2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical7124.6%
- Engine5619.4%
- Powertrain (other)3913.5%
- Driver assistance3010.4%
- Fuel system217.3%
- Airbags175.9%
- Steering134.5%
- Brakes124.2%
- Suspension82.8%
- Body & structure62.1%
- Seat belts51.7%
- Visibility41.4%
- Other / unspecified20.7%
- Exterior lighting20.7%
- Interior & seats20.7%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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".
The uconnect touch screen is delaminating. It is causing issues with being able to use the backup camera with accuracy because the delamination causes a visual distortion. Also, it has been causing issues with the controls where it repeatedly gets stuck and ghost touches options in the vehicle while driving, which is concerning. The delamination started as a small spot and has rapidly increased to half the screen. This is clearly a widespread chronic issue/defect with many Jeep GC models, if you look online. The screen is a big component in operating and functions in the vehicle. Having a defect which causes sight impairment and control changes while in motion is dangerous.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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".
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
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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".
At 50k grand cherokee would flash reverse indicator and message shift to park also when reverse would engage it was with a harsh engagement. At 58k transmission would hesitate to shift into 4th gear.at 64k transmission would no shift past 3rd gear. Jeep dealer tried to charge $5900. For a bandage 4th clutch repair or $7000. For rebuild transmission .while I wish to repair it myself parts for transmission are not available and dealership says it won't pass state emissions test with transmission codes.the fact the vehicle can not reach highway speed do to failure and after reading online about many premature failures of this 850re transmission and lack of consumer available parts the vehicle should be recalled
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Safety Issue: The UConnect screen which displays backup camera image, has delaminated causing the display to not show the backup camera view. The same Uconnect screen , because of the delaminating failure auto selects radio channel changes and climate control to not respond to touching the screen.
RE: SAFETY RECALL W36 (NHTSA ID 20V-191). Manufacturer Stellantis (FCA US LLC) has reported this safety recall as "Complete" for my VIN. This reporting is inaccurate. The vehicle remains on firmware version 30.21.0, which is the defective version the recall was mandated to replace. The Head Unit and Telematics Box (TBM) hardware are failing to accept the required safety patch. Stellantis Case Management (Case #95948441) has refused to provide the mandated free remedy and is demanding a consumer-paid diagnostic fee to address this failed safety recall, in direct violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. Furthermore, the dashboard assembly is failing (adhesive degradation), causing significant rattle/distraction. The manufacturer refuses to honor the Federal Safety Act and remediate these defects without charge. I have already performed the diagnosis and provided firmware evidence which the manufacturer has ignored.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the interstate at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of motive power without warning, causing the engine to stall. The vehicle became a severe safety hazard in active traffic as power steering and power braking assists were greatly reduced, nearly causing a high-speed rear-end collision before I could safely coast to the shoulder.Upon investigation, the vehicle completely ran out of gasoline, despite the dashboard fuel gauge explicitly indicating at least a 1/4 tank of fuel remaining.This is the second time this exact failure has occurred. The first instance happened during the vehicle's factory warranty period. At that time, the dealership misdiagnosed the issue and replaced the auxiliary battery, failing to address the underlying fuel delivery defect.The vehicle currently has 37,950 miles. The defect appears to be a failure of the auxiliary fuel sending unit/siphon pump inside the saddle-style fuel tank layout. This failure prevents fuel from transferring to the main pump, starving the engine of fuel while falsely reporting to the driver that gas is still available. This is a severe manufacturing defect that actively misleads the operator and causes unexpected stalling at highway speeds.
