What 1,638 owners told NHTSA about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk

Air suspension

NHTSA ODI 11615535

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, and the contact heard a loud hissing sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake booster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA ODI 11612835

While my wife was driving, there was a noticable whining sound that was followed by heat, burning smell and smoke coming into the cabin. After taking in for service, I was told that the problem was the alternator which would have caught fire or failed without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Upon learning it was the alternator I discovered that there were 2 separate recalls (P60 and & T36) for defective alternators for 2012-2014 vehicles. "The alternator diodes on your vehicle may experience a rapid failure. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Control Module (ECM), and/or the Central Body Controller (CBC). The driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving and/or an underhood electrical fire." Something terrible could have happened to my wife. Thankfully it did not. When I was told that my vehicle was not included because it is a 2011 I was angry and frustrated which is why I am reporting this to you. I am questioning why the NHTSA - would not include 2011 vehicles in the safety recall as the problem with the alternator is the same. Am I supposed to believe that the defective alternator in my vehicle is not the same as the ones that are in the 2012 when they are having the exact same problem? Along with the anger I feel because of the danger it posed to my family, I am equally frustrated that the repair is not covered under the costly repair because my VIN didn't not fall under the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11610044

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard without warning while attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake booster. The mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ODI 11609319

Fuel Cap recovery error light comes on and when taken to the dealership and diagnosed they replaced the fuel cap twice in 2 years. Still presenting the same problem. Engine Rocker arm and camshaft failure on 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine. Stability control problem when driving on rough highway roads at highway speeds makes the vehicle over correct in a left or right direction out of lane almost causing accidents. New shocks & struts, and check of the stability control systems has not corrected the problem

NHTSA ODI 11603814

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull over to an open lane, where the vehicle stopped. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband charged the battery with a portable charger, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact's husband replaced both the battery and the alternator; however, the failure recurred a week later. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contacted stated that the check engine warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), 19V813000 (Electrical System) and 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and two other dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ODI 11602763

The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while her nephew was driving at 51 MPH, a drunk driver in the opposite direction nearly caused a head-on collision. The contact's nephew veered to the left, but the other driver's vehicle swiped the rear passenger door and rear quarter panel. The vehicle jerked and flipped three times before landing on its roof in a residential yard. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's nephew was unharmed, but the contact's son and a third passenger were injured. The contact's son was transported by ambulance to the hospital with a fractured neck, but the right vertebral artery was unable to be detected. The third passenger was airlifted to the hospital with a fractured sternum and internal bleeding after a plastic piece from the front passenger seat dislodged and struck the third passenger's chest. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 215,000.

NHTSA ODI 11602422

The Horn has stopped working and it appears to be the Clock Spring. This is a safety hazard as it can cause the airbags to engage randomly or NOT engage in the case of a crash. This is an expensive repair that should not be at the expense of the owner since it is a defect in the Clock Spring. I am aware that there have been Clock Spring recalls on other models of Jeeps, but not on this one.

NHTSA ODI 11599842

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592844

There’s a recall on jeep that causes the jeep to stall while driving which could result in a crash or injury . There’s no recall on my jeep though and it’s doing exactly what the recall is for the other jeeps . I’ve taken it too three different spots including jeep and they don’t know what’s wrong with it.

NHTSA ODI 11588961

When I went out to my car the morning of [XXX], 2024, I noticed that the passenger headrest was disconnected from the back and had been deployed without reason overnight. There was no accident or contact with the car it just did it on it's own. Luckily no one was in the car so there was no injury caused. I was advised by the local Jerry Ulm Jeep dealership in Tampa that their was an extended warranty for this issue that expired in 2021. I did not receive any correspondence so this was the first time hearing of this issue. From looking online it looks like it is a very widespread safety issue. I contacted Jeep directly to request approval for reimbursement before getting the car repaired but was denied. As mentioned, this problem occurred out of nowhere and is clearly due to faulty manufacturing and could have caused serious injury if someone was in the passengers seat. I would like for Jeep to be held accountable for this and to be reimbursed for the associated cost to get this fixed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11588010

Car stalled X 2 with a hard right hand turn.

NHTSA ODI 11587943

My battery warning lamp came on, and when i was safely able to pull over and pop the hood, the alternator was smoldering and smoking, and continued to do so for almost an hour after the battery was disconnected. I stood by with a fire extinguisher for fear of it catching fire. It looks as though this issue has been on a recall for the 2012 models, but not for the 2011. What changed in 2012 to eliminate this from happening?

