Jeep Grand Cherokee hesitation 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 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 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 20, 2026 · Transmission · NV

The vehicle experiences severe drivetrain binding, mechanical clunking, and erratic 4WD electronic timing failure while operating at normal driving speeds. During acceleration (27–28 mph, transitioning from D4 to D5 gear), the automatic 4WD transfer case / front axle disengages abruptly under load, causing an audible mechanical clunk and drive-line shock. During deceleration (31 mph down to 15 mph, downshifting from D6 to D4 gear), the 4WD system forces a re-engagement of the front axle, creating a heavy binding shock and severe mechanical clunk. This uncommanded electronic engagement and disengagement failure creates vehicle hesitation, drivetrain binding, and a potential loss-of-control hazard while driving. The issue is available for inspection and has been documented on video.

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 Sep 21, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 357 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling roughly, shuddering while turning, and hesitating while accelerating. The failures had occurred approximately three times. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 15-20 MPH and attempting to merge onto the highway, several unknown warning lights illuminated, an alarm sounded, and there was an abnormal burning odor, prompting the driver to pull over to the side of the road, where the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted after several minutes and operated as intended. Additionally, the contact stated that while making a left turn onto a street, the vehicle stalled, nearly causing a crash with oncoming traffic. The contact promptly shifted into Park (P), restarted the vehicle, and continued driving. The contact also stated that while going through a car wash with the gear shifter in neutral(N), the Auto Park mode engaged, and the vehicle was almost rear-ended. The car wash was shut down, and the vehicle was pushed with assistance before being restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice; however, the contact was informed that no trouble codes were retrieved. The spark plugs were replaced under an unknown recall, and the shuddering ceased temporarily, but the failures persisted. The failure mileage was approximately 357.

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 Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CO

After the 68C recall software update upon getting my Jeep back I can no longer drive in the electric mode without the Jeep surging into and out of the gas mode at slow speeds or fast speeds. My jeep does hesitate or bogs down prior to engaging the gas mode.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · 61,264 miles · TN

ACC automatically canceled without braking causing car to either slow down immediately or speed up unsafely, slippery road light turns on, on dash while driving straight, lunging of the car that feels like tires are spinning and or hesitation.

Filed May 16, 2026 · Transmission · PA

At 50k grand cherokee would flash reverse indicator and message shift to park also when reverse would engage it was with a harsh engagement. At 58k transmission would hesitate to shift into 4th gear.at 64k transmission would no shift past 3rd gear. Jeep dealer tried to charge $5900. For a bandage 4th clutch repair or $7000. For rebuild transmission .while I wish to repair it myself parts for transmission are not available and dealership says it won't pass state emissions test with transmission codes.the fact the vehicle can not reach highway speed do to failure and after reading online about many premature failures of this 850re transmission and lack of consumer available parts the vehicle should be recalled