Owners of 2013 Grand Cherokees report persistent electrical failures that create unsafe driving conditions. The most common issue is fuel pump relay failure inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), causing the engine to stall without warning while driving or idling. This happens intermittently—sometimes multiple times per day—and can occur even after dealership replacement. Many owners report the push-button start fails while remote start works, requiring multiple attempts before the engine cranks.
Alternator failures are equally serious: owners describe whining noises followed by smoke, burning smells, and in several cases, underhood fires. The alternator overheats and causes complete electrical system shutdown, disabling power steering and brakes on highways. Even after recall repairs, some vehicles catch fire within months. Cascading electrical failures follow recall repairs—vehicles receive new symptoms like cooling fan circuit loss (overheating) and lighting failures.
Door locking malfunctions trap occupants inside with no way to exit. Wiring harnesses in the headliner overheat and ignite inside the cabin, producing smoke and flames. One owner was pregnant and stranded in freezing weather after alternator failure; another had a 10-month-old infant in the car when the right visor caught fire. Dealerships often claim parts are unavailable for repair recalls, leaving owners driving unsafe vehicles. Owners consistently report that dealerships cannot duplicate intermittent faults despite recurring failures, and that Chrysler denies coverage or blames owners for secondary damage caused by recall parts.
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Relay Failure / TIPM Malfunction
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) fuel pump relay fails intermittently or completely, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving or at idle. The relay can fail repeatedly despite replacement attempts. In some cases, the faulty relay damages the fuel pump motor and cascades to disable cooling fan and lighting circuits.
When: Occurs intermittently, unpredictably—while driving at various speeds (highway and city), at idle, or during acceleration. Can occur multiple times per day or every other day. Some owners report stalling after recent repair attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls abruptly while driving or idling; Vehicle fails to start or cranks without catching; Requires multiple start attempts before engine turns over; Engine cranks for 15+ seconds before starting or fails entirely; Remote start works when push-button start fails; No diagnostic codes present or codes clear before dealer inspection; Intermittent traction control and check engine lights; Battery drains rapidly even when vehicle is off
Codes mentioned: P0480, P0693, B1630, C2201-00, C2221-00, P0113
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replaced multiple times (some owners report 2-3 replacements) by dealers and independent shops at $175–$1200+ per service call. Some dealers perform bypass harness installation instead of full module replacement. Owners cite $1200 TIPM replacement cost and fuel pump motor replacement ($650+ in parts and labor for full diagnosis/repair).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000 (Electrical System) issued; recall parts unavailable for extended periods (months to years in some cases). Owners report dealers stating they 'cannot duplicate' the issue despite recurring stalls. Chrysler acknowledged 'similar issues exist' but denied coverage based on VIN exclusion. One owner reports arbitration resulted in 'operating as intended' determination. Interim repairs completed but marked as finished despite final parts remaining unavailable.
Alternator Failure and Fire Risk
The alternator fails catastrophically, producing no output, reduced output, or shorting to ground. Failure causes rapid battery drain, stalling, and in multiple cases, underhood fires. Diodes fail, causing electrical faults that cascade to damage PCM, battery, and wiring harnesses. Some fires occur after recall repairs were supposedly completed.
When: Can occur without warning at any driving speed or while parked. Some failures happen months after recall repair was performed. Owners report approximately 150,000–180,000 miles; others at lower mileage with no warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Whining or winding noise from engine bay; Acrid smoke or burning smell from under hood; Battery light illuminates on dashboard; All electrical systems dim or flicker simultaneously; Wipers turn on without command; Engine stalls abruptly; Loss of power steering and braking; Alternator glows red/hot to touch; Visible flames or smoke from alternator area; Melted wiring, vanity mirror, sun visor, or headliner; Small cracks in roof paint from heat; Complete loss of electrical function (lights, electronics gone)
Codes mentioned: P0480, P0693, B1630
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $900–$2,500+. PCM replacement often required ($1,000+). Battery replacement $230–$450. Wiring harness and fuse box damage common. One owner paid $1,800 for alternator, battery, starter, and ECM repairs; another paid $2,500 estimate at dealership but $1,100 at independent shop. Dealers sometimes refuse to cover battery replacement even though alternator fault caused damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V435000 (Alternator Assembly) issued for 160-amp alternators; many 180-amp vehicles exhibit identical symptoms but are excluded. Campaign P60/NHTSA 14V-634 (Alternator Diodes) also recalled. Owners report recall parts unavailable for extended periods. Some dealers repair vehicles under warranty but fire recurs within months. Dealership in Puerto Rico could not access parts due to supply chain issues (Hurricane Maria, 2017). Chrysler denied one warranty claim, stating fire 'not related to factory defect,' though independent inspection confirmed faulty wiring harness above sun visor.
Electrical System Fires in Cabin / Headliner
Wiring harnesses in the headliner and sun visor areas overheat and ignite, producing smoke and flames inside the cabin. Fires occur in areas where vanity lamp circuits run. Some fires happen after P36 recall repair was completed.
