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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 19 |
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 20 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 79 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 82 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 51 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 450 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 346 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 76 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 84 |
3crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 51 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 51 powertrain 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.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) on. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P2463 ? Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Accumulation, and P2453 ? Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Sensor Circuit Performance Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a powertrain that behaves erratically and unpredictably. RPM spikes—jumping from 2,000 to 6,000–7,000 RPM—occur during normal driving at steady speeds or when accelerating. The vehicle loses all acceleration response during these surges: the engine revs loudly but the car refuses to move, forcing drivers to brake hard and restart the engine. This happens weekly or more frequently and has created hazardous traffic situations.
Transmission problems are widespread: rough or delayed shifts, loud clunking during engagement, transmission slipping out of gear, and in at least one case, the vehicle accelerating forward at full throttle while parked and in drive or reverse. Software updates have not resolved shift hesitation or the thud that occurs when downshifting.
Stalling occurs without warning, sometimes on highways in traffic, and can take 10 minutes or multiple restart cycles before the engine restarts. Alternators fail prematurely (some as early as 35,000 miles) with whining, burning smells, and smoke; the failure often cascades to damage the powertrain control module. Fuel pump relays fail but replacement parts are frequently unavailable at dealerships, leaving vehicles stranded.
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) goes bad, disabling turn signals, wipers, transfer case, and brakes simultaneously. Battery warning lights come on regularly; batteries run hot. Dealers have not isolated root causes in many cases, and Chrysler has discontinued manufacturing TIPM units, making repairs impossible. Owners report Jeep dealers are dismissive and claim they've never heard of these issues despite widespread online complaints.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
RPM surges, hesitation, loss of acceleration control
Engine RPMs spike unexpectedly (2,000 to 3,000–7,000 range) during steady driving or acceleration, causing jerking, hesitation, or complete loss of acceleration response. Vehicle responds only after stop-and-restart. Check engine light may appear and clear later.
When: Occurs unpredictably at slow, medium, and interstate speeds; can happen weekly
Symptoms owners cite: Unexpected RPM jumps followed by drop; Vehicle jerk or hesitation during acceleration; Engine running at 3,500–4,000 RPM without acceleration (sluggish feel); Complete loss of acceleration response; engine revs sharply with no forward movement; Check engine light illumination (intermittent); Requires stop-and-restart to regain normal operation
Alternator failure with arcing to powertrain
Alternator fails prematurely, producing loud whine, burning smell, and smoke. Failure can arc to the powertrain control module, requiring additional replacement. 160-amp alternators subject to recall (17V435000); 180-amp units reportedly not recalled despite similar failures.
When: Reported at 35,118 miles; can fail early despite low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise that increases on acceleration; Burning rubber smell; Smoke visible; Vehicle jerking during operation; Battery light illumination after alternator replacement; Vehicle nearly stalling at stop light
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement ~$1,000 out of pocket when beyond 3-year warranty; secondary powertrain control module replacement also required if arcing occurs (may be warranty-covered)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 160-amp alternators recalled under NHTSA 17V435000; 180-amp units not yet recalled despite pattern of identical failures; FCA denied reimbursement petition for non-recalled VIN
Fuel pump relay failure causing stalling
Fuel pump relay fails, causing engine shutdown while driving or at idle. Subject to recall (specific campaign number not consistently cited), but dealers reported parts unavailable. Some owners had fuel pump relay previously replaced without resolving stalling.
When: Can occur after months or years of ownership; stalling becomes more frequent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning while driving or at idle; Vent blower stops; vehicle shuts off; No start condition after stall; Engine restarts after ~10 minutes and runs fine until next stall; Stalling frequency increases over time; Oil pressure error light may appear
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replacement; cost varies; in some cases documented at $1,309.00 for relay repair (owner denied reimbursement)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists but parts frequently unavailable at dealers; multiple dealers reported backorders; FCA reimbursement claims often denied; one owner's case assigned #76491689 and denied
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) malfunction
TIPM loses communication with vehicle systems, causing multiple electrical and drivetrain failures. Loss of turn signals, wipers, transfer case control (locks in low gear), airbag light activation, transmission issues, and brake problems reported.
When: Failure mileage not consistently documented
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of turn signals; Wipers stop working; Transfer case locks in low gear; Airbag warning light illumination; Hesitation and sluggish acceleration (15–25 MPH); Brake pedal resistance increases, requires full depression to floorboard; Emergency stop brake engages unexpectedly; Low battery warning message displayed; Battery runs hot
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement required; Chrysler no longer manufactures replacement units; vehicle may require towing when TIPM fails completely
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls for TIPM malfunction noted; manufacturer no longer manufactures TIPM units, making repair difficult or impossible
Transmission control module and powertrain control module failure
Transmission control module and powertrain control module fail, sometimes in conjunction with other electrical failures. Causes stalling, loss of power, and failure to restart in some cases.
