Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle was rough idling and would stall intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed as compression leaks and cylinder head failure. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to a manufacturer's X56 extension warranty for the 3.6 Liter left cylinder head. The VIN was not included in the extended warranty and the contact was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-25 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before accelerating as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal resistance increased while depressing the brake pedal, which required the brake pedal to be depressed to the floorboard. The contact stated that the Emergency Stop Brake engaged unexpectedly while the vehicle was idling and while driving at various speeds. A "Low Battery" message was displayed, and upon inspection, the battery was hot. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed failures with the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) communication and the transmission; however, the vehicle had not been repaired. …
The vehicle (2013 GC Trailhawk ) engine stalls while driving. The electrical remains on but engine oil error comes on and I can feel there is missing as if engine is not getting enough fuel, there is no power when you accelerate and the engine stalls. My safety is put in risk because this happens while driving on the highway and normal streets. I have taken it to my Jeep dealer (John Hughes, Perth, Australia ) and they too claimed to have never heard of this issue. Fuel pump relay was already repalced some time back. The issue continues and they claim they cannot figure out the problem. The engine will re-start after about 10 minutes powered off and drives fine until the next time it stalls, which has become more frequent. There is no warning when the engine will stall, it just stops running. …
My 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar v6 has a persistent cylinder 2 misfire (P0302). The cylinder 2 spark plug, ignition coil, and fuel injector have already been replaced, but the misfire continues. Diagnostic testing with a scan tool confirmed that cylinder 2 accumulated 61 misfires during a single test while cylinders 1,3, 4, 5, and 6 recorded zero, and the misfire monitor reported " Fail this trip" the vehicle can appear to drive normally despite the active misfire. I became aware that Chrysler issued warranty bulletin x56 concerning the 3.6L left cylinder head on certain 2011- 2013 vehicles including select 2013 Jeep grand Cherokees. I contact a jeep dealer and advise that my VIN is not included in that warranty extension. …
I was driving down a hill, came to a stop, and it died. I put the car in park, and turned it off and on. There were no messages on the dashboard. The car started, so I took a left turn and suddenly the car stopped moving. The RPM went up, but the car didn't drive. It kicked back and it finally started driving but with the car hesitating. I was in the middle of a very busy intersection. The car died 3 times yesterday, and today it died 2 times.
Was inspected @ my local garage. The tipm goes out and you lose turn signals, wipers, transfer case control ( locks in low gear) causes airbag light to go on. And Chrysler does not manufacture them anymore. Jeep had to be towed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power and an abnormal noise was heard. The contact also smelled a burning odor. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer (sunland park Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, 950 crockett street, el paso, tx 79922) where it was diagnosed that the alternator failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts not being availble. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 17V435000 (power train). The part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 35,700. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. After stopping the vehicle in the driveway and shifting into the park position, the contact exited the vehicle. Approximately two minutes later, the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into the garage door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bob howard Chrysler/Jeep in oklahoma city, OK), but the cause of the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000. Updated 8/16/18
My vehicle left me stranded at a target store parking lot. My vehicle was on with the A/C running. The vent blowers stopped working and the vehicle shut off. It cranked but no start. I used my aaa membership to have the car towed. It was sent to the aaa mechanic. The fuel pump relay was no good. I know there was a recall on this relay but the dealer never had the part in stock. Which sounded bogus to me. The mechanic explained that there is a recall and I should get reimbursed. I sent in my completed the Chrysler reimbursement request form and submitted the shops receipt and the rental vehicle receipt. I was assigned case # 76491689. I paid $3004.00 in cash for repairs. After I submitted my receipts they denied my claim for $1309.00 that was related to the fuel pump relay repair. …
On September 1, 2020 shortly after starting the vehicle and while in motion, the engine stopped causing loss of control of the vehicle. I was able to bring the vehicle to stop in roadway with hard pressure on brakes. Fortunately, no contact was made with person or property. I attempted to re-start the vehicle but it would only crank and not start. Several minutes later was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle has had trouble starting on many occasions prior but this was the first time it stopped while driving. The only indication the vehicle had lost power was when I attempted to slow the vehicle and turn the wheel. Prior to this the dealership has examined the issue on at least four separate occasions spanning years. I have been told the fuel pump relay has been replaced twice on this vehicle. …
Transmission complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 55 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 7% of the model year's 805 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 9 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 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.