When: Can occur while driving or while vehicle is parked. One fire occurred while driving on city street; another while pulling into parking area. Fires reported in 2015, 2017, and 2024; some months after recall repairs.
Symptoms owners cite: Acrid smoke filling cabin; Burning plastic smell; Visible flames near sun visor or headliner on driver or passenger side; Headliner area hot to touch; Black melted areas on sun visor, vanity mirror, headliner; External roof crack with split paint from extreme heat; Smoke inhalation injury possible
Repairs/costs cited: Complete headliner and wiring harness replacement required. One dealer repaired vehicle at their cost (13 weeks labor) after lemon law threat. Roof paint repair and structural repairs needed. Owners cite multiple incidents (91+ reported in 2011–2014 models; 8+ fires after P36 repair was completed).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign P36/NHTSA 14V-391 (Electrical System) issued for sun visor wiring. Chrysler initially denied warranty claim on one vehicle, stating 'source of fire not related to factory defect'; later investigation revealed wiring harness was the cause, not P36 repair shroud. Owners recommend NHTSA require circuit breakers in vanity lamp wiring harnesses for 2011–2014 models.
Defective Door Locking / Unlock Failure
Vehicle doors lock unexpectedly or fail to unlock when occupants attempt to exit, trapping occupants inside. Occurs when keyless entry fob is present in the vehicle but doors become electronically locked during or immediately after exit.
When: Occurs during or immediately after vehicle exit when fob is inside vehicle (in purse or console).
Symptoms owners cite: Driver or passenger unable to open any door from outside; Doors lock without occupant command; Child trapped inside vehicle without adult present; High heat risk in summer months for trapped infants/toddlers
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned by owner; safety concern raised but vehicle not serviced for this defect. Owners report issue occurs multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer assistance center provided 'passive response' and referred owner to dealership multiple times without resolution. Owner threatened NHTSA complaint; no recall issued. Condition remains unresolved.
Engine Ticking / Rod Knock Noise
Persistent audible ticking noise from 5.7L HEMI engine audible during acceleration. Noise began after water pump was replaced on recall. Multiple dealerships claim noise is 'normal for HEMI' but owner believes it indicates internal engine damage. Engine stalls twice after ticking persists.
When: Began 4 years ago after water pump recall replacement. Continuous since then. Stalling occurred 2 days apart.
Symptoms owners cite: Audible ticking noise from engine; Ticking increases during acceleration; Engine stalling twice in 2-day period (once in driveway after 3 min run; once while slowing on highway)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple visits to two different dealerships (Anniston, AL and Foley, AL) yielded no diagnostic or repair attempts. Technicians dismissed as 'normal' behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealerships refused to acknowledge issue. Owner reports 'very common issue with HEMI 5.7L' online but Chrysler has not issued recall.
HVAC Blower Fan Malfunction / Stuck at High Speed
Heat/air conditioning blower fan turns on automatically at maximum speed when vehicle is started, with fan control button in off position. Fan speed cannot be adjusted and stays on for extended driving (up to 20 miles). Issue recurs after fan replacement.
When: Occurs when push-to-start button is pressed. First reported April 2014; recurred May 2014 after replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Blower fan runs at maximum speed on startup; Fan runs despite control button set to 'off'; Fan speed cannot be adjusted via controls; Fan continues running for extended distance (up to 20 miles); Turning vehicle off and restarting does not stop fan
Repairs/costs cited: Fan module replaced; failure recurred approximately 3 weeks later. Dealership was unable to reproduce issue during 3-hour diagnosis attempt and requested owner return with active fault.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged issue on paperwork but provided no diagnosis. Instructed owner to return when fault recurs with vehicle running so technician could capture codes. No resolution provided.
Intermittent Starting Difficulty / Push-Button Start Failure
Push-button start works intermittently or not at all, but remote start works consistently. Vehicle cranks but does not catch on first attempt; requires multiple button presses or waiting hours before starting. Issue persists across multiple vehicles.
When: Intermittent; can occur on first start attempt or after several hours/days. Some owners report issue present since 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Push-button start fails; engine cranks but does not ignite; Remote start works when push-button fails; Engine cranks for 15+ seconds before catching; Requires multiple start button presses before engine turns over; Waiting several hours sometimes resolves issue temporarily; Issue returns the next day or within hours
Codes mentioned: P0113
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replaced multiple times by dealers ($175–$300 per service call). One owner spent $1,200 on TIPM diagnostics/replacement estimates. No permanent resolution achieved; some owners paid $175/hour diagnostic fees only to have issue recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim 'cannot duplicate' issue despite recurring failures. Chrysler/Jeep acknowledges similar issues exist in TSB 08-007-14 but denies coverage for vehicles with VINs outside affected range. One dealer refused to re-perform recall repair and charged owner $175/hour to diagnose.
