2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Part of Generation 3 (WK) — 2005–2010.

20072009
Complaints
990
per 10K Sold
134.4
US Sales
73,678
Crashes
35
Fires
10
Injuries
13
Fatalities
Recalls
2

Worst 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1456 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:78,019 mi
Crash-related:9
Fires:4
#2107 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:80,909 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:1
#365 complaints

Transmission / Drivetrain

Avg mileage:85,479 mi
Crash-related:3
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Electrical Faults
456
complaints
Crashes
9
Fires
4
Avg Miles
78,019
Engine Problems
107
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
80,909
Transmission / Drivetrain
65
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
85,479
Airbags
40
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
Avg Miles
105,693
Engine & Cooling
32
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
34,242
Unintended Acceleration
26
complaints
Crashes
6
Fires
1
Avg Miles
79,918
Steering Defects
24
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
80,836
Brakes
20
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
1
Avg Miles
89,719
Headlight/Taillight Failures
17
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
72,150
Fuel System
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
88,165
Tire Defects
16
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
23,211
Automatic Transmission
12
complaints
Crashes
3
Fires
Avg Miles
24,834
Electronic Stability Control
10
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
125,050
Suspension Failures
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
Avg Miles
69,134
Visibility
9
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
51,656
Electrical System:Ignition
8
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
96,522
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
83,167
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
34,512
Other Equipment
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
38,912
Wipers & Visibility
7
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
95,000
Structural Problems
6
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
62,603
Wheel Issues
5
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
59,001
Seat Belt Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
Avg Miles
Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Sunroof/Moonroof
3
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Instrument Cluster
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Gasoline Fuel System
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles
Fuel System, Other
2
complaints
Crashes
Fires
Avg Miles

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.

Recalls for 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~588,143 vehicles.

14V567000Electrical System:ignition
~292,798 affected

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008 Chrysler 300 vehicles manufactured May 31, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Magnum vehicles manufactured May 23, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Dodge Charger vehicles manufactured May 24, 2007, to May 12, 2008, Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured April 3, 2007, to May 12, 2008, and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured March 21, 2007, to May 12, 2008. In the affected vehicles, the ignition key (FOBIK) may not return to the "ON" position after being rotated to the "START" position, instead sticking between the two positions. Potentially, while the vehicle is being driven, the ignition may inadvertently move through the "RUN" position to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" ignition position, turning off the engine.

13V175000Electrical System · Power Train:transfer Case (4-wheel Drive)
~295,345 affected

Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 11, 2004, through March 9, 2010; and 2006-2010 Jeep Commander vehicles manufactured January 31, 2005, through March 10, 2010. A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee Years

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 990 NHTSA complaints, 35 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most common issue is Electrical Faults with 456 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Top reported problems: Electrical Faults (456 complaints, avg 78,019 mi); Engine Problems (107 complaints, avg 80,909 mi); Transmission / Drivetrain (65 complaints, avg 85,479 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 77,013 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA complaints for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee include 35 crash-related reports, 10 fire reports, 13 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting an estimated 588,143 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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