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Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel smell problems

76 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe gas smell in the cabin, most of them for the 1994 model year.

owner complaints
76
worst model year
1994
typical repair cost reported
$785
typical mileage
88,000
Is there a fix? There are 8 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2022
    2
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    8
  • 2012
    4
  • 2011
    7
  • 2008
    1
  • 2007
    1
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    3
  • 2003
    3
  • 2002
    4
  • 2001
    2
  • 2000
    3
  • 1999
    4
  • 1998
    4
  • 1997
    4
  • 1996
    3
  • 1995
    1
  • 1994
    8
  • 1993
    3

What owners say

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · OR

Exhaust system design defect. Original manifold system started to fail at approximately 40,000 miles, allowing CO gasses to enter vehicle cabin exposing passengers, including children, to potentially deadly exhaust fumes. Jeep, Jeep Service Centers have known since at least service bulletin 09-19-23 that the hangers and brackets used in the manifold system are not robust enough in design to “accommodate thermal expansion and engine movement without breaking or leaking.” I was never alerted to this. Addressing this via an unnoticed bulletin rather than a recall not only put me in physical danger, but ran out the clock so it could not be addressed as a warranty issue. Apparently, the manifold warps, gaskets fail, the vibration shears support bolts, and the carbon monoxide leaks into the car through the ventilation system upon warmup. Depending on severity perhaps the entire drive. Attached file is a $4200 estimate presented to me by the dealership where I originally purchased the car, preparing me for what I might have to pay out of pocket to fix the leaking exhaust system. There was no preemptive maintenance for this issue I could have had done, aside from not driving my car. Ever. I assumed when I bought the car that the manufacturer would not knowingly allow me to purchase a vehicle that pumps exhaust fumes directly into the cabin. I was wrong. This is a defect Jeep is obviously well aware of, and they chose to put their customer’s in harm’s way rather than taking action.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine · WI

Exhaust small in cabin. Exhaust manifolds leaking pulling exhaust into the cabin through the climate system. When the recirculation is turned on, then the smell is not present. When the recirculation is off then the exhaust smell is strong inside the cabin. The exhaust in the cabin is causing causing respiratory problems, fatigue, eye irritation and I am concerned of passing out when driving. I frequently have to turn on the recirculation button to keep the exhaust out of the cabin but in the winter time and in high humidity situations the window fog causing an additional safety issue. I am also forced to open the windows during this time causing excessive noise and temperature control issue. I called dealer months ago and they said not covered but now I learned should have been covered but now past the 60k mile limit.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

I purchased a used 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (approx. 64,000 miles) from EIDE Chrysler in Waite Park, MN on 9/30/2025. On the initial drive home, a “Service 4WD” warning appeared. Before I could return for the axle repair, a Check Engine Light for the hybrid system also appeared. After purchase, I also began experiencing exhaust fumes entering the cabin, which is a health and fire concern. At the time of sale, the dealership provided two contradictory recall printouts for the only recall they disclosed—one stated a remedy was available and one stated no remedy was available. I was verbally told the recall had been repaired. This was inaccurate. After the sale, I discovered that my vehicle now has two open the federal safety agency safety recalls, both with no available remedies: • 25V741 – High-voltage battery fire-risk recall (federal stop-sale order applies). • 25V766 – Engine contamination recall that may cause engine damage or failure. These recalls did not exist at the time of purchase, but the dealership never notified me when they were issued. Stellantis only notified me of one recall; I had to discover the second by checking my VIN on the federal safety agency’s site. The drivetrain warning, hybrid-system fault, and exhaust fumes occurred despite very low mileage after purchase. The vehicle currently has multiple unresolved safety defects, including fire risk and potential engine failure, and cannot be repaired due to lack of available remedies. I have opened a case with Jeep/Stellantis (Case #: 94881053). I am reporting these issues because the combination of drivetrain malfunction, hybrid-system warning, cabin exhaust fumes, and two unrepaired safety recalls poses a significant risk to occupants and other drivers.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Fuel system · MD

