2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a complaint index of 40, ranking 13th worst out of 21 model years, and earns a 'Good' verdict relative to other Grand Cherokee years. NHTSA lists 733 complaints, 4 recalls, and no deaths, with electrical system issues making up 65% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Grand Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 733
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 23
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 10
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 15
- 14 city / 19 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 10 / 0
Top 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System479 (65%)
- Engine166 (23%)
- Transmission & Powertrain77 (11%)
- Other43 (6%)
- Airbags40 (5%)
- Brakes32 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires31 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers27 (4%)
- Steering24 (3%)
- Fuel System21 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report unexpected shifts from park into reverse without the brake pedal being depressed, sometimes striking other vehicles.
- Some describe sudden unintended acceleration or engine surges while parking or driving at low speeds, leading to collisions.
- Electrical module failures are reported to burn through wiring, causing sporadic stalling, failure to start, and in one case a fire.
- Brake pedal response is described as delayed with ABS activation, resulting in a crash at low speed.
- Some owners report the engine stalling on the highway with a total loss of steering, brakes, and engine control before the vehicle restarted.
- One report describes airbags failing to deploy during a serious crash involving a tree and guard rail.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V567000Sep 17, 2014Electrical System292,798 vehicles
Electrical system:ignition
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.
Risk: If the ignition stays between "START" and "ON" positions it could cause loss of certain electrical functions. If the ignition key inadvertently moves into the "OFF" or "ACCESSORY" position, the engine will turn off, which will then depower various key safety systems including but not limited to air bags, power steering, and power braking. Loss of functionality of these systems may increase the risk of crash and/or increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch and key FOBs, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P57.
- NHTSA 13V175000May 7, 2013Electrical System295,345 vehicles
Electrical system
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.
Risk: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
- NHTSA 08V059000Feb 6, 2008Electrical System1,338 vehicles
Electrical system
Chrysler is recalling 1,338 my 2008 jeep grand cherokee and commander vehicles. The front control module may have been incorrectly manufactured.
Risk: This could cause the engine to stall while driving or not to start and/or cause the windshield wipers to become inoperative. Engine stalling or inoperative wipers could cause a crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the module and replace it if necessary. The recall began on february 18, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 14 MPG
- Highway
- 19 MPG
- Combined
- 15 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,300
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
- Compared to other Grand Cherokee model years, the 2008 model ranks 13th worst out of 21 years with a complaint index of 40, earning a 'Good' verdict. Electrical system problems account for 65% of its 733 NHTSA complaints.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA data shows electrical system complaints lead at 65% of all reports, followed by engine issues at 23% and transmission and powertrain problems at 11%. Median mileage at failure for electrical issues is 78,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 model, covering electrical system issues including an ignition switch and key fob replacement, a front control module inspection, and a front brake caliper fracture risk.
- How does the 2008 model compare to other Jeep Grand Cherokee years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 40 is much lower than the worst years like 2014 (index 100) and 2012 (index 90), both rated 'Avoid'. It is not as low as the 2010 model, which has a complaint index of 0 and the 'Best' verdict.
- Were there any deaths reported for the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA data lists no deaths for the 2008 model year, though it records 23 crashes, 5 fires, and 10 injuries among its 733 complaints.