2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Problems

On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of the 'Select_Terrain' from 'Auto' to 'Snow'. We were unable to turn off these settings. On the next day, we returned the Jeep to our CDJR dealer for repair. After inspection, the service agent reported that the Jeep experienced a “Transfer Case failure” and further recommended that I consider [purchasing] a new vehicle as these issues seem to be piling up. Failure of this nature is not normal wear. I have purchased 5 Jeep vehicles over the past 40 years and 4 of our Jeeps had over 250,000 miles of service without dangerous, catastrophic engine or drive-train failure such as this. This situation should remediated by the manufacturer and any affected components repaired or replaced. Finally, it should be noted that 3-days prior to the failure, the same CDJR dealer provided a 100,00-Mile 'service' that included "Op1 DMS All wheel Drive Fluid Exchange".

NHTSA ID

11755784

Incident

Apr 26, 2026

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of the vehicle became so severe that I genuinely feared the vehicle could catch fire while I was still inside it. I was terrified for my personal safety and concerned that I could be seriously injured. This was not simply an inconvenience or an ordinary mechanical repair. In my opinion, the circumstances surrounding the engine failure created a potentially dangerous safety situation. The vehicle has subsequently remained at the dealership/service facility for an extended period while the engine issue has been addressed. I contacted Jeep/Stellantis regarding the engine failure. Stellantis offered approximately $13,000 in goodwill assistance toward the repair while requiring me to contribute approximately $3,200. However, my primary reason for reporting this matter to NHTSA is not the financial dispute. My primary concern is SAFETY. I am extremely concerned that an engine could experience such a catastrophic failure at approximately 44,000–45,000 miles and create circumstances in which I feared the vehicle could catch fire while being driven. As a result of this incident, I have completely lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle and do not feel safe driving it again, even if the engine is repaired or replaced. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar engine failures, fire-related incidents, or safety complaints have been reported involving 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles or vehicles equipped with the same engine. I am prepared to provide my VIN, dealership repair orders, diagnostic information, service re

NHTSA ID

11755756

Incident

May 15, 2026

I am reporting a potential safety issue involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle developed a condition in which it would not stay running. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership, Valley Motor City in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for a scheduled service appointment on May 19, 2026. The dealership diagnosed and completed approximately $5,200 in repairs. On June 11, 2026, I was informed that the repairs had been completed, but the vehicle still would not stay running. The vehicle has remained at the dealership while technicians have continued attempting to determine the cause. After I escalated the matter to Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care, I was advised that the dealership is attempting to obtain additional diagnostic information and that an engine replacement may now be under consideration. I was also advised that the dealership is expected to complete higher-level technical review procedures and may request assistance from a Stellantis technical specialist if the cause still cannot be determined. I was later advised that the dealership was expected to provide follow-up information to Jeep/Stellantis by Tuesday, July 14, 2026. On the evening of July 14, 2026, the Jeep/Stellantis case manager advised me that the dealership had not followed up with her, and that she would follow up with the dealership and escalate the matter to her manager. The vehicle remains unresolved after 2 months of diagnosis and repair efforts. I am reporting this because a vehicle that stalls, shuts off, or will not remain running may present a safety risk, particularly if the condition occurs during operation. I do not know the root cause and do not want to speculate. I am requesting that this report be recorded as a potential safety issue involving a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X.

NHTSA ID

11751177

Incident

May 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle jerked and lost power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft, battery, and two oil valves in the starter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, who provided the same diagnosis. The battery, starter, and two valves were replaced. The contact stated that the failures persisted while driving on several occasions, with the message "Oil Overheated" displayed, and the temperature warning light illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,369.

