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2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission Problems

35 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

35
Complaints
2
Crashes
2
Fires
Jan 2020Dec 2022
Date Range

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

Owner Complaints (35)

criticalPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has experienced multiple serious powertrain issues since purchase. After an engine replacement in August 2024, the replacement engine failed within days with severe internal damage, requiring a second replacement and partial transmission work. Since then, you've had recurring problems including unexpected acceleration/deceleration surges, coolant loss without visible leaks requiring water pump replacement, and most recently, complete loss of acceleration and transmission engagement while driving, causing the wheels to lock. The dealership has been unable to diagnose the current issue after five days of inspection. These problems may require comprehensive engine diagnostics, transmission fluid and filter service, cooling system pressure testing, and potential engine or transmission replacement.

NHTSA #: 11713217
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2026

Your engine's rocker arms and lifters have failed. These parts control the opening and closing of your engine's valves, so when they fail, your engine may run poorly or stall. The repair will likely require removing the valve cover and replacing the failed rocker arms and lifters.

Parts you may need:

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NHTSA #: 11718338
highPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2025

Your vehicle is randomly losing power and shutting off while driving, then turning back on unexpectedly. Sometimes the dashboard lights flash and the engine won't start, but the next day it drives fine with no issues. This intermittent electrical problem is making the vehicle unreliable.

NHTSA #: 11696705
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2026

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA #: 11715037
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2025

My 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6 ENG vehicle is cutting off while driving, I was advise it the transmission shift gear transmission, Which needs to be replaced and the can change the TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY - Remove & Replace 3.6L Eng, AWD on my vehicle. when I stop at the light the vehicle completely shuts off where I have to restart my vehicle. They said it was the 2nd battery which I changed and brought a new one. and the same day it still was cutting off. after several attempt in contacting them. I brought the vehicle into Chrysler Jeep Dodge of port Jefferson, and after reviewing they said I need to replace the transmission . I was also advised that there was a TSB Code that is now coming up # 21-00925 Revision C - P0733. I'm very upset as they're telling it current over the extended warranty at this time at 60,000 Miles. when I brought it in it was .. This should be a recall and they need to fix it I only had this vehicle for less then 5yrs brand new, when I started having these issues and can put me in a situation on the highway where I can get into a server accident. I strongly urger the RECALL as this is a known issue with this vehicle

NHTSA #: 11680674
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2025

Transmission, available upon request for inspection. Clunk’s into reverse, or doesn’t engage at all. Code p1da8, p0733. Has been confirmed by dealer. Will throw check engine light occasionally. Also shifts hard between gears 3 and 4.

NHTSA #: 11679337
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jul 2025

At approximately 54,000 miles the transmission is not shifting. I parked in a parking spot, go into a store. Then come out and the vehicle will not shift into park or reverse. The check engine light came on for the park by wire issue. These transmissions have been known to have rough shifting and my vehicle has been no exception. It’s shifted rough at low speeds and the eco mode and auto start/stop system have also made it feel less than smooth to drive.

NHTSA #: 11675060
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2025

Took to dodge dealer and they told me they have been have problems with traction control, 4x4 problems, misfiring cylinders . They spent 5 days trying to figure it out and told me it was a process of elimination . Replace rear diff motor and that didn't work, replaced TCCM, that didn't work, replaced both batteries , that didn't work, new spark plugs, that didn't work, replaced coils on the side where #1 cylinder miss fire, that didn't work. I've spent approximately $6,000 and still have same problem. I do not have unlimited funds. What should I do next?

NHTSA #: 11660300
mediumPOWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
Filed: May 2025

Issue #1: The vehicle exhibits substantial cabin vibration, particularly affecting the steering wheel. This necessitates maintaining a firm grip on the wheel when operating at speeds of 30 mph and above. The vibration intensity escalates in direct proportion to the vehicle's velocity. It has been reported that this vehicle model has documented issues with rear drive shaft bushing failure, which may contribute to excessive play and vibration. Issue #2: The interior door trim applique has delaminated and broken. This issue has been previously reported in Service Bulletin 23-001-19 REV.B, Group: 23-Body, dated 8/10/2019, for a different Jeep model.