all grand cherokees have an issue where you lose all power to your jeep while driving and cant do anything! ON top of all the electrical issues. HUGE safety problem when your driving in traffic and cant control your jeep randomly
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbags did not deploy in an accident where someone ran me into a tree front center of front of car it involves Two injury because airbags didn't come out on impact
It was a clear day as I arrived at work. While pulling into a parking spot, the Jeep suddenly accelerated over a curb and into a tree. I was able to turn the wheel upon seeing the tree, which helped me avoid hitting other vehicles on the opposite side of the island. I had to depress the brakes multiple times before the vehicle finally stopped just short of another tree. During the incident, I was on a conference call. The attendees confirmed that there were no warning sounds from the vehicle—only the sound of the impact. Notably, the airbags did not deploy. The front driver-side area sustained extensive damage, causing the driver’s door to jam. Fortunately, I did not suffer any physical injuries. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair shop. When connected to a scanner, no error codes were detected. Repairs took nearly five weeks. Although the front sensors were replaced, they still did not function properly. The shop consulted a technician who remoted in and advised them to replace all the sensors again and inspect the wiring. Although the vehicle has been repaired, I remain fearful of driving it. I’ve read similar reports on this board suggesting these issues may be related to the electrical system. I plan to contact the dealership to ask whether they have experience with such cases and if they can inspect the systems.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
For the past two years ive been having problems with the steering in the car. the steering wheel constantly pulls to the right. i had to get 4 or 5 wheel alignments in one year because the problem is that bad. i have receipts for the fixes. i recently researched known issues and came across the recall of the "steering gear" affecting Grand Cherokees from 2019 - 2020. My car falls under the 2020 year and i am having the issues of the steering gear. At least that is what a mechanic told me when i got the car inspected. i would like to know why my car doesnt fall within the recall when i have that car and the year that is stated and with the same issue
Component/System: Electrical Power Steering (EPS) – steering cuts in and out while driving. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because the steering intermittently fails, making the vehicle very difficult to control. This could easily cause an accident. Reproduction/Inspection: The issue has been reproduced multiple times while driving. The vehicle previously had an engine replacement at Bayird Dodge Chrysler Jeep in West Memphis, AR (now closed), but this steering problem remains unresolved. Manufacturer/Dealer Involvement: The original dealership is no longer in business, so I cannot return there for service. I have contacted Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care to request assistance. Warning Lamps/Messages: The EPS warning light has appeared during failures. The problem first appeared in [insert approximate date/month you noticed it]. Summary: The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (VIN [XXX] ) has ongoing electrical power steering failures. The steering cuts in and out unexpectedly, creating an extreme safety hazard. This issue needs urgent investigation and resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS MODULE / HCU SHORTED INTERNALLY. BOTH HAD TO BE REPLACED. THESE ARE ON RECALL FOR MANY 2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE AND THE DEALER HAS REPLACED SEVERAL FOR THIS RECALL. MY JEEP SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AND I SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR $2954.79 OUT OF POCKET
I was driving on the freeway and the car stuttered and then stopped, had to get towed home found out the aux battery was bad, replaced that and brake hub and sensor on driver tire but abs. And anti swerve light. Also no cruise control. Screen says Fcw unavailable service required, also 4wf service.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Front ball joints went bad. Had to replace control arms and ball joints at 60,000 miles
The front right suspension makes weird noises when going over bumps and when turning. The noises can be described as if there is something loose moving in the front suspension. It is very noticeable when you turn and go over a bump. You can also hear it when going over road imperfections. The vehicle vibrates at certain speeds. This might be caused by this suspension issue.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
RE: SAFETY RECALL W36 (NHTSA ID 20V-191). Manufacturer Stellantis (FCA US LLC) has reported this safety recall as "Complete" for my VIN. This reporting is inaccurate. The vehicle remains on firmware version 30.21.0, which is the defective version the recall was mandated to replace. The Head Unit and Telematics Box (TBM) hardware are failing to accept the required safety patch. Stellantis Case Management (Case #95948441) has refused to provide the mandated free remedy and is demanding a consumer-paid diagnostic fee to address this failed safety recall, in direct violation of 49 U.S.C. § 30120. Furthermore, the dashboard assembly is failing (adhesive degradation), causing significant rattle/distraction. The manufacturer refuses to honor the Federal Safety Act and remediate these defects without charge. I have already performed the diagnosis and provided firmware evidence which the manufacturer has ignored.
The interior door trim applique has delaminated and broken. This issue has been previously reported in Service Bulletin 23-001-19 REV.B, Group: 23-Body, dated 8/10/2019, for a different Jeep model.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have owned 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees before this 2020 model and never had issues with seatbelts. After just five years, the driver's side seatbelt is not retracting and the passenger side is starting to do the same. I asked Jeep for assistance and I was told this was something I will have to pay for out of pocket. I have seen that many others have complained of the same issue online. I went to a dealer and the seatbelt part is on backorder for almost two weeks. Just ONE seatbelt will cost me almost $600 out of pocket. Jeep is surely playing with fire with this issue. I can't imagine what they will have to deal with if someone is injured due to the seatbelts not working properly, after just 5 years of buying a new car. Shame on them. I wanted to report this because this is a huge issue for me as someone who drives almost an hour to and from the office twice a week at least. Thank you for any assistance or guidance you can give. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle started flashing my seatbelt light when I was driving and I was buckled and then my airbag light came on and my automatic start and stop light came on and have stayed on. I took it into Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram and they charged me $203 to tell me that I don’t have any shorts in the seatbelt wire harness and they found a O.L (over limit) indicating that I have a internal open within the seat, buckle itself,causing the codes and the lights on the dash and that it’ll cost $541.26 to fix and it is not covered under any warranty, even though I just purchased the vehicle eight months ago and I’m under the 100,000 miles and just approaching the first 5 years. I should be covered. Now my airbags will not work and neither will my auto on and off features. This is a safety concern that should have a recall on it or be covered by Mopar.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Delaminated bubbling dash obstructs visibility