NHTSA ID

11748555

Incident

Feb 17, 2026

Mileage

114,369 mi

on or around 12/15/2024 (42257 miles on vehicle) jeep will power on start and stop, all alights on dashboard light, unable to shift into or out of gear when parked. When driving but stopped at a red light car shut off. Attempted to restart unable to, car put into park attempted to restart lights came on but engine didn't turn over. Tried again few minutes laster and the car turned on. Returned apartment, parked car. was unable to shift car into park, car shut off on its own again, car then able to go into park. A few days later start engine, car turns on put car in reverse, car shut off on its own, all lights and warnings on dashboard light up and stay on. Unable to start engine, unable to shift car into park. turn car off, shift into park, on 12/17/24 Car towed to Lake Chrysler dodge jeep ram auto Lewistown PA. told that it was the can bus connector needed to be replaced. Part replaced. 10/10/25 (54630 miles) car in for inspection, oil change, reported to mechanic engine was making high pitched sound/noise when driving up steep hill on highway the week prior. Was told by mechanic "that is normal when driving up steep hills, after a long drive" " we didn't hear it or find anything" Car continued to make this noise on the same hill since. Car in for oil change at David Dodge on 1/12/26 (58,974 miles) reported to mechanic again that engine continues to make a high pitched sound/noise when going up hills, on highway drives and after longer drives. per shop nothing was found. Asked if I should make an appointment for it to be tested and told no not needed. On 3/2/26 check engine light on, waring start/stop unavailable service stop/start system this happened off and on for next few days. Car brought to mechanic on 3/6/26 (60,000 miles) diagnosic test run cylinder misfire, R and R intake manifold to check coil and spark coolant found on spark plug, borescope #3 cylinder Head gasket, cylinder head, block issue . Recommend total engine and radiator replacements

NHTSA ID

11722662

Incident

Oct 10, 2025

On September 15–16, 2025, my vehicle was serviced at AutoNation CDJR North Columbus, where the technician documented: “Oil filter housing failed internally.” •No repair, replacement, or warning was provided to me about the risk of catastrophic engine failure. •I was not presented a signed repair decline form. •Internal failure was documented but not escalated. On February 13, 2026, the engine failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The dealership quoted ~$13,094.83 for engine replacement but did not authorize repair. During this time, oil and coolant leaks were observed, indicating continued mechanical risk and potential safety hazards.

NHTSA ID

11722336

Incident

Sep 15, 2015

On sat 01/24/26 I was filling my washer fluid and I looked down and saw oil on the bottom on right side. I left it parked until I took it 2 miles to dealer told them what I saw and they looked at it and the plastic oil canister housing broke and got oil in my antifreeze. They told me powertrain warranty would not cover the whole fix. I have seeing alot of people have had same problem I think jeep needs to get a recall out for that since it has been a problem. This is not right it should be all covered now I won't have all the money after they get it fixed to.pay. have never had any problem jeep ran good never over heated oil pressure always at 31 to 32 pressure. Never new I had a problem until I looked under hood to fill washer fluid. Something needs to be done about this asap. It all because jeep don't wanna have to fix all the ones like this. I didnot get any photos was so upset I saw oil never even thought about getting pictures. They need to get a recall on this asap thank you very much. It is at the dealership kunes country in Platteville wisconsin 53818 Thank you

NHTSA ID

11713674

Incident

Jan 24, 2026

I purchased this vehicle, November 2023 and by August 2024 the vehicle went into Griffin Hubs to get the engine replaced. They had the vehicle for over a month and a half when I received it back after the engine I had it for a day and a half and had to take it back because it was making a loud grinding noise coming from the engine which then they had to replace a second time because the engine was shredded and was told they were going to put a new transmission in as well, but instead of just replaced a piece, and then two months later, the negative terminal for the battery was replaced in about four months later I take it into the dealership again because as I was driving the vehicle pulled back three times and then shot forward and that happened seven separate times dealership said they could not find an issue and then in November 2025, the vehicle goals back into the dealership for overheating needing a new water pump because I was losing coolant with no leaks. Get the vehicle back two days later my coolant is empty tied again call the dealership they said if it happened again, bring it back in two weeks later it did the exact same thing. My coolant was emptied, but there is no leaks coming from under the vehicle and now last week as I was driving, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating and my gearshift wouldn’t catch any gears and as the vehicle is still moving my tires, then locked. The vehicle has been at the dealership for five days and they still cannot figure out what the issue is.

NHTSA ID

11713217

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

This complaint concerns a serious ongoing engine defect in my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. The vehicle experiences ongoing misfire, rough idle, loss of smooth engine operation, and valvetrain noise. The Jeep runs very poorly and feels unreliable and unsafe to drive. The problem appears to be consistent with camshaft and rocker wear described in Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin 09-011-25. The vehicle has been repaired three times at: NJV Auto Center Inc. 27 Orange Turnpike Sloatsburg, NY 10974 Despite being $2,500 out of pocket, the issue has NOT been resolved. This appears to be a widespread manufacturer defect affecting Pentastar engines. Loss of proper engine function while driving is a safety concern and creates risk of breakdown or loss of power. I am requesting NHTSA investigate.