NHTSA #: 11659897
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2025

While traveling Vehicle intermittent hard shifts, or no shifts, goes into neutral unexcitingly, sometimes no reverse. SES light on. 77,278 miles Dealer advised stored code - TCM P0733-00 Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio. Dealer also advised vehicle needs Transmission replaced, Repair estimate $5970.28 Previous issues include ABS system repair and engine coil pack issue.

NHTSA #: 11657437
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2025

Transmission needs fully replaced, certified technician said the see this all the time in these Jeeps. Dealership said they had to replace one at 56k miles, this car has 85k miles, well taken care of. Research shows this is a very common issue. Jeep needs to cover these transmissions and recall!

NHTSA #: 11656082
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Apr 2025

At 100,000 miles , traction control light and 4wd service light came on. Dealer said rear diff motor replacement needed, and the TCCM . I replaced and problem still persists . Now red triangle come on dash and says pull to safety motor will turn off. Turning wheel it hesitates like it's not engaging correctly.

NHTSA #: 11654379
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2025

Transmission system failed causing slipping when going into 3rd gear. Dealership inspected it and is telling me the output shaft has to be replaced. The check engine light came on when it started slipping.

NHTSA #: 11653317
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Apr 2025

UNKNOWN. Electronic Stability Control service light activated intermittently for a couple days along with the 4WD service light. After 2-3 days, the ESC light remained lit. Twice when starting the vehicle, the 4WD low was activated without manually shifting gears, in which changed to normal within a minute later. Intermittently, when the vehicle braked to a stop and switched gears to reverse, the vehicle shuttered before continuing in reverse. Another incident while driving and coming to a stop at a traffic light, upon coming to a stop, the vehicle seemed to almost stall but reengage. The vehicle is at approximately 41,500 miles as of 4/1/2025. The vehicle was taken to a Dodge dealership in which report the transfer case needed repair. With under 50,000 miles and utilizing the 4WD only approximately 4 times within the 5 years of ownership with no issue, the transfer case may be faulty or a software update needs to be performed.

NHTSA #: 11652028
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2025

Car running fine no indication there was a problem, no lights on dashboard or sound. Jeep stalled on highway and engine light came on. Shut car off completely turned it back on and able to move to a safe location. Turned off car again for some time and when turned back on shift gear will not move into drive, reverse neutral. Needed to get it towed to mechanic who diagnosed it as a failed transmission at 88,000 miles. Towed to dealer who confirmed failed transmission. Was able to get cost assistance through jeep for 70 percent of cost but see the recent recalls on jeep because of transmission I feel it should have been a total replacement especially at u der 100,000 miles

NHTSA #: 11647979
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FireFiled: Feb 2025

Driving down the interstate at 75mph, the vehicle all of a sudden lost the ability to accelerate and felt like it shifted into neutral. We were able to pull over to the side of the road safely and as we were getting out of the vehicle, we noticed flames shooting out from under the engine. My wife and I made it out safely and as we got about 100 yards away and looked back toward the vehicle, the entire front part of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. We sat along the side of the interstate and watched the vehicle burn for 20-25 minutes. We just had the vehicle in for service 6 days prior to get a new battery, a new aux battery, an advanced diagnostic, brake fluid exchange, and a fuel system service. The evening we picked up the vehicle from service, we got an email with a powertrain alert indicator. We then checked the app on the phone and everything in the powertrain section of the vehicle health report was green. I have several videos of the vehicle burning but it doesn't look like I can upload a video file.

NHTSA #: 11645225
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

My check engine light came on so I took my car into the mechnanic. They noted the following: "Removed intake manifold and find cylinder three spark plug appears ok. Spin engine over to top dead center cylinder three. Pressurized cooling system and find combustion in coolant. Suspect vehicle needs new head gasket." The mechanic said that is a manufacture defect that they have seen with many Jeep vehicles. I called Jeep to inquire, and they let me know that my VIN number is not included in an existing recall for this same issue. The suggested that I reach out to the NHTSB to ask that my car be included in the existing recall.

NHTSA #: 11639279
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2024

The car will be driving and it all of a sudden stops and has all the lights on the dashboard coming on. Every single warning light coming on the car comes to a stop and will not move. This has happened three times and the dealership tells me they don’t know what the issue is.

