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2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Problems

28 owner-reported engine complaints from NHTSA data

28
Complaints
2
Recalls
Feb 2025Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Engine Recalls (2)

RECALLCampaign #20V699000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.

Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.

RECALLCampaign #23V411000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

Owner Complaints (28)

criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

While driving on the highway, your engine suddenly began overheating after a left turn. Shortly after, your coolant recovery tank ruptured violently, spraying coolant throughout the engine bay and creating a burning smell — a dangerous situation that could have caused loss of visibility, fire, or complete engine failure while driving. A mechanic confirmed the failure was caused by a failed head gasket that allowed combustion gases to pressurize the cooling system until it burst. Replacing the head gasket and inspecting the cooling system will likely be needed to fix this issue.

NHTSA #: 11726070
criticalENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving at highway speeds without any warning, forcing you to make emergency stops. When this happens, your dashboard displays a message saying "Vehicle Not In Park." This sudden shutdown is a serious safety hazard that requires immediate diagnosis and repair, likely involving your transmission sensors or engine control module.

NHTSA #: 11722538
criticalENGINE
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine is misfiring severely on the highway, causing violent shaking and stalling. You're hearing a ticking noise from the engine, which a repair shop identified as a worn right camshaft. This is causing engine damage, and fixing it will require camshaft replacement at minimum—with a possible need for a full engine replacement costing around $4,000 or more. This appears to be a known recurring problem on this model.

NHTSA #: 11720243
criticalENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

Your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee's oil cooler assembly failed catastrophically after the dealership misdiagnosed a coolant leak you reported. The oil cooler cracked and dumped your engine oil, causing smoke, engine knocking, and complete engine failure within about a week. The dealership did not warn you that the leak was serious or could destroy your engine, and later created inaccurate service records. Fixing this will require a complete engine replacement or a new oil cooler assembly with engine inspection.

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NHTSA #: 11702562
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Mar 2026

Your engine is overheating and misfiring while driving at various speeds, causing the check engine light to come on and a message about the Auto START/STOP system needing service. The dealer has replaced the camshaft, water pump, EGR valve, camshaft phasers, and oil control valve to fix the problem, and the issue has been resolved.

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NHTSA #: 11722919
highENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Nov 2025

While driving at 40 mph, you heard a loud knocking sound from the engine and the START/STOP warning light came on. When you tried to accelerate, the engine stalled but restarted. A dealer diagnosed a failed head gasket that allowed coolant to leak into the engine. Replacing the head gasket is a major repair that involves removing the cylinder head and installing a new gasket to prevent coolant from entering the combustion chamber.

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NHTSA #: 11701570
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2025

Car shifts out of gear without pushing the brake. The gear shifter will switch to neutral while driving. While not driving car can shift into reverse without pushing the brake and barely touching the gear shifter. Thai cause the car to stop at high speeds on the highway and unsafely go into gear. This recall has been unresolved for at least a year and is dangerous.

NHTSA #: 11689802
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the engine was misfiring and there was a minor water pump leak. The dealer changed the drive mode from level 4 to level 2, and the check engine warning light was reset. The dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs, the cylinders, the head gasket, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,002.

NHTSA #: 11685618
mediumENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle on several occasions, there was an abnormal tapping sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the check engine warning light flashed, and the vehicle started shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the lifters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA #: 11678179
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

My 2019 Jeep grand Cherokee currently has a blown head gasket. I have the 3.6 engine and I am finding out that this is a common issue for this engine. I have taken my car to the dealer and they have confirmed that it is a blown head gasket. Once you start the vehicle, it has a rough idle and smoke comes out of the tailpipe. Before I took the car to the dealer, I took it to a mechanic shop because the engine light came on and it was having the same issues as listed above, they had said there were misfires. I have regularly maintained my vehicle. This is a huge safety risk. Actions needs to be taken by Jeep to make this right, this is a very common issue that Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles are seeing.

NHTSA #: 11674225
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

I am writing to express my serious concern and request immediate goodwill assistance regarding my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude . This vehicle has suffered a head gasket failure at just over 100,000 miles and has been diagnosed by the dealership as a cost for myself to fix head gasket and recommended a full engine replacement. I have been a loyal Jeep customer since I was 16 years old. I previously owned a 2008 and a 2010 Grand Cherokee and have always supported the brand. In May 2022, after saving up my hard-earned money, I purchased this 2019 Grand Cherokee High Altitude for over $55,000. The monthly payments are significant, but I chose this vehicle because I believed in the Jeep name and expected quality, performance, and long-term reliability. Unfortunately, this vehicle has been anything but that. In just over two years, it has become a complete money pit. I’ve already had to replace the water pump at 50,000 miles, the radiator at 80,000 miles, and now—at 102,000 miles—the head gasket has blown. These are major repairs that should not be happening on a vehicle that is so well maintained and primarily driven on the highway. I treat this vehicle like my own child, staying on top of all maintenance—fluids, filters, routine checks, and oil changes every 5,000 miles. I’ve also had to pay out of pocket for three separate rental vehicles in the last 18 months due to these recurring issues. This vehicle has not only been unreliable but has also disrupted my ability to work. I drive for a living, commuting between multiple job sites, and I chose this vehicle for its sharp look and supposed quality. Instead, it has caused me immense stress and financial strain. Adding to my frustration is the fact that I had a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty and was not notified that it was about to expire. Had I been properly informed, I would have explored my options before this latest major failure. It's clear that the 3.6L engine has a pattern of issu

NHTSA #: 11674385
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2025

While driving at freeway speeds, my vehicle suddenly lost power, creating an immediate and serious safety hazard. I was unable to maintain speed, making it extremely difficult to change lanes safely or keep up with traffic. This put me—and others on the road—at significant risk of an accident. During the incident, the check engine light was flashing continuously. The issue was diagnosed as a failure of the engine rocker, requiring major engine repairs at only 87,000 miles. A critical engine component failing at this mileage is concerning and suggests a potential design or manufacturing defect. I’m filing this complaint to ensure others are not placed in similarly dangerous situations.

