2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical system problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

29 owners have reported electrical system problems with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 63% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 145,500 mi.

Electrical System complaints
29
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Related recalls
2
Median mileage
145,500 mi

Specific components reported

Electrical System covers: Battery, wiring, infotainment, instrument cluster, communication and software.

ComponentComplaints
Electrical system26
Electrical system:ignition2
Electrical system:ignition:switch1
Electrical system:seat heater:wiring harness1

Electrical System complaints across Jeep Grand Cherokee years

31200523252007296200912168201119711320131255620152962201730278201973114202112917820231123020253
Electrical System complaints by model year. The 2008 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k130k–60k260k–100k3100k–150k6150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • 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.

What owners say

  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 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Filed Nov 26, 2024170,000 miGATowedElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts
    The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon returning to the vehicle, the contact’s daughter noticed that the front driver's side seat was smoldering. The contact stated that her daughter reported that the entire seat bottom of the seat was charred and melted the plastic frame and the seat cover. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed back to the residence. Additionally, the contact stated that the seat heater had engaged independently,…
    NHTSA complaint #11627556 · source
  8. Filed Nov 20, 2024MDCrashFireTowedBrakesElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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 complaint #11626481 · source
  9. Filed Mar 6, 2024NYElectrical System
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11575837 · source
  10. Filed Nov 14, 202390,000 miOHElectrical System
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11555082 · source
  11. Filed Jul 29, 2023CAElectrical SystemLightingOther / Unknown
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11535176 · source
  12. Filed Sep 1, 2022NCElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control
    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 complaint #11482474 · source

Other 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problem areas

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

Back to all 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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