When: Failures reported at 25,300 miles and 119,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalling at 55 MPH; Failure to restart after stall; Loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle shaking when attempting to accelerate from stop
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission control module and powertrain control module replacement; costs not detailed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; some repairs covered; in one case battery was diagnosed as root cause by dealer
Transmission shift and engagement issues
Transmission exhibits rough shifts, delayed engagement, slipping out of gear, and loud thud/clunk during shift or acceleration. Issues persist after software updates and transmission software flashing. Occasionally transmission will not shift into gear properly or sounds as if in neutral.
When: Occurs intermittently during downshift, acceleration from stop, or gear changes; reported to persist for months
Symptoms owners cite: Loud thud or clunk during downshift or acceleration from stop; Vehicle jerks during shift; Transmission slips out of gear; Delayed or no response when shifting into drive; Sounds like dragging or neutral; Transmission slipping out of gear while vehicle is stationary (causing unintended movement); Hesitancy in stop-and-go traffic; sluggish response to accelerator; RPM surge without proportional acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission software updates and flashing performed without resolution; defect persists after dealer repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates and transmission software flashing performed; problem not resolved
Unintended acceleration and loss of braking
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly without driver input or despite brake application. Can occur in park while vehicle is idling, in reverse, or during normal driving. In some cases, brakes are ineffective.
When: Occurs unpredictably; documented instances while parked, during reversing, and during forward driving
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly accelerates forward at 10 MPH while in park and idling; Vehicle lurches forward when foot brake applied but accelerator revs up; Vehicle speeds in reverse at full throttle without brake response; Accelerator revs when not depressed; Brake pedal becomes ineffective
Repairs/costs cited: Causes not diagnosed in reported cases; one incident caused vehicle to drive over curb; another caused collision with parked vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In some cases, cause could not be determined by dealer; no recalls issued for unintended acceleration
Park-to-neutral shifting and rollaway
Vehicle shifts out of park or instrument panel displays vehicle is not in park when selector is in park position. Vehicle rolls forward without warning despite park engagement.
When: Occurs at various mileages (60,000–97,000 miles documented)
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel shows 'not in park' despite selector in park; Vehicle rolls forward without warning; Vehicle rocks back and forth while parked; Failure occurs when shifting between gears
Repairs/costs cited: One incident resulted in vehicle driving forward at 10 MPH and crashing into garage door; another caused rollaway into another parked vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cause unable to be diagnosed in reported cases; no recalls issued
Engine stalling and no-start conditions
Engine stalls without warning during driving or at idle. Vehicle may fail to restart immediately or require multiple start attempts. Stalling can occur on highway or in traffic, creating safety hazard.
When: Failures reported at 25,300–128,000 miles; stalling can become more frequent over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at various speeds without warning; Engine stalls at stop signs and traffic lights; Engine dies within seconds after start button pressed; No-start condition; engine clicks but does not turn over; Requires multiple restart attempts or power cycles; Electrical remains on but engine does not crank; Oil pressure error light may illuminate; Rough idling
Repairs/costs cited: Causes cited include cylinder head failure, compression leaks, fuel pump relay failure, and TIPM malfunction; repair costs vary significantly
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In some cases, manufacturer cited extended warranty programs (X56 extension for 3.6L cylinder head); some VINs not included in warranty programs; some cases referred to NHTSA complaint process
Cylinder head and rocker arm failure
Left or right cylinder head fails, producing ticking noise and rough idling. Rocker arm defect causes ticking noise during engine start, shutdown, or operation. Failures reported at relatively low mileage.
When: Reported at 66,000–128,000 miles; ticking noise comes and goes intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Loud ticking noise from engine during start, shutdown, or operation; Rough idling; Engine sputtering; Check engine light illumination; Misfire during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Left cylinder head replacement performed in one case; rocker arm replacement cost not detailed; diagnosis ~$550 for faulty sensor in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some engines covered under X56 extended warranty for 3.6L cylinder head; some VINs not included in warranty; other cases have no recall coverage; one owner's mechanic noted similar issues on other VINs with recalls but complainant's VIN excluded
Transmission fluid leaks
Transmission coolant or fluid leaks from front of vehicle, driver-side edge, or from multiple small points. Mechanic indicated this is a known manufacturing problem requiring combined transmission and AC condenser unit replacement.
