Most common 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Share of the 138 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Grand Cherokee years: 2016, 2020, 2017. Years to avoid: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2024, 2023. Compare all years →
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (2)
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 › Wiring
Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 Dodge journey, Jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say
Electrical system all 47 →
The contact owns a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact attempted to put the key into ignition; however, the key was inoperative. The contact stated that the key was intermittently was stuck in the ignition. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle remained at the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V567000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
My vehicle has stopped 3 times this year without warning. Twice while I was driving and once while my daughter was driving. There is a click sound and the radio and everything on in the vehicle goes. The vehicle begins to slow down. Luckly when this happened there were no cars around so each time we are able to stop the vehicle wait a second and start the vehicle without an issue. This is a very dangerous issue and this needs to be fixed ASAP.
Engine & cooling all 27 →
Have owned used 2009 Jeep grd.chrke. For 10 months 2 months in to owning noticed at times vehicle would loose power. Pressing gas pedal did nothing. Had to pull over shut Jeep off, wait a minute then start Jeep back up. This worked and the problem went away. But over the months it became more frequent. I took it back to dealer and he could not find anything wrong. No codes from engine. I have had the necessary maintenance done on the Jeep. This week the problem began on Friday and continues on. My Jeep will not go over 25 MPH. Taking it to authorized dealer and Jeep repair on Monday. But having read the complaints on this site I have very little faith this problem will be fix!!! Even though my complaint mimics several of the complaints sent in to those that manufacturer jeeps!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal seized. While the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was shifted into neutral to slow the vehicle. In addition, after the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated continuously. The contact informed a local mechanic of the failure. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.
Transmission & drivetrain all 23 →
Transmission will disengage while driving at any given speed. The only way to correct it is to coast to a stop, put the transmission in park then shut off the engine and restart. Only then will car become drivable again. This is extremely hazardous when on the interstate or expressway. Check engine light comes on and a code p2767 is always present when this occurs. My Jeep mechanic says its an expensive repair as the transmission has an internal servo short and has to be disassembled to repair it. My Jeep only has 56,685 on the odometer. Not covered under warranty and I am told is a common problem with this model transmission. Someone is going to get killed trying to coast to a stop or accelerating to get onto a interstate when the transmission shuts down. Happens at any speed. Turning, going straight, highway or rural roads, bumps or no bumps, uphill or downhill. Comes without warning. …
While attempting to park vehicle, with only brake being applied, and motor allowed to idle, vehicle accelerated. All attempts to stop vehicle by hard application of foot brake failed, and vehicle collided with a building. Subsequent investgation by insurance adjuster determined the vehicle was fast idling, possibly a tps issue. Despite many complaints to various Jeep authorized servicers, none ever disclosed a problem with this issue. Since new, the vehicle transmission has always had a tendency to grab when approaching a steep incline at idling speed, with sudden acceleration if gas pedal is gently depressed.
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 16 / 21 / 18 |
| 3.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 20 / 16 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 19 / 15 |
| 4.7L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 6.1L 8-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 11 / 14 / 12 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good car?
Based on 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Grand Cherokee rates better than average: 85% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Cherokee at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The electrical system — 47 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the engine & cooling (27) and transmission & drivetrain (23).
How many recalls does the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most recent from May 7, 2013 (electrical system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2016, 2020 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2024 and 2023. See the full Jeep Grand Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 36% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.