Cascading Electrical Failures After Recall Repairs
After recall repairs (alternator, fuel pump, brake booster, PCM replacement), vehicles develop new or compounding electrical faults including repeated stalling, failure to start, cooling fan circuit failure, lighting failure, and horn failure. PCM replacement sometimes required post-recall but not covered under original recall.
When: Failures occur immediately or within days of recall repair pickup. Some recur within 24 hours of repair completion. Repeat failures happen multiple times over weeks/months.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls on freeway immediately after recall repair pickup; No-start condition after recall parts installed; Long crank time (30+ seconds) before starting; Cooling fan circuit fails (overheating risk); Headlights fail (B1630 code); Horn becomes inoperable; Check engine light illuminates post-repair; Vehicle shuts down while in service for repairs
Codes mentioned: P0480, P0693, B1630, C2201-00
Repairs/costs cited: PCM replacement $500–$1,000+. TIPM replacement $1,200+. Dealers initially claim parts are replaced and 'fixed' without disclosing subsequent faults. Upon pickup, new issues emerge. Some owners required second tow and additional diagnostics ($175–$300/hour). One dealership suggested filing 'fake' fire insurance claim and declined further responsibility; another refused to cover damage caused by recall part failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler initially directs dealers to fix secondary failures but later 'no longer willing' to cover 'obvious damage from their alternator failure.' One owner waited 1 week for initial repair but received vehicle with uncorrected crank shaft position sensor issue (P0011 or similar); Chrysler directed dealer to fix but did not resolve. Multiple owners report dealerships mark recall as 'completed' even though final parts remain unavailable or secondary faults exist.
Traction Control / 4WD Loss During Winter Driving
Traction control and 4-wheel drive systems fail without warning while driving in snow/wet conditions, causing vehicle to fishtail or lose control. Check 4-wheel drive warning light illuminates intermittently. Failure is repeatable but dealers cannot diagnose root cause.
When: Occurs during winter driving at low speeds (~20 mph) in snow. Warning lights appear intermittently after vehicle has sat unused for 6–7 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control becomes inoperable while driving; Vehicle fishtails or loses traction in snow; Check 4-wheel drive warning light illuminates; Check traction control warning light illuminates intermittently; Loss of vehicle control (spinning out)
Codes mentioned: C2221-00
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer requested vehicle be brought in for diagnosis but owner did not proceed. Issue remains unresolved and undiagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 19V813000 related; owner had difficulty obtaining recall repair due to parts unavailability. Dealer acknowledged diagnostic code (C2221-00, Electronic Limited Slip Differential Module failure) but requested vehicle bring-in; no follow-up or resolution provided.
Dimming / Flickering Lights and Electrical Instability
Dashboard lights, headlights, and interior lights dim, flicker, or turn on/off without command. Wipers activate without user input. Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously. Battery light illuminates.
When: Occurs while driving; one incident during cold weather (12 degrees) on highway. Can occur multiple times per trip or intermittently.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard warning lights flicker or illuminate (battery, traction control); Headlights and interior lights dim significantly; Windshield wipers turn on without command; Multiple electrical systems fail in cascade; Battery light illuminates on dashboard; Complete loss of power (lights, brakes, steering)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement typically required. Battery replacement common. Wiring harness inspection needed. Some owners cite $2,000+ in electrical repairs (alternator, battery, PCM, starter).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to alternator recall (17V435000); parts availability issues delay repair. In one case, owner was pregnant and stranded at night in freezing weather; dealership offered no loaner.
Instrument Panel / Gauge Display Issues
Speedometer and tachometer needles are dark red against dark background, making them difficult to read during nighttime driving or bright sunlight. Contrast issue creates visibility problem for drivers, especially those with red-green color blindness.
When: Constant; issue is design-related and present throughout vehicle operation under low-light or bright ambient conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer needle difficult to see at night; Tachometer needle difficult to see at night; Poor contrast between needle color (dark red) and background (dark slate/black); Increased time to read gauges (eyes off road longer); Binocular vision affected by small steering wheel and side-mounted gauges
Repairs/costs cited: No repair available; design defect. Owner suggests this contributes to inadvertent speeding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. No manufacturer response documented.
Check Engine Light with Multiple / Intermittent Codes
Check engine light illuminates intermittently over extended period (5 months or longer). Multiple diagnostic codes appear and disappear; scanner cannot pinpoint consistent fault. Vehicle loses power going uphill.
When: Intermittent over 5+ months; light appears and disappears. One incident stayed on after 1,200-mile trip.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates and extinguishes intermittently; Multiple codes appear on scanner (inconsistent); Vehicle loses power on inclines (city streets and highways); Hesitation or power loss during acceleration; Seatbelt warning light does not always alert when seatbelt is unfastened
Codes mentioned: P0128
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat gauge replacement required; total cost $309.15 (diagnostic + repair). Issue persisted for 5 months before repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin documented.
Synthesized from 352 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.