangerous or likely to cause engine failure. Within about a week, the oil cooler assembly failed, dumping the engine oil, causing smoke, knocking, and complete engine destruction. There was no prior warning from the dealership despite me reporting this issue directly. The dealership later created service notes that inaccurately stated they “informed me of a leak,” which is untrue. I informed them. Their failure to diagnose and communicate the seriousness of this defect directly resulted in my engine being destroyed. This failure mirrors hundreds of other owner reports regarding oil cooler cracks on the 3.6L Pentastar. This appears to be a pattern of premature oil cooler failure with severe safety consequences and no recall.