Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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 aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after pulling into the garage and parking the vehicle, the vehicle was turned off however, the key had seized in the ignition switch. After waiting for several minutes, the contact heard a click from the ignition switch and the key was able to be removed. The contact stated the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the ignition switch was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle shut-off due to the failure stated in the recall. The failure mileage was 121,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall and the ignition switch was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The failure recurred several times and the contact needed to have the vehicle jumpstarted. The dealer was informed of the failure but was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. The contact stated that after turning off the vehicle, the contact was unable to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle was not taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,800.
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.
I have owned this Jeep since approximately 2010 and is in great condition. This has been a great vehicle and has recently began to give us these issues. 1. Something is definitely wrong with the electrical system. It is available for inspection upon request. 2. Temperature gauge not reading, drivers side rear tail light and front passenger side marker lights do not work. Directional and brake light functions work only. Partial illumination on instrument panel, driver side window switch intermittently works, windshield washer intermittently works, defogger / vent function partially working, 1 horn working and vehicle reliability is the safety issue. 3. My mechanic looked at it and is was NOT surprised about all the issues at once. He mentioned the TIPM having issues as many other of his customers having the same issues. 4. My vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else but my mechanic. …
Electrical issues on a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee purchased June 2020. Car keeps cutting off. The ignition key seem to be sticking between the ON and START position. Constantly having to pull onto the side of the rode or having to hurry and put my hazard lights on because car cuts off. I have taken it to the jeep dealership 2-3 times , they couldn't diagnose my car. Only thing they did was put a new starter on. Problem still occurs. I've taken it to multiple mechanics. Problems unknown. A new starter , alternator & battery has been replaced. And recently my airbag light has came on. Which comes and goes. I've had this car since June 2020. and it's given me the same problem with no one able to tell me what's wrong with it and I've replaced the batteries in the key fob. Today the car was just blank when I put the key in. I'm so confused. Car won't go over 40 mph. …
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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,…
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 Jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module May have been incorrectly manufactured.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 472 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 64% of the model year's 734 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-567 (ignition, Sep 17, 2014); NHTSA recall 13V-175 (electrical system, May 7, 2013); NHTSA recall 08V-059 (electrical system, Feb 6, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 78,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 4 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.