When: Documented at 91,000 miles; leaks can become apparent at various ages
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission coolant fluid visible leaking from front of vehicle; Multiple small-point leaks reported; Fluid pooling under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Combined transmission and AC condenser unit replacement required; costs not specified but noted as expensive repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised no open recalls for transmission coolant leak failure
Transfer case control module and shift motor failure
Transfer case control module or shift motor malfunction causes jerky movement, grinding noises, and erratic four-wheel-drive engagement. Can cause vehicle to jump in and out of 4WD. Module may be on national backorder.
When: Reported at various mileages; issue can recur after repair
Symptoms owners cite: Jerky movement at slow speeds, especially during turns and backing up; Service 4WD light illumination; Grinding noises during gear shifts; Vehicle jumps in and out of 4-wheel drive; Vehicle stuck in 4-low mode; Ticking noise when starting vehicle and turning it off (comes and goes)
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case control module and shift motor replacement performed; transfer case replacement required in some cases; parts on national backorder; one repair failed within 3 months and 5,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls noted; parts frequently unavailable from dealer and aftermarket suppliers
Drive shaft and CV joint failures
Rear driveshaft CV joint boot fails, allowing grease to leak onto neighboring components. Joint connecting to transfer case at highest risk. Driveshaft middle support bearing fails. Failures cause clicking noise progressing to loud popping and severe vibration.
When: CV joint failure reported at ~78,500 miles; middle support bearing failure at 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Mild clicking noise from driveline; Loud popping noise from center of vehicle; Noticeable driveline vibration; Grease ring visible on CV joint components
Repairs/costs cited: Rear driveshaft replacement required; CV joint boot replacement; front driveshaft also requires replacement if grease ring present; middle support bearing repair costs cited at ~$875 plus labor; parts frequently on backorder (3-month delay documented)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls noted for driveshaft or CV joint failures
Oil pressure sensor malfunction
Oil pressure sensor fails, causing check engine light to continuously illuminate even after clearing. Sensor replacement is inexpensive (~$30–40 part) but labor-intensive.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light continuously illuminates; Check engine light does not clear permanently
Repairs/costs cited: $30–40 for sensor; $550+ for repair due to labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technician confirmed this is a problem that happens frequently on these vehicles
Rear differential failure
Rear-end differential fails or requires replacement. Owner reports this is second replacement on same vehicle, indicating possible design or manufacturing defect.
When: Not specified; second failure suggests early pattern
Symptoms owners cite: Rear differential noise or failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rear differential replacement; owner notes mechanics indicate Jeeps require this repair often
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls noted; mechanics report this is a known issue requiring frequent repair on Jeep models
Engine shutoff during reverse operation
Engine shuts off when vehicle shifted into reverse or beginning reverse operation. Issue persists after dealer diagnostics and recall repairs.
When: Occurred after V62 recall was performed
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutoff when shifting into or driving in reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Second dealer diagnostics performed; problem not resolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: V62 recall performed at dealer; problem worsened after recall repair
Transmission electric components and vibration issues
Vehicle randomly vibrates violently and does not shift properly into gear. Issues related to transmission electrical components.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Random violent vibration; Improper gear engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs not detailed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner cites multiple previous recalls and software updates have not resolved issues
Battery drainage and no-start conditions
Battery drains or fails after overnight parking, preventing engine start. Battery warning indicator illuminates. May occur repeatedly even after battery replacement.
When: Reported at 118,000 miles and after overnight parking
Symptoms owners cite: Engine fails to start after overnight parking; Battery warning indicator illuminates; Clicks when start button pressed; Problem recurs even after new battery installation; Hot battery temperature
Repairs/costs cited: New battery and alternator required in some cases; PCM replacement ordered; $1,000+ in repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but did not assist; manufacturer may attribute failures to battery rather than electrical system defect
Defective rocker arm
Rocker arm defect causes abnormal ticking sound from engine without warning. Issue documented at high mileage (125,000 miles) with check engine light after misfire.
When: Reported at approximately 125,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal ticking sound from engine; Check engine light illumination after misfire at low speed
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs declined by owner; diagnostic cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall available; owner advised to take vehicle to authorized dealer for service
Performance control module malfunction
Performance control module fails at very low mileage (4,015 miles), preventing acceleration from stop and causing abnormal shaking.
When: 4,015 miles (extremely early failure)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle does not respond when attempting to accelerate from stop; Abnormal shaking and vibration; Service 4WD light illumination; Electronic stability control light illumination; Electronic warning lights illuminate on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Performance control module replacement required; cost not specified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that when the vehicle was shifted into park, the instrument panel displayed that the vehicle was not in park. The failure recurred numerous times. When the vehicle was shifted into park, the vehicle rolled forward without warning. The failure recurred two times. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The manufacturer…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 40,000 and 118,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 118,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2013/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.