VehicleVerdict

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee sits mid-pack among Grand Cherokee years: 990 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 934, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 13 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 49% of all reports (487 of 990), far ahead of engine at 146.

990

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

35

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

13

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Grand Cherokee years?

See all Grand Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System48749%
Engine14615%
Transmission788%
Other424%
Airbags404%
Visibility & Wipers273%
Speed Control273%
Tires & Wheels253%
Brakes242%
Steering242%
Fuel System222%
Lighting182%
Body & Structure131%
Suspension91%
Seats30%
Seat Belts30%
Latches & Locks20%

Does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V567000Electrical SystemSeptember 17, 2014 · 292,798 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.

13V175000Electrical SystemMay 7, 2013 · 295,345 units

Defect

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Consequence

If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.

09E039000SuspensionJune 19, 2009 · 44 units

Defect

ROCK KRAWLER IS RECALLING 44 PERFORMANCE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SOLD AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLE LISTED ABOVE. THESE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS WERE PRODUCED WITH GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS INSTEAD OF THE PROPER GRADE 5 CARRIAGE BOLTS. THE IMPROPER GRADE 2 CARRIAGE BOLTS COULD EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF CLAMPING FORCE FOR THE BOTTOM STRUT FORK.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF EFFECTIVE LIFT AND LOWERING OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLE, POSSIBLY CREATING THE DRIVER TO PANIC WHICH COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

ROCK KRAWLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE A FREE REMEDY. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 15. 2008. ALL THE AFFECTED UNTITS HAVE BEEN REMEDIED. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ROCK KRAWLER AT 1-518-270-9822.

08V059000Electrical SystemFebruary 6, 2008 · 1,338 units

Defect

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,338 MY 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND COMMANDER VEHICLES. THE FRONT CONTROL MODULE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR NOT TO START AND/OR CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO BECOME INOPERATIVE. ENGINE STALLING OR INOPERATIVE WIPERS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MODULE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 18, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

07V415000BrakesSeptember 12, 2007 · 28,755 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS IN A CERTAIN LOT MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED FROM GRAY IRON INSTEAD OF DUCTILE IRON AS DESIGNED AND COULD FRACTURE WITHOUT WARNING.

Consequence

THIS WOULD INCREASE THE VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS TO SEE IF THEY FALL INTO THIS LOT AND, IF SO, WILL REPLACE THEM FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 22, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

My 2008 jeep grand cheroke has caught on fire multiple times & started smoking. The rpms would always jump High and one day I went to go leave and it went real high causing it to accelerate on its own and went I went to go try to stop it my breaks failed and emergency brake would not work.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 19, 2024 · crash · fire

5.7L Hemi Engine fire. The primary cause was a wire harness retention clip failure that allows the starter wiring harness to lay on the steering column. As it turns, it cuts into the harness and provides battery voltage to the steering column. In my case, there was a power steering fluid leak…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 28, 2026 · fire

2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND 5.7 HEMI STALLED ON FREEWAY. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AS HEAVY TRAFFIC AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND I LOST ALL STEERING/BRAKES/ENGINE CONTROL. I ENDED UP HITTING A ROAD CONE (NO NOTABLE DAMAGE) AS I WAS PULLING INTO THE SOMEWHAT SMALL PULLOVER ZONE (WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 23, 2013 · crash

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE PLACED ON NOVEMBER 10, 2014. SINCE THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION, MY JEEP HAS HAD MULTIPLE OCCASIONS IN WHICH THE IGNITION KEY IS MALFUNCTIONING AND I GET A LOSS OF CERTAIN ELECTRICAL FEATURES. I HAVE SPOKEN TO CHRYSLER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS REQUESTING A RENTAL…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 10, 2014

OUR 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE STRUCK AN OLDER MODEL CAR IN THE SIDE AS THE OTHER VEHICLE ROLLED THROUGH A RED LIGHT. WE WERE TRAVELING BETWEEN 40-45 MPH. THE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS ENOUGH TO SUFFER A TOTAL LOSS, BUT THE FRONT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. BOTH VEHICLES WERE IN MOTION ON A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · April 9, 2016 · crash

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand Cherokee: 990 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2008 Grand Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (487 complaints), engine (146 complaints), transmission (78 complaints).

Does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2005, 2011, 2012, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2015, 2004, 2007, 1997, 2018, 2013, 2023, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2016, 2020. The cleanest record among Grand Cherokee years belongs to 1992.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.