Vehicle: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Limited Issue Type: Fuel System / Fuel Gauge / EVAP / Hybrid Interaction Safety Concern: Incorrect fuel-level indication, fuel overflow, unreliable range estimation Description of the Problem: The vehicle’s fuel gauge and range indicator have become inaccurate and erratic. The gauge showed about 95 miles remaining, then dropped rapidly to a low-fuel warning. At the gas station, the pump shut off at approximately 8 gallons, even though the vehicle indicated low fuel. When I manually resumed fueling, gasoline immediately overflowed from the filler neck. There was no gasoline smell prior to this event. After driving away from the station, the remaining range increased, then decreased again, fluctuating by about ±10 miles. The fuel gauge and range readings continue to be inconsistent and unreliable. These symptoms began recently and are getting worse. The vehicle is currently being operated in Hybrid mode only due to an existing recall advising not to charge the battery. This issue creates a safety risk because: The fuel gauge may not reflect the true fuel level, Overflow during refueling poses a fire hazard, and EVAP or tank-pressurization malfunction may be occurring. Frequency: Problem has occurred on multiple consecutive refueling attempts. Safety Risk: Fuel overflow, inaccurate gauge, possible stalling or running out of fuel unexpectedly. Dealer: Issue reported; diagnosis pending. No modifications have been made to the vehicle.

Filed Nov 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Yesterday, I had been traveling on the turnpike and was attempting to merge back on from a rest area when the Jeep entered "turtle" or "limp" mode without warning, indicating a failure of the hybrid system. The speed dropped instantly to 2mph and the engine kept revving, generating dark exhaust and a concerning smell (hot, different from regular vehicle exhaust smell). Eventually I was able to move back into the parking area and needed to be towed. I have yet to have it evaluated by a dealership as they are closed today. Following multiple previous hybrid system recalls since purchasing the vehicle Oct 2022, I've experienced numerous malfunctions of the hybrid system (taking it to the dealership multiple times to be evaluated after the "wrench" service hybrid electric system warning showed) over the last 6 months. Each time I've been told a "software reset fixed it" by the dealership. The problems with this hybrid system have been increasing in severity. Currently two recalls are in place due to these hybrid system issues (remedy not available). This was a scary, dangerous experience and I have no confidence in Stellantis resolving this issue.

Filed Sep 15, 2025 · Fuel system · MI

To whom it may concern My 2011 jeep grand Cherokee has a very strong gasoline smell to the point I get dizzy when I’m driving it and a instant migraine Even if the car is parked in my drive way overnight the next morning you can smell gasoline from the outside too Please help me Thank you for your time

Filed Nov 16, 2024 · Fuel system · VT

The Jeep has had major issues with the fuel system. The first reported issue is during the fill the filler would click like it was full when it was in the beginning stages of the fill. It ended up soaking me with gasoline and shutting down a gas station for spill. I filed a complaint with the federal safety agency and the Vermont Attorney General because the dealerships were not fixing the problem. The fuel tank was finally repaired when the Attorney General got involved. 2024 the Jeep is again having issues with the fuel system. When the tank is filled to capacity it creates gasoline fumes so strong that it infiltrates the cabin and can be detected from the parking lot. It is really scary to keep having issues with the fuel system. I am shocked after reading on the internet so many Jeep owners with fuel system issues that the vehicles are not on recall. I want to report this because it is a safety issue.

