Jeep Grand Cherokee airbag problems

2,267 of the 40,071 complaints filed about the Jeep Grand Cherokee are about the airbag system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2002.

2,267

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

540

Crashes

12

Fires

Airbags complaints by model year

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Median failure at 190,000 miles

Median failure at 109,000 miles

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Median failure at 135,298 miles

Median failure at 98,245 miles

Median failure at 116,515 miles

Median failure at 101,500 miles

Median failure at 65,200 miles

Median failure at 124,750 miles

Median failure at 111,000 miles

Median failure at 116,000 miles

Median failure at 88,500 miles

Median failure at 100,000 miles

Median failure at 68,000 miles

Median failure at 109,852 miles

Median failure at 117,000 miles

Median failure at 42,250 miles

Median failure at 56,500 miles

Median failure at 73,172 miles

Median failure at 61,816 miles

Median failure at 51,978 miles

Median failure at 69,000 miles

Median failure at 12,040 miles

Median failure at 34,945 miles

Median failure at 14,777 miles

Median failure at 13,550 miles

Median failure at 34,000 miles

Median failure at 34,957 miles

Median failure at 29,600 miles

Median failure at 5,900 miles

Median failure at 14,538 miles

What owners said

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 42,000 miles Great Neck, NY

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle jumped. The contact stated that while driving 8–9 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission was replaced in 2025. The contact was informed that the air bag was not covered under unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA complaint #11762877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Cleburne, TX Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly ran over an object, causing the vehicle to jerk hard to the left. The contact stated that the guard rail became lodged against the tire, causing the vehicle to turn in the opposite direction into oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the two passenger-side wheels swung, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and drove into a ravine. After the crash, the contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained injuries and was transported to a local emergency room. The contact sustained deep tissue contusions, a fractured sternum and tailbone, and fluid was found near the heart due to the contact striking the steering wheel during the crash. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11761006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ulster Park, NY Crash

AIR BAGS

On XXX, I was involved in a motor vehicle collision on [XXX] in [XXX] while driving a leased 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The airbags in the Jeep did not deploy during the collision. The other vehicle involved was an approximately 10-year-old Honda SUV, and its airbags did deploy. Fortunately, I did not sustain an injury in the collision. However, the Jeep was subsequently declared a total loss. The vehicle has since been removed from the lot where it was being held, and I no longer have possession of or access to it. I therefore cannot independently inspect the airbag system or obtain crash data from the vehicle. I am reporting this because I am concerned about whether the airbag and occupant restraint systems in the vehicle functioned as designed during the collision. I would like NHTSA to document this incident and consider whether the non-deployment warrants further review. I can provide the VIN and other information about the vehicle and collision if needed. I would also like any available Event Data Recorder (EDR) or other crash-related data to be preserved and reviewed if possible. The vehicle was leased rather than owned and has since been declared a total loss. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11760741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Katy, TX

AIR BAGS

I own a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited. The driver's-side Active Head Restraint (AHR) suddenly deployed/opened without the vehicle being involved in a collision or rear impact. The head restraint separated/opened with significant force and will not remain in its normal position. I am not aware of any warning lights, warning messages, or other symptoms before the head restraint deployed. This creates a serious safety concern because the Active Head Restraint is positioned directly behind the driver's head and neck. An unexpected deployment while the vehicle is occupied or being driven could cause injury to the driver's head or neck and could also startle or distract the driver. The vehicle has not been involved in an accident that would have caused the Active Head Restraint to deploy. The failed head restraint/component is available for inspection. After researching the failure, I discovered that FCA/Stellantis has previously issued technical service and warranty information concerning inadvertent Active Head Restraint deployment, including TSB 23-018-20 and related AHR warranty-extension programs. I also learned that NHTSA investigated inadvertent Active Head Restraint deployments involving Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles, including later model-year vehicles. I contacted FCA/Stellantis regarding the failure. I was initially referred to a Jeep dealership, and I am continuing to request that Stellantis review the failure and determine whether it falls under one of its Active Head Restraint warranty-extension programs.

NHTSA complaint #11760320 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee La Center, WA

AIR BAGS

Car was parked. When I returned the passenger head rest had popped. No accident.

NHTSA complaint #11758903 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 19,000 miles Oakland, MS Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed on the way to work, another driver crossed the road and crashed into the vehicle. The air bags in the daughter’s vehicle failed to deploy as needed. The front of the vehicle was damaged, the hood was bent, the grill was damaged, and headlights were knocked out of the headlight enclosures. The daughter was taken to a clinic, and an X-ray determined that there was a swollen tendon in the left knee, and medical treatment was provided. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot due to a transmission fluid leak. A Police report was filed but was not yet provided. The vehicle was not yet inspected or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.

NHTSA complaint #11758079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Franklin, TN

AIR BAGS

Active head restraint on driver seat deployed today for no reason. No collision, just deployed on its own.

NHTSA complaint #11753147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Louisville, KY Fire

AIR BAGS

I was on the highway and the truck escalated in speed then it would decreased In speed . (61 mph to 45-41mph. Then it decreased speed all the way to a complete stop. Then burst into flames in front of truck. Truck made crackling sounds and proceeded to burn all the way back to the back seats of truck.

NHTSA complaint #11752785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Alamo, CA

AIR BAGS

The passenger headrest exploded. 1 year ago the driver side headrest exploded while I was driving. Luckily I was not hurt badly or in an accident. Dealership said they would only fix the driver side and to comeback when the other blew up. Now that the other one blew up I am being told it is past the warranty and I will have to pay out of pocket to repair. The warranty extension that would have covered this was called X88. Expired July 2025.I believe the dealer knew it was gong to expire but did nothing to help me.