I am reporting a safety defect involving the Uconnect touchscreen in my Jeep Grand Cherokee. Due to screen delamination, the display can lag or freezes, including the rearview camera image. When the vehicle is shifted into reverse, the camera images can be delayed, frozen, or not updating in real time. This results in the screen showing an inaccurate view of what is actually behind the vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Objects, pedestrians, or vehicles can enter the rear path after the image freezes but will not appear on the display. This defect creates a false sense of safety and undermines the purpose of the federally required rear visibility system. The failure occurs intermittently without warning, making the rearview camera unreliable when it is needed most. This is a known defect affecting Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with Uconnect displays, not normal wear and tear. The manufacturer has not provided an adequate recall or permanent fix. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue as a systemic safety defect that increases the risk of backover collisions.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle: 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD Purchase Date: [XXX] Mileage at Purchase: ~54,900 miles Dealer: Cherry Hill Jeep Chrysler Dodge, Cherry Hill, NJ I am filing this complaint because I am currently being required to drive a vehicle with a severe wheel misalignment that is visually observable, while the selling dealership has deemed it 'drivable' and has not completed the necessary repairs. On [XXX], I was involved in an accident in which I struck a curb after sliding on black ice. The damage included a bent lower control arm and a cracked subframe. I brought the vehicle to Cherry Hill Jeep Chrysler Dodge for repairs, which took approximately three weeks. I took delivery of the repaired vehicle on March 13, 2026. Upon taking delivery, I immediately noticed a severe misalignment. The wheel misalignment is so pronounced it is visually apparent while driving. I returned the vehicle to the dealership and they acknowledged the alignment issue. They have since told me there are additional parts needed to complete the repair, and that those parts have not yet arrived. As of today, April 10, 2026, the dealership has confirmed they still do not know when the parts will arrive. Despite the unresolved alignment issue, the dealership has deemed the vehicle 'drivable' and I have been left with no choice but to continue driving it. My daily commute is approximately 60 miles per day, 6 days per week. I have driven hundreds of miles in this condition. Driving a vehicle with severe wheel misalignment poses serious safety risks, including unpredictable handling, accelerated and uneven tire wear leading to potential tire failure, and reduced ability to maintain control in emergency situations — particularly concerning given that this vehicle's incident originated on icy roads. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the dealership's decision to return this vehicle to me in an unsafe condition and require me to continue operating it without a timeline INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)
After hitting a bump in the road, my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit began to violently wobble while being flat towed behind my motor home on I-475. Vehicles in close proximity of the Jeep I was towing were at risk as there was a possibility that the vehicle could have broken loose or flipped endangering others. It appears that this defect is already known to the manufacturer of the Jeep and other models have been proven to have a defect that causes what is known as the DEATH WOBBLE. Apparently, Jeep has bought back some vehicles with the DEATH WOBBLE defect. The vehicle is currently being analyzed by the Newnan Peachtree Jeep dealership in Newnan Georgia. The owner's manual clearly states that the vehicle can be flat towed with all four wheels on the ground. Instructions to flat tow the vehicle were followed as written. Jeep should be liable to the damage caused by this defect and do whatever it takes to remedy the problem. Buying back this Jeep from the owner should also be an option to the owner/customer.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Front passenger HID headlight on 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit V8, 45,000 miles. Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Went out while driving at night, making it difficult to adequately see. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it seems to be a known problem with these particular type of lights. I had a 2015 and it had the exact same issue. But before it was adequately diagnosed by the dealer, both headlights were affected and the fix was to replace the entire headlight assembly and replacement was quoted ~ $5000. I currently have the exact same model but 2020 and as of 6/18/25, it is starting to have the same issue. I called the dealer yesterday, 6/19, and was told that the lights are known not to last. If this is a "known" issue than why has Jeep continued to use the same lights putting people at risk at having headlights go out while driving???? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, I immediately noticed my drive was darker and visibility was difficult in the dark.
Had to replace headlight then it went back out shortly after. The following week the other side went out. I looked it up and it showed that there were recalls for this problem. But am being told there is no recall on my vehicle for this.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the leather on the dashboard had started to peel and separate from the dashboard. The contact stated that the A/C vents were the only parts holding the leather intact; however, the leather could be removed if it was touched. The contact stated that the failure had caused a distraction while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and acknowledged that the failure was a known defect; however, there was no recall or extended warranty for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with a leather dashboard cover. The contact stated that the leather dashboard cover was lifting and was detaching from the body of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with Goodyear Tires, Tire Line: Fortera, Tire Size: P245/70/R17, DOT Number: 1PJHLFNWR. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, he noticed there were cracks on the sidewalls of all four tires. The vehicle was equipped with original tires. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the tires had prematurely rotted. The tires were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined that the replacement tires had also dry rotted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,500.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .