2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical Problems

On February 3, Tuesday drove home from work. The battery light came on. I Drove to AutoZone and they placed it on Diagnostic reader. The diagnostic reader said that the battery had no charge. They told me I need a new battery. I replaced the battery. The next morning, I placed the jeep into auto start. So the Jeep can warm up. When I went outside, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood of the Jeep. I quickly turn off the Jeep and pop the hood. My husband open the hood and can see smoke coming from the alternator. He turned around to turn off his vehicle that was running. I started to video recording the incident and stopped it right away when I started to see flames coming out of the alternator. My husband and I quick action was to grab snow that was next to the Jeep to throw it onto the alternator to put the fire out. It took multiple piles of snow that the husband went and grabbed the fire extinguisher and sprayed the alternator to extinguish the fire. Once the fire was extinguished. We kept an eye out to make sure everything was good. We left the hood up to cool things down. We called morgan Towing to have the Jeep towed to their location to look at the situation. Morgan Towing picked the jeep up on February 4 Wednesday. They replaced the serpentine belt and the alternator. They called us to let us know the Jeep was done. Picked up the Jeep today, February 5 Thursday. I Drove it literally down the street and I can smell strong odor of smoke along with the battery light came back on. I turned back around and brought it back to Morgan Towing. I called my auto insurance and waiting to hear back from them. I am going to call the Dodge Jeep dealership and see what they have to say if if there’s was any recall on the Jeep. Upon my research so far, I didn’t see no recall but again I’m gonna call the dealership.

NHTSA ID

11716050

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

My right side suspension has a hard time coming up and I can hear it then it eventually get to right level and my car is freaking out have every light come on and the windshield wipers but it doesn't always do it but I have videos. The codes I get say malfunctional control u1403 and other ones

NHTSA ID

11714761

Incident

Dec 6, 2025

Started Jeep and after driver info cycled through on dash, the battery warning light came on. Battery had been replaced by local Jeep dealer within last 12 months. Contacted dealer, Keller Motors, while sitting in vehicle and made arrangements to drop off. Drove 3 miles to town with light still on. Then seat belt warning light came on and vehicle electrical system suffered complete shut down and would not restart. Got out and detected a smoke smell. Vehicle would not restart. Had vehicle towed to local Jeep dealer and reported issues to service manager. They will look at Jeep next week. Have there been similar incidents reported? Thanks, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2801 PCR [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11711600

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that shortly after starting the engine, the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 17V572000; however, parts were not available for NHTSA Campaign: 19V813000(Electrical System). In addition, the local dealer advised the contact that the vehicle was in need of a fuel pump replacement. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA ID

11707985

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Mileage

141,000 mi

My check light is blinking and then it stop says I have a random misfire and I done replaced coils spark plugs fuel injectors and I done paid ppl to look at it they none really know what's wrong and I have from my crankshaft sensor all the way up to my cylinder 2 rewired bc my crank wouldn't let my car start got that fixed and I stil have the issue and it just has the misfire and dont know where its coming from..

NHTSA ID

11699110

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled while at a complete stop. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts, approximately 15 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle could be experiencing a fuel pump relay failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,660.

NHTSA ID

11683504

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

Mileage

158,660 mi

Vehicle is stuttering and stalling out due to the computer being broke

NHTSA ID

11682964

Incident

Aug 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low battery warning light illuminated and there was heavy smoke coming from under the hood. In addition, there was a burning odor on the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V634000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 89,900.

NHTSA ID

11675099

Incident

Jul 12, 2025

Mileage

89,900 mi

Alternator caught fire

NHTSA ID

11672100

Incident

Jul 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V530000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); and the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the recall repair was performed; however, several days after the recall repair, the vehicle was hesitating while being started. The contact stated that the Battery Charging and Electronic Throttle Control warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

NHTSA ID

11656549

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

Mileage

153,000 mi

Rear Camera has been intermittent since I got the car new and dark image and not crystal clear . The lens is clean and it works intermittently.. the dealership said it would cost $1000.00 to replace the camera.. since there are recalls currently on other jeeps can you help add my vehicle in the mix.. I just spent over 5000 dollars to get my exhaust system fixed and they didn't even give me a loaner car . Bad cus service and this should be fixed.. a safety issue to me.. just like the recall..

