Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

Owners have filed 4,332 complaints about transmission & drivetrain problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokee — 15% of all Grand Cherokee complaints. The worst model years are 2014 (475), 1998 (426) and 1999 (386). Problems typically start around 49,000 miles. 7 related recalls have been issued.

4,332complaints
2014worst year
49ktypical miles
7related recalls
713crashes
43fires

Transmission complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’2624728025442638615610258355425317319677232290102554753537888754739593739301310
Transmission complaints per model year, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
20261037%0 miles
20251316%6,000 miles
20243012%18,000 miles
20233910%35,000 miles
20223714%50,000 miles
20215914%28,000 miles
20203916%4,000 miles
20194713%14,000 miles
2018759%20,000 miles
20178824%45,000 miles
20167825%33,000 miles
201535326%12,000 miles
201447520%25,000 miles
2013557%80,000 miles
20121026%68,000 miles
2011905%64,000 miles
20102219%87,000 miles
20092317%57,000 miles
20087710%76,000 miles
200719618%54,000 miles
200617314%84,000 miles
200525312%73,000 miles
2004544%45,000 miles
2003355%26,000 miles
2002584%58,000 miles
200110212%59,000 miles
200015611%56,000 miles
199938624%60,000 miles
199842641%76,000 miles
199725426%95,000 miles
199628031%141,000 miles
199524734%111,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
    955
  • Automatic transmission
    679
  • Driveline › Differential unit
    171
  • Axle assembly
    64
  • Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Column shift
    52
  • Driveline › Driveshaft
    35
  • Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift
    31
  • Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
    22

Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    64632%
  • 25k–50k
    35318%
  • 50k–75k
    32116%
  • 75k–100k
    29115%
  • 100k–150k
    28714%
  • 150k+
    985%

What owners report

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving and making a right turn, the vehicle hesitated and jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and responded as intended upon shifting into drive(D). No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a loss of battery communication with the computer due to a dead battery. The battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a third time, but no further diagnostic information was available. …

2026 Grand Cherokee · 0 miles · May 2026

Vehicle was purchased new from a franchised dealer. Six days after purchase, at approximately 105 miles on the odometer, the vehicle experienced a transmission failure while being driven with my family, including a young child, on board (warning message displayed - Service Transmission, loss of forward motion, harsh shifting, inability to shift gears while driving on the street). The vehicle was taken to the selling dealer, whose service department diagnosed a failure of the transmission valve body. The diagnosis was made and documented by the dealer's service department, and service records exist confirming the failure. The failed component was NOT on the dealer's possession as part of the repair process; availability for inspection is UNKNOWN, as the dealer subsequently replaced the entire vehicle with a new unit rather than returning the original vehicle to me. …

2026 Grand Cherokee · Jun 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 68-69 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly decelerated to 11 MPH and went into LIMP Mode, shifted to park, and then shut off unintendedly. The vehicle coasted off the highway safely. The gear shifter was not in park, and the message "Auto Park not Engaged" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the START/STOP button needed to be replaced. The DTCs retrieved were: B1A70-09, B1A70-2A, and B1A7D01. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 5,781.

2025 Grand Cherokee · 6,000 miles · Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard a loud sound coming from the front of the vehicle and the vehicle lost power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact shifted the gear shifter into neutral(N), then to drive(D), and the vehicle operated intended. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to call while at the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 8,200.

2025 Grand Cherokee · 8,000 miles · May 2026

The contact's mother owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start. Additionally, the transmission had failed to shift to drive, and the vehicle failed to turn off as needed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to Lowe's and purchased and personally replaced the battery. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the key fob was replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward after shifting to drive(D). The vehicle also jerked while depressing the brake pedal as if the vehicle was attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V766000 (Engine); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. …

2024 Grand Cherokee · 11,000 miles · Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the temperature gauge rose to the maximum, the engine revved loudly, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer attempted to diagnose the vehicle, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to AutoNation Chrysler Jeep West (16300 W Colfax Ave, Golden, CO 80401); and the contact provided a video of a previous occurrence of the failure to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred the manufacturer for assistance. …

2024 Grand Cherokee · 60,000 miles · Jun 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V576000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the recall repair was performed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes independently engaged. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice. In addition, the contact stated that while driving on a busy bridge, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact drove at a slow speed for a while before being able to take an exit. The contact stated that the low tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle. …

2023 Grand Cherokee · 35,000 miles · Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lowered and started pulling to the right. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, and the contact exited to inspect the vehicle but found no failure. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and then to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the axle and passenger's side rear tension link were bent and lodged into the knuckle, the passenger steering knuckle was fractured with a fractured bolt inside, and the passenger's side rear tension link, CV axle, and steering knuckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred approximately 8 weeks later on the driver's side. …

2023 Grand Cherokee · 62,000 miles · Dec 2025

Related recalls (7)

Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)

NHTSA recall 26V-413 · Jun 30, 2026 · 7 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2023 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Jeep Wagoneer L vehicles. A software error may cause the transmission gear selection indicator not to display.

