10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
75,553 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee brakes problems

brakes problem

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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #19

Sep 292018

Grand Cherokee

  • 125,600 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle has randomly shut down completely while driving. Loss of power, power steering and brakes. Very dangerous. Took to dealer and left for a week for them to test and replicate and repair. They said they were unable to. This has happened 3 times. Each time, so far, I have been able to coast to a stop out of traffic, but I fear that it may happen in a less fortunate setting. It happened again today, just driving straight ahead down the road. Check engine light comes on and a red lighting bolt light also comes on over on the right side of the instrument panel.

- Maryville, TN, USA

problem #18

Mar 092017

Grand Cherokee

  • 155,500 miles
After 5 minutes of driving the emergency brake light (E-brake was not on), the ABS module light, and the esp bas light came on simultaneously and would not turn off. I tried to reset the computer manually multiple times to see if the lights would eventually turn off but every time they came on. I then took the vehicle into a repair shop that specializes in Jeep repair and they ran diagnostics and told me that I required a new ABS module assembly, passenger seat belt latch and a clock-spring assembly for the drivers side and R/F brake caliper that had broken off for no reason. I was told that if I were to get in an accident not only would my brakes not lock preventing further damage but my driver air bag would not deploy as well causing inevitable injury. This had cost me almost $1400 not to mention I was without a vehicle for several days.

- Round Rock, TX, USA

problem #17

Aug 222016

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Takata recall... my Jeep had accelerated on its own 5 times now. Two of which I was on M24 which is a very busy road. First time I almost hit a man on a motorcycle as my foot was cramming on my brake peddle the Jeep was still accelerating, I then had to put it in neutral to get it to stop. Pulled over its still reving itself up. I had to turn it off and back on. Today this happened and I almost rear ended a semi truck.

- Fostoria, MI, USA

problem #16

Sep 212015

Grand Cherokee

  • 79,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ABS controller failed. There are complaints all over the internet about people having the same issue. I believe it was burned out by the faulty ignition switch which powers it. The switch is already under recall.

- Anderson, SC, USA

problem #15

Sep 162015

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
For several months my vehicle has been shutting off while I am driving due to the key fob popping out of place. I went to the dealer in January 2015 and was told the part is not ready and to call for an update. I have called and been back several times only to be placed on a waiting list. I have been contacting them and getting the same response the part is not available. On 9/16/2015 while operating the vehicle I noticed the navigation/radio console start to pixilate and become inoperable then the console blacked out, after that the entire dash board lit up and I received several system warnings (service gauges, park assist disabled, check sensors, service suspension, my engine light and wipers came on, I was unable to signal, use my lights or turn off the wipers) all of this happened while I was driving. I made a right turn into the parking lot out of fear at this time I heard the key fob pop back and the car completely powered down and I was unable to break because the brakes locked up. The parking lot was semi-empty so I was able to maneuver until is rolled to a stop. I thought I was going to die. I need a resolution now, I still have two years worth of payments left and I want this problem resolved.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #14

Jan 152014

Grand Cherokee

  • 60,000 miles
My 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalled out on the freeway when I was stopping for traffic. Since then it has stalled multiple times. Pulling away from a stop sign; pulling into my driveway; driving on the freeway with or without cruise on. Even while I was trailering my boat. I can re-start the Jeep by quickly putting trans into neutral:turning the ignition off than engaging the starter. It won't re-start unless you turn the ignition off first. I don't believe it to be a key/ignition switch problem. I believe it to be a computer control problem. When my Jeep stalls; the key is in its proper position every time.

- Grosse Pointe Woods, MI, USA

problem #13

Oct 082012

Grand Cherokee

  • 82,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had my Jeep gc lockup. This happened 8 times since late Oct. 2012. The conditions are as follows. The engine stops, I have no control, no brakes or steering. 2 times I was driving one of the two I ran into a post. This put a big dent and scratch on my car. The first time this happened I was in a parking lot. In order for me to get the car stated I had to force the key to move. I called Chrysler 3 times. They put me on the rush list. This was over a year or 2 ago. They won' even talk to me anymore. Once I was doing 70 mph on the expressway. The engine just stopped and I had no control other than braking, but there was no braking assist. I got a recall letter from Chrysler about 2 years ago. And still noting what is going on?