NHTSA complaint #11749763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Alamo, CA

AIR BAGS

The passenger headrest exploded. 1 year ago the driver side headrest exploded while I was driving. Luckily I was not hurt badly or in an accident. Dealership said they would only fix the driver side and to comeback when the other blew up. Now that the other one blew up I am being told it is past the warranty and I will have to pay out of pocket to repair. The warranty extension that would have covered this was called X88. Expired July 2025.I believe the dealer knew it was gong to expire but did nothing to help me.

NHTSA complaint #11749764 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Atascadero, CA

AIR BAGS

The driver and passenger front airbags deployed spontaneously while merging onto the highway. I was startled by the noise, my vision was obscured, I was unable to breathe due to the chemical accelerants, and the bag made contact with my face and arms. All of these events put me and other drivers at great risk of severe bodily and property damage. Since June 24, the vehicle has been in possession of a Chrysler dealership. A pre-service write-up has been created, but to my knowledge, no work has been done to the vehicle. I am unaware of an inspection having been completed. I did not see any warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the airbags deploying.

NHTSA complaint #11749381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 10,076 miles Smithfield, MA Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle hydroplaned from another lane into the contact's lane, causing the contact's vehicle to crash into the oncoming vehicle. The contact's vehicle then crashed into a ditch before coming to a complete stop. The other vehicle crashed into a guardrail, and its air bags were deployed. The contact's wife was occupying the front passenger seat during the incident. No air bags deployed. Both the contact and his wife were transported by ambulance to the medical center. The contact sustained cervical strain and soft tissues. The contact's wife sustained a brain hemorrhage and remained hospitalized in a highly sedated state. Additionally, the contact's wife was being treated for a continuous high fever. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and was deemed a total loss. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,076.

NHTSA complaint #11748451 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Westaugusta, VA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

I was traveling south on Lee Jackson hwy in Staunton Va at about 40 to 45 mph and was t-boned on the right passenger side with the impact just in front of the passenger door and front quarter panel. The damage ended up being all the way to the right rear passenger door. None of the air bags or side curtain airbags deployed.

NHTSA complaint #11747166 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Belvidere, IL Crash

AIR BAGS

Airbags failed to deploy in head-on collision at between 40-50 mph.

NHTSA complaint #11746433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 29,200 miles El Cajon, CA

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle and attempting to buckle the driver’s seat belt, the headrest suddenly detached, causing the brackets to strike the contact on the head. The contact sustained a sore neck. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with SRS failure. The contact was informed that the SRS needed to be repaired. The repair was not covered under warranty or a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted; however, the call was redirected to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 29,200.

NHTSA complaint #11746415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Boca Raton, FL

AIR BAGS

Service airbag system light is on

NHTSA complaint #11746160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Chicago, IL Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

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

NHTSA complaint #11745823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Bradenton, FL

AIR BAGS

While driving my 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x2, the driver side Active Head Restraint deployed without any collision, rear impact, crash, or other triggering event. There was a sudden loud bang directly behind my head, which startled me and created an immediate safety distraction while the vehicle was in motion. I did not know what had happened at the time. The head restraint remains deployed/open and cannot be reset. The vehicle was not involved in a crash, there was no rear impact, and there was no airbag deployment. FCA/Stellantis has issued an X88 Active Head Restraint warranty extension for certain Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles involving inadvertent deployment of the front Active Head Restraint where it cannot be reset due to internal damage. My vehicle appears to have experienced the same failure mode, but Jeep/Stellantis has advised that my VIN does not qualify for X88 coverage, apparently because the vehicle was built after the selected warranty extension population. My vehicle build date is January 2018, with MDH 011623. I am filing this complaint because this was a safety related head restraint failure that occurred while driving without a collision. The sudden deployment caused a loud impact immediately behind my head and created a dangerous distraction. I am concerned that vehicles outside the current X88 warranty population may still be experiencing the same inadvertent Active Head Restraint failure. The vehicle was factory ordered and delivered in February 2018, which may explain the later January 2018 build date, but it is still a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee and appears to have experienced the same inadvertent Active Head Restraint failure mode described in FCA’s X88 warranty extension.

NHTSA complaint #11743217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ossining, NY Crash

AIR BAGS

I was driving at approximately 30 - 35mph when another car went through a stop sign causing a head on collision. I did not see the other car, therefore had no time to brake or maneuver away - the collision happened at the full speed I was driving. The damage to the car is directly in the center and towards the right side of the front of vehicle where the airbag sensors are located. The airbags did not deploy. I was restrained by my seatbelt.

NHTSA complaint #11743113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Antioch, IL

AIR BAGS

While driving my Jeep Grand Cherokee, the front passenger headrest suddenly deployed forward with a loud popping/exploding sound. There was no collision, no impact, and no warning before it happened. Fortunately, no one was sitting in the passenger seat at the time. If a passenger had been seated there, the headrest could have struck them in the back of the head or neck and potentially caused serious injury. This appears to be a dangerous safety defect involving the Active Head Restraint system. Based on information I found from other Jeep Grand Cherokee owners reporting similar failures, the issue may involve a faulty plastic bracket or internal component in the Active Head Restraint that can fail under pressure and cause the headrest to deploy unexpectedly. Other owners have reported injuries such as head, neck, and concussion-type injuries from similar incidents. I am concerned that this failure happened during normal driving conditions and without any crash or trigger event. This creates a serious risk to vehicle occupants and could also startle the driver, potentially causing a crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue and determine whether my vehicle is affected by an existing recall or whether additional investigation or recall action is needed.

NHTSA complaint #11740448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee problems