Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My 2008 jeep grand cheroke has caught on fire multiple times & started smoking. The rpms would always jump High and one day I went to go leave and it went real high causing it to accelerate on its own and went I went to go try to stop it my breaks failed and emergency brake would not work.
Tl* the contact owned a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle jerked. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated before accelerating. The ABS, ESP, bas and anti skid warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the win module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V567000 (electrical system) however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
After 5 minutes of driving the emergency brake light (e-brake was not on), the ABS module light, and the ESP bas light came on simultaneously and would not turn off. I tried to reset the computer manually multiple times to see if the lights would eventually turn off but every time they came on. I then took the vehicle into a repair shop that specializes in Jeep repair and they ran diagnostics and told me that I required a new ABS module assembly, passenger seat belt latch and a clock-spring assembly for the drivers side and r/f brake caliper that had broken off for no reason. I was told that if I were to get in an accident not only would my brakes not lock preventing further damage but my driver air bag would not deploy as well causing inevitable injury. This had cost me almost $1400 not to mention I was without a vehicle for several days.
I have had my Jeep gc lockup. This happened 8 times since late oct. 2012. The conditions are as follows. The engine stops, I have no control, no brakes or steering. 2 times I was driving one of the two I ran into a post. This put a big dent and scratch on my car. The first time this happened I was in a parking lot. In order for me to get the car stated I had to force the key to move. I called Chrysler 3 times. They put me on the rush list. This was over a year or 2 ago. They won' even talk to me anymore. Once I was doing 70 MPH on the expressway. The engine just stopped and I had no control other than braking, but there was no braking assist. I got a recall letter from Chrysler about 2 years ago. And still noting what is going on?
My 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalled out on the freeway when I was stopping for traffic. Since then it has stalled multiple times. Pulling away from a stop sign; pulling into my driveway; driving on the freeway with or without cruise on. Even while I was trailering my boat. I can re-start the Jeep by quickly putting trans into neutral:turning the ignition off than engaging the starter. It won't re-start unless you turn the ignition off first. I don't believe it to be a key/ignition switch problem. I believe it to be a computer control problem. When my Jeep stalls; the key is in its proper position every time.
Vehicle has randomly shut down completely while driving. Loss of power, power steering and brakes. Very dangerous. Took to dealer and left for a week for them to test and replicate and repair. They said they were unable to. This has happened 3 times. Each time, so far, I have been able to coast to a stop out of traffic, but I fear that it May happen in a less fortunate setting. It happened again today, just driving straight ahead down the road. Check engine light comes on and a red lighting bolt light also comes on over on the right side of the instrument panel.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed followed by a delayed response with the activation of the ABS system. The contact then crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the left wrist, shoulder, knee and ankle and face. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a salvage center. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
I received a recall letter back in the summer 2014 for faulty ignition switch. Called dealer, parts not available. Called several more times since, still no parts and told to wait for letter. Well, it is now feb. 2015 and still no parts/letter. It states that ignition switch can turn from start to run, which will shut down engine or other electrical parts ( steering, engine, power brakes ) increasing the risk of crash. Do I have to wait till I crash before this is taken care of ?
The ABS controller failed. There are complaints all over the internet about people having the same issue. I believe it was burned out by the faulty ignition switch which powers it. The switch is already under recall.
I recently purchased a newer model used vehicle that has started to present some serious concerns that the dealership where I purchased it cannot figure out the problem and discounts my complaint. My vehicle's motor acts as if is going to stall on take off from a stop position. I have attempted on 3 separate occasions to have the problem serviced by the dealership's service department; however, the dealership tells me they have no concerns with the vehicle. Although the problem is not presenting itself when I bring it to the dealership, it is happening more often now than in the beginning of the vehicle's purchase that I know the problem is escalating. I cannot figure out what "triggers" this event except that when it does happen, my two young children are in the vehicle. A new issue also has presented itself. …
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Caliper
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.
Remedy: 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.
Brake complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the brakes of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 734 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee brake problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 07V-415 (caliper, Sep 12, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.