2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about electrical system. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
46
Recalls
2
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Median mileage
121,000 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 29 of 46 complaints (63%).
  • Airbags (10) and engine (9) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 121,000 mi.
  • Owners reported 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury.
  • The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 2 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 17th of 22 Jeep Grand Cherokee model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 28% more complaints than the 2007 model year (36).

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by category

  • 29 complaints
  • Airbags · 1 crash
    10 complaints
  • Engine
    9 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Lighting
    3 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    3 complaints
  • Visibility & Wipers
    3 complaints
  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    2 complaints
  • Steering
    2 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
    2 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    1 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    1 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    1 complaints
  • Brakes · 1 crash
    1 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Electrical system26
Air bags10
Engine9
Unknown or other3
Exterior lighting3
Vehicle speed control3
Electronic stability control (esc)2
Electrical system:ignition2

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k460k–100k5100k–150k6150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints that list mileage.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (2)

  • Recall 14V567000Sep 17, 2014292,798 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

    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.

    Risk: 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.

  • Recall 13V175000May 7, 2013295,345 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)

    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.

    Risk: 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.

Recent 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Sep 29, 202630,000 miNVElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers
    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While stopped in traffic, the vehicle stalled with the engine oil warning light illuminated. The contact parked, turned off, and then restarted the vehicle. Additionally, the windshield wipers intermittently activated while driving. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V059000 (Electrical System, Visibility); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11767745 · source
  2. Filed Feb 23, 2026155,330 miSCTowedElectrical System
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11719895 · source
  3. Filed Feb 11, 2026OKFireElectrical SystemEngineSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11717216 · source
  4. Filed Feb 7, 2026NCAirbags
    Driver's steering wheel airbag malfunctioned and deployed unexpectedly while backing into a parking space. Safety of passengers through potential of bodily injury and car crash due to lack of sight and sudden explosion/deployment of airbag while car is actively being driven could have been causedby this malfunction. Various incidents of this safety issue have been reported, but no recalls have been officiated yet for this specific year and model. Vehicle has not inspected…
    NHTSA complaint #11716413 · source
  5. Filed Apr 20, 2025COTransmission & Drivetrain
    When driving it will randomly shift into 4th gear very hard and stay in 4th until you turn it off. It will happen at any speed and be fine for months or do have the issues consistently for long period of time then stop. It happens with no pattern or related reasons.
    NHTSA complaint #11655658 · source
  6. Filed Feb 18, 2025FLElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11643396 · source
  7. Filed Jan 6, 2025AZElectrical System
    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 complaint #11634467 · source
  8. Filed Dec 29, 2024NJElectrical SystemSuspension
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11632951 · source

Compare the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with another vehicle →

Other 2008 Jeep models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology