Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems
moderate 137 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
137
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 137 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 137 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently report the engine shuts off suddenly at any speed—0 to 75 mph—without warning or hesitation. Stalls happen as often as several times daily or weekly, sometimes 200+ times over ownership, leaving drivers without power steering and power brakes in heavy traffic, on highways, and during turns. A stalled vehicle in a blind curve or merge lane creates immediate collision hazard; some owners have come close to being rear-ended or broadsided.
The vehicle often restarts after cycling the key, but restarts are sometimes delayed or require extended attempts. Check engine lights come on intermittently; in many cases, no diagnostic codes appear. Dealerships struggle to pinpoint the cause, with multiple shops reporting they cannot replicate the failure.
Owners cite dealerships replacing the PCM, electronic shift modules, spark plugs, coils, ignition switches, crank sensors, ASD relays, fuel injectors, and wiring harnesses—often with no success. One owner reports the dealership kept the vehicle out of service for 142 days replacing numerous components before declaring it unrepairable. Costs for parts and diagnosis are frequently out-of-pocket after warranty.
Electronic shift module failure is a separate recurring problem in which the vehicle loses acceleration ability—RPMs race but the truck won't move forward—almost always when pulling into traffic or merging, creating immediate danger. A dealership mechanic reportedly replaced over 1,000 of these modules in his shop alone.
Additionally, owners report transmission overheat warnings, valve seat failures requiring complete engine replacement (no recall coverage), fuel gauge fluctuations accompanying stalls, and aftermarket spark plug incompatibility. Diesel models (3.0L CRD) have experienced crankshaft sensor failures and swirl motor failures. Recall P41 was issued in 2014 but parts remain unavailable for extended periods. No factory TSB or recall addresses the core stalling issue.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling—random, without warning
Engine shuts off suddenly at any speed or while stopped, often requiring key cycle to restart. Loss of power steering and brakes during stall events creates serious collision risk. Stalls happen 50–200+ times over vehicle life, sometimes multiple times per day or per week.
When: Starts at 8,000–91,000 miles; worsens with age. Stalls occur across speeds 0–75 mph, in traffic, on highways, at lights, during acceleration, deceleration, and turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning or hesitation; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Vehicle won't accelerate or accelerates only to 2.5–10 mph before stalling; Check engine light comes on intermittently; sometimes no codes; Vehicle sometimes restarts immediately; other times requires key cycle or extended attempts; Oil pressure warning light and electronic throttle control warning lights illuminate; All dashboard warning lights (ABS, airbag, brake, traction control) illuminate during or after stall
Codes mentioned: P0884, P0688, U0404, U0103, P0129, B2105, C121C, P0524, P0430
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners cite dealerships replacing PCM, electronic shift modules, spark plugs, coils, ignition switches, crank sensors, ASD relays, fuel injectors, fuel filters, wiring harnesses, and power modules—often without success. One owner reports dealership replaced $1,500 worth of parts; another reports 142 days out of service with no resolution. Spark plug incompatibility (OEM part RE14MCC4 supplied by Champion with two different physical variants) identified in internal Chrysler memo as cause in some 2007 Hemi models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P41/NHTSA 14V-438 issued for loss of power during driving; parts unavailable for extended periods. TSB 18-004-08 for PCM flash issued but does not resolve stalling. Dealerships often state they cannot replicate or diagnose; some tell owners 'HEMI engines have this known problem.' Chrysler internal memo on spark plug incompatibility not released publicly; Chrysler has not issued TSB for the issue. No recall issued. One owner saw recall D46 for 2005 models but was told no recalls applied to 2007.
Loss of power while accelerating or merging—electronic shift module failure
Vehicle loses acceleration ability and RPMs race but truck won't move, or vehicle loses power entirely. Occurs predominantly when pulling into traffic or merging onto highways, creating immediate collision hazard. Owner reports mechanic replaced over 1,000 electronic shift modules at his shop alone.
When: Reported at 50,000–78,000 miles; one case at 70,000 miles shows replacement module failing again within months.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses acceleration; RPMs race but no forward movement; Cannot accelerate past 10–20 mph; Vehicle shudders or lurches before stalling; All drive-mode indicators (P, R, N, D) light up with boxes around them on dash; Check engine light comes on; electronic throttle control warning illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic shift module replacement cited repeatedly. Cost: $1,051.50 in one case. Owners report dealerships stating replacement modules fail again 3–6 months later. One owner notes dealer replaced module twice in two years.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB issued. Dealerships recommend replacement but acknowledge short lifespan of replacement parts.
Transmission overheat message and electronic shift module (ESM) failure
Transmission overheat warning appears on dash along with engine malfunction light, leading to transmission failure and/or ESM failure. One owner reports four mechanical breakdowns in three years, with transmission and ESM failures recurrent.
When: First occurrence at 40,000 miles; recurrence at ~40,000 miles on replaced transmission.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission overheat message on dash; Engine malfunction indicator light; Vehicle undriveable
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement took approximately one month due to parts supply shortage. ESM replaced multiple times; one case shows ESM failing again just out of warranty. Second transmission replacement cited as occurring at ~40,000 miles on the replacement unit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned by owner.
Fuel gauge fluctuation and stalling at highway speed
Fuel gauge drops from 3/4 tank to empty, vehicle loses acceleration and stalls at highway speed. Fuel gauge returns to correct level after restart.
