Recalls: Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee
2012-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: increased brake pedal resistance
In March 2014, a recall was issued for WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured in 2012 and 2013. In these vehicles, the Ready Alert Braking (RAB) System may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel. Due to increased pedal resistance, the driver may not apply the brake pedal as intended, thereby lengthening the vehicle’s stopping distance (PRA 2014/14036).
2011-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: reduced braking ability
In April 2014, a recall was issued for WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured from 2011 to 2014. In these vehicles, the brake booster had a centre shell which could corrode over time and allow water to enter. If water entered the centre shell it could freeze, thereby reducing the vehicle’s braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash (PRA 2014/14060).
In November 2017, a recall was issued because the brake booster water shield that was to be fitted as part of PRA 2014/14060 may have been incorrectly installed. As a result, the brake booster water shield may not be effective in diverting water away from the brake booster assembly – this could cause corrosion and water intrusion of the brake booster. In cold climates, water in the brake booster could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle – this posed a safety hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16427.
Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee with Adaptive Cruise Control: untintended and continued acceleration
In June 2014, a recall was issued for WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were fitted with Adaptive Cruise Control. In these vehicles, the vehicle may experience unintended and continued acceleration after the Adaptive Cruise Control had been overridden. If this occurred, the vehicle may accelerate to very high speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, posing an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2014/14139).
2011-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: potential fire hazard
In July 2014, a recall was issued for 2011-2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles. After certain repairs, some of these vehicles may experience a high resistive short circuit at the vanity lamp wiring due to a trapped wire – if this occurred, it may present a potential fire hazard (PRA 2014/14210).
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: sun visor lamp short circuit
In February 2016, a recall was issued for 2011-13 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles because the sun visors may experience a high resistance short circuit at the sun visor vanity lamp – this may occur after a service repair to the sun visor or while gaining access to the headliner. The short circuit could result in an inoperative vanity lamp and/or an electrical fire (PRA 2016/15207).
2011 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: fuel pump relay failure #1
In November 2014, a recall was issued for 2011 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles due to possible failure of the fuel pump relay within the ‘Totally Integrated Power Module – 7’ (TIPM-7). If this occurred, the vehicle may not start or may stall while running, posing an accident hazard (PRA 2014/14432).
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: fuel pump relay failure #2
In April 2015, a recall was issued for 2011 WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles with 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and 2012-13 WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles with petrol engines. In these vehicles, the fuel pump relay within the Totally Integrated Power Module 7 (TIPM-7) may deform and fail, causing the vehicle not to start or to stall while running. If this occurred, it may pose an accident hazard to the driver and other road users (PRA 2015/14645).
Jeep WK2.II Grand Cherokee: daytime running lights
In October 2013, a recall was issued for Jeep WK2.II Grand Cherokee vehicles. In certain circumstances, the daytime running lights in these vehicles may illuminate at low intensity instead of the intended high intensity. As such, the operation of the lights did not comply with UNECE Regulation 48 or equivalent local regulations. To fix, the Body Control Module (BCM) was to be reprogrammed (PRA 2013/13800).
Jeep WK2.II Grand Cherokee: ABS and ESC systems may fail
In November 2013, a recall was issued for Jeep WK2.II Grand Cherokee vehicles. Due to a disruption of computer communications and loose alternator ground wires, the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) system and dashboard warning lights may fail. Loss of the ABS and ESC systems would reduce the driver’s ability to control the vehicle and drivers would not be warned of brake system failures or any other failures which would normally be illuminated on the dashboard display (PRA 2013/13830).
2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: indicator outage detection system may not work
In August 2014, a recall was issued for 2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles because the rear turn lamp outage detection system may not work (PRA 2014/14284).
2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: ESC could be disabled
In November 2014, a recall was issued for 2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles because the steering column control module (SSCM) may experience electrical interference in its printed circuit board communication circuit. This electrical interference could cause the electronic stability control (ESC) system to become disabled and, as a result, the ESC warning lamp would illuminate. The loss of ESC during certain driving conditions could cause a crash (PRA 2014/14439).
