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).
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.
We contacted west brothers Chrysler dealership in sullivan, mo in feb. 2015 due to multiple recalls on the Jeep. They were aware the Jeep was not running, we were told to tow it to dealership on feb 26, 2015 and that all parts would be there in 2 to 3 weeks, I agreed to pay for a diagnostic test if the Jeep still would not start after recall was complete. I was told diagnostic test could not be done until after the p57 recall was complete. After several months of being told parts would be in I received a phone call from joe boulware on July 23, 2015 stating we had one day to move the Jeep or it would be towed. He said he had spoke with my son (the previous owner) on several occasions telling him to move Jeep. This was false as my son was incarcerated all the dates he gave. …
This shall serve to inform you that I owner of a Jeep Cherokee laredo 2008 has filed numerous complaints with the department of motor vehicles concerning a recall with my ignition switch. It has been over two years and I am stilling for my ignition switch part to be ordered. The vehicle on numerous occasions has proved to be unsafe by stopping abruptly on the highway by losing power, parking lots by failing to start or on the road by losing speed where I could literally release the brake pedal and the car could not move. This is not only dangerous especially when I am in the car with my family on the highway and my ignition switch makes my car lose power, not only can I cause an accident and harm my family and I but other vehicles with their passengers too. I would like to know that matters are being taken to find parts to replace the faulty ignition switch. …
When going above 50 miles per hour, specifically on highways, as soon as I hit a large bump in the road, the key "bumps" out of the on position and into the off position. As a result, I loose power steering, brake assist, lights, turn signals, and all other power. I am able to put my 4 way flashers on and steer off the road, restart the car, and get back on the road. This has happened multiple times. The most recent was yesterday when going 70 on the highway while being tailgated by a tractor trailer. When the key slipped, I was almost completely taken out by the tractor trailer. This issue is a known recall; however, when reaching out to Jeep and other local dealerships, I am being told that the part is not available. They are not offering any solutions to remedy the issue in the meantime. I was told that if I wanted a rental, it would be out of pocket. …
Multiple incidents of unintended change in ignition switch position to the off position, resulting in engine shutdown, electrical and power steering completely shutdown/lock. First occurrence (approximately 2010) was during a left-hand turn, which nearly caused a multiple vehicle accident. Constant airbag light warning. Multiple other occurrences since then, resulting in multiple calls to dealer and contact to 1800 numbers provided. Fac p57/NHTSA 14v-567 important safety recall notice received and dealer again contacted. However, I was advised that the ignition is no longer in production and there is no way of knowing if/when the part will become available. Accordingly, no repair/remedy can be made. Thank you, [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact attempted to make a left turn and the vehicle shut down and the steering wheel locked up. The failure recurred several times. The check engine oil light illuminated. In each case, the vehicle restarted after a while. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed. The dealer replaced the solenoid and the harness, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the recall associated with the failure. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 86,100.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65-70 MPH, the steering wheel failed to move and the vehicle stalled. The tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the engine needed to be replaced. The battery, starter, and engine oil were replaced however, the vehicle failed to restart. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehcile was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mielage was 113,000.
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.
The ignition on my Jeep went out of it's normal operating position to acc position after the key was accidentally bumped. The car was in motion at the time. Steering locked up and the accelerator was disabled. And just a few days ago the same thing happened. This time my car rolled at a slow speed into another car due to lack of brakes. Luckily, no damage or injuries in that case either. I assume the recent recall for Jeep Grand cherokees up to 2007 for the same reason will be extended to the 2008 models.
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 ?
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 734 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 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 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering 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.