NHTSA ODI 11586714

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact stated that the RPM light and an unknown warning light were illuminated when the crash occurred. The contact stated that when the vehicle lunged forward, the front bumper of the vehicle crashed into the rear bumper of the other vehicle. The contact's vehicle came to a stop once the impact was made and damage was sustained to the front bumper and the rear bumper of the other vehicle. The vehicle was driven to a dealer where the vehicle's front bumper was repaired. The dealer was unable to determine the failure. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The contact stated that the failure recurred while in the driveway. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle lunged forward. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The contact also stated that the mechanics informed her that the vehicle's alignment was off and as a result the tires would wear down ina a unusual way. There is also an issue with the key fob that causes the vehicle to think that the key isn't nearby and causes the alarm to go off.

NHTSA ODI 11578982

Foward Collision Warning light stays on no matter what. Vehicle turns off randomly at different times without warning. No power steering no power breaks nothing, vehicle just dies on the freeway, going through intersections.

NHTSA ODI 11577350

The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH around a bend in the roadway, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, leaving the road and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a barrier wall. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11576094

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalled while driving. While slowing down to make a turn, engine stalled out. Power steering and power brake disappeared. If someone was at the light while I was turning, they would have been hit. The first time (known) - was two days ago, with mileage approx 110,000. The second time was this morning, while at a stop. On checking online, this has been reported by other owners of the same make and model. This is a safety hazzard and should be a repairable manufacture recall. Fortunately it hasn't resulted in an accident - yet - with this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11573743

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, after which a burning odor filled the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator, resulting in damage to the PCM. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 126,000.

NHTSA ODI 11571878

Greetings, after 3 dealership attempts to correct the TIPM - NHTSA 19V813000 recall, my Jeep still stalled 4 times at highway speeds. I narrowly averted being rearended several times. I am terrified to drive the vehicle! I have yet another dealership appointment Friday, January 12, 2024 to correct the issue. Previous visits could not reproduce the problem or show any code errors. There were no warnings at all during these malfunctions, only the loss of braking and power steering did I realize the vehicle had stalled. Are there any remedies afforded to me at this point from Chrysler? The vehicle has only 124,000 miles. I've been extremely lucky that I haven't crashed or injured another party to date, but I fear it could happen at any time since this is my only transportation to and from work.

NHTSA ODI 11564408

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH the vehicle slowed down and the head lights dimmed. The contact stated that many warning lights were illuminated but was not able to recall the exact ones. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was then told that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicles failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where the owner was then told that the computer needed to be replaced due to the damage caused by the alternator. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11561875

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stopped, turn the vehicle off, and then opened the door to reset the system. The contact restarted the vehicle and started to drive under 50 MPH to prevent the failure from reoccurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times and diagnosed with a failed thermostat. The contact stated that the thermostat had been replaced seven times. The manufactured was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11559522

My car has had recall for over 2 years I’ve contacted multiple dealers to get it replaced no one has gotten to me and my car has been stalling while driving my most recent problem was I was driving on the highway and my car decided to stall and a 18 wheeler was coming behind me and it almost lead I to a wreck that could have cost me my life also my check engine light has come on a thousand times and every problem that it shows on the scan tool I get fixed which lead to me getting 5 tune ups last year and 2 this year because the code shows I need a tune up but it’s something deeper than what is being showed I paid 12k for my vehicle and I have spent double that in price trying to get it fix

NHTSA ODI 11558020

Head rest safety feature for collision deployed on passenger side when car was idling in park with passenger in seat.

NHTSA ODI 11554687

My vehicle in the last 2 days has randomly shutoff completely while driving on the highway. I was able to place in neutral, then restart the vehicle thank goodness without being rear-ended or a collision. The vehicle has been repaired before (NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V813000) and (Chrysler's recall number V62). The vehicle at this point I fear is too dangerous to drive. I am going to have the car towed to the dealership in hopes of reinstalling the fuel pump relay hack. There are many of the same complaints online from other drivers with the same vehicle. Something else needs to be done about this soon before someone gets killed.

NHTSA ODI 11545685

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the brake pedal was slow to respond. The driver had to continuously pump the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the brake booster and brake master cylinder needed to be replaced; however, the parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the repairs were not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545138