NHTSA ID

11632354

Incident

Dec 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was burning red hot. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a local independent mechanic who was nearby during the failure, and it was determined that the alternator had overheated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11631392

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

Mileage

125,000 mi

Since I bought it at the dealership the car hesitates to start, I took it several times and they couldn't find the fault, they said it could be a problem with the battery so I changed it and it kept doing the same thing. thing, they told me what the tank was. of gasoline I took it to a Nhtsa office and they told me that they would change the part, over time I had the same problem again but now a year has passed and the car no longer starts, from the beginning they have not helped me solve the problem problem. problem problem that comes from the factory.

NHTSA ID

11622325

Incident

Oct 26, 2024

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 NHTSA - 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.

NHTSA ID

11610044

Incident

Aug 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull over to an open lane, where the vehicle stopped. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband charged the battery with a portable charger, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact's husband replaced both the battery and the alternator; however, the failure recurred a week later. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contacted stated that the check engine warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), 19V813000 (Electrical System) and 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and two other dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11602763

Incident

Jul 16, 2023

Mileage

170,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11592844

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

Mileage

126,000 mi

There’s a recall on jeep that causes the jeep to stall while driving which could result in a crash or injury . There’s no recall on my jeep though and it’s doing exactly what the recall is for the other jeeps . I’ve taken it too three different spots including jeep and they don’t know what’s wrong with it.

NHTSA ID

11588961

Incident

May 15, 2024

My battery warning lamp came on, and when i was safely able to pull over and pop the hood, the alternator was smoldering and smoking, and continued to do so for almost an hour after the battery was disconnected. I stood by with a fire extinguisher for fear of it catching fire. It looks as though this issue has been on a recall for the 2012 models, but not for the 2011. What changed in 2012 to eliminate this from happening?

NHTSA ID

11586714

Incident

May 2, 2024

Foward Collision Warning light stays on no matter what. Vehicle turns off randomly at different times without warning. No power steering no power breaks nothing, vehicle just dies on the freeway, going through intersections.

NHTSA ID

11577350

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH around a bend in the roadway, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, leaving the road and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a barrier wall. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11576094

Incident

Feb 16, 2024

Mileage

110,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, after which a burning odor filled the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator, resulting in damage to the PCM. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ID

11571878

Incident

Feb 13, 2024

Mileage

126,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the vehicle slowed down and the head lights dimmed. The contact stated that many warning lights were illuminated but was not able to recall the exact ones. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was then told that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicles failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where the owner was then told that the computer needed to be replaced due to the damage caused by the alternator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11561875

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

Mileage

62,000 mi

My car has had recall for over 2 years I’ve contacted multiple dealers to get it replaced no one has gotten to me and my car has been stalling while driving my most recent problem was I was driving on the highway and my car decided to stall and a 18 wheeler was coming behind me and it almost lead I to a wreck that could have cost me my life also my check engine light has come on a thousand times and every problem that it shows on the scan tool I get fixed which lead to me getting 5 tune ups last year and 2 this year because the code shows I need a tune up but it’s something deeper than what is being showed I paid 12k for my vehicle and I have spent double that in price trying to get it fix

NHTSA ID

11558020

Incident

Nov 20, 2023

My vehicle in the last 2 days has randomly shutoff completely while driving on the highway. I was able to place in neutral, then restart the vehicle thank goodness without being rear-ended or a collision. The vehicle has been repaired before (NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V813000) and (Chrysler's recall number V62). The vehicle at this point I fear is too dangerous to drive. I am going to have the car towed to the dealership in hopes of reinstalling the fuel pump relay hack. There are many of the same complaints online from other drivers with the same vehicle. Something else needs to be done about this soon before someone gets killed.

NHTSA ID

11545685

Incident

Sep 19, 2023

I was simply driving home from work on 8/30 when all of a sudden I see my alternator smoking. I pull over and let it clear. I then immediately go to auto parts store buy new alternator. Had it professionally installed. Then on my test drive I break down again lose all power Steering etc. I took it to dealership they said it's my power control module.

NHTSA ID

11542561

Incident

Aug 30, 2023