NHTSA ID

11709770

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

I brought my jeep in for a concern about an antifreeze leak on 1/3/25. I had 130,112 miles on my vehicle and was my warranty expired at 125,000 miles. They thought it was a water pump gasket at the time. I took my jeep back on 10/30/2025 and they confirmed a head leak, that wasn't checked last time. This is a safety issue since it has been confimed that other jeeps within same year have the same issue. If I am driving on the interstate and this issue got worse, then it will be a safety issue for everyone driving around me and me and my passengers in the vehicle as well. It has been inspected by Murray Dodge and Jeep. I have not gotten any warning lamps, messages or symptoms prior to failure. First appeared before 1/3/25. I was 5,000 over my mileage- since I was a traveling RN at the time.

NHTSA ID

11696912

Incident

Jan 3, 2025

Beginning October 3, 2025, the buyer reported a Check Engine Light (CEL) issue. 10.3.25 - The sale dealership stated diagnosis of a fuel leak. 10.8.25 - The sale dealership identified a charcoal canister issue. 10.13.25 - The sale dealership is referring to Jeep dealership. 10.17.25 - The sale dealership confirmed light continues to persist. To date the vehicle has been returned to the sale dealership three times since October 3, 2025. A warranty invoice shows only maintenance order performed occurred on October 3, 2025, and confirmed with the warranty company. This has been a persistant issue based on dates of service with only one repair attempt by the dealership while they maintain possession of the vehicle. Please investigate this issue to determine course of action. within these 10 days.

NHTSA ID

11694196

Incident

Oct 3, 2025

I bought the vehicle Dec 29, 2024 and it had 79000 miles on it. I use it for work , that is driving to and from my job and to the bank and back for work. I would say that in March of 2025 I went to the bank and I got in to leave and put the vehicle into reverse and it would not go into reverse and a the engine light came on. I had to shut the vehicle off and wait 5 minutes and then try again to go into reverse. When I put it into reverse the r was flashing on the shifter and it said something about needing something to be serviced. So when I looked it up it said that was a sign the transmission was failing. I drove it a couple more times and it only happened 3 times total when it was unable to shift going forward. So I took it to a shop and was informed that the transmission was needing to be replaced. There is no reason the transmission should be going out of it. I live 5 miles from where I work and 15 miles from the bank. I dont abuse my vehicles so what is there an issue with the transmission.

NHTSA ID

11688086

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

P0303 code. Misfire in cylinder 3. Blown head gasket. 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Car is only five years old with 115000 miles. Dealer suggested a new engine. A $12,000.00 expense to the consumer. $20,000.00 still owed to bank. After much research, it’s clear as day that this is an engineering flaw. Thousands of Pentastar engines have this recurring failure.

NHTSA ID

11687470

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6 ENG vehicle is cutting off while driving, I was advise it the transmission shift gear transmission, Which needs to be replaced and the can change the TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY - Remove & Replace 3.6L Eng, AWD on my vehicle. when I stop at the light the vehicle completely shuts off where I have to restart my vehicle. They said it was the 2nd battery which I changed and brought a new one. and the same day it still was cutting off. after several attempt in contacting them. I brought the vehicle into Chrysler Jeep Dodge of port Jefferson, and after reviewing they said I need to replace the transmission . I was also advised that there was a TSB Code that is now coming up # 21-00925 Revision C - P0733. I'm very upset as they're telling it current over the extended warranty at this time at 60,000 Miles. when I brought it in it was .. This should be a recall and they need to fix it I only had this vehicle for less then 5yrs brand new, when I started having these issues and can put me in a situation on the highway where I can get into a server accident. I strongly urger the RECALL as this is a known issue with this vehicle

NHTSA ID

11680674

Incident

May 1, 2025

Camshaft and lifter failure at 52,102 miles on Pentastar V6 Motor. This has been a known issue to this motor and no recalls. My vehicle is with the mechnic getting fixed. My vehicle was not drivable after diagnostics at my mechanic. I had potential for enfgine failure due to metal on metal camshaft. I was at risk of serious injury if I did not take my vehile in. There were no check engie lights to alert me of an issue. I noticed a slight ticking noise that was not normal. Could not be heard over the radio. Yes this problem has been reproduced at my independant service center. It has not been inspected to my knowledge by the manufacturer, police, insurance other than my mechanic. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symbols prior to my failure other than a noise I noticed when my radio was off that was not normal.

NHTSA ID

11678507

Incident

Apr 23, 2025

while riding vehicle just shuts off and stops. message on dash states put vehicle in park to start vehicle. Do that and vehicle starts and runs. First time this happened 6/13/25 went one week no problem then on 6/25/25 happened again took to service station no codes thrown.

