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2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
471
Latest Feb 23, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
64%
of 733 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
13
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 471 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 471, in the owner's own words

Electrical
Filed Feb 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was started in the driveway but immediately turned off. The vehicle was restarted and shifted into reverse(R); however, the vehicle drove forward instead. The vehicle was immediately turned off to avoid a crash. The following day, while attempting to start the vehicle, the ignition failed to immediately respond while starting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with ignition failure. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,330.

NHTSA ID
11719895
Incident
Feb 16, 2026
Mileage
155,330 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Feb 11, 2026
Fire reported

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 combined with the electrified steering assembly started a fire. Any similar combustible fluid would have the same result. It may be a potential recall that should be investigated. VIN 8C244809. Incident occurred on 1-28-26. I have video footage of the issue if needed.

NHTSA ID
11717216
Incident
Jan 28, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 18, 2025

Dear Sirs: Two months ago I went to the local Jeep Dealer (Taraborelli, in Bariloche, Argentina) asking for 4 incomplete recalls. Two were completed but, in particular the number 57, the local dealer informed me that they asked MOPAR for spare parts (CDBOH113 -680050499AA- and CBTTP578AA and CBTTP57LAA) without any response from MOPAR. To my surprise the recalls appear now as "completed"! The dealer received my complaint and asked me to report the problem. They are waiting for the spare parts to complete recall repairing. What I'm expected to do about this problem?. Original recals were N11, N23, P57 and P73, those related with software were resolved but for P57 they required spare parts to MOPAR it is very important affecting the driving. I do appreciate your response asap. Thanks in advance [XXX] 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited, 3.0 CRD VIN [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11643396
Incident
Dec 12, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jan 6, 2025

Ignition switch sticking in on position. Making electrical type sound and a burrrr sound. Called Jeep corporate and told not on recall list.I See recall for 2008 jeep grand Cherokee for this exact issue but they say not for Laredo.

NHTSA ID
11634467
Incident
Jan 6, 2025
ElectricalSuspension
Filed Dec 29, 2024

My Wireless Ignition Node is showing a failure. Key Fob not recognized and displays unknown key warning. Leading to the failure, the key would get stuck in the start position and I had to manually return the key to the on position. The front calipers had also recently been replaced when my mechanic noticed it was defective. All of these incidents occured before I was aware there were any recalls on the vehicle, but now that I am aware; all of the incidents leading up to the WIN failure make more sense. I brought my concerns to the dealer and they were of no help in resolving my issue. My mechanic, in his best opinion, also believes these issues should be considered under the recall for the Ignition system relating to the recall.

NHTSA ID
11632951
Incident
Dec 29, 2024
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Nov 20, 2024
Crash reportedFire reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11626481
Incident
Aug 19, 2024
Electrical
Filed Mar 6, 2024

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11575837
Incident
Mar 6, 2024
Electrical
Filed Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall and the ignition switch was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The failure recurred several times and the contact needed to have the vehicle jumpstarted. The dealer was informed of the failure but was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11555082
Incident
Dec 1, 2018
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 29, 2023

The interior lights like dashboard/radio/a.c lights flicker while I'm driving. Its seems like some kind of short cause my the bulb on my right tail light seems to go out a lot more than any other light. When im parked and any door gets opened the dome lights flicker on and off even when I have it to be off when when the doors open. Also my headlights look like moist of some sort, dont see any cracks for that to happen. Due to the moisture or maybe not even related to it but the headlights dont even look like theyre on

NHTSA ID
11535176
Incident
Jul 29, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 1, 2022

the jeep goes into limp mode and gets stuck in 2 gear I have replaced the shifter solenoid and still happens I have read about this happing to the same jeep from 2005-2010 model and this is a safety issue that need to be recalled immediately. I was driving on the highway and the jeep shifted into 2nd gear mind I was going the speed limit of 65 and it went down to 30 MPH and it almost caused a pike up on the interstate.

NHTSA ID
11482474
Incident
Jul 14, 2022
Electrical
Filed Aug 19, 2022

The ignition turns its self off when your driving down the road. It starts back up when you turn the fob, but you have to slow down to a very slow speed before the transmission will engage and this is very dangerous when it happens in heavy traffic.

NHTSA ID
11480265
Incident
Nov 1, 2021
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 17, 2022

I have not owner this vehicle for very long but while driving the engine will tune off! The engine isnt stalling it straight tunes off at low speeds or high speeds. It will tune off while accelerating almost like its miss firing. Most time the vehicle will recover on it own but ultimately will tune off. This is important becuase it dose this while on the highway, in traffic and it unsafe not to mention scary.

NHTSA ID
11465068
Incident
May 17, 2022
Electrical
Filed Mar 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after pulling into the garage and parking the vehicle, the vehicle was turned off however, the key had seized in the ignition switch. After waiting for several minutes, the contact heard a click from the ignition switch and the key was able to be removed. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11454710
Incident
Mar 2, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 9, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle shut-off due to the failure stated in the recall. The failure mileage was 121,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11439834
Incident
Nov 1, 2021
Mileage
121,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Nov 3, 2021

I have owned this Jeep since approximately 2010 and is in great condition. This has been a great vehicle and has recently began to give us these issues. 1. Something is definitely wrong with the electrical system. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. Temperature gauge not reading, drivers side rear tail light and front passenger side marker lights do not work. Directional and brake light functions work only. Partial illumination on instrument panel, driver side window switch intermittently works, windshield washer intermittently works, defogger / vent function partially working, 1 horn working and vehicle reliability is the safety issue. 3. My mechanic looked at it and is was NOT surprised about all the issues at once. He mentioned the TIPM having issues as many other of his customers having the same issues. 4. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else but my mechanic. 5. There were engine light warning lamps that suddenly came on when the lights started to not work, then the other issues followed. Since this is an electrical issue, the vehicle has a possibility of shutting down while driving, as has happened to others.

