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)
Jeep Grand Cherokee stalling problems
2,676 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2011 model year.
- owner complaints
- 2,676
- worst model year
- 2011
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,068
- typical mileage
- 76,000
By model year
Often reported together
Fuel pump 295Check engine light 247Loss of power 200Won't start 180Power steering loss 116Jerking 64Engine failure 64Hesitation 60
Trouble codes mentioned
P0884 7P0688 3P0336 3P0129 3B2185 3U0404 2U0401 1U0151 1U0103 1P2D2F 1
What owners say
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)
[Incident Description & System Failure] On XXX, at approximately 30,340 miles, hybrid propulsion and charging system completely failed while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle suffered a sudden "Loss of Motive Power" and stalled completely on a public road. The vehicle was towed immediately and is currently inspection upon request. [Safety Risks Experienced] The vehicle suffered a catastrophic power failure and stalled suddenly in the middle of a public road. This created an immediate hazard for a severe rear-end collision. Furthermore, according to the manufacturer's official Safety Recall 68C (the federal safety agency 25V‑741), this specific battery pack poses an unmitigated vehicle fire risk, threatened by both traffic hazards and potential thermal runaway. [Dealer Confirmation & Inspection Status] The defect has been officially reproduced, confirmed, and documented by an authorized dealer. Following the sudden stall, the vehicle was towed to McPeeks CDJR of [XXX] on XXX (Repair Order #XXX). The service advisor and technicians confirmed the failure, noting the active check engine light and red battery light. The vehicle is currently under inspection and storage at the dealership, as the manufacturer's technicians have been unable to remedy this recurring. [Prior Warning Lamps, Messages & Symptoms] At the same time the engine stalled on XXX, the dashboard illuminated a red battery warning light and a check engine light, by a system message: "Service Charging System. The vehicle had a long history of chronic hybrid system symptoms and was previously brought to the dealer for multiple official safety recalls regarding the high-voltage battery (95B in Dec 2024, 73C in XXX, and 68C in XXX). The manufacturer issued a Warranty Extension Letter (Program XU1) for this defective battery pack. Despite all prior software flashes and recall "remedies" performed by the dealer, the system completely failed, proving the defect is incurable. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH and exiting an expressway, the vehicle stalled while the brake pedal was depressed to decelerate. The contact shifted into Neutral (N), and the engine was restarted to resume driving. Less than 5 miles later, the failure recurred while making a right turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failed throttle body and replaced the component. Following the repair, the failure persisted and increased in frequency, occurring while decelerating or coming to a complete stop. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was 124,981.
"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."
Suddden engine stalls/electrical shutdown while in motion, causing total loss of power steering and power Other incidents of while traveling at 65-70 mph on the interstate the vehicle suddenly suffered a power failure and dropped into a dangerously low gear at low speed. The engine wound up drastically, causing a severe spike in RPMs, but when pressing the gas pedal, the vehicle refused to move or increase speed.spedometer read 20 mph. I videoed this when it happened.
Vehicle experienced a sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds without warning. The vehicle lost total propulsion at 60mph with zero dashboard error text or warning lights. Driver pressed fully on gas pedal to avoid activating the regenerative braking system. Driver pumped gas pedal but no response from vehicle. Vehicle began to lose speed while operating on an Interstate Freeway in the dark (between 6a - 7a). Driver began shifting into Neutral and back to Drive which only restored power for one second before cutting out again. There are no text errors or engine indicating warnings or alerts. Vehicle stalled and driver put on hazards and slowly made way to the shoulder and nearest exit ramp which was ~2 mile from event start to exit ramp. Event happened September 18, 2026. Another identical event on the same stretch of Interstate reoccurred on October 2, 2026 which prompted owner to take to the dealership for diagnostic. Jeep dealership was unable to diagnose or duplicate the issue.
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."
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While stopped in traffic, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact parked, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the windshield wipers intermittently activated while driving. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 08V059000 (Electrical System, Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Recall 20V‑475 / 23V‑411 software patch was performed, but the underlying magnetic tone wheel defect has now physically failed, causing an active crankshaft position sensor error and stall hazard. While traveling 60mph the car stalled and went into limp mode with no prior warning. The vehicle has been diagnosed at a repair shop as a fault with the crankshaft position sensor performance which was apart of a pervious recall listed above. The vehicle has not been inspected by any others at this time as its not safe to drive and do not want out of pocket cost to do so.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- 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)
- 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)
- 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: diesel
- 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 cooling
- 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: fan
- 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 control
- 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 stalling
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2011 (402 complaints), 2012 (310 complaints) and 2005 (264 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine stalls while driving on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,068 (median of 95 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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