Jeep Grand Cherokee start-stop problems

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WV

I am filing a formal safety defect complaint regarding an acute, uncommanded deceleration event caused by an unintended Auto Start-Stop system engagement and electrical failure at highway speeds in my 2025 Jeep Cherokee (~22,000 miles). Incident Description: On XXX, while traveling westbound on [XXX] toward [XXX], at approximately 75 mph in normal highway traffic, the vehicle's Auto Start-Stop feature engaged unexpectedly and automatically while in motion. Simultaneously, the instrument cluster flashed and experienced a partial blackout, failing to display the vehicle's speed (MPH) and engine RPMs. This malfunction triggered immediate, uncommanded engine braking / rapid deceleration, dropping the vehicle's speed from 75 mph down to approximately 40 mph within seconds, without any brake pedal application. Risk Assessment & Recovery: After several seconds, the instrument cluster rebooted to normal operation, throttle response returned, and the cluster indicated that the Auto Start-Stop feature was active. I immediately deactivated the system manually via the center dash control to prevent recurrence. While light traffic on [XXX] prevented a rear-end collision, this sudden, uncommanded 35-mph drop in speed presents a severe hazard of high-speed rear-end impact, loss of vehicle control, and chain-reaction collisions on congested freeways (such as nearbY XXX). Current Status: •The vehicle was delivered to Greenbrier Motor Company in [XXX], and checked in with Service Advisor [XXX]. •The dealership has taken custody of the vehicle for electrical/diagnostic evaluation and provided a loaner vehicle. •A corporate inquiry has also been initiated with Stellantis / Jeep Customer Care. This submission is made to ensure federal records document this hazardous powertrain/electrical failure mode for potential defect trend analysis. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · IN

Summary of defect: The vehicle intermittently shifts into PARK while in motion or stopped in traffic, accompanied by a recurring "Service Stop/Start System" warning. This results in a sudden loss of drive power and creates a serious risk of a rear-end collision or crash. History: Shortly after purchase in March 2025, the vehicle began showing random dashboard warnings and infotainment/connectivity failures, which occurred daily. Approximately eight months after purchase, the "Service Stop/Start System" warning began recurring. In several instances this was accompanied by the transmission shifting into PARK while the vehicle was stopped at a red light. Within a few weeks, my wife was driving with our young children in the vehicle when it shifted into PARK in traffic, and she was nearly struck by another vehicle. The problem occurred several more times. Ain September 2026, I took the vehicle to Thomas Jeep [city, state] for repair. The dealership stated the issue was a software problem and returned the vehicle after 2–3 days. I paid for a rental vehicle out of pocket during that time. The Stop/Start warning returned immediately after I picked up the vehicle. A few weeks later, the vehicle again shifted into PARK, this time while driving, which was more severe than prior incidents. Current status: The defect has not been resolved. I transport my young children in this vehicle, including to daycare, and I consider it unsafe to drive. Request: I request that the federal safety agency open an investigation into this defect, review similar complaints for this make and model, and determine whether a recall is warranted.

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Electrical · 791 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted and taken to the dealer, where the battery for the Auto START/STOP system was replaced; however, the failure recurred several days later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where a reconfiguration was completed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The contact stated that both batteries were charged and tested, and the contact was informed that the batteries had passed the test; however, the voltage went from 12.5 volts to 11.7 volts in three days. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the messages "Battery Needs Charging" and "Battery Low" were displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time and remained for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 791.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Electrical · IA

This concerns the Auto Start Stop (ASS) battery installed at the factory that has the vent hole in the wrong place and was improperly installed so that the vent tube could be dislodged and allow hydrogen gas from charging into the cabin. Both the main battery and ASS battery are installed under the passenger seat and vent outside through a hose. I discovered this situation while replacing the main battery. I contacted Stellantis via email (with and explanation of the numbers in the photo) and they were not willing to address the issue. I have attached a copy of the email and also a photo of the battery compartment. Also, the new ASS battery has the vent hole in a new location. It is my opinion that this is a safety issue.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Airbags, Seat belts · CA

The driver’s seatbelt sensor constantly goes off as not detecting that the seatbelt is buckled, while driving; this causes the alarm to continuously beep and also disables the airbag. Aside from the seatbelt issue, there is a standalone airbag issue that has been detected by the car’s health report multiple times. The drive shaft is also defective, causing the car to shake when the car hits 73 mph. The auto stop/start also disables on its own. I have taken it to the dealership to get all of this fixed but all issues have persisted. There are active recalls on these issues for other 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees but they are not attached to my vehicle even though my vehicle has the same recall issues.

