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Key Takeaways
Safety vs. Concerns: The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has earned a top safety award. But people are complaining about its reliability, with a growing number of official complaints and recalls.
Diverse Issues: Jeep Grand Cherokee owners are facing many problems. These include steering troubles, engine issues, electrical problems, and brake worries.
Recalls Highlighted: One serious recall is the “Park Outside” warning. This is because of a fire risk due to an electrical issue in the back of the car.
Is the Grand Cherokee still a flagship SUV in the automotive industry or is it a Lemon Law claim waiting to happen?
With 96 complaints filed this year as a result of various defects reported, the Jeep Cherokee Lemon Law can help.
For this purpose, we will continue to update this article with the latest NHTSA complaints/recalls for all Jeep Cherokee brands.
2023 Grand Cherokee's Recalls Per The NHTSA
According to the NHTSA, as of Dec 1, 2023, there are 4 documented recalls to date. Jeep owners have been notified by Chrysler regarding each issue.
If car owners have any questions, they can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety hotline for help.
Furthermore, below is a overview of the 4 recalls mentioned:
Rearview Camara:
Jeeps recalled are 2022/23 Grand Cherokee, 2021/23 Grand Cherokee L and 2022/24 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagonneer.
The issue is that once you put the car in reverse, the Central Vision Park Assist Module software prevents rearview image from displaying.
Incorrectly Installed Rear Coil Springs:
Primarily, these Jeeps are being recalled because the rear coil springs were not put in right. This means the springs could come off the Jeep while it’s being driven.
Most importantly, dealers have agreed to repair the rear coil spring assemblies free of charge.
Steering Column Incorrectly Assembled:
It’s an assembly issue again, where an incorrect assembled steering column intermedia shaft might disconnect fro the u-joint. That means that you will lose steering control.
Air Bag Warning Label Missing on Dashboard:
Jeeps recalled are 2022/23 Grand Cherokee L and Grand Cherokee vehicles. Air bag warning label could be missing from the dashboard.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/JEEP/GRAND%25252520CHEROKEE/SUV/RWD#complaints
Other Jeep Cherokee Recall: The “Park Outside” Fire Risk
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received a safety recall report from Chrysler (FCA US LLC) about certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
This report, dated May 11, 2023, highlights the issues related to the powered lift gate module (PLGM) in these vehicles.
Affected Vehicles
The recall pertains to Jeep Cherokee vehicles produced between February 27, 2013, and September 9, 2015.
An estimated 132,099 vehicles are potentially involved, with an estimated defect percentage of 1% or 1320 cars. The vehicles in question are equipped with a PLGM (power liftgate module) that is vulnerable to water intrusion.
Description of the Defect
The PLGM in the affected Jeep Cherokee vehicles is experiencing failures due to an electrical short.
This issue arises particularly after certain remedial actions are performed, specifically after the FCA US Recall ID R-27 (NHTSA Recall ID 15-V-393) or FCA US Recall ID R-67 (NHTSA Recall ID 15-V-826).
The electrical short in the PLGM can lead to a vehicle fire, regardless of whether the ignition is on or off.
Chronology of the Investigation
In January 2022, the team at FCA US that looks after safety and rules started investigating more fires happening in the back of the 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee models.
They looked into the details of these fires at length, like what people saw and the history of these Jeeps.
Additionally, the FCA also worked with engineers to understand more about the Power Liftgate Module (PLGM), which seemed to be causing the problem.
By April 27, 2023, they had found 50 instances when people asked for help because of this issue, in the meantime 23 warranty claims were made, and received 21 reports about it.
The good news is that no one was in an accident or got hurt because of this problem.
Remedy
FCA US is currently developing a remedy for the affected vehicles. In the interim, customers are advised not to park these vehicles inside buildings, structures, or near other vehicles until the final repair is completed.
Lastly, FCA US has a policy of reimbursing owners who have incurred repair costs for issues that later become the subject of a recall.
As part of the recall process, customers will be requested to provide original receipts or other proof of payment for verification.
Recall Schedule
FCA US started to notify dealers and began notifying owners about the recall on or about June 30, 2023.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/jeep-cherokee-recall-fire-risk
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints Per The NHTSA
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its high safety rating, has faced 96 complaints as of December 1, 2023 per the NHTSA. In fact, key issues reported by owners include:
Steering Issues
Owners have experienced hard steering, especially at higher speeds. Additionally, warning lights on the dashboard signal problems with the steering system.
Engine Problem and Gas Smell Issue: Complaint November 14, 2023
The owner of a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee reported a problem with a gas smell inside the car while driving. To summarize, this happened at different speeds.
