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Jeep Grand Cherokee whining noise problems

116 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe whining or grinding noise, most of them for the 1999 model year.

owner complaints
116
worst model year
1999
typical repair cost reported
$1,100
typical mileage
53,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

What owners say

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Fuel system · VA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then stalled. The contact stated that there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle when the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dealer not following the proper procedure prior to a previous recall repair.

Filed May 29, 2026 · TX

Unexpected acceleration pulling into parking spot which caused significant damage to my vehicle and vehicle in front of my vehicle. The hybrid battery was on low and witness outside of vehicle indicated it was making loud whining noise before collision. Filed a complaint with Stellantis. They did nothing. They did not check the hybrid system or software controlling the hybrid system.

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · FL

It’s been an ongoing and progressively worsening condition since about week two after my purchase. Was not experiencing any of these things upon purchase or I would not have purchased a consistently and worsening progressively alignment issue castor is out and there is no adjustments provided by the manufacturer, therefore it can’t be fixed . Second issue is the transmission which has had continued issues progressively worsening. It doesn’t shift right at rattles it vibrates it shutters on the highway. It likes to make me put it in Park before putting it back in your to proceed further not even from limp mode just out of the blue that has a weird thump around 70 miles an hour at a steady speed has a highway shutter for about 20 seconds that feels like you’re going over the Rumpel sticks, but you could be in the middle lane and there are no rumble sticks and it’s not lane assist. It has a groan to it. That is worsening. It winds in reverse it howls upon startup. I’ve had multiple claims with the manufacturer closed without resolve. I take it to multiple dealers, and they all say the same thing can’t duplicate operating ass design, which clearly it is not because if it was operating like this when I bought it, I wouldn’t have bought it again. I’ll repeat it. Third-party ASE tax have confirmed the issue with the alignment that the castor is out and it is not repairable and furthermore when I call the manufacturer there’s no direct number. There is no number for the Customer Care to push me forward too. There’s no email there’s no address. There’s no nothing provided. Communication is halted. It’s not allowed. I have asked I’ve requested and it isn’t providedfor a vehicle that is not operating as designed or normal operation.it is unrepairable, and unresolved. TSB‘s have been provided and refused. Taking to dealership at this point results in a car wash, which is not what I request. Too many documents to upload. 14 dealership visits multiple others to outside ase techs

Filed Jul 14, 2025 · Electrical, Suspension · FL

I am unsure of what the complete issue is at this point. I have taken my car into two different dealerships multiple times and everybody keeps sending me back saying it’s running as it was designed. However, the things that’s experiencing it was not experiencing when I bought it, I would not have bought it And the list goes on. Has a random hesitation in the transmission. It revs way too high when shifting, it doesn’t downshift properly it doesn’t shift properly. There has been a groaning in the vehicle basically since day, one when downshifting it also howls when starting and sounds like a dieselThere is a very strange unstable feeling to the vehicle when traveling at pretty much any speed but when you get to the highway speeds, you feel very unsafe. It feels like you’re pulling a trailer, but you’re not as the best way I can describe it. This has been going on since about. I don’t know week five or six after buying the vehicle as I’ve stated I’ve taken it in multiple times. It wasn’t until I got the manufacturer involved that they’ve actually kept the vehicle and are apparently doing things… we’ll see. My reason for contacting is because I have driven a number of their loaner vehicles which were also grand Cherokee And at least half of them I was experiencing the same thing as I was in my own that seems to me like an issue…. the loaner I am currently driving I’m going to have them pick up with a tow truck because I don’t feel safe driving. It has not even half the miles on it than mine does and it’s worse than mine… to me that presents a problem. There are also weird electrical issues. The key fob doesn’t always let me in the door. I have to do it manually. It’s not communicating with the car. The gearshift just all of a sudden locks up and dash reads to put it in Park before I can put it into gear to proceed further. Sometimes the liftgate will not close. I have to do it manually and then it’ll catch the latch and pull down. I do feel there’s a safety is xxx

Filed Aug 21, 2024 · Electrical · IL

While my wife was driving, there was a noticable whining sound that was followed by heat, burning smell and smoke coming into the cabin. After taking in for service, I was told that the problem was the alternator which would have caught fire or failed without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Upon learning it was the alternator I discovered that there were 2 separate recalls (P60 and & T36) for defective alternators for 2012-2014 vehicles. "The alternator diodes on your vehicle may experience a rapid failure. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Control Module (ECM), and/or the Central Body Controller (CBC). The driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving and/or an underhood electrical fire." Something terrible could have happened to my wife. Thankfully it did not. When I was told that my vehicle was not included because it is a 2011 I was angry and frustrated which is why I am reporting this to you. I am questioning why the federal safety agency - would not include 2011 vehicles in the safety recall as the problem with the alternator is the same. Am I supposed to believe that the defective alternator in my vehicle is not the same as the ones that are in the 2012 when they are having the exact same problem? Along with the anger I feel because of the danger it posed to my family, I am equally frustrated that the repair is not covered under the costly repair because my VIN didn't not fall under the recall.

