# Jeep Grand Cherokee check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 386
- **Most complaints:** 2015 (78)
- **Related recalls:** 12
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 386 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Jeep Grand Cherokee (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (78). There are **12 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read.

## Jeep Grand Cherokee check engine light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 78 | 1369 | 6% |
| 2016 | 25 | 312 | 8% |
| 2017 | 38 | 364 | 10% |
| 2018 | 54 | 855 | 6% |
| 2019 | 46 | 370 | 12% |
| 2020 | 19 | 241 | 8% |
| 2021 | 33 | 507 | 7% |
| 2022 | 26 | 457 | 6% |
| 2023 | 28 | 504 | 6% |
| 2024 | 21 | 319 | 7% |
| 2025 | 5 | 120 | 4% |
| 2026 | 13 | 59 | 22% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls related to the check engine light

**[26V413000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V413000)** (2022-2024 models, reported 2026-06-30): A missing gear selection indicator may lead to unintended vehicle movement or a vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the shifter module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2026.

**[22V406000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V406000)** (2015-2020 models, reported 2022-06-09): Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024....

**[22V284000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=22V284000)** (2021-2022 models, reported 2022-04-28): An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022.

**[20V699000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V699000)** (2015-2019 models, reported 2020-11-12): Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are...

**[20V475000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V475000)** (2015-2016 models, reported 2020-08-13): An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021.

**[20V183000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V183000)** (2019 models, reported 2020-03-26): A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020.

**[18V280000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V280000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): If the incorrect park lock rod is installed, the transmission may not shift into 'PARK' and keep the vehicle from moving, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement and the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install the correct park lock rod, free of charge. The recall began June 28, 2018.

**[18V048000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V048000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-01-11): If the fuel line separates, the engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, a fuel line separation increases the risk of an engine compartment fire and injury. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018.

**[17E061000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17E061000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2017-10-19): A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017.

**[16V814000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V814000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-11-10): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016.

**[16V249000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V249000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-04-27): If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016.

**[16V240000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V240000)** (2015 models, reported 2016-04-25): Drivers thinking that their vehicle's transmission is in the PARK position may be struck by the vehicle and injured if they attempt to get out of the vehicle while the engine is running and the parking brake is not engaged. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software to mitigate the risk of vehicle rollaway, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2016.

Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Jeep Grand Cherokee owners report

- "While driving to the dealership, the engine light came on, followed by bells and buzzers. The dealership said our transmission valve connector was defective. It's been there 2 weeks still waiting for the part to come in. We paid nearly 70 thousand for this vehicle and now there's a transmission issue" -- owner of a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complaint filed 2026
- "No check engine light. 2 dealerships cannot fix because there's no code. Seems to be a common occurrence on Jeep forums. Afraid this will happen again on the interstate and I will get rear ended or not be able to get off the road. Major safety concern!" -- owner of a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complaint filed 2025
- "After that 20-25 minute time period, the engine started, although the check engine light stayed on the rest of that day. the next morning, the check engine light was off." -- owner of a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complaint filed 2024

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the check engine light means

The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common)
2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common)
3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common)
4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Jeep Grand Cherokee check engine light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 12 related recalls (26V413000, 22V406000, 22V284000, 20V699000, 20V475000, 20V183000, 18V280000, 18V048000, 17E061000, 16V814000, 16V249000, 16V240000) covering 2015-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have the most check engine light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2018 and 2019 Grand Cherokee model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 78 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Grand Cherokee with the check engine light on?

Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked.

### How do I check if my Jeep Grand Cherokee has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Jeep Grand Cherokee warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-grand-cherokee): 58 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-grand-cherokee): 57 complaints
- [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-grand-cherokee): 17 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-grand-cherokee): 88 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-grand-cherokee): 12 complaints
- [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-grand-cherokee): 18 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-grand-cherokee): 132 complaints

## Check engine light on other models

- [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints
- [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints
- [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints
- [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints
- [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints
- [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints
- [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints
- [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints

## Jeep Grand Cherokee

- [Jeep Grand Cherokee specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-grand-cherokee)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-grand-cherokee
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