NHTSA ID

11669534

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

[XXX] Utility 4D Altitude 4WD 3.6L V6 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine check engine light came on at 115,000 miles with a P0305 code. The P0305 code for a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine indicates a misfire in cylinder number five. The week prior I performed a coolant flush and fill with the proper Mopar coolant. A few days later the water pump weep hole started leaking. I replaced the water pump and changed the spark plugs. A few days after this was when the P0305 check engine light came on and I could feel the engine starting to stumble from the misfire. No indication of overheating, coolant temperature was normal between 180 F and 210 F. I kept checking the coolant level and noticed the level dropping after a few days. There was no indication of a coolant leak after replacing the water pump. No coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant and no white cloud from the exhaust from the coolant leaking into the combustion chamber, typically caused by a blown head gasket, cracked head or block or warped head or block. I set an appointment at the Jeep service department, and they informed me the engine had to be replaced. They said they did a bore scope test and a leak down test to confirmed the coolant was leaking into the cylinder. There are hundreds if not thousands of reports from other owners of Jeep Grand Cherokee and other Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, Dodge owners reporting this same issue. The attached photos show no coolant mixing with the or oil mixing with the coolant, resulting in the coolant only leaking through the combustion chamber to the exhaust confirming the service departments findings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11667318

Incident

May 26, 2025

The transmission went out in October 2024 and was replaced in November 2024. Since then, the valve body has been replaced twice and probably needs to be replaced again. The car does not shift into/out of third gear properly or consistently which causes very delayed acceleration. This is a safety hazard when entering the roadway, especially merging onto the highway. Chrysler is aware of the valve body being “bad” yet continues to “replace” with bad parts.

NHTSA ID

11667267

Incident

Jun 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was a misfire coming from the engine while accelerating, decelerating, idling, and while parked. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the right-side intake camshaft on all 6 lobes had ground away and needed to be replaced. Additionally, metal was found in the rod bearings in the engine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID

11660840

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

Mileage

61,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the vehicle vibrated abnormally, and the contact noticed white smoke coming from the exhaust. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that there was coolant intrusion leaking into the engine, which caused engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ID

11660367

Incident

May 12, 2025

Mileage

77,000 mi

Took to dodge dealer and they told me they have been have problems with traction control, 4x4 problems, misfiring cylinders . They spent 5 days trying to figure it out and told me it was a process of elimination . Replace rear diff motor and that didn't work, replaced TCCM, that didn't work, replaced both batteries , that didn't work, new spark plugs, that didn't work, replaced coils on the side where #1 cylinder miss fire, that didn't work. I've spent approximately $6,000 and still have same problem. I do not have unlimited funds. What should I do next?

NHTSA ID

11660300

Incident

Nov 20, 2024

While I was attempting to pass a vehicle on a two-lane highway, my engine started misfiring and I lost engine power and it almost caused a head-on accident. The engine had to be replaced because the camshaft was worn on bank 1 and after doing some research there seems to be a lot of issues with this engine and the rocker arms which wears the camshaft down. There was a lot of metal in my engine which caused them to have to replace it. I researched recalls and there is nothing but after speaking with the dealership they confirmed that there is a known issue with this engine.

NHTSA ID

11657231

Incident

Mar 27, 2025

At 100,000 miles , traction control light and 4wd service light came on. Dealer said rear diff motor replacement needed, and the TCCM . I replaced and problem still persists . Now red triangle come on dash and says pull to safety motor will turn off. Turning wheel it hesitates like it's not engaging correctly.

NHTSA ID

11654379

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate and experienced a loss of automotive power. Additionally, the temperature gauge raised abnormally and was almost indicating that the engine was hot(H). The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the engine was previously replaced due to the same failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11647001

Incident

Oct 15, 2024

Mileage

90,000 mi

Driving down the interstate at 75mph, the vehicle all of a sudden lost the ability to accelerate and felt like it shifted into neutral. We were able to pull over to the side of the road safely and as we were getting out of the vehicle, we noticed flames shooting out from under the engine. My wife and I made it out safely and as we got about 100 yards away and looked back toward the vehicle, the entire front part of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. We sat along the side of the interstate and watched the vehicle burn for 20-25 minutes. We just had the vehicle in for service 6 days prior to get a new battery, a new aux battery, an advanced diagnostic, brake fluid exchange, and a fuel system service. The evening we picked up the vehicle from service, we got an email with a powertrain alert indicator. We then checked the app on the phone and everything in the powertrain section of the vehicle health report was green. I have several videos of the vehicle burning but it doesn't look like I can upload a video file.

NHTSA ID

11645225

Incident

Feb 24, 2025