NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
A malfunction in the ABS module may cause brake lights to stay on, disable ABS and electronic stability control, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
This page covers 8 recalls, 352 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
17–24 mpg combined
9.8–13.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake-related complaints dominate what 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners report, with many describing ABS warning lights illuminating alongside traction control warnings, often traced to ABS module failures and wheel speed sensor problems. Powertrain complaints follow closely, with owners reporting starting failures and shift-related issues, including a park/neutral switch input fault that leaves the vehicle unable to start. Engine complaints round out the top three reported systems. A smaller but notable pattern involves the air suspension system, where owners describe the Quadra-Lift setup getting stuck at an elevated off-road ride height and refusing to return to normal height on command, or briefly lowering before raising itself again without driver input. A handful of owners also report front seatbelt buckles failing to latch, making the belt unusable for the seated occupant.
352
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 8 recalls, with the most serious being a front differential defect where pinion gears can wear down and cause sudden loss of drive power or allow the vehicle to roll away while the transmission is in Park.
Two separate brake system recalls involve a malfunctioning anti-lock brake module that can allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being pressed, creating a rollaway risk; one of those filings also notes the module can disable the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control without warning. Three recalls apply only to Grand Cherokees equipped with the 3.0L diesel engine: a cracked exhaust gas recirculation cooler can allow coolant vapors to combust inside the intake manifold, raising the risk of an engine fire; a high-pressure fuel pump can shed internal debris into the fuel system and cut fuel supply, causing sudden loss of power; and a crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate and cause the engine to stall. On the visibility side, the rearview camera image can linger on the display after shifting out of reverse, which can distract the driver.
At a glance
What can fail
A malfunction in the ABS module may cause brake lights to stay on, disable ABS and electronic stability control, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the pressure transducer and update the ABS module software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization of fuel injector timing and camshaft operation, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module software to restore proper engine operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can fail and release debris into the fuel system, which may block fuel flow and cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump and inspect and replace other fuel system parts if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A malfunction in the antilock-brake system module may cause brake lights to illuminate incorrectly and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without applying the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Updated antilock-brake system module software prevents false pressure readings in the primary brake circuit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler may crack, allowing heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture can combust inside the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect and replace the intake manifold if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the 8.4" or 12" radio display can cause the rearview camera image to stay on screen after shifting out of reverse, blocking your view.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the radio display software for free. You can also download the update yourself via Over-The-Air update starting May 1, 2020.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front differential pinion gears were not made correctly and can wear excessively, causing loss of power to the wheels and unexpected vehicle movement while parked.
What the fix does
A dealer will replace the front differential in your vehicle at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front differential pinion gears may not be hardened enough, causing their teeth to wear down. If both gears wear sufficiently, power cannot transfer to the front wheels, resulting in loss of driving power and loss of PARK function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front differential at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
