Owners have filed 195 complaints
about the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 33 of 34 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 29
5.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 37
22% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Jeep Grand Cherokee
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
53.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
149.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2717.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4226.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2918.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2616.7%
150,000+ miles
106.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2009peak 10Oct 2025
Recalls on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201315528,423 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles equipped with a full-time four-wheel drive system, the transfer case controller could fail. This could cause the transfer case to shift into or through the neutral position, which may allow the vehicle to roll away, even with the transmission in the PARK position. Should the vehicle roll away, it could strike another vehicle, stationary object, or a bystander, causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the final drive controller with updated software.
Recall 2009108350 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver airbag squib wires on the steering column control module (SCCM) may be reversed. As a result, the driver airbag may not deploy as intended which can increase the risk of driver injury or death during a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the SCCM.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Salalah, AKCrash
POWER TRAIN
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salalah, AKCrash
AIR BAGS
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salalah, AKCrash
SUSPENSION
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. ANN, MOCrash1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ON AUGUST 26, 2014, THIS 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4 VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS CERVICAL AND SPINAL INJURIES TO A PEDESTRIAN. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKED POSITION, ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE DRIVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, KEPT MOVING FORWARD ON ITS OWN ACCORD UNTIL THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY STOPPED AFTER STRIKING A BUILDING METAL STAIRCASE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SAFETY ISSUE TO PREVENT FURTHER PERSONAL INJURY AND, OR PROPERLY DAMAGE. *TR *JS *JS
NHTSA complaint #10638018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ST. ANN, MOCrash1 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
ON AUGUST 26, 2014, THIS 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4X4 VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT CAUSING SERIOUS CERVICAL AND SPINAL INJURIES TO A PEDESTRIAN. THIS VEHICLE WAS IN A PARKED POSITION, ACCELERATED WITHOUT THE DRIVER TOUCHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, KEPT MOVING FORWARD ON ITS OWN ACCORD UNTIL THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY STOPPED AFTER STRIKING A BUILDING METAL STAIRCASE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS SAFETY ISSUE TO PREVENT FURTHER PERSONAL INJURY AND, OR PROPERLY DAMAGE. *TR *JS *JS
NHTSA complaint #10638018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesEast Chatham, NYCrash
POWER TRAIN
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK VEHICLE, WITH ONLY BRAKE BEING APPLIED, AND MOTOR ALLOWED TO IDLE, VEHICLE ACCELERATED. ALL ATTEMPTS TO STOP VEHICLE BY HARD APPLICATION OF FOOT BRAKE FAILED, AND VEHICLE COLLIDED WITH A BUILDING. SUBSEQUENT INVESTGATION BY INSURANCE ADJUSTER DETERMINED THE VEHICLE WAS FAST IDLING, POSSIBLY A TPS ISSUE. DESPITE MANY COMPLAINTS TO VARIOUS JEEP AUTHORIZED SERVICERS, NONE EVER DISCLOSED A PROBLEM WITH THIS ISSUE. SINCE NEW, THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION HAS ALWAYS HAD A TENDENCY TO GRAB WHEN APPROACHING A STEEP INCLINE AT IDLING SPEED, WITH SUDDEN ACCELERATION IF GAS PEDAL IS GENTLY DEPRESSED.
NHTSA complaint #10534622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Scranton, PA
POWER TRAIN
My car is driving okay but it’s having some electrical issues and it shuts down.
NHTSA complaint #11695993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scranton, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car is driving okay but it’s having some electrical issues and it shuts down.
NHTSA complaint #11695993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scranton, PA
ENGINE
My car is driving okay but it’s having some electrical issues and it shuts down.