2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: restraint system may be disabled
In December 2014, a recall was issued for 2014 WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles due to a potential fault in the Occupant Restraint Control (ORC) module. During the manufacturing process, a coating on the ORC module printed circuit boards may have been improperly applied and, as a result, lead salts may form and cause a resistive short circuit across the ORC module printed circuit board. If this occurred, the airbag warning lamp may illuminate and the passive restraint system may be disabled; the latter increased the risk of injury in the event of a collision (PRA 2014/14484).
2014-15 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: ‘Park’ may not engage #1
In June 2016, a recall was issued for 2014 to 2015 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles because the spring-loaded electronic shift lever may not engage ‘Park’ if the engine was left running. As a result, the park brake may also fail to engage such that the vehicle could roll away and pose an accident hazard (PRA 2016/15391).
2014-15 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: ‘Park’ may not engage #2
In July 2016, a recall was issued for 2014-15 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles. In these vehicles, the electronic shift lever in the vehicle did not move like a conventional shifter and the driver may inadvertently fail to engage the ‘Park’ position before exiting the vehicle if the engine was left running. If ‘Park’ was not engaged, the vehicle could roll away and pose a hazard to occupants and other road users (PRA 2016/15557).
2015-16 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: front brake caliper housing could rupture
In May 2016, a recall was issued for 2015-16 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles because the front brake caliper may have been cast from an incorrect material. As a result, the left front brake caliper housing may rupture under extreme brake application, posing an accident hazard to vehicle occupants and other road users (PRA 2016/15361).
2016 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 3.6L: potential fuel leak and fire hazard
In December 2016, a recall was issued for 2016 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that had 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines. In these vehicles, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged during the engine manufacturing process. A damaged fuel rail crossover tube could leak fuel and, in the presence of an ignition source, cause an under-bonnet fire. For the VINs of the recalled Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15780.
2012-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: vehicle may stall and potential fire hazard
In September 2017, a recall was issued for 2012-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that had electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) with 180 amp and 220 amp alternators. In these vehicles, diodes within the alternator may experience thermal fatigue due to cyclical loads induced by the electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS). When the diodes fail, the alternator no longer supplies electrical energy to the vehicle – this could cause the vehicle to stall without warning, thereby increasing the risk of a collision. The failed diodes may also develop a resistive short circuit that could produce heat, smoke and/or fire within the alternator. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2017/16284.
2017-18 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee Tow Bar Kit
In March 2018, a recall was issued for Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee to bar kits that were sold from 31 May 2017 to 16 March 2018. For these tow bar kits, the bolts and washers could lose torque during towing – this could cause the tow bar to become loose and/or detach from the vehicle (PRA 2018/16681).
2014-18 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: cruise control could lock or cause acceleration
In July 2018, a recall (campaign number U65) was issued for 2014-18 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles. In these vehicles, a software fault in the Power Control Module (PCM) could affect cruise control, potentially causing vehicle speed to lock or unexpected vehicle acceleration. If these conditions occurred and the driver did not apply the brakes or shift to neutral, then the vehicle would pose a hazard for occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16859.
2018 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: engine may stall while driving
In August 2018, recall campaign U87 was issued for 2018 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles. In these vehicles, the powertrain control module could fail and this could cause:
- The vehicle not to start;
- The vehicle to start and then stall immediately; or
- The engine to stall while the vehicle was being driven.
If the latter occurred, the vehicle would pose a collision risk to vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16976.
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: fuel pump relay
In February 2021, recall campaign V62 was issued for Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were available for sale in Australia from 1 November 2014 to 31 January 2021. In these vehicles, contacts on the fuel pump relay may be susceptible to silicon contamination and this could cause the relay to fail. These fuel pump relays had been installed as part of recalls PRA 2015/14645 and PRA 2014/14432. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2020/18722.
Problems and faults: Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 3.0L CRDi (V6 Diesel): coolant weepage from EGR hose
In July 2014, Jeep issued Service Bulletin 07-003-14 for 2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that had 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 engines. In these vehicles, the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) hose may weep coolant. To fix, the EGR cooler hose was to be replaced.
