Jeep Grand Cherokee jerking 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 29, 2026 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that there were metal shavings inside the oil pan. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · NJ

I lease a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Since XXX, the vehicle jerks and surges unexpectedly while driving. It happens almost daily, at speeds from 10mph to 30mph, during acceleration. The jerking is abrupt and hard to predict. It affects my control of the vehicle in traffic and when merging, and I am concerned it could cause a rear-end collision. I have taken the vehicle to Salerno Duane Jeep 6 times for this problem: XXX. Each time the dealer recorded "cannot replicate". Repair orders show the vehicle was driven as little as 1 mile during some visits, and one order states a 10-mile road test while the odometer shows 1 mile. The most recent visit began XXX. After 9 days and 20 test miles, the dealer again reported it could not replicate the problem. I have requested they keep the vehicle until it can be replicated. I have recorded multiple videos of the jerking as it happens and gave them to the dealer. During the service on XXX, the vehicle also set fault code P0BBE-00 (hybrid battery pack voltage variation) and required a hybrid battery replacement, with a 5-week wait for parts. The jerking lessened after the repair but has since gotten continually worse. No repair has been made for the jerking. I am asking the federal safety agency to review this complaint for a possible safety defect in the 4xe powertrain or hybrid system. I am linking a shared folder of videos of this happening across multiple months and dates, different times of day, etc. The link is also in a PDF attached to the complaint. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CO

On October 23, 2026, my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe unexpectedly lost propulsion. Before this incident, it intermittently shifted very harshly at 40–60 mph while I maintained steady accelerator pressure. That day, a “SERV 4WD” warning appeared and the vehicle tugged and jerked during turns. As I pulled into a parking space, it lost the ability to move. I turned it off. After waiting, I restarted it; there was a very loud thunk, and it suddenly lurched forward. The check-engine and brake warning lights illuminated, and it still would not move. When the tow truck driver restarted it, the loud thunk happened again. He was eventually able to reverse and move the Jeep a few feet onto the tow truck. He said it appeared to be staying in electric mode rather than transitioning to hybrid operation, although this was not a confirmed diagnosis. The Jeep was towed to an authorized dealership. The dealership says diagnostic scans pass and it cannot reproduce the failure. No cause or repair has been identified. My Jeep app shows safety recall 78C (the federal safety agency 25V‑766), related to possible engine failure and loss of propulsion, with the status “Parts Unavailable.” The dealership told me its scan indicates my vehicle does not need the recall, but has not clearly explained why. I do not know whether the recall caused this incident. I have opened a case with Jeep Corporate. I am concerned this unexplained loss of propulsion and sudden forward lurch could recur in traffic and cause a crash. I request that the federal safety agency document and review this potential safety defect.

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 Oct 15, 2026 · Brakes, Wheels · HI

Suspected Right-Rear Brake Caliper Failure Resulting in Sudden Vehicle Stop Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 Incident date: [XXX] Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Approximate mileage: 64,000 miles Affected component: Right-rear brake caliper assembly On [XXX], while traveling approximately 5 mph, my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee experienced a sudden, violent mechanical jolt. The vehicle abruptly stopped, jerking forward and backward with substantial force. When I attempted to accelerate again, the vehicle felt physically restrained, as though something was preventing the wheel from rotating. The vehicle would not drive forward normally, and the AutoPark system engaged under certain conditions. After exiting the vehicle, I discovered a large bolt marked with an “M” lying in the roadway. I initially did not realize it belonged to my vehicle. The responding tow truck operator later identified the bolt as associated with the right-rear brake assembly. During his inspection, the tow truck operator discovered that the right-rear brake caliper was displaced and movable near the wheel. He repositioned the assembly sufficiently to facilitate towing the vehicle to Cutter Jeep in Pearl City, Hawaii. The vehicle’s front and rear brake pads and rotors had previously been replaced on [XXX], at Wolfchase Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Tennessee using genuine Mopar parts. The vehicle had approximately 50,006 miles at that service. The dealership confirmed a two-year parts warranty in writing. The vehicle also underwent routine maintenance at Cutter Jeep on June 26, 2026. I am extremely concerned that this mechanical failure caused my vehicle to stop abruptly at very low speed. Had the same failure occurred while traveling at highway speed, it could potentially have resulted in a serious loss-of-control collision. I am requesting that the federal safety agency evaluate this incident as a potential vehicle safety defect involving the right-rear brake caliper mounti INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · UT

My vehicle is subject to three safety recalls: 78C / the federal safety agency 25V‑766 (Engine Fire Risk) 68C / the federal safety agency 25V‑741 (High Voltage Battery Defect) the federal safety agency 25V‑576 (Battery Pack Control Module microprocessor overload) Because of the fire risk, I was unable to park in my driveway for approximately two months, resulting in loss of use. During this same period, the vehicle could not be charged, eliminating the hybrid functionality and forcing me to rely solely on gasoline. After recall remedies were performed, the vehicle’s performance and safety degraded significantly: Electrical / Hybrid System Failures: Hybrid battery capacity reduced Vehicle no longer charges itself while driving Air conditioning output reduced Engine idles excessively high 12‑volt battery warning showing “<1%,” creating risk of no‑start and electrical instability Electronic doors fail to lock/unlock reliably Hatchback foot‑activation sensor works intermittently Radio has remained on after vehicle shutdown Windshield wipers do not respond to rain sensor, causing dangerous visibility delays Display / Camera Failures: Display screen randomly changes or freezes Screen turned completely off when shifting into reverse, eliminating the backup camera view Transmission / Drivability Issues: Loud, jerky downshifting Delay engaging when shifting into drive These issues are ongoing and affect multiple safety‑critical systems including propulsion, electrical stability, visibility, and rear‑view camera functionality. The vehicle does not meet the expected performance of the Overland Hybrid 4xe and is unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting the federal safety agency review due to repeated electrical failures, hybrid system malfunction, loss of use, and safety‑critical defects following recall remedies.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

I own a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4x4 with the 3.0L EcoDiesel, with approximately 113,170 miles. The vehicle has experienced multiple intermittent episodes of “Service Electronic Throttle Control.” During the most recent episode, the vehicle briefly jerked/lurched forward and then experienced a significant loss of engine power/boost. I scanned the vehicle and found DTC P0336 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Performance, intermittent). Clearing the code temporarily restored normal operation, but the fault later returned. During the most recent recurrence, the engine also cranked noticeably longer than normal before starting. FCA previously issued safety recall W79 concerning loss of crankshaft-position signal on these vehicles. The recall involved a software update intended to maintain engine operation using the camshaft signal if the crankshaft signal is lost. FCA also lists warranty extension X95 concerning the 3.0L diesel crankshaft tone wheel. FCA technical documentation identifies P0336 as a possible symptom associated with crankshaft tone-wheel magnetic material failure. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a dealer or independent shop to confirm the physical cause. I have stopped driving it because I am concerned that an intermittent crankshaft-position problem could result in unexpected loss of motive power, engine stalling, or inability to restart. I contacted FCA Customer Care regarding this issue. FCA has indicated that the applicable warranty extension has expired and has not agreed to assist with the repair. I am currently using a rental vehicle while the Jeep is out of service. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this suspected safety issue. The physical tone wheel has not yet been confirmed as failed, but the symptoms and P0336 code appear consistent with the failure mode described in FCA’s documentation.