NHTSA complaint #11695993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winfield, IL
AIR BAGS
Clock spring shorts out the electrical system. It causes the AC and heat not to work and no blower motor. This could cause others problems as well
NHTSA complaint #11674563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winfield, IL
AIR BAGS
When the airbag light comes on and is visible on the dashboard, this action shorts out the ac, heat, as well as the defroster. This airbag light is a constantly lit up and will not go out. I have been told that there is a problem with the clock spring on this vehicle. This has been an on going problem for several years now. So this tells me that when the airbag light comes on, the airbag does not work. This would become a hazard in a head on collision, which would cause the airbag not to deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11674571 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesLas Cruces, NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to put the key into ignition; however, the key was inoperative. The contact stated that the key was intermittently was stuck in the ignition. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
NHTSA complaint #11663970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Centennial, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIN Module failure
NHTSA complaint #11635780 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toledo, OH
SEATS
Driver's heated seat fire burned holes in seat and burnt pants. Burnt marks shown to Jeep dealer and problem confirmed.
NHTSA complaint #11593447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Las Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
Just prior to a cross country trip, my airbag warning light came on. Upon arriving to our destination in Spring Hill, TN, I took my 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee to have it checked. Their diagnosis found a "squib" problem, and told me there was a recall and to take it to a Chrysler dealer. Today, the dealership showed me a "squib" or "clockspring" issue & told me there was no recall and that I would have to pay out of pocket to replace what seems to be the recall problem. Upon further research, I found online that there is indeed a recall. But after calling the phone number provided, (800-853-1403) they informed me that even though it might be the same problem I would have to pay out of pocket for the repair. I don't understand why. This is the recall info I found online: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V118000 Report Date: APR 07, 2009 Vehicles Affected: 4336 Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,336 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED. To see if your specific vehicle is affected 1-877-426-5337 or nhtsa.gov The dealership I went to was Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Columbia, TN 931-360-0800 The original automotive shop I took it to was Christian Bros Automotive 615-645-3299 I would appreciate 1)an explanation of why my particular car isn't on the list even though it's having the issue under the recall and 2) why I have to pay out of pocket. Thank you, Jodie Goode (Meade) 949-573-4223 jodie.l.goode@gmail.com
NHTSA complaint #11536317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Las Vegas, NV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Just prior to a cross country trip, my airbag warning light came on. Upon arriving to our destination in Spring Hill, TN, I took my 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee to have it checked. Their diagnosis found a "squib" problem, and told me there was a recall and to take it to a Chrysler dealer. Today, the dealership showed me a "squib" or "clockspring" issue & told me there was no recall and that I would have to pay out of pocket to replace what seems to be the recall problem. Upon further research, I found online that there is indeed a recall. But after calling the phone number provided, (800-853-1403) they informed me that even though it might be the same problem I would have to pay out of pocket for the repair. I don't understand why. This is the recall info I found online: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 09V118000 Report Date: APR 07, 2009 Vehicles Affected: 4336 Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403. Summary: CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,336 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED. To see if your specific vehicle is affected 1-877-426-5337 or nhtsa.gov The dealership I went to was Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Columbia, TN 931-360-0800 The original automotive shop I took it to was Christian Bros Automotive 615-645-3299 I would appreciate 1)an explanation of why my particular car isn't on the list even though it's having the issue under the recall and 2) why I have to pay out of pocket. Thank you, Jodie Goode (Meade) 949-573-4223 jodie.l.goode@gmail.com
NHTSA complaint #11536317 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cut off, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I just purchased this vehicle, in May 2023 and I have honestly had nothing but problems. I have no idea what is causing this but the speedometer/odometer does not work at all (all the lights and warning symbols work, cruise control doesn't work, TPM is lit up on the dash as I checked all the tires and all has same to, the key fob buttons worked when it wanted to (has NEW battery it was replaced 3'xs already) key fob would not stop alarm from going off most days and key fob would also not start my Jeep would have to keep trying before it did start and now IT DOESN'T DO ANYTHING. IT DOESN'T START DOESN'T TURN OVER NOTHING expect for the alarm going off non stop had to disconnect the horn and we pulled a relay to have it stop. We tried disconnecting the battery post to hopefully reset it, didn't work. I also had a res dot start blinking and I read up on all this and red dot is anti theft was activated. I been reading up on the reason and I keep getting the wireless control module and sentry key as the problem. I also seen that many other vehicles same as mine has had the same exact same problem. Some had theirs come up as a recall. Why is this vehicle listed as not having any recalls. Clearly something is going on with these vehicles that shouldn't be. I for one didn't cause this problem and I certainly can not afford to get this resolved on my own. I had my truck for only 2 weeks before it broke down. PLEASE HELP
