Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was exiting a freeway off ramp and had my foot lightly on the accelerator to keep the momentum up the inclined off ramp when I took my foot off the accelerator and steppe d on the brakes to begin slowing down the car kept accelerating at the same rate of speed, about 30 MPH. I was pushing down on the brakes as hard as I could, and I could feel the antilock brakes pumping, and the car was only slowing slightly. I then had to veer over from the right lane to the left lane and then run the car into the curb in order to slow it down and avoid other cars parked at the top of the off ramp. After running the vehicle into the curb the car stopped accelerating and came to a stop several feet later. As a result of the incident, I was left staring over the side of a roughly 100 foot tall off ramp only a few feet from the edge. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the vehicle was operating as designed. However, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to an independent mechanic, who confirmed that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. In addition, the contact stated that the engine revved without depressing the accelerator pedal and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an inspection station. The technician diagnosed the vehicle, but failed to specify the repairs that were made. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. …
While driving on a highway, I noticed my car slowed down and even after applying the gas pedal, it didn't help. After pressing the brakes and pushing the gas pedal again, then it started accelerating. The engine light would blink and lately it stays on. The check engine light stays on and off but once I noticed that when I started the car again, the check engine light was off but I lost one front headlight. I was told by the dealership that I needed to replace a spark plug which cost me almost 300.00. Now the check engine light is on again and I suspect as other owners have shared it in the forum that it's the ignition switch that's faulty. I just wish NHTSA would do something about this asap. The letter came the mail stating there is a recall on my car but nothing is being done to correct the problem. …
Speed control acceleration. Driving on interstate returning from vacation, cruise was set at 70mph. When approaching a slower vehicle, cruise was deactivated and reactivated when pass was completed. When reactivated the cruise control would not stop accelerating. This has happened 3 years ago and ever since I test the cruise control the problem of out of control acceleration persists. The out of control acceleration can be stopped by stepping on the brakes or manually turning off the cruise control. I had a mechanic look at it and they cannot determine what the cause is. I cannot even disable the cruise control without effecting other electronics. I am afraid to allow anyone else to drive this vehicle in the event they would unknowing use the cruise control and get into a serious accident.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power and jerked. In addition, all the lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. Ma 10/19/15 the consumer stated the airbag light illuminated for weeks at a time then went off. The cruise control would not engage. Updated 3/21/2016 updated 10/17/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 5 MPH the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably and without warning accelerated 30-40 MPH. The contact was unable to control the vehicle for a quarter of a mile. The contact attempted to apply the brakes and was unable to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was driven into the snow located on the shoulder, which allowed the contact to stop the vehicle. The road conditions were wet. The vehicle smelled as if it was on fire. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and is currently being diagnosed. An electronic diagnostic test on feb 22, 2007 indicated due to the performance liilluminating the vehicle needed a new ignition switch. The vehicle's current and failure mileage was 18,300.
Prior to the incident, my Jeep felt as if it were having trouble switching between gears. It felt jerky, if you will. While traveling along I-95 on the east coast of florida, my Jeep (twice) slipped gear and appeared to have gone into neutral. If you know the area, it's not the ideal place for this to happen. Since returning to the west coast of florida, it has happened once. I've taken to a shop for a tune-up and to check on that problem. Needless to say, the 'fix' did not fix it and I'm still experiencing jerky shifts and gear failure. I've read a number of similar complaints regarding the same type of incidents on the NHTSA website, but have not located a fix for the problem. Without hesitation, I'll say I'm terrified.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14v43800 (electrical system) was received in July 2014. The dealer and the manufacturer were contacted on multiple occasions and the contact was informed that the part was not available and no estimated time for receiving the parts was available. A failure related to the recall was experienced but the specifics were not available. In addition, the contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at any speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V438000 (electrical system) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000. Part distribution disconnect.
Speed control accelerates out of control when set. Happens consistently when cruise is turned on and set button is pressed. The engine will rev to 6000 RPM +. Must depress brake or turn off cruise switch in order to stop the acceleration. Started happening while traveling on an interstate highway and speed control was set to posted speed. Vehicle suddenly accelerated on open stretch of highway and could only be slowed down by turning off the speed control. This could have a disaster if it happened in heavier traffic.
Acceleration complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 4% of the model year's 1,280 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 16% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.