Filed Jun 26, 2024 · Acceleration, Fuel system · OH · crash

The engine would randomly accelerate , rev and make a whining noise, slip into neutral and I would have to pull over and shut it off sometimes in an unsafe area. Occasionally when I would start the engine it would rev as though I had my foot on the gas and I would shut it back off. I was traveling on the highway approximately 70 mph and cancelled the cruise control to go around a curve and pressed on the gas to merge into 70 mph traffic on another highway, and nothing happened. When I got to the end of the ramp the car was going 32 mph with my foot to the floor on the gas panic stricken. Suddenly the gas engaged and I shot into the traffic trying to avoid me. I took the car home, parked it in the garage and called a local dealership for service explaining the problems I was having. I went to resume my trip in a friends car because I was frightened to drive mine. While I was away my partner went to move the car a few feet to get to the trash barrel and when he put it in reverse the car shot 8 feet at high speed out of the garage and hit a tree. He went to the hospital and the car was taken on a flatbed to the dealership where I purchased it. There is considerable damage. The acceleration problem happened at least 15 times and I have several adults that were in the car and witnessed it. Chrysler did the diagnostics and said there is no defect. I would Never attempt to drive the car again and if I traded it in then an unsuspecting person could be hurt or killed in it.

Filed Jun 5, 2024 · Airbags, Driver assistance · TX

While driving on the freeway. Slowing down speed due to traffic, the vehicle through itself in park. With the warning messages stating service transmission. The vehicle would not go into any other gear besides park. Thankfully no collision was caused due to the abrupt halt. The vehicle was then towed for repairs to the dealer. It was determined that the valve body had to be replaced. The transmission now whines when accelerating. Then the forward collision illuminated along with airbag icon. Message stated service airbag system. Airbag system unavailable, safety hazard. Pending diagnosis of why airbag system has failed.

Filed Jul 28, 2023 · Electrical · TX

Alternator failed while driving with no signs or warning. No emergency lamps came on. The air conditioning nearly quit blowing suddenly while driving and a high pitch whine was heard that corresponded to the acceleration. Then I began to smell burning. By the time I pulled over, smoke was coming out from under the hood. It is now in the shop having the alternator replaced.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Electrical · TX · fire

Started the car and heard a high pitched whining coming from engine compartment. Reversed the vehicle about 20-25 feet and smelled burning rubber and then smoke started coming from the engine compartment. Turned off the vehicle and opened the hood, and saw that smoke was coming from the alternator. The alternator continued to smoke for approximately 15-20 minutes. We had the vehicle towed to a mechanic as it was completely inoperable at this point, and we had to have the alternator and battery replaced, as well as a wiring harness. The replaced alternator was shown to us by the mechanic and it was black and melted in spots. This seems related to the federal safety agency Safety Recall T36/the federal safety agency 17V‑435, but the federal safety agency site is showing no open recalls for the vehicle and Chrysler insists the vehicle is not under any recalls.

Filed May 11, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · FL

Vehicle purchased 2/9/23 First claim is filed at tire kingdom 2/14/23 ( tires needed balancing , lower oil pan gasket , belt tensioner mentioned the engine shaking and was told they aren’t sure ) Tire kingdom ; 2/16/23 ( engine mounts changed ) Tire kingdom ; 2/20/23 engine diagnostics ( tire kingdom found no failure no check engine light ) Tirekingdom; 2/23/23 ( spark plugs , harmonic balancer ) Dealership 2/27/23 cylinder head replacements Dealership ; 3/14/23 engine mounts , alignment tire balance ( claim denied ) thermostat denied as no failure Tirekingdom ; 3/15/23 referred back to dealership for engine issue again . Dealership ; dropped off on 3/20/23 reported complete engine failure . Inspectors report 4/10/23 - inspection report confirmed engine failure . 4/22/23 received vehicle back 4/22/23 contacted silverrock and noted burning smell , poor acceleration, whining noises etc 4/23/23 check engine light comes on . 4/25/23 takes vehicle back to service center vehicle has an evap code . 5/1 contacted dealership to check on status of the vehicle , dealership has noted transmission failure , leaking oil pan . The engine that was used ( the dealership informed carvana / silverrock at the time of receipt is defective ) has indeed been categorized as defective .

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported June 30, 2026 · 7 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Jeep Wagoneer L vehicles. A software error may cause the transmission gear selection indicator not to display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 102, "Transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect."
Risk
A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 30D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning July 9, 2026.

Recall number 26V413000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: differential unitReported March 26, 2020 · 515 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Risk
A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.

Recall number 20V183000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.
Risk
If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U43.

Recall number 18V280000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported April 25, 2016 · 811,290 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015. The affected vehicles, equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a monostable gear selector, may not adequately warn the driver when driver's door is opened and the vehicle is not in PARK, allowing them to exit the vehicle while the vehicle is still in gear.
Risk
Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S27. Note: On October 19, 2016 Chrysler identified some previously repaired vehicles did not receive the complete software updates. Chrysler will renotify the affected owners, and dealers will update the software again.

Recall number 16V240000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported September 14, 2005 · 101,925 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l engines and nag1 automatic transmissions, the air conditioner evaporator condensate water may enter the transmission at the fill tube grommet seal. This can result in shudder during torque converter clutch engagement.
Risk
It can lead to increased transmission operating temperatures, boiling of the water, and a subsequent purging of transmission fluid into the engine compartment potentially resulting in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transmission for leakage at the fill tube grommet seal. If no leak is detected, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If the presence of a leak is detected, the vehicle will be evaluated for shudder during torque converter engagement. If no shudder is detected, the transmission will be triple flushed, and new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. If shudder is detected, the torque converter will be replaced, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube verified. The recall began on october 31, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 05V396000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: floor shiftReported February 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle may unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.
Risk
Inadvertent movement of the vehicle could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. Daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on march 22, 2002. Owner notification began september 23, 2002. 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 02V053000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Grand Cherokee whining noise

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have whining or grinding noise problems?

The model years with the most reports are 1999 (24 complaints), 2012 (18 complaints) and 2000 (14 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix whining or grinding noise on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,100 (median of 11 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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