Filed Jun 14, 2026 · Electrical · OK

I had stopped at a red light and the auto start/stop turned off the car. It would not restart. The fault caused it to stay in Park and could not get out of Park to move vehicle. This not only caused a road hazard but made me and others unsafe. The cause was a enclosed fuse box that made batteries go bad. I feel Jeep should be responsible for this.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Electrical, Suspension · KY

I am reporting a systemic safety failure involving a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee sold as a "Certified Pre-Owned" (CPO) vehicle. Despite the mandatory 125-point CPO safety inspection, the vehicle was delivered with multiple safety-critical defects that should have prevented certification. Primary Safety Risks: Suspension/Stability: The vehicle exhibits vibration and instability at all speeds, resulting in a loss of steering stability and difficulty maintaining lane position at highway speed. Tire Integrity: The vehicle was sold with dry-rotted tires, indicating structural degradation that poses a high risk of catastrophic failure/blowout. Electrical/Powertrain: The Auto Start/Stop system is faulty. Additionally, the paddle shifters are non-functional, which interferes with manual gear selection and driver control over the powertrain. The selling dealership has refused to acknowledge these defects or bring the vehicle into compliance with manufacturer safety standards. Furthermore, Stellantis Corporate has failed to provide a safety compliance review. These mechanical and electrical defects existed at the time of sale and represent a failure of the CPO safety process.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · 76,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact state while driving at various speeds, the engine overheated and there was a misfire coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the Auto START/STOP system needed to be serviced was displayed, and that the engine was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, and the camshaft, the water pump, and the EGR were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the camshaft phasers and the oil control valve were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

on or around 12/15/2024 (42257 miles on vehicle) jeep will power on start and stop, all alights on dashboard light, unable to shift into or out of gear when parked. When driving but stopped at a red light car shut off. Attempted to restart unable to, car put into park attempted to restart lights came on but engine didn't turn over. Tried again few minutes laster and the car turned on. Returned apartment, parked car. was unable to shift car into park, car shut off on its own again, car then able to go into park. A few days later start engine, car turns on put car in reverse, car shut off on its own, all lights and warnings on dashboard light up and stay on. Unable to start engine, unable to shift car into park. turn car off, shift into park, on 12/17/24 Car towed to Lake Chrysler dodge jeep ram auto Lewistown PA. told that it was the can bus connector needed to be replaced. Part replaced. 10/10/25 (54630 miles) car in for inspection, oil change, reported to mechanic engine was making high pitched sound/noise when driving up steep hill on highway the week prior. Was told by mechanic "that is normal when driving up steep hills, after a long drive" " we didn't hear it or find anything" Car continued to make this noise on the same hill since. Car in for oil change at David Dodge on 1/12/26 (58,974 miles) reported to mechanic again that engine continues to make a high pitched sound/noise when going up hills, on highway drives and after longer drives. per shop nothing was found. Asked if I should make an appointment for it to be tested and told no not needed. On 3/2/26 check engine light on, waring start/stop unavailable service stop/start system this happened off and on for next few days. Car brought to mechanic on 3/6/26 (60,000 miles) diagnosic test run cylinder misfire, R and R intake manifold to check coil and spark coolant found on spark plug, borescope #3 cylinder Head gasket, cylinder head, block issue . Recommend total engine and radiator replacements

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Body, Electrical · CA

The Hood Ajar message stays on and then the service auto start/stop unavailable message comes on. Hood is actually closed and this warning is incorrect but will have to stop car to try and reset it. Hood latch was replaced. First time did not fix it. Took it back and dealership did something else to fix.