Sometimes, the driver had to push the gas pedal down when going up a hill. Also, the brakes seemed to work on their own sometimes, without the driver doing anything.
Next, a gas smell issue only happened when the car was in E-save mode. When the car was not in this mode, the problem stopped.
No warning lights came on in the car. A dealership checked the car, but they couldn’t find what was wrong. For that reason, the carmaker knows about this issue. Additionally, the car had been driven about 600 miles when this started happening.
Transmission: Complaint September 1, 2023
The owner of a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee experienced a problem while driving at 15 MPH.
The car showed messages saying “4-WD mode Disabled” and that the Automatic Emergency Braking was activated.
Then, the car turned off by itself. There were no other cars in front when this happened. The owner managed to move the car to the side of the road safely.
After restarting the car, these warning messages disappeared. But, when they continued driving, the car had trouble changing gears smoothly.
The car was taken to a dealership, and they found issues with the transmission valve body through diagnostic codes. However, the car wasn’t fixed at that time.
The manufacturer was informed about this problem, and they started looking into it. This issue happened when the car had been driven for about 1,100 miles.
Forward Collision Avoidance: Complaint September 29, 2023 - 1 Death Reported
The car was turning left and couldn’t see well on one side. As a result, it hit a person walking in a crosswalk.
As a result, the person was hit by the front middle part of the car (near the license plate), but the car’s Pedestrian Emergency Braking didn’t work.
Afterward, the car was then taken to a dealership for an inspection. In the end, they found that the front radar, which should track things in front of the car, wasn’t working.
To be sure, they did more tests with real people walking in front of the car, both stepping off the curb and crossing in front, but the car didn’t give any warnings or seem to notice them.
These tests were done at speeds between 3mph and 39mph. Even at speeds over 30mph, where the car should stay in its lane and notice people walking into its path, it didn’t work.
Although the car’s system for Pedestrian Emergency Braking was turned on and set to “Warning + Active Braking”, it still didn’t work.
They tried different sensitivity levels (Medium, Near, Far), but still no response. The rear sensors did work again when the car was backing up and a person walked up from the side.
At the same time, engineers also used a Bosch CDR/EDR 900 device, but it only showed airbag information, not pedestrian detection.
Lastly, they tested another Grand Cherokee with similar features, and it also failed to notice or warn about people walking in front of it.
Brakes: Complaint November 29, 2023
The driver reported being in a traffic jam on a hill and had to keep pressing the brake to stop the car from rolling back.
After holding the brake for about three minutes at length, the brake pedal suddenly lost its resistance, and the pedal went all the way in.
At that moment, the car unexpectedly moved forward and hit the car in front. The engine turned off when the crash happened and as a result, it was difficult to start again.
Right now, the Jeep is with the Jeep dealer, waiting for a check-up by the Stellantis technical team. The driver subsequently told customer service about what happened.
There were no warning lights on the dashboard before the crash. This accident could have been much worse.
Moreover, the driver has lost confidence in this car and is planning to end the lease early.
Fuel System: Complaint February 13, 2023
The owner recently got a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was using it in Electric mode.
While driving on the highway, the car suddenly lost all its power because of something called “FORM,” which stopped the electric engine from working.
A big truck was behind the Jeep and nearly crashed into the car because the vehicle slowed down so quickly. Naturally, the driver had to stop on the side of the road to figure out what happened and switch to Hybrid mode.
The problems are:
1) This power loss happens without any warning, making the electric engine unreliable. Why is there even an Electric-only option if this can happen?
2) “FORM” mode cannot be turned off, even for a short distance, to reach a gas station or a safe place. The button to switch to Hybrid mode is hard to reach while driving.
3) In summary, this “FORM” mode is almost activated every other week. Jeep doesn’t mention this “FORM” mode in their ads. You only learn about it when it becomes a problem.
Additionally, the jeep is not even getting the miles per gallon that the carmaker said it would because of this “FORM” mode.
Suspension: Complaint November 29, 2023
The owner of a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee got a notice about a recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V413000) related to the car’s suspension.
However, the parts needed for fixing the problem weren’t available yet. The owner reached out to the local car dealer about this.
They felt that the car maker was taking too long to handle the recall repair. The car company knows about this delay.
So far, the owner hasn’t had any issues with the car because of this problem. This situation is due to a delay in getting the parts needed for the recall.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/JEEP/GRAND%25252520CHEROKEE/SUV/RWD#complaints
2015 Jeep Cherokee Lemon Law
For the 2015 Jeep Cherokee, some owners have faced issues, especially with the brakes.
Sometimes, the brake pedal might feel soft or hard to push, and this can be scary because it might not stop the car properly.
If a Jeep Cherokee has this brake problem or other big issues that can’t be fixed after several tries, the Lemon Law can help.