NHTSA #: 11628406
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2024

Transmission failure, vehicle will not start and will not shift into reverse, leaving driver stranded and stuck in vulnerable parked position. Check engine light comes on with P1B14-00 code - "Park by wire unintended park position". Engine light did not come on until after issue happened. Dealership diagnosed and confirmed issue and engine warning light code P1B14-00. They re-flashed vehicle ECU due to recall and that did not resolve issue. They are suggesting completely new transmission.

NHTSA #: 11576171
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2023

While at a complete stop, depressed the accelerator pedal and reached approximately 30 miles per hour. The vehicle engine RPM's rose but the vehicle would not accelerate. Placed the vehicle in park and then began driving, where the vehicle appeared as if nothing occurred. This took place around 5/2023 at approximately 26000 miles. On 7/18/2023, the same incident occurred where the vehicle momentarily lost power again and would not accelerate even when the accelerator was depressed. This occurred at approximately 30450 miles. The vehicle then appeared to have no further issues beyond that.

NHTSA #: 11533032
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: May 2023

The check engine light started appearing on the dash and the adaptive cruise control kept appearing that it was off. The light would go off and come on again and the transmission would not shift gears and I could not go in reverse. I drove vehicle to Marino Jeep and they notified me of 3 defects in the internal transmission- which I still have my warranty as the car is at 32.800 miles ONLY on the odometer. This was a dangerous defect causing my car to stall.

NHTSA #: 11523984
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while at a stop light, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to pull over into a parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was contacted, and the manufacture stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 55,803.

NHTSA #: 11518942
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2023

When using SPORT mode, the vehicle will surge forward when coming to a complete stop. The surge could cause a MVA. Have not taken in for service or inspection. No warning lights. Just don't use the feature.

NHTSA #: 11518992
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2023

1.The electrical/engine/powertrain systems failed 3 times. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2.As the problem progressed, the car would only go forward, no ability to go in reverse, or to be put in park. 3.The dealership replaced the ABS Module, then later the Engine Control Module. 4.Event 1: September 1, 2022 Warning light for the stop/start feature came on, also the ABS light and check engine light. Dealership kept the car for the day, did a diagnosis, returned the vehicle stating it was safe to drive, and that an ABS Module had been ordered. Would contact me to schedule the repair. Event 2: September 8, 2022 Dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree, all warning lights came on, as well as all lights on the gearshift panel/center console, which kept blinking. Car would only go forward. Dealership installed ABS Module and returned the car to me. Event 3: September 29,2022 Warning light for the stop/start feature and check engine light came on again. I took the car to my local dealership with major concerns that the previous repair was not the only problem occurring and left it there. The Engine Control Module was eventually replaced. 5. I had no use of my Jeep Grand Cherokee from September 29 until November 8, 2022. 6. I have a major concern about the safety of this vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11512597
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2023

Transmission failed while driving in traffic. Car decelerated from 45MPH to 0, gas peddle would not accelerate, break was locked in place, steering wheel locked, no warning lights appeared, flashing D on gear shift (was in drive), alert appeared on screen “Shift to P then desired gear”, car would not shift gears and gear shift was locked in place then pressed the Push to Start button, car restarted and then shook and jerked forward before allowing me to switch gears from Drive to Park then back to Drive. I was almost rear-ended by two PickUp trucks and SUV. Trucks behind me swerved out of the way to avoid hitting me and almost drove into an 18-wheeler. This occurred 1/10/2023. Problem first occurred in October 2022 in grocery store parking lot while shifting between Drive and Reverse gear. Same thing happened as stated above.

NHTSA #: 11501174
mediumPOWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Dec 2022

While slowly turning into a parking slot in front of a building, the vehicle surged forward, jumping the curb and striking a metal handrail and the corner of the building. Substantial damage resulted to the front, hood and cooling systems.

NHTSA #: 11497367
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Aug 2022

Faulty transmission at 14,500 miles. Car shifted abruptly from park to reverse in harsh and sometimes in a lunging manner. Similar abrupt shifting occurred from 2nd to 3rd gear. Problem resulted in need for a totally new transmission.

