2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

“The engine hesitates when accelerating from a stop. Especially while turning. This happens 100% of the time. If you are accelerating very slowly, then no issue. However this is not common. The hesitation has resulted in several near accident situations.”

“NEW SAFETY INCIDENTS – [XXX] – PREVIOUS COMPLAINT ON FILE I am reporting additional serious safety concerns involving my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve, purchased new on [XXX]. Since purchasing this vehicle, I have experienced repeated bucking, jerking, rough engine operation, hesitation, loss of power, and stalling. On [XXX], the vehicle completely stalled. On [XXX], it nearly stalled while traveling through a busy intersection with my granddaughter in the vehicle. The vehicle was at Douglas Jeep for approximately 24 days, from September 23 through October 16, 2026. The dealership replaced all eight spark plugs after discovering excessive oil or unburned fuel contamination on the plugs. Despite these repairs, the dangerous drivability problems continue. During a recent test drive, Douglas Jeep General Manager John Grupe personally experienced the vehicle bucking and jerking at low speeds. On [XXX], I experienced additional concerning vehicle movement. After shifting into reverse while backing out of my driveway, the Jeep moved backward at approximately 4–5 mph without my foot pressing the accelerator. When shifting into drive, the vehicle also moved…”

“The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted and taken to the dealer, where the battery for the Auto START/STOP system was replaced; however, the failure recurred several days later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where a reconfiguration was completed as per the manufacturer’s instructions. The contact stated that both batteries were charged and tested, and the contact was informed that the batteries had passed the test; however, the voltage went from 12.5 volts to 11.7 volts in three days. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the messages "Battery Needs Charging" and "Battery Low" were displayed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time and remained for additional diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the dealer. The failure mileage was 791.”

“While driving approximately 65-70 mph on a highway, my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 with approximately 15,000 miles suddenly jerked to the right and a loud knocking/clunking noise was heard from the drivetrain area. Immediately afterward, vehicle performance decreased significantly and the vehicle struggled to accelerate. The sudden loss of power at highway speed created a safety hazard due to surrounding traffic. No warning lights or messages appeared. The condition persists and the vehicle continues to have acceleration problems. This was very unsafe because either myself or other couldve been injured. I called jeep and they told me to drive it in to the Dodge dealership in Andrews TX, I want to emphasizes this is very unsafe, because it wont accelerate as it should. I have to drive down a road that oil tanker semis drive on as well.”

“driving down the road at any speed, the jeep will stop on a dime like you applied the full brake and shut off. i this has occurred 4 different time almost causing 2 bad accidents, one involving an unloaded log truck on hwy 130 in nc and the other one on hwy 544 in sc. The other two were while trying to accelerate out onto the rd. All this occurs without any warning. The engine will race quickly up to 35mph making rpm go to 7, the dash will go completely red when pulling off at red lights. I refuse to drive it thru a small town where people cross at, Jeep has been reported back to dealerships for all the same reoccurring problems since 130 miles.. Spark plugs replaced 2, elec parts been replaced , nothing is fixing the problem. MB Jeep is where i purchased the Jeep. Will not hold a speed, it will control speed itself. I took it back Saturday to dealership, bc I refuse to get killed or kill anyone else with all these problems. I was also told that my jeep of the 26 model engine change out was no the only one. All of them are coming back in with major problems.”

“Final NHTSA Complaint Vehicle information * Year: 2026 * Make: Jeep * Model: Grand Cherokee * Trim: Limited Reserve * Engine: Hurricane four-cylinder * VIN: [XXX] * Current mileage: 1,199 miles * Incident mileage: 1,181 miles * Incident location: Parking lot in [XXX] * Manufacturer case number: XXX * Dealerships involved: Sarasota Jeep and Venice Jeep Complaint title Bucking, jerking, rough running, unexpected forward movement, and stalling in Reverse Complaint description I am reporting a possible safety defect involving my 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited Reserve equipped with the Hurricane four-cylinder engine, VIN [XXX]. The vehicle repeatedly bucks and jerks during acceleration, including at approximately 5 mph in parking lots. It also runs roughly and has demonstrated unexpected forward movement. These problems affect the vehicle’s ability to accelerate and operate smoothly and may create a safety risk near pedestrians, parked vehicles, other objects, and surrounding traffic. On XXX, at approximately 4:49 p.m., in a parking lot in [XXX], and with the vehicle at approximately 1,181 miles, I shifted the vehicle into Reverse. The Jeep shook severely and…”