2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and problems

The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 4 safety recalls and 734 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
734
Crashes / fires
23 / 5
Injuries / deaths
10 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls

Recall 14V-567: Electrical System

Reported Sep 17, 2014 · 292,798 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 13V-175: Electrical System, Power Train

Reported May 7, 2013 · 295,345 vehicles affected · Chrysler Group LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 08V-059: Visibility, Electrical System

Reported Feb 6, 2008 · 1,338 vehicles affected · CHRYSLER LLC

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured.

Risk: This could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Engine stalling or inoperative wipers could cause a crash without warning.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Recall 07V-415: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Sep 12, 2007 · 28,755 vehicles affected · DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORPORATION

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, front brake calipers in a certain lot may have been manufactured from gray iron instead of ductile iron as designed and could fracture without warning.

Risk: This would increase the vehicle's stopping distance and could cause a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the front brake calipers to see if they fall into this lot and, if so, will replace them free of charge. The recall began on october 22, 2007. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System476
Engine107
Power Train78
Air Bags40
Engine and Engine Cooling39
Unknown or Other35
Vehicle Speed Control27
Steering24
Visibility21
Tires20
Service Brakes20
Exterior Lighting17

Most reported parts

  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 12
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 8
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 7
  • Electrical System › Ignition › Switch — 7
  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 3
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 74,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 30,000 miles · reported Sep 29, 2026
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.
Electrical System · at 155,330 miles · reported Feb 23, 2026
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 diagnosed with ignition failure. The contact was informed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The contact became…
Electrical System · reported Feb 11, 2026
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 8C244809. Incident occurred on 1-28-26. I have video footage of the issue if needed.
Air Bags · reported Feb 7, 2026
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 yet, it just occurred this morning. Insurance was notified, but said it needed to be inspected by a mechanic or dealership.…
Power Train · reported Apr 20, 2025
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.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

Compare all Jeep Grand Cherokee years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 14V-567 (electrical system), 13V-175 (electrical system, power train), 08V-059 (visibility, electrical system), 07V-415 (service brakes, hydraulic). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (476 reports), followed by engine (107). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 74,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.