Filed Aug 14, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MS

My JGC 2014. I was on a 5 lane interstate in the far left lane when my car started decelerating at a speed of 64mph. As I was merging into the left emergency lane it switched into neutral gear. I then proceeded to stop and put the Jeep into park and turn it off. Prior to this incident my check engine light had just illuminated a month prior and I ran a diagnostic computer test and it returned stating it was an EVAP problem. I haven’t had any systems. So I was waiting on my first check to get it taking care of (meaning no gas smell in the cabin, no fuel leaks under vehicle, no bad gas mileage). So the police came to my rescue and helped me pull the emergency neutral pull in the middle console in order to get it off closer to the median so I wouldn’t get hit until I could get a tow. Well it wouldn’t turn over again. It sounded like I had a fuel pump problem but when I went to turn it on but not over I heard my fuel pump cut on. So no problems there! So my battery started running low in voltage so I charged it with a battery pack and it got around 13 v and I unplugged it . It’s a 14 v battery. Well I got my vehicle turned in the off position the emergency neutral gear unlocked and then my windshield wipers started and the car was not on . I heard clicking in the fuse part under the hood so I found that fuse and pulled it. I think took a fuse checker and checked every fuse in my box they all had fire. On my dash it started saying system brake suspension and the check engine light was off. So I checked it with the computer diagnostic tester and it said a code of all U’s which were the ECU and the TCM and the gear shifter which was the only P.O. code. So we took my gear shift off and cleaned it and hooked it back up. It was nasty. And it would slap again but not show on my dashboard. So I reset my battery and nothing. I am so upset about this. I’ve worked on every vehicle I’ve owned and this is mind boggling. Everything is up to date and seems fine

Filed Mar 6, 2023 · Engine · MD · fire · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she noticed a fuel odor throughout the vehicle. The contact then stated that the hood of the vehicle started to catch fire. The contact was able to navigate the vehicle off the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The fire department was notified, and the fire was extinguished. A fire report was filed. The contact suffered an asthma attack that required medical attention. The dealer was notified of the failure and the vehicle was towed by the dealer to a tow lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Nov 18, 2021 · Fuel system · FL

I experienced a strong fuel smell on filling the tank of my Jeep. The dealer and an independent diagnosed a cracked fuel tank. The tank had 3 cracks in the top of the tank which allowed fuel fumes to enter the car. The fuel tank was replaced at my cost of $785.11, the problem was solved. This created a very hazardous situation with risk of explosion or fire at any time.

Related recalls

Fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pumpReported June 9, 2022 · 138,645 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.

Recall number 22V406000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 11, 2018 · 1,242 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk vehicles equipped with a 6.2L Supercharged Engine. The fuel line may separate.
Risk
If the fuel line separates, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel line separation increases the risk of an engine compartment fire and injury.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U02.

Recall number 18V048000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported November 10, 2016 · 30,183 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.

Recall number 16V814000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system: injectorsReported April 8, 2002 · 1,115,322 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a 4.0l engine only, the design of the intake and exhaust manifolds could allow debris to accumulate at the #3 cylinder location.
Risk
This could result in a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a manifold shield to modify the air flow characteristics and to prevent the accumulation of debris in the area of the #3 cylinder. Owner notification began may 13, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V104000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported January 31, 2002 · 71,677 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with a fuel tank brush guard fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity." the onboard refueling vapor recovery (orvr) control valve can become detached during a crash, allowing fuel leakage.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will either replace the fuel tank brush guard with a skid plate or reinforce the existing fuel tank brush guard with a reinforcement bracket. Owner notification will begin march 4, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 02V032000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported December 5, 2001 · 50,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The fuel inlet check valve could stick in the partially open position. This condition could cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube during refueling.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the fuel inlet check valve. Vehicles found to have a sticking fuel inlet check valve will have the fuel tank assembly replaced. Owner notification began december 24, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V374000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported July 17, 2000 · 1,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with fuel tanks with suspect vent tube welds.
Risk
Separation of the vent tube weld could result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace any fuel tanks built in the suspect time period. The vehicle will be inspected and if the bar code on the fuel tank indicates that the tank was built during the suspect period, it will be replaced.

Recall number 00V195000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported November 7, 1997 · 360,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: multi-purpose passenger vehicles. The fuel tank mounted fuel level sending unit accuracy can degrade over time, indicating significantly more fuel in reserve than is actually present.
Risk
Owners may not be aware that their vehicle is low on fuel increasing the risk of a vehicle crash if the vehicle stops due to no fuel.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel level sending unit.

Recall number 97V194000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel smell

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have gas smell in the cabin problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1994 (8 complaints), 2014 (8 complaints) and 2011 (7 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix gas smell in the cabin on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $785 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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