NHTSA #: 11481602
mediumPOWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. While turning left at 10 MPH, the contact's vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal and it traveled to the floorboard. The contact stated that an unknown yellow warning light flashed on the instrument panel during the failure. Due to the failure, another motorist hit the rear driver-side door of her vehicle. The bottom and door air bags deployed upon impact; however, the no other air bags deployed. The other driver was taken to the hospital by ambulance; his injuries were unknown. The contact sustained no injuries in the accident. A police report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to an independent tow yard and later towed to her home where it had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA #: 11473557
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Aug 2021

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after refueling and attempting to drive out of the service station, the vehicle independently accelerated to 60 mph. The contact was able to shift into neutral and drove the vehicle into a field and the vehicle returned to normal function. Additionally, the gear shifter was not operating as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The mechanic located the wiring that failed and was able to return the vehicle to normal function. The contact also wanted to state that the dealer was unable to specify what caused the vehicle to independently accelerate. The gear shifter was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 4,000.

NHTSA #: 11428581
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2020

TRANSMISSION LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. WAS NOT ABLE TO KEEP RATE OF SPEED. CAR STOPPED AND WOULD NOT GO INTO GEAR STRANDED IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA #: 11354898
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
FireFiled: Aug 2020

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2020 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND STALLED. THE "AUTO PARK ON ,PLACE VEHICLE IN PARK' MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACTED ATTEMPTED TO RESTART VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL BURNING SMELL DETECTED AND SMOKE EMERGING FROM VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BROWN'S JEEP CHRYSLER DODGE RAM (483 NY-112, PATCHOGUE, NY 11772(631) 289-8500) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED THE VALVE BODY, TCM AND BATTERY WERE REPAIRED/REPLACED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE DIFFICULTY ACCELERATING AND DECELERATING. *JS

NHTSA #: 11350315
mediumPOWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2020

AFTER ONLY 350 MILES MY ENGINE STARTED SPUTTERING AND HAD TO PULL OVER. BY THE TIME WE STOPPED THE CAR THE SPUTTERING WAS VIOLENTLY SHAKING THE VEHICLE. WE HAD TO GET IT TOWED ONLY FOR THE DEALER SHIP TO TAKE SEVERAL HOURS TO REPLACE A SPARK PLUG. - AT ALMOST ALL TIME THERE THE AIR CONDITIONER NEVER SEEMS TO GET TO THE DESIRED TEMPERATURE FOR MORE THAN 20 SECONDS. WHEN AT A STOP, THE A/C IS NON EXISTENCE AND TEMPS DROP SIGNIFICANTLY. UNLESS YOU HAVE IT SET TO MAX A/C IT WILL NEVER FEEL COLD/HOT. - THE TRANSMISSION IS EXTREMELY ROUGH AT ALL TIMES, IT CAN JERK YOU BACK AND FORTH WHILE IT SWITCHES GEAR.

NHTSA #: 11338533
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Apr 2020

WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND I HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND THE TRANSMISSION REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 460 MILES TOTAL AT THAT TIME. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS 940 TOTAL MILES AND I AM BEGINNING TO FEEL HARD SHIFTING AND SLIPPING WHILE DRIVING, THAT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE NEW TRANSMISSION THEY PUT IN THE VEHICLE IS GOING BAD ALREADY. I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO THE DEALER TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. I WAS ON A CITY STREET GOING STRAIGHT AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH. *TR

NHTSA #: 11321276
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2020

WITH MY FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATES UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. WHILE IN STANDARD OR SPORT MODE, IN SECOND GEAR GOING ABOUT 20MPH, THERE IS A REPRODUCIBLE RPM SURGE THAT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. THIS SOMEWHAT FEELS LIKE BEING REAR ENDED.

NHTSA #: 11297610
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2020

WHEN USING THE REAR PARK ASSIST, WITH MY FOOT COMPLETELY OFF THE ACCELERATOR, THE VEHICLE HAS SPONTANEOUSLY ACCELERATED WHILE GOING IN REVERSE, REQUIRING ME TO HARD BREAK TO AVOID COLLISION. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES.

NHTSA #: 11297670

Other 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Issues