Problems · by component

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

50 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite engine, 21% of all 241 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
50
21% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the engine

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2026EngineODI 11755756
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11755784
“I am reporting a potential safety issue involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle developed a condition in which it would not stay running. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership, Valley Motor City in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for a scheduled service appointment on May 19, 2026. The dealership diagnosed and completed approximately $5,200 in repairs. On June 11, 2026, I was informed that the repairs had been completed, but the vehicle still would not stay running. The vehicle has remained at the dealership while technicians have continued attempting to determine the cause. After I escalated the matter to Jeep/Stellantis Customer Care, I was advised that the dealership is attempting to obtain additional diagnostic information and that an engine replacement may now be under consideration. I was also advised that the dealership is expected to complete higher-level technical review procedures and may request assistance from a Stellantis technical specialist if the cause still cannot be determined. I was later advised that the dealership was expected to provide follow-up information to Jeep/Stellantis by Tuesday, July 14, 2026. On the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 17, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11751177
“on or around 12/15/2024 (42257 miles on vehicle) jeep will power on start and stop, all alights on dashboard light, unable to shift into or out of gear when parked. When driving but stopped at a red light car shut off. Attempted to restart unable to, car put into park attempted to restart lights came on but engine didn't turn over. Tried again few minutes laster and the car turned on. Returned apartment, parked car. was unable to shift car into park, car shut off on its own again, car then able to go into park. A few days later start engine, car turns on put car in reverse, car shut off on its own, all lights and warnings on dashboard light up and stay on. Unable to start engine, unable to shift car into park. turn car off, shift into park, on 12/17/24 Car towed to Lake Chrysler dodge jeep ram auto Lewistown PA. told that it was the can bus connector needed to be replaced. Part replaced. 10/10/25 (54630 miles) car in for inspection, oil change, reported to mechanic engine was making high pitched sound/noise when driving up steep hill on highway the week prior. Was told by mechanic "that is normal when driving up steep hills, after a long drive" " we didn't hear…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 7, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11722662
“On September 15–16, 2025, my vehicle was serviced at AutoNation CDJR North Columbus, where the technician documented: “Oil filter housing failed internally.” •No repair, replacement, or warning was provided to me about the risk of catastrophic engine failure. •I was not presented a signed repair decline form. •Internal failure was documented but not escalated. On February 13, 2026, the engine failed completely, rendering the vehicle inoperable. The dealership quoted ~$13,094.83 for engine replacement but did not authorize repair. During this time, oil and coolant leaks were observed, indicating continued mechanical risk and potential safety hazards.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 5, 2026Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11722336
“On sat 01/24/26 I was filling my washer fluid and I looked down and saw oil on the bottom on right side. I left it parked until I took it 2 miles to dealer told them what I saw and they looked at it and the plastic oil canister housing broke and got oil in my antifreeze. They told me powertrain warranty would not cover the whole fix. I have seeing alot of people have had same problem I think jeep needs to get a recall out for that since it has been a problem. This is not right it should be all covered now I won't have all the money after they get it fixed to.pay. have never had any problem jeep ran good never over heated oil pressure always at 31 to 32 pressure. Never new I had a problem until I looked under hood to fill washer fluid. Something needs to be done about this asap. It all because jeep don't wanna have to fix all the ones like this. I didnot get any photos was so upset I saw oil never even thought about getting pictures. They need to get a recall on this asap thank you very much. It is at the dealership kunes country in Platteville wisconsin 53818 Thank you”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 27, 2026EngineODI 11713674

Showing 6 of 50 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2020 Grand Cherokee problem areas