2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee tires problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $150 · see tires across all vehicles →
Of the 8 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee we track for tires problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 20.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokees report two main tire problems. First, premature tread separation on Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT and Fortera HL tires. Multiple complaints describe inner tread separating well before the tires are worn out—some as early as 8,000–25,000 miles—with plenty of tread depth remaining. Owners say alignment checks came back within spec, yet the tread still failed. One SRT8 owner noted this is a known issue in the SRT8 forum. Several owners paid $586 or more to replace failed tires and get alignments, and Goodyear has refused to cover the failures under warranty.
Second, owners report tire pressure monitoring valve stems corroding and fracturing, sometimes within a few years of ownership. One tire shop worker with 26 years' experience stated all valve stems used in 2007 and 2008 vehicles were defective, splitting at the rim. Owners have had to replace valve stems multiple times at significant cost. A few complaints mention hydroplaning with the Fortera HL tires, attributed to an asymmetrical sidewall tread pattern where right-side tires face forward and left-side tires face backward. One spare tire complaint noted the manual said it had tire pressure monitoring, but the dealer did not install it.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee tires reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT Tread Separation (OEM)
Inner sidewall tread separates or delaminates prematurely on factory-installed Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT 255/45R20 run-flat tires. Failure occurs with substantial tread remaining, alignment within spec, and normal driving. Owners report thread exposure and complete delamination on front tires.
When: 8,000–25,400 miles; one at 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Inner tread separating or delaminating; Vibration at highway speeds; Tread threads exposed; Tire losing air pressure; Sidewall shredding
Repairs/costs cited: $586 for two replacement tires and alignment; owners paid out-of-pocket as Goodyear and Jeep denied warranty coverage; one Goodyear prorated discount of 50% off new tires
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodyear denies liability; some dealers initially blamed misalignment, then advised replacement; no recall mentioned for RS-A EMT on 2008 model
Goodyear Fortera HL Asymmetrical Tread Pattern / Hydroplaning
OEM Goodyear Fortera HL tires exhibit an asymmetrical sidewall tread pattern—right-side tires face forward, left-side tires face rearward. Owners report hydroplaning even on level surfaces in light rain. Pattern is not omnidirectional. Tire life is short, with owners reporting no more than 35,000 miles per set.
When: Observed within first few thousand miles; premature wear by 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hydroplaning in wet conditions; Loss of traction in rain; Uneven tire wear
Repairs/costs cited: Owners purchased second and third sets from dealers and Goodyear; tire rotation every 6,000 miles did not prevent the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Goodyear and Jeep declined to explain the asymmetrical pattern; one Goodyear manager acknowledged tires are not omnidirectional but offered no solution
TPMS Valve Stem Corrosion and Fracture
Tire pressure monitoring valve stems corrode and fracture, commonly at the rim connection. One tire shop reported all valve stems from 2007–2008 vehicles were defective and prone to splitting at the rim. Stems fail repeatedly on the same vehicle (rear passenger, then front driver reported in one case).
When: 34,232 miles reported; occurs within a few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Air leaking around valve stem; Valve stem corroded; Valve stem fractured or breaking off; Tire deflating
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement valve stems cost $300–400 per sensor/stem; owners report needing replacement every 2–3 years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified but no recall or extended warranty program mentioned; one owner stated the government should require sensors to last 10 years or mandate manufacturer replacement on a schedule
Spare Tire TPMS Discrepancy (Manual vs. Installation)
Owner's manual states the full-size spare tire is equipped with tire pressure monitoring, but the vehicle does not have one installed. Dealer confirmed they do not install TPMS on spare tires despite manual documentation.
When: Discovered at 44,000 miles when spare was needed
Symptoms owners cite: Spare tire lacks TPMS despite manual claim
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged discrepancy but stated TPMS is not installed on spares as standard practice
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the tires problem on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $150 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the tires typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most tires failures cluster between 19,201 and 34,232 miles, with the median around 23,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,201; a quarter make it past 34,232. 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 $150 for tires 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 tires?
No active recalls currently cover tires 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.