Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
Traveling at 55mph on Rt. 264 W. in Virginia Beach, VA the right rear tire "exploded" with no warning whatsoever and sent my vehicle out of control coming very close to impacting vehicles on either side. I regained partial control and got the vehicle onto the shoulder. My family was shaken but o.k. State Police arrived. Upon inspection there was very little left of the tire (I will upload pics). Vehicle was brought to "Discount Tire" where close inspection of the remaining tires showed steel belt protruding from the front right tire. I was amazed. The vehicle had recently passed state inspection and was well within wear limits. I paid to have the (2) obviously failed tires replaced and asked Goodyear Customer Service to pay to replace the remaining (2) - all were bought as a set from Walmart. …
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 attempting to place air in the rear passenger side tire, the contact noticed that the tire pressure monitoring valve stem was corroded and fractured. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve stem needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred on the front driver side tire valve stem. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve stem needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,232.
The vehicle experiences an issue in one of the areas noted, usually when accelerating through a gradual turn to the left such as on an "on" ramp. The drive train has been inspected by both independent mechanics as well as Jeep's authorized service center in yonker's, ny with reports of no physical damage. The Jeep service center has stated that while they too have experienced the malfunction, they are incapable of diagnosing the problem, suggesting it be driven by the owner "until it worsens".
9/1/15 at approximately 8:20 p.m. Unintended change in ignition switch to the off position resulting in engine shutdown, electrical and power steering completely shutdown/lock. Collision averted by pulling resting 45 degree angle against the curb. Engine restarted thereafter. T/c to another dealership (this time downtown los angeles) and I am glad to report an appointment for this coming Friday, 9/4/15.
The inner tread is separating from the rest of the tire and the metal is being exposed. The alignment is good and all front end parts are good. I noticed this as I was cleaning and doing maintenance. I drive this vehicle to work and fear I will be in a serious accident.
I was heading to california from el paso, texas on the 13th of May, 2009. We drove to blythe, california and stayed the night. We didn't want to drive throughout the night. The next morning we headed to torrance, california. Within 50 miles out of blythe, my back right tire had blown out. We heard a hugh loud noise when it blew out. I lost control of the 2008 Jeep Cherokee with only 9000 miles immediately. I finally got control of the vehicle and pull over to the only area that was possible. My brother in law was following me in front and my good friend behind me. They all saw and heard the blow out. I had my wife and two boys in the car. I am so lucky I got control of the Jeep. If I would of hit the break immediately I feel that we could of easily had a roll over. The tires were all in great condition. The blow out took out my right bumper. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee with Goodyear Eagle rsa emt tires, line size 255/45/r20. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance when the contacts was informed that the driver and passenger front tires were wearing from the interior of the tire. The mechanic inspected the tires and believed the failure could be corrected by performing an alignment. After the alignment was tested, they advised the contact that the tires could potentially be defective. The vehicle was repaired for the driver and passenger front tires. The failure mileage was approximately 25,400.
2008 Jeep srt8 purchased in December 2009 with brand new tires. Less than 30K miles and found front tires separating on inner edges with plenty of tread left and alignment within specs. I found this yesterday when I decided to do some maintenance repairs as I am a Jeep technician and I work at a Chrysler dealership. The front tires are completely separated with threads exposed. This is extremely dangerous as I drive this vehicle with family at highway speeds. I have pictures if necessary and can provide alignment specs. I am a member of the Jeep srt8 forum and this is a common issue with many members.
Tire pressure monitoring system - valve stems corroded badly - appear to be made of poor quality aluminum - eventually broke off when attempting to add air pressure. Could have easily broken off when driving just due to vibration and caused a sudden loss of air pressure resulting in loss of control of vehicle. Have replace three units so far at a cost of over $300. Have kept old parts and invoices and pictures of badly corroded units. Please recall before someone gets hurt. Jeep has replaced units with brass units now!!! They should pay for their mistakes. Parts made by schrader electronics.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 734 complaints. The component named most often is pressure monitoring and regulating systems (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles, and 55% before 25,000 miles.
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.