When: Early in vehicle life, ~500 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge suddenly drops from 3/4 full to empty; No acceleration; Engine stalls at 70 mph; Engine service light on
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to replicate; computer reset; issue recurred next day.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated vehicle is fine after reset. Owner cited NHTSA investigation into stalling problem and contacted lemon law attorney.
Crankshaft position sensor failure—diesel (3.0L CRD)
3.0L CRD diesel engine stalls abruptly without warning, loss of power steering and brakes. Identified as faulty crankshaft position sensor. Occurs in multiple 3.0 CRD owners; also reported in other vehicles with same Mercedes engine.
When: Failure with trailer in tow on incline; another case at 111,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine runs rough for few seconds then stalls abruptly; Will not restart; Loss of power steering and power brakes
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft position sensor replacement made per TSB, though one case also required fuel filter replacement ($150 diagnostic, fuel filter replaced).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer TSB issued for crankshaft sensor replacement.
Swirl motor failure—diesel (3.0L CRD Mercedes engine)
3.0L Mercedes diesel engine loses power while driving highway speed. Identified as failed swirl motor due to excessive oil blow-by from defective intake tube with orange gasket. Same issue documented in NHTSA complaint #1006202 for Mercedes vehicles but not for Jeep models using same engine.
When: Occurs while driving 70 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power while driving highway speed; Electronic throttle control (ETC) indicator flashing red on dash; Engine power limited to 35 mph maximum
Repairs/costs cited: None provided by owner; owner notes problem is well-documented in Jeep forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for Jeep vehicles despite same issue being identified in Mercedes vehicles.
Valve seat failure—5.7L HEMI
Valve seat drops without warning; engine becomes completely non-functional and requires replacement. Owner reports no warning signs or symptoms before failure.
When: At 92,000 miles; no warning signs.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not turn over after brief normal operation; No warning lights or sounds prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,500 just for diagnosis and disassembly; independent shop quoted $8,000 for new engine. Owner cannot afford repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty coverage. Dealership initially unhelpful and rude according to owner. Chrysler representatives unhelpful to point of rudeness.
Aftermarket spark plug incompatibility
Aftermarket platinum-tip spark plugs cause engine stalling and interference with powertrain control module (PCM). Issue differs from OEM supplier Champion's two-variant RE14MCC4 problem. Owner changed to OEM plugs and issue resolved.
When: Occurred after spark plug replacement at ~64,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Frequent stalling (~5 times in 25 miles after installation); Stalling at highway speed, at stoplights, during left turns; Engine light on continuously
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed incompatibility after 3 weeks of troubleshooting and consultation with Chrysler engineer. OEM spark plug replacement corrected issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler aware of incompatibility issue but has not responded to owner complaints about parts retailer and consumer awareness.
Engine fire
Engine caught fire while driving at 35 mph after vehicle began shaking and sputtering.
When: At 111,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shakes and sputters; Vehicle catches fire
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department extinguished fire; vehicle caught fire but owner states it was still driveable afterward. No repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or investigation initiated; owner found no information or recalls online.
Catalytic converter failure with low engine power
Faulty catalytic converter emits loud rattling noise on start; entire exhaust system requires replacement. Separate issue of significantly low engine power during acceleration.
When: At 80,100 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling noise from outside vehicle on ignition start; Significantly low power during acceleration on two separate occasions
Repairs/costs cited: Entire exhaust system requires replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer notified; repair appointment scheduled.
Missing CHECK ENGINE light cutout—instrument panel defect
Instrument panel lacks physical cutout for CHECK ENGINE light LED, preventing visibility of warning light. Marked as original equipment (not aftermarket). Prevents vehicle inspection passage.
When: Discovered during New York state inspection.
Symptoms owners cite: CHECK ENGINE light LED not visible; Vehicle cannot pass inspection
Repairs/costs cited: New panel cost $600; used panel from salvage cost $125.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer service and dealership state this is owner responsibility to pay for correction, not manufacturer defect covered by warranty.
Noxious fumes through A/C vents—diesel
Diesel vehicle emits noxious fumes (exhaust smell) through A/C vents while idling after coming to a stop. Smell causes eye stinging and progressively worsens.
When: At 28,000 miles on 2007 diesel purchased new in November 2007.
Symptoms owners cite: Noxious fumes (exhaust smell, like natural gas leak); Fumes enter through A/C vents while idling; Eye stinging; Problem worsens over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership had vehicle 3 days, found no problem. Service manager acknowledged smelling fumes but could not locate source.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler tech line said problem is normal; advised owner to set A/C to recirculation and to use dealer with better technicians.
Ignition system failure—delayed start and stalling
Vehicle fails to start immediately after ignition sequence or key operation; eventually starts after extended cranking attempts or wait period. In one case, only ignition key on key ring and vehicle shuts off when pressing gas pedal after coming to stop.
When: Early in vehicle life (~500 miles for fuel gauge case); up to 91,000+ miles for stalling cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to fire on repeated start attempts over several minutes; Engine starts only after 2–5 minute wait; Vehicle shuts off when pressing gas pedal after stop; Stalling at stop signs and lights during acceleration attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement performed in multiple cases; one case required key cycle off then on to restart. One case after recall repair (P41/14V-438) still experiences stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-438 (ignition switch) issued; owner reports receipt of recall notice in Sept 2014 but parts unavailable until September (8-month delay). Parts distribution issue cited.
Synthesized from 137 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While in motion, 60 MPH, the engine stops. Highway driving. I coasted to a stop and restarted the engine. Very scary occurrence!
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 137 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 123 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 32,134 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 58,774. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,134; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.