- Jenison, MI, USA

problem #12

Jan 012015

Grand Cherokee

  • 102,000 miles
The contact owned a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle jerked. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The ABS, esp, bas and anti skid warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the win module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.

- Port Jefferson, NY, USA

problem #11

Feb 062015

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
I received a recall notice in November from Chrysler stating that there was a recall on my vehicle. Recall #P57, an issue with the ignition. This could cause lose of electrical features while driving, including lose of power, steering, brakes, and could increase the risk of crash. The catch is there is no part available to fix the problem. Luckily my car didn't crash, however it did fail to start. After having it towed (80 miles) to my local dealership they diagnosed the problem as the recall. I have spoken with both the dealership and Chrysler and there is nothing anyone can do to help me. My car, that I take very good care and keep on top of all maintenance, is now a sitting duck. No one can give me any information on when a part may be available and no one can help me to get a car so that I can get to and from my job and live my daily life. I have been informed repeatedly that Chrysler is "working diligently" to come up with a solution. To me it seems crazy that they can't come up with a part to fix an ignition! there are ignitions in every car! at this point I consider this situation gross negligence and Chrysler could be putting somewhere around 300,000 drivers at risk of death because they cannot and will not fix this problem. I don't live very close to my work and there is no public transportation. My car is a necessity in my life and Chrysler has taken that away from me and offers me no support. Corporate giants need to be help accountable for their product.

- Oak Creek, CO, USA

problem #10

Oct 012014

Grand Cherokee

  • 163,000 miles
I received a recall letter back in the summer 2014 for faulty ignition switch. Called dealer, parts not available. Called several more times since, still no parts and told to wait for letter. Well, it is now Feb. 2015 and still no parts/letter. It states that ignition switch can turn from start to run, which will shut down engine or other electrical parts ( steering, engine, power brakes ) increasing the risk of crash. Do I have to wait till I crash before this is taken care of ?

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #9

Oct 152014

Grand Cherokee

  • 90,900 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased used vehicle from dealer. That evening while driving at speed (35 mph), my dash flashed, went dead and engine stalled, lost steering and brakes. The oil light lit and was only light on dash. Pulled over to side of road, after shifting to park, it restarted and drove normally. Next morning upon starting the check engine light came on. Drove to work, parked, called dealer. Upon entering vehicle again, used remote start, but when I inserted key, it died. Cycled key again and started. Returning to dealer, upon exiting freeway, it died again at roughly 30 mph. This time a loud clunk sound occurred and the same stalling issue, coupled with no brakes or steering occurred. After shifting to lark and cycling hey, it started immediately. Dealer diagnosed it as a "autostart relay switch" overheating and burning out. Replaced switch, check engine light disappeared, and vehicle drove normally all night. Third day of ownership, while at a stoplight, a loud clunk sound, coupled with jerking motion occurred. I actually looked at rear window because I thought I was rear ended, until I realized my dash was dead except for same oil light. Car was stalled. Placed in park, car started immediately. So far I've had car 3 days and it's happened everyday. Glad I just dropped close to 20K on a Jeep that may kill me.

- Oak Park, IL, USA

problem #8

Oct 082014

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
Had the N23 recall done on Oct 7/14. The next day while driving low speed, the vehicle completely shut down, without notice or warning. Radio stayed on. Dash lights completely blank. Power steering gone, power brakes gone. This happened twice in same day. In first incident, managed to slowly get vehicle over on shoulder, put in park and restart. Second incident, shut down on busy city road at low speed while driving, stopped, put in park and restarted immediately. Vehicle back at dealer today! wish I had never done the recall work! no problems at all before that.

- Guelph Ontario, OR, USA

problem #7

Sep 152014

Grand Cherokee

  • 42,000 miles
When driving my 2008 Jeep with only 40,000 miles my car stalled out. The car completely turned off disabling breaking, steering and making my gears unable to move. The car continued to drive leaving me helpless in stopping this moving vehicle. I finally had to with a my strength punch the gear into park where my car then finally stopped moving. I was only going 20 mph but imagine what could of occurred if I was on a highway, this letter which have a much different tone. I tried calling Jeep to explain what occurred not only because I felt their car failed and they should pay for my expenses on their failed part, but also to note it for a recall. I have researched and see that I am not the only one that has experienced this occurring with this Jeep. This is very dangerous and there should be immediate recalls so no one gets hurts as this is a very serious problem and I am lucky my outcome did not end in a worse way!