NHTSA #: 11667341
mediumENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

Jeep starting making a light ticking sound, like it's low on oil. That wasn't the case. Took in for a tuneup, hoping that would take care of it. It didn't. Took into dealer and the camshaft, rods had been chewed up to a faulty part inside the engine. I didn't have my vehicle for two months due to waiting on warranty company. When reached out to Jeep groups,learned this is s COMMON problem. Concerned my engine could have frozen up while driving. NO warning lights or any other symptom! If my parents hadn't taught me how to listen to vehicles, it could have been very bad turnout. This cost me almost $4k. This should be investigated!!

NHTSA #: 11657090
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and then lost motive power with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

NHTSA #: 11641657
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2024

Camshaft failure caused misfire while driving. The car is currently being repaired so there are no receipts yet.

NHTSA #: 11615096
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Sep 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the temperature gauge rose to HOT, and the vehicle would hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The diagnostic result indicated that the O-rings on the bottom of the coolant module were worn and that the oil filter adapter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where coolant intrusion inside cylinder #6 was found. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 95,600.

NHTSA #: 11614215
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jul 2024

While driving 65 mph on the highway, the jeep lost all acceleration. I was able to get to the shoulder and the car said to put it in park. I did and then was unable to shift to any other mode. The brake pedal was hard as a rock and would not move. The air then turned hot. When I turned the vehicle off and back on - everything seemed fine but losing power on a major highway was extremely dangerous. No warning lights or messages. No other symptoms prior to this instance. Car is currently at independent service center and they cannot determine what is wrong.

NHTSA #: 11603519
mediumENGINE
Filed: Feb 2024

While at the dealer to have a lightbulb changed, I was told that I needed to have my oil adapter changed. My jeep only has 33,750 miles on it and has only been serviced by the jeep dealer. While I was there there were 2 other jeeps in with the same problem. Also, my brother-in-law's brother (who lives in another state) also had to have his oil adapter replaced on his jeep grand cherokee. Does jeep have a defective part installed in the grand cherokees? If not, I find it odd that so many people (that I do not know personally) have had to have the same part replaced on their jeep grand cherokees.

NHTSA #: 11574558
mediumENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

5.7 hemi exhaust manifold heat shield bolt break off because the manifold warps with heat. This can cause the manifold to leak after a while. And make a nocking nose the dealer said it a know problem and flew with the 5.7hemi between 70000 to 100000

NHTSA #: 11550127
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled before accelerating. The contact stated that the failure had been occurring for approximately three years. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA #: 11543858
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2023

While in Drive, accelerating from a complete stop the car will lag as if the engine is going to shut off. Additionally, the car will be at a stop and driver will attempt to accelerate and car will not recognize it is in Drive. The car will notify the driver on the dash to shift the car into Park.

NHTSA #: 11531088
mediumENGINE
Filed: May 2023

The Water Pump of my vehicle was leaking from the weld of the engine causing anti-freeze to leak. This caused an issue with possible overheating since it was not leaking from the weep-hole. It could have gone unnoticed and i would like to know if there is a recall for this issue.

NHTSA #: 11520844
mediumENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Filed: Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle started overheating and the engine overheating light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over and waited for the vehicle to cool down and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic stated that coolant was leaking into the engine and the EGR cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 41,115.

NHTSA #: 11492931
mediumENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2022

Small evap leak code has been on my car for almost 12 months. Jeep dealer is not able to identify a fix because the code is so broad and could be triggered by many different issues. Check engine light cannot be cleared due to evap leak

NHTSA #: 11478060
mediumENGINE
Filed: Nov 2021

Minor leak in EVAP system. Unsure if malfunction is due to a bad sensor

NHTSA #: 11439143
mediumENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Nov 2020

RECENTLY SUBMITTED A CLAIM. HAD TO TOW TO MY DEALERSHIP AND WAS JUST NOTIFIED THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS ALSO MALFUNCTIONING. I HAVE NOTIFIED MY DEALER IF THESE EXACT RECALLS AT THIS WEBSITE FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THEY ARE TELLING ME IT DOES NOT APPLY TO MY VEHICLE. BIZARRE. PLEASE HELP. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR 8 MONTHS.

NHTSA #: 11375151
mediumENGINE
Filed: Sep 2020

VEHICLE TRANSMISSION IS VERY SPOTTY .. IT JERKS AND HARD TO GET FROM ONE GEAR TO THE NEXT. THERE'S A MAJOR ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THIS OCCURS EVERYDAY

NHTSA #: 11360528
mediumENGINE
Filed: Jun 2020

ENGINE SHUTDOWN WHILE DRIVING. HAS SHUT DOWN MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE MOVING DOWN THE ROAD. ENGINE SHUTS OFF, PRESSING GAS WILL REV THE ENGINE BUT THERE WILL BE NO TRANSMISSION POWER EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN DRIVE. HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SHIFT INTO PARK AND RESTART. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS! *TR

NHTSA #: 11330005

Other 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Issues