It means the car might be replaced or the owner could get their money back.
This law is there to make sure people don’t get stuck with a car that has serious problems and isn’t safe to drive.
2014 Jeep Cherokee Lemon Law
If you own a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and are facing ongoing problems with it, you might be protected by the Lemon Law.
This law helps when your Jeep has issues that can’t be fixed after several tries. For the 2014 model, some common problems include transmission issues and power loss.
If your Jeep Cherokee keeps having these problems, even after repairs, you could qualify for a buyback or a cash settlement under the Lemon Law.
Each state has its own Lemon Law rules, so it’s important to check your state’s specific laws.
If you think your 2014 Jeep Cherokee is a lemon, consider talking to a Lemon Law attorney to understand your rights and options.
Jeep Cherokee Lemon Law Cases
The Jeep Cherokee is no stranger to the Lemon Law. There are several cases registered across the US where owners filed lemon law claims because of defects from the manufacturer. If you think your Jeep qualifies as a lemon, talk to a Lemon Law attorney for a free consultation on how to start your case.
Below are some Lemon Law case examples filed across the US:
1. Elisabeth Gagliano v. FCA US LLC (Jeep)
– Vehicle: 2015 Grand Cherokee
– Settlement: $25,000
– Date: October 23, 2017
– Details: The consumer experienced issues with the vehicle’s transmission, engine, electrical system, and more.
Despite multiple repair attempts, the issues persisted. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
2. Peter Cardone v. Jeep (FCA US LLC)
– Vehicle: 2015 Grand Cherokee
– Settlement: $30,000
– Date: December 12, 2016
– Details: The consumer faced problems with the vehicle’s transmission, engine, electrical system, and other components.
After several repair attempts, the issues remained unresolved. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
3. Jeep Overland
– Vehicle: 2012 Cherokee Overland
– Settlement: $42,000
– Date: October 10, 2013
– Details: The consumer encountered issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, electrical system, and more.
Despite multiple repair attempts, the problems persisted. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
– Vehicle: 2012 Cherokee Overland
– Settlement: $42,000
– Date:October 10, 2013
– Details: Similar to the previous case, the consumer experienced problems with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, electrical system, and other components.
The issues remained unresolved after several repair attempts. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Vehicle:2011 Cherokee
– Settlement: $30,000
– Date: October 10, 2012
– Details: The consumer faced challenges with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, electrical system, and more.
Despite multiple repair attempts, the problems persisted. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Vehicle: 2011 Cherokee
– Settlement: $30,000
– Date: October 10, 2012
– Details: Similar to the previous case, the consumer encountered issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, electrical system, and other components.
The issues remained unresolved after several repair attempts. A settlement was reached for a full refund.
7. Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Vehicle: 2011 Cherokee
– Settlement: $14,699.55
– Date: September 18, 2012
– Details: The consumer reported problems with the vehicle’s engine start and had the car repaired five times within fifteen months.
The vehicle was out of service for over sixty days. A settlement was reached for a full refund of lease payments.
8. Policastro v. Chrysler
– Vehicle: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
– Settlement: $14,699.55
– Date: September 18, 2012
– Details: The consumer leased a new 2011 Cherokee and reported problems with the vehicle, especially with the engine start.
The vehicle was out of service for over sixty days. After multiple repair attempts, a settlement was reached for a full refund of lease payments.
2023 Jeep Cherokee Complaints FAQ's
Is the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee still considered a top SUV despite the reported issues?
The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been recognized for its safety features and off-road capabilities, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
However, there have been several complaints and recalls reported to the NHTSA.
While the vehicle has its strengths, potential buyers should be aware of the reported issues and make an informed decision based on their needs and priorities.
What are the most common complaints about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
According to the NHTSA, the most common complaints about the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee include issues with the steering mechanism, engine problems, transmission concerns, electrical glitches, and braking system complaints. There have also been reports about fuel system issues, airbags not deploying, visibility challenges, suspension problems, and tire-related issues.
How has Jeep responded to the reported issues and recalls for the 2023 Grand Cherokee?
Jeep has issued recalls for some of the reported issues, such as problems with the rearview camera, incorrect installation of rear coil springs, and missing airbag warning labels on the dashboard. Owners have been notified by Chrysler regarding each recall and have been advised to contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety hotline for any questions.
If I believe my Jeep Grand Cherokee is a "lemon," what steps should I take?
If you believe your Jeep Grand Cherokee qualifies as a lemon due to manufacturer defects, it’s recommended to consult with a Lemon Law attorney. They can provide a free consultation on how to start your case. There have been several cases registered across the US where owners filed lemon law claims for their Jeeps, resulting in settlements.
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