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 5.7L HEMI V8: blue smoke from exhaust on start-up
In October 2013, Jeep issued Service Bulletin 09-002-13 for 2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that had 5.7L HEMI V8 petrol engines and were manufactured prior to 1 October 2013. In these vehicles, blue smoke may be emitted from the exhaust tailpipe when the engine is started after an extended cold soak period and the vehicle has been parked facing uphill on a significant incline. The service bulletin attributed this condition to ‘oil pull over’ on the rear cylinder walls. To fix,
- A revised oil pan which had an improved windage tray/oil scraper was to be fitted; and,
- The powertrain control module (PCM) was to be updated to reduce the engine vacuum which was created in these conditions, thereby reducing the effect of oil pull over.
2011-12 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 3.6L: left cylinder head leak
In October 2014, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 09-002-14 REV. A was issued for Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee models with 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engines that were manufactured before 25 July 2012. In these vehicles, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may illuminate and be accompanied by the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- P0300: Multiple Cylinder Misfire;
- P0302: Cylinder 2 Misfire;
- P0304: Cylinder 4 Misfire; and,
- P0306: Cylinder 6 Misfire.
The service bulletin recommended that a cylinder leakage test be conducted on the cylinders exhibiting the misfire DTC. If any of the cylinders exhibited a leakage of 25 per cent or above, the left cylinder head was to be replaced.
Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee 3.6L: 845RE Transmission
In January 2015, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-004-15 was issued for 2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles with the eight-speed 845RE transmission. The TSB described that the Transmission Control Module (TCM) was to be reprogrammed with updated software to fix a ‘harsh bump feel’ during a 2-1 downshift.
Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee SRT8: 845RE Transmission
In May 2015, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 21-005-15 REV A was issued for 2014 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee SRT8 vehicles; this bulletin described how the powertrain control module (PCM) and transmission control module (TCM) should be reprogrammed with new software for ‘transmission shift and drivability enhancements’. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) may also have illuminated and been accompanied with the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):
- P0171: Fuel System 1/1 LEAN; and/or
- P0174: Fuel System 2/1 LEAN.
Other symptoms intended to be rectified by the reprogramming included:
- Poor upshift quality in ‘Normal’ or ‘Sport’ modes;
- Gearshifts inhibited when transitioning in/out of MDS mode;
- Poor downshift quality while coasting with the brake released or while passing;
- 2nd gear not displayed when entering Manual mode from Snow or ECO mode;
- High speed gear hunting (shifting back and forth repeatedly between two gears);
- Poor second gear launch quality in ECO mode;
- Unable to launch in third gear in Snow mode in higher altitudes; and,
- Poor shift quality during accelerator pedal tip in/out acceleration during torque converter clutch operation.
2011-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: rear shock absorber rattle
In July 2014, Jeep issued Technical Service Bulletin 17-002-14 for 2011-14 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were manufactured prior to 15 April 2014 and had Rear Load Levelling Suspension. In these vehicles, the rear shock absorbers may produce ‘a rattle chuckle noise’ while driving over bumps at low speed; the noise was ‘more prevalent’ at high shock temperatures. To fix, both the rear shock absorber mounts were to be replaced.
2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: 4×4 system malfunction and ELSD motor
In February 2014, Jeep issued Technical Service Bulletin 21-001-014 for 2011-13 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee vehicles that were fitted with an Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD). While the bulletin instructed that the ELSD be re-programmed, the ELSD motor would need to be replaced if the 4×4 lamp was flashing (indicating a malfunction of the 4×4 system) any of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) were present:
- C1490-00 – Rear Differential Actuator Initialization Failure;
- C148F-1D – Rear Differential Measured Motor – Circuit Out of Range; and,
- C1489-96 – Rear Differential Motor Brake – Component Internal Failure.
Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokee: Other problems and faults
- The engine may not start and/or the remote keyless entry unit may only work intermittently due to a software error that requires the wireless ignition and/or totally integrated power module (TIPM) to be reprogrammed.
- If the passive entry or ‘keyless go’ may not work or only work intermittently, the receiver antenna may need to be replaced.
- If the transmission shudders when accelerating or coasting, the drivetrain control module may need to be reprogrammed.
- The power-operated tailgate may stop working due to failure of the drive motor.
