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Jeep Grand Cherokee misfire problems

160 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2018 model year.

owner complaints
160
worst model year
2018
typical repair cost reported
$4,000
typical mileage
68,000
Is there a fix? There are 7 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Check engine light 71Stalling 39Loss of power 18Overheating 17Engine failure 17Won't start 9Fuel pump 9Knocking 9

Trouble codes mentioned

P0302 8P0303 7P0304 2P0300 2P105D 1P0627 1P0456 1P0306 1P0305 1P0032 1

What owners say

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Engine · NJ

September 1: The vehicle triggered diagnostic trouble code P0306 (Cylinder 6 Misfire). It was immediately taken to an independent mechanic where the spark plugs were replaced to address the misfire. September 30: The engine suddenly refused to crank or start. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed a completely blown starter motor and noted thick white smoke billowing from the tailpipe upon replacement. Further testing revealed that engine coolant had flooded into Cylinder 6. Present: The vehicle was towed to an authorized Jeep Dealership for a comprehensive engine teardown. The dealership technicians confirmed that both the cylinder head and the engine block deck are permanently warped due to extreme localized thermal stress. Dealership advised coolant was not low and no codes on the computer to show that there was overheating occurring. All oil changes were done at the dealership and stellantis don't want to help with the replacement of the engine goodwill offered 10,500 digital imaging says no my fault I drove it overheating Coolant not low per dealership and no lights how was I to know it was overheating

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 13, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · AL

Jeep just died going down the road - idle is off - report from computer says misfire on cylinders and bad emissions. Also auto shot off doesn’t work and radio freezes up.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · PA

Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, 3.6L V6 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost accelerator response while traveling on the highway. The engine initially remained running, but pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response. Multiple warning indicators illuminated simultaneously, including the electronic throttle control, ABS, traction control, airbag, and four-wheel-drive systems. The vehicle also exhibited unusual electrical behavior, including unexpected activation of the high-beam headlights. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and would no longer crank or start. The sudden loss of propulsion while traveling in highway traffic created a serious safety hazard and placed me at risk of a collision. This incident follows an extensive history of significant mechanical failures and repairs to this vehicle, including: Replacement of the cylinder head following repeated overheating and engine misfires. Complete transmission replacement following transmission-related failures. Replacement of the radiator and cooling fan assembly TWICE within approximately one year, most recently during a trip to North Carolina. Additional mechanical concerns, including a camshaft-related diagnostic trouble code. Despite these major component replacements, the vehicle continues to experience serious reliability and operational failures. These repeated problems have occurred despite attempts to address them through dealership repairs and manufacturer warranty assistance. Stellantis previously extended the vehicle's warranty as a goodwill gesture following earlier issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 Sep 15, 2026 · Engine · MO

Service engine light came on and code read misfire. Tech said that ignition coil one needs replaced and it needed a tune up. They replaced all ignition coils, spark plugs and intake manifold gasket with tune up. Tech said that coolant looked low and checked the reservoir. He said there's a lot of chunks and dried out looking coolant in the reservoir. Recommended a coolant flush at the dealership. Tune up cost almost 1000 dollars. A few days later my teenage son was driving on the highway at 70 mph and out of nowhere a engine overheating warning flashed and the temperature went all the way up and then down and back and forth. My son had to try and get pulled off of the busy highway while overheating. Car was blowing out white smoke. He was stranded over an hour away from home. Had to have car towed. Was told by the mechanic the next day that the plastic oil cooler had cracked and the oil got into the coolant. Causing the engine to fail at only 104,807 miles! Cost for a new motor was 10,400! Shop said he just had the same thing happen on another vehicle with the same engine the week before mine! I had to pay out of pocket for the new engine. Obviously there's a safety defect in the plastic oil cooler causing several people to experience the same thing happening! There was no warning before the oil got into the coolant. Why is the same thing happening to so many people but nothing is being done about it? Having to replace the engine at 104,807 miles is insane. How many times does it have to happen before they recall the problem?

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · GA

My 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar v6 has a persistent cylinder 2 misfire (P0302). The cylinder 2 spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector have already been replaced, but the misfire continues. Diagnostic testing with a scan tool confirmed that cylinder 2 accumulated 61 misfires during a single test while cylinders 1,3, 4, 5, and 6 recorded zero, and the misfire monitor reported " Fail this trip" the vehicle can appear to drive normally despite the active misfire. I became aware that Chrysler issued warranty bulletin x56 concerning the 3.6L left cylinder head on certain 2011- 2013 vehicles including select 2013 Jeep grand Cherokees. I contact a jeep dealer and advise that my VIN is not included in that warranty extension. I am reporting this because my vehicle is experiencing a similar cylinder specific misfire concerns and I believe this condition should be documented and investigated.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · FL

#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · WI

* Upon normal driving the vehicle suddenly began to run rough. At that point the engine light came on and began flashing. Yes, it is available for inspection * I was traveling at highway speeds with my two young son's in the vehicle, when out of nowhere we experienced a major loss in power, Forcing us to get to the far right lane and off on the next exit. * The problem has been Confirmed (Passenger Side intake camshaft has 5 out of 6 lobes significantly worn off. .119" of material missing as well as 2 holes on cylinder 6 piston. * It was inspected by and independent mechanic who discovered the damage to the camshafts and the piston. It was suggested that I return the vehicle to the dealer as it would be needing a new motor seeing as the damages were premature and catastrophic in nature. Upon initial inspection at the dealer, they failed to identify the 2 holes in cylinder 6 piston. Suggesting that the "said holes" were nothing other than flaked carbon deposits. * There were no warning lights or any symptoms that would have indicated anything was wrong.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Engine · NY

Cylinder Misfires OBD-II code P0303 Engine Overheats after changed thermometer Fuel in the coolant system Coolant leaking from exhaust

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V‑475.

Recall number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported April 28, 2022 · 1,308 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.

Recall number 22V284000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported November 12, 2020 · 28,884 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.

Recall number 20V699000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported September 29, 2011 · 667 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2012 chrysler vehicles, including 200 and town and country models, dodge vehicles, including charger, durango, grand caravan and journey models and jeep grand cherokee vehicles manufactured from august 31, 2011, through september 13, 2011, that are equipped with 3.6l engines. These engines may experience connecting rod bearing failure due to debris inside the engine block.
Risk
Connecting rod failure may lead to engine seizure which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners and replace the engine free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about november 18, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 11V487000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: fanReported June 8, 2006 · 189,479 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, the plastic blades of the electric motor driven cooling fan may separate and penetrate the shroud.
Risk
If this occurs while the hood is open, a person in the vicinity of the engine could be struck by the blade and injured.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the electric cooling fan modules free of charge. The recall began on september 4, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 06V199000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission controlReported November 13, 2001 · 38,700 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. The onboard vapor recovery system vent hose may have been misrouted. This could allow water to enter the canister which can cause fuel to spill out of the filler tube when refueling the tank.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect (and reposition as necessary) the vent hose. If the vent hose is found in the bent down position, and the vehicle has been driven more than 20 miles, the canister assembly will be replaced. Owner notification began december 3, 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 01V348000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Grand Cherokee misfire

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2018 (21 complaints), 2012 (20 complaints) and 2011 (17 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix misfire or rough idle on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,000 (median of 21 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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