NHTSA complaint #11532416 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesWantagh, NY
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the driver’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag was faulty and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the air bag part had been discontinued and was no longer available. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #11523153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vienna, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Passenger mirror did not pass state safety inspection because it became cloudy from the automatic defroster mechanism. Vehicle inspector informed us this was the case, mirror has not been otherwise damaged in an accident, we will pay $500 to replace it. Component is available for inspection. Has been cloudy for several years, this is the first time it failed state inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11485852 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salalah, AKCrash
POWER TRAIN
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salalah, AKCrash
AIR BAGS
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salalah, AKCrash
SUSPENSION
Gcc
NHTSA complaint #11461866 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
STEERING
My vehicle has stopped 3 times this year without warning. Twice while I was driving and once while my daughter was driving. There is a click sound and the radio and everything on in the vehicle goes. The vehicle begins to slow down. Luckly when this happened there were no cars around so each time we are able to stop the vehicle wait a second and start the vehicle without an issue. This is a very dangerous issue and this needs to be fixed ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11440924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ocala, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My vehicle has stopped 3 times this year without warning. Twice while I was driving and once while my daughter was driving. There is a click sound and the radio and everything on in the vehicle goes. The vehicle begins to slow down. Luckly when this happened there were no cars around so each time we are able to stop the vehicle wait a second and start the vehicle without an issue. This is a very dangerous issue and this needs to be fixed ASAP.
NHTSA complaint #11440924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWaynesville, NC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT INFORMED A LOCAL MECHANIC OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11362746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWaynesville, NC
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT INFORMED A LOCAL MECHANIC OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11362746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116,000 milesWaynesville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL SEIZED. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL TO SLOW THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, AFTER THE FAILURE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT INFORMED A LOCAL MECHANIC OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.
NHTSA complaint #11362746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 117,000 milesOceanside, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V176000 (AIR BAGS) AS A POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER NOR A DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
NHTSA complaint #11308284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesOakland Township, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE ALSO FAILED TO START ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (1020 BELMONT ST EASTON, MA) WHERE THE FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO ROCHESTER HILLS CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM (1301 S ROCHESTER RD, ROCHESTER HILLS, MI 48307) WHERE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
NHTSA complaint #11302359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,110 milesBirmingham, AL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I WAS DRIVING THE OTHER DAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN I HIT A BUMP AND THE KEY FOB FALLS OUT OF THE IGNITION CUTTING THE ENGINE COMPLETELY OFF. SO I WAS COASTING WITH NO ENGINE OR POWER. LUCKILY I PUT IT IN TO NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED BACK UP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO MY KEY WILL NOT RELEASE WHEN I AM TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF SO I HAVE TO LEAVE IT ON SOMETIMES AND IT HAS KILLED MY BATTERY. MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL RELEASE AFTER A CLICKING NOISE I CAN TURN IT TO THE OFF POSITION AND IT WILL RELEASE. IT HAS COST ME TWO BATTERIES AND A NEW KEY
NHTSA complaint #11290588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 159,110 milesBirmingham, AL
ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING THE OTHER DAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN I HIT A BUMP AND THE KEY FOB FALLS OUT OF THE IGNITION CUTTING THE ENGINE COMPLETELY OFF. SO I WAS COASTING WITH NO ENGINE OR POWER. LUCKILY I PUT IT IN TO NEUTRAL AND IT STARTED BACK UP. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN VERY DANGEROUS. ALSO MY KEY WILL NOT RELEASE WHEN I AM TRYING TO TURN THE CAR OFF SO I HAVE TO LEAVE IT ON SOMETIMES AND IT HAS KILLED MY BATTERY. MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL RELEASE AFTER A CLICKING NOISE I CAN TURN IT TO THE OFF POSITION AND IT WILL RELEASE. IT HAS COST ME TWO BATTERIES AND A NEW KEY
NHTSA complaint #11290588 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.