NHTSA ID
11439249
Incident
Oct 8, 2021
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jun 21, 2021

Electrical issues on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee purchased June 2020. Car keeps cutting off. The ignition key seem to be sticking between the ON and START position. Constantly having to pull onto the side of the rode or having to hurry and put my hazard lights on because car cuts off. I have taken it to the jeep dealership 2-3 times , they couldn’t diagnose my car. Only thing they did was put a new starter on. Problem still occurs. I’ve taken it to multiple mechanics. Problems unknown. A new starter , alternator & battery has been replaced. And recently my airbag light has came on. Which comes and goes. I’ve had this car since June 2020. and it’s given me the same problem with no one able to tell me what’s wrong with it and I’ve replaced the batteries in the key fob. Today the car was just blank when I put the key in. I’m so confused. Car won’t go over 40 mph. I kept notes and saved receipts and text messages via jeep , via the car salesman , stating how unsafe this car has been….

NHTSA ID
11421596
Incident
Jun 21, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jun 20, 2021

Gas pedal system failed. Sluggish acceleration when turning into traffic doesn't go past 20mph it stuck causing cars to swerve. Slow acceleration up bridges barely get up it without traffic backing up. Stop signs cars almost rear ended me truck wont move. Also crossing rail road tracks. I called Jeep said no recall on my vehicle. Got a diagnostic test at Mytee and Monro auto said fail gas pedal. Warning lights came on flashing 3 weeks ago on dashboard

NHTSA ID
11421550
Incident
Jun 3, 2021
Electrical
Filed May 22, 2021

Jeep will completely turn off while driving at random times and at random speeds.The vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. The vehicle was taken to the manufacturer who stated that the ignition switch and key fob needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system).The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v567000 (electrical system). The contact was referred to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11418146
Incident
May 15, 2021
Electrical
Filed May 20, 2021

The contact owns a 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,800.

NHTSA ID
11417926
Incident
Apr 26, 2021
Mileage
68,800 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 30, 2021

JEEP WILL COMPLETELY TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING AT RANDOM TIMES AND AT RANDOM SPEEDS. THIS INCLUDES HIGHWAY AND LOCAL ROADS. MORE THAN ONCE, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR TURNED OFF AND I HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH TO OFF AND RESTART THE CAR. CAR WILL ALSO INTERMITTENTLY NOT ACCELERATE ABOVE 40 MPH. THE CAR HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MORE THAN ONE REPAIR SHOP AND NO ONE CAN FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION.

NHTSA ID
11405512
Incident
Jan 1, 2019
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Mar 16, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V567000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BROWN'S JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (483 ROUTE 112 PATCHOGUE, NY 11772, (631)289-8500) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11403320
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
Electrical
Filed Nov 17, 2020

THE SUNROOF DRAIN DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY CAUSING WATER TO POUR OUT OF THE CENTER CEILING MAP LIGHTS,THE GARAGE DOOR CONTROL PANEL, THE DRIVER SIDE COLUMN, AND THE HANDLE TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE. THIS CAUSES A MAJOR DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAN CAUSE SEVERE ELECTRICAL DAMAGE, WATER DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR AND MOLD/MILDEW BUILD UP. .

NHTSA ID
11375026
Incident
Jan 5, 2019
Electrical
Filed Sep 28, 2020

I RECEIVED A NOTICED BUT WAS TOLD MY BIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE RECALL NOTICE. THE IGNITION KEY (FOBIK) DOES NOT RETURN TO "ON" POSITION SOMETIMES AFTER BEEN ROTATED TO THE "START" POSITION, INSTEAD STICKING BETWEEN THE TWO POSITION.

NHTSA ID
11361524
Incident
Dec 15, 2019
Electrical
Filed Sep 8, 2020

SMOKE COMING OUT OF HOOD WHILE DRIVING. PULLED INTO FIRE STATION IN MILFORD, MI AND SMOKE WAS GETTING HEAVIER. FIREMEN ASSISTED AND SAID LESS THAN A MINUTE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN ON FIRE. WIRE CONNECTED TO ALTERNATOR WAS "SHORTING" AND SPARKS WERE MELTING CABLE WRAPPING AND PLASTIC ENGINE COVER. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS REPORT

NHTSA ID
11353808
Incident
Sep 3, 2020
Mileage
141,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Aug 28, 2020

THE KEY FOB GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF AND PUT IN PARK. IF YOU SHAKE THE SHIFTER WHEN IT'S IN PARK WITH YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE KEY TURNED TO AS FAR AS IT WILL GO BEFORE TURNING THE CAR ON IT WILL USUALLY COME OUT AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS AND CYCLES OF THIS PROCESS. YESTERDAY, FOR THE FIRST TIME, IT WAS LOCKED IN THE IGNITION AND WOULDN'T TURN THE VEHICLE ON. I DON'T KNOW THAT THIS SENSOR ISSUE IS RELATED, BUT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR IS ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THE TIRE PRESSURE IS FILLED TO RECOMMENDED LEVELS.

NHTSA ID
11351865
Incident
Aug 27, 2020
Mileage
240,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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