- Los Angeles , CA, USA

problem #6

Sep 232014

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
Incident 1 (9/23/2014): Driving at 25mph in a straight line when there was a loud "clunk" sound and the engine shut down with several dashboard warning lights lit. Loss of power steering and power braking. Was able to pull vehicle to a side street and come to a complete stop. Upon placing the vehicle in park and turning the ignition to the off position, was able to restart the vehicle and resume trip. No dashboard warning lights remained lit, no other issues driving. Incident 2 (9/30/2014): Driving less than 5mph in a parking lot. Vehicle stalled without loud clunk with several dashboard warning lights lit. Loss of power and power braking. Was able to put vehicle in neutral and cycle the engine off and on to restart. Vehicle resumed normally with no dashboard warning lights lit. Purchased vehicle used on 9/18/2014, so unsure if this has been a recurring problem.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #5

Feb 032014

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
Approximately 10 times, while driving my vehicle at various speeds (10, 30 and 70 mph) my vehicle has stalled. One time, while driving 70 miles, with my children in the car, my vehicle stalled while in the outside lane. I had to get across five lanes of traffic, with no power, including no power steering and I barely made it over. My vehicle has also stalled while pulling out of my development, which is on a road that is posted 45 mph and on a bend. So when I have stalled in the middle of the intersection, I have cars who round the bend at 45 mph and I, and my children, our sitting ducks unable to move. It is only a matter of time before someone gets killed. I brought it the dealership, they kept it for several days and several hundred dollars for them to tell me they do not know what is wrong. Two things to note: It always stalls after hitting a bump, and I carry approximately 30 keys and rings on the chain that holds my ignition key. I do not think that this is a coincidence and I take this very seriously. My children, other innocent people, or myself are going to be seriously hurt or killed and I want this investigated aggressively.

- Rensselaer, NY, USA

problem #4

Jun 012013

Grand Cherokee

  • 77,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure would recur sporadically however, after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V175000 (electrical system, power train) the failure had become permanent. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a diagnostic was performed, which did not generate a failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000 and the current mileage was 81,000.

- Durham , CT, USA

problem #3

Aug 052013

Grand Cherokee

  • 40,000 miles
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4X4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed followed by a delayed response with the activation of the ABS system. The contact then crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the left wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle and face. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage center. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

- Beachwood, NJ, USA

problem #2

Apr 302013

Grand Cherokee 8-cyl

  • 86,000 miles
Car stalls intermittently at 60-70mph. Loss of power steering, along with control of the vehicle. Vehicle re-starts up immediately after turning "off" and turning back on in park position. This has occurred more than 15 times in 6 months - with 3 near crash incidents. Dealer cannot duplicate the issue. Currently there are no fault codes indicating a 'manufacturing defect'. no diagnosis after 8 service visits. The issue has been escalated to Chrysler executive group. Flight-recorder returned no data.

- Long Branch, NJ, USA

problem #1

Jan 282012

Grand Cherokee 4WD 8-cyl

  • 50,200 miles
I started the Jeep and traveled normally for about a third of a mile on local streets. The problem started when I turned onto a collector street from a local street applying full throttle. When I lifted my foot off the throttle pedal the Jeep kept accelerating. The electronic throttle control warning light went on. I stopped the car by applying the brake and putting the transmission in neutral. The engine continued to rev at about 4000 RPM with the Jeep stopped. I turned off the Jeep and checked the position of the carpet protector to make sure it was not interfering with the accelerator. It was not in a position where it could overlap the throttle. I also checked the accelerator pedal and found it operating normally in terms of position and action. I turned the engine back on and the Jeep reacted normally for the remainder of the trip. Dealer not able to replicated but reported error message that both brakes and accelerator were both depressed. Also reported that carpet was not involved.

- Denver, CO, USA

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