Remedy: Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403.

Power train › Driveline › Differential unit

NHTSA recall 20V-183 · Mar 26, 2020 · 515 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 18V-280 · May 1, 2018 · 71 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Dodge Charger, Durango and Challenger, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300, and RAM 1500 vehicles. An incorrect transmission park lock rod may have been installed in the transmission.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

NHTSA recall 16V-249 · Apr 27, 2016 · 32,384 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 16V-240 · Apr 25, 2016 · 811,290 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured February 15, 2011, to November 27, 2014, and 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 16, 2012, to December 22, 2015.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016.

Show 2 more recalls

Power train › Automatic transmission

NHTSA recall 05V-396 · Sep 14, 2005 · 101,925 vehicles

On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with 3.7l engines and nag1 automatic transmissions, the air conditioner evaporator condensate water May enter the transmission at the fill tube grommet seal. This can result in shudder during torque converter clutch engagement.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transmission for leakage at the fill tube grommet seal. If no leak is detected, a new fill tube grommet seal and water deflector shield will be installed, and proper alignment of the fill tube…

Power train › Automatic transmission › Lever and linkage › Floor shift

NHTSA recall 02V-053 · Feb 15, 2002 · 1,620,000 vehicles

On certain sport utility vehicles, if a driver has not placed the shifter lever fully into the "park" position and leaves the vehicle running, the vehicle May unexpectedly move rearward after seeming to be stable.

Remedy: Dealers will install a secondary detent system to the floor shifter assembly. Daimlerchrysler sent interim notices to owners concerning this problem on March 22, 2002. Owner notification began September 23, 2002.

NHTSA investigations

Inadvertent rollaway in reverse park

NHTSA investigation PE01021 · opened Jun 28, 2001 · closed Nov 1, 2001

Roll-away in reverse when parked

NHTSA investigation EA01017 · opened Nov 1, 2001 · closed Dec 18, 2002 · led to recall 02V-053

Daimlerchrysler has recalled the zj models to incorporate a secondary detent spring into the shifter.even though the wj 6 cyl. Vehicles use the same manual detent lever that as the vehicles in the recall population, odi believes that the wj redesigned shifter, which improves floor shifter functionality and ergonomics, helps to provide feedback to the driver to indicate whether ?park? Has or has not been…

Sudden acceleration

NHTSA investigation DP02005 · opened Apr 25, 2002 · closed Sep 10, 2002

There is no summary currently available

Powered vehicle rollaway

NHTSA investigation PE15030 · opened Aug 20, 2015 · closed Feb 5, 2016

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE15-030 on August 20, 2015,to investigate 14 complaints alleging incidents of rollaway after intended shifts to Park in Model Year (MY) 2014 and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees vehicles. The MY 2014-2015 Grand Cherokee vehicles are equipped with Monostable electronic (E-shift) gearshift assemblies supplied by ZF Group (ZF).

Vehicle rollaway, engine on

NHTSA investigation EA16002 · opened Feb 3, 2016 · closed Jun 24, 2016 · led to recall 16V-240

On April 22, 2016, Fiat Chrysler Automotive US LLC, (FCA) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding a defect that could result in unattended vehicle rollaway with the engine running in approximately 811,586 model year (MY) 2012 to 2014 Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 vehicles and MY 2014 to 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 8-speed transmissions and a monostable gear selector (NHTSA…

Frequently asked questions

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have transmission problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (475), 1998 (426), 1999 (386), 2015 (353) and 1996 (280) model years. Transmission complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2014.

Is there a recall for Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems?

Yes — 7 recalls, including 26V-413 (gear position indication (prndl), Jun 30, 2026); 20V-183 (differential unit, Mar 26, 2020); 18V-280 (automatic transmission, May 1, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 49,000 miles; 50% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the automatic transmission › park/neutral start interlock switch (955 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission (679).

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.