TireKick

Reported years

Engine owner reports: Jeep Grand Cherokee years in the records

Owner reports are bound to model year 2019. A year on this list does not mean every car has the problem.

Years we reviewed

What to inspect

  1. 1Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Sources and limits
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“One day after driving the vehicle around town and after we parked it in the garage, we noticed a large pool of oil on the garage floor. After taking it to a service station, for inspection, we were told that the oil leak was caused by a cracked plastic oil cooler. We were told if we had not noticed the oil leak, the engine could have locked up and caused a serious accident. The next day we were going to take the vehicle on the highway for a trip. The service station said they have had multiple cracked plastic oil coolers come in for repairs on the same vehicle, year, make and model. There was no warning.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine: 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) While driving on the highway, the vehicle experienced a sudden engine overheating condition, followed by a catastrophic failure of the coolant recovery tank. This failure created a serious safety hazard and appears to be the result of a known and well-documented head gasket defect in the 3.6L engine used in Jeep Grand Cherokees. While driving at highway speed, the vehicle was operating normally until I made a left turn. Immediately after the turn, the engine temperature began to rise rapidly, indicating an overheating condition. I turned around and began driving back toward my residence to avoid further damage or a roadside breakdown. Before reaching home, the coolant recovery tank violently exploded, releasing coolant throughout the engine bay. As well as strong burning coolant chemical smells throThis occurred while the vehicle was still in operation and could have resulted in loss of visibility, fire risk, or complete engine failure while driving. After inspection by a qualified professional, the failure was confirmed to be caused by a failed head gasket, which allowed combustion gases to pressurize the cooling system until the coolant recovery tank ruptured. This failure occurred without warning and while the vehicle was being driven on public roadways. A sudden coolant system explosion and rapid overheating can result in: Loss of engine power while driving Fire risk from hot coolant contacting engine components Loss of vehicle control Stranding occupants in unsafe conditions This represents a significant safety defect. Jeep Grand Cherokees equipped with the 3.6L engine are widely known to experience head gasket failures, typically occurring between 50,000 and 75,000 miles. Despite this known issue, Stellantis/Chrysler has not issued a recall, technical service campaign, or extended warranty related to this defect.”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“While driving at highway speeds, with no warning, my vehicle shuts off forcing me to perform and emergency exits. In these situations, I have observed the dashboard screen directly in front of me read: Vehicle Not In Park”
NHTSAcomplaintMar 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“2019 jeep grand Cherokee 3.6L. Severe misfiring on expressway causing vehicle to shake uncontrollably and stall. “Pentastar tick” Ticking sound coming from engine. Took to local repair shop and right cam shaft is worn down causing misfiring and engine damage. Cost is $4,000 for the camshaft replacement and will likely need a new engine. Vehicle has less than 109,000 miles on it. Known issue on this vehicle, I called multiple shops and they all said that the can shaft is probably bad because they see the issue all the time.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2026Open source record