Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners filed 241 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Dec 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (74).
Complaints
241
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
24
Reported by owners
Fires
5
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system74
- Engine50
- Power train39
- Fuel/propulsion system17
- Air bags17
- Vehicle speed control15
- Service brakes13
- Steering13
- Forward collision avoidance9
- Back over prevention8
- Structure8
- Suspension8
- Engine and engine cooling6
- Visibility/wiper5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
26
21
16
32
34
65
46
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 21 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 32 |
| 2024 | 34 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 46 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
74 reports3 crashes
“This concerns the Auto Start Stop (ASS) battery installed at the factory that has the vent hole in the wrong place and was improperly installed so that the vent tube could be dislodged and allow hydrogen gas from charging into the cabin. Both the main battery and ASS battery are installed under the passenger seat and vent outside through a hose. I discovered this situation while replacing the main battery. I contacted Stellantis via email (with and explanation of the numbers in the photo) and they were not willing to address the issue. I have attached a copy of the email and also a photo of the battery compartment. Also, the new ASS battery has the vent hole in a new location. It is my opinion that this is a safety issue.”
Engine
50 reports3 fires
“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of the vehicle became so severe that I genuinely feared the vehicle could catch fire while I was still inside it. I was terrified for my personal safety and concerned that I could be seriously injured. This was not simply an inconvenience or an ordinary mechanical repair. In my opinion, the circumstances surrounding the engine failure created a potentially dangerous safety situation. The vehicle has subsequently remained at the dealership/service facility for an extended period while the engine issue has been addressed. I contacted Jeep/Stellantis regarding the engine failure. Stellantis offered approximately $13,000 in goodwill assistance toward the repair while requiring me to contribute approximately $3,200. However, my primary reason for reporting this matter to NHTSA is…”
Power train
39 reports2 crashes2 fires
“On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of the 'Select_Terrain' from 'Auto' to 'Snow'. We were unable to turn off these settings. On the next day, we returned the Jeep to our CDJR dealer for repair. After inspection, the service agent reported that the Jeep experienced a “Transfer Case failure” and further recommended that I consider [purchasing] a new vehicle as these issues seem to be piling up. Failure of this nature is not normal wear. I have purchased 5 Jeep vehicles over the past 40 years and 4 of our Jeeps had over 250,000 miles of service without dangerous, catastrophic engine or drive-train failure such as this. This situation should remediated by the manufacturer and any affected components repaired or replaced. Finally, it should be noted that 3-days prior to the failure, the same CDJR dealer provided a…”
Fuel/propulsion system
17 reports1 crash1 fire
“While driving on the interstate at highway speeds, the vehicle suffered a sudden and complete loss of motive power without warning, causing the engine to stall. The vehicle became a severe safety hazard in active traffic as power steering and power braking assists were greatly reduced, nearly causing a high-speed rear-end collision before I could safely coast to the shoulder.Upon investigation, the vehicle completely ran out of gasoline, despite the dashboard fuel gauge explicitly indicating at least a 1/4 tank of fuel remaining.This is the second time this exact failure has occurred. The first instance happened during the vehicle's factory warranty period. At that time, the dealership misdiagnosed the issue and replaced the auxiliary battery, failing to address the underlying fuel delivery defect.The vehicle currently has 37,950 miles. The defect appears to be a failure of the auxiliary fuel sending unit/siphon pump inside the saddle-style fuel tank layout. This failure prevents fuel from transferring to the main pump, starving the engine of fuel while falsely reporting to the driver that gas is still available. This is a severe manufacturing defect that…”
Air bags
17 reports12 crashes
“Airbags did not deploy in an accident where someone ran me into a tree front center of front of car it involves Two injury because airbags didn't come out on impact”
Vehicle speed control
15 reports6 crashes
“I am writing to make you aware of a safety issue that I have encountered with my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. On August 21, 2026, the gas pedal/throttle control just fell off as I was driving myself and infant on a busy three lane thoroughfare in [XXX]. I went to slow down the car by braking, but it was very difficult. I went into an empty bus lane so as not to get rear ended or crash into something. Finally, the car systems ceased. No warning lamps came on ever or any messages. I had no problems with the car prior to this occurring. As I said previously, I had my infant in the car with me at the time and never expected for a gas pedal/throttle to literally fall off. I didn't think that cars would be made for this to ever happen. This could've been a major tragedy. I usually commute to work on major highways with tractor trailers and trucks, but I was off that day luckily. We could have been killed. I had to have a flatbed bring it to a Jeep dealer in Nanuet, NY where they took possession of the car and car part. I did take phots of the part though. The Jeep dealer Rockland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Nanuet, NY repaired the Jeep.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.