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moderate Owners of the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 46 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 49 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 248 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 127 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 51 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 46 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 78 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 30 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 30 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 17 |
Of the 46 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
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.
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ISOLATOR - ENGINE MOUNT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ISOLATOR - ENGINE MOUNT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokees with 3.6L (and some 3.2L) engines describe a pattern of catastrophic failures in the first 50–125K miles, many occurring well before expected engine life. The most frequent complaint is stalling and loss of power while driving, often without warning lights and in hazardous situations—at highway speeds, intersections, and bridges. Several owners report complete loss of power steering and braking, creating serious collision risk.
Oil system failures dominate the complaints: owners cite leaking oil-filter housing (plastic component prone to warping and cracking from heat), oil adapter housing failures forcing oil into the cooling system, and oil-cooler failures dumping oil into the coolant. These failures often go undetected until catastrophic. Cooling system contamination and radiator leaks are also reported frequently, with dealers noting seam failures and acknowledging these as manufacturer defects.
Engine internal failures appear widespread: head gasket failures as early as 50K miles, cylinder misfires, camshaft and lifter destruction, valve-train failure, and blown head gaskets in the 60–110K-mile range. Some owners report white smoke from the exhaust, rough idle, and inability to start. Multiple owners mention encountering the same problem repeatedly across different shops, suggesting systemic design issues rather than isolated incidents. One owner reports Jeep declining engine replacement despite being within powertrain warranty.
Transmission and driveline stalling, unintended acceleration upon shifter engagement, and auto start/stop malfunctions are also reported. Several owners reference online complaints indicating these are known issues, yet no recall has been issued for the engine failures.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Plastic oil filter housing cracks, warps, or leaks due to heat exposure, causing severe oil leaks and loss of engine oil.
When: Typically 45K–100K miles; can occur early as 12K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil dripping onto driveway or pooling under vehicle; Low oil level on dipstick despite recent fill; No warning lights before catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics replace plastic housing with aluminum aftermarket version ($650 reported). Full cooling system flush and coolant replacement often required due to contamination.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Jeep discontinued Pentastar production and redesigned housing for newer models but did not recall affected vehicles.
Engine oil adapter housing (Mopar Part 68308741-AF) leaks internally, redirecting engine oil into cooling system and displacing coolant.
When: Reported at 2,867 miles and other early mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil contamination in cooling system (oil visible in coolant reservoir); Extremely low oil level despite no external leaks visible; Loss of coolant in system; No warning lights or indicators before discovery
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced oil adapter housing and most of cooling system due to oil contamination. Parts cost and labor substantial; exact cost varies.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged part failure as manufacturer defect. Chrysler customer service declined engine replacement on one warranty claim. FCA stated awareness of issue.
Head gasket fails prematurely, allowing coolant to intrude into cylinders and causing loss of compression and white smoke from exhaust.
When: 50K–110K miles; can occur on responsibly maintained vehicles with timely dealer service.
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke from exhaust on cold start or continuous; Rough idle and hard starting; Check engine light; Vehicle overheating; Hesitation and stalling under load; Loss of power and poor acceleration
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Misfire in cylinder #2), P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Quoted repairs range $3K–$11K. One owner reported quoted $4,600 for head gasket alone; another was quoted $11K for full engine replacement after gasket failure led to additional engine damage. Repairs not completed in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge issue as 'extremely common' on 3.6L engines. Chrysler customer service declined warranty coverage for at-mileage failures (50–62K miles) citing out-of-warranty status despite powertrain warranty claims.
Cylinders misfire due to coil, spark plug, or internal valve-train defect; camshafts and lifters wear prematurely or fail, producing metal debris throughout engine.
When: 60K–125K miles; one case at 82K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (persistent or intermittent); Rough idle and hesitation during acceleration; Abnormal knocking or ticking noise from engine; Loss of power and poor acceleration; Stalling in traffic or at intersections
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Misfire cylinder #2), P0303 (Misfire cylinder #3), P1D97 (Clutch A or D defective), P1DB8 (Unintended Torque applied while in neutral)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include spark plug replacement, ignition coil replacement, VVT (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid replacement, camshaft replacement, and lifter/rocker arm replacement. One owner reported complete metal debris contamination throughout engine block.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VVT solenoid replacement performed as repair; no manufacturer intervention or recall noted for valve-train failures.
Vehicle stalls or loses power unexpectedly while in motion, without warning lights in many cases. Vehicle may enter limp mode or require multiple restart attempts.
When: Occurs from first year of ownership to 100K+ miles; one owner experienced seven stalls in 0.25 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power and acceleration while moving (reported at 13–65 mph); Loss of power steering and brake assist (loss of vacuum/electrical assist); Vehicle stalls at stops, intersections, during turns, or on highways; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Multiple restart attempts needed before vehicle runs again; Vehicle enters limp mode on some occurrences; Steering locks upon stall
Codes mentioned: Various engine codes retrieved after stall events; some incidents had no fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanics and dealers unable to permanently resolve in multiple cases. Software updates, throttle body reprogramming, and fuel pump replacement ($2,000) attempted without lasting solution. Some vehicles remain unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep dealerships offered 2.5–3 week diagnostic appointments and declined loaner vehicles until diagnosis complete. Manufacturer notified in some cases; no recalls issued for this symptom pattern.
Radiator develops leaks at seams, identified as manufacturer defect by both dealership and independent mechanics.
When: Reported at 45K miles on a 2-year-old 2017 vehicle (approximately 2 years of ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze leak (green fluid) visible under vehicle; Odor of antifreeze; Visible coolant around radiator area
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement required. Both dealership and independent mechanic confirmed manufacturer defect. Mechanics reported stocking extra radiators due to frequency of this failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Dealership and independent shops identified defect as manufacturer responsibility.
Vehicle accelerates suddenly and uncontrollably when placed in Drive from Park, without driver depressing gas pedal.
When: Not specified by mileage in reports.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle takes off at high acceleration upon shifter engagement to Drive; No gas pedal input from driver; Severe acceleration lasting until brake is applied hard; Occurs without warning or prior symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaint narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Auto start/stop feature causes engine delay on restart when pulling into traffic, creating unsafe merge conditions. System also fails to restart in some cases.
When: Occurs on first start of vehicle after stop; one case at 61K miles with 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' message.
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed acceleration/engine restart after auto stop at traffic light; Insufficient time to merge into traffic lane safely; Vehicle displays 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' message and fails to restart; Check engine and auto stop warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaint narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented. Owners report system is defaulted to on, creating recurring hazard.
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler fails or EGR pressure hose leaks, causing loss of power and check engine light.
When: Reported at 83K and 109K miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses motive power while driving; Check engine light illuminated; Fuel leaking underneath engine compartment; Vehicle will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler and hose replacement identified. One vehicle was not repaired; manufacturer case opened.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened in at least one instance; no assistance or recall noted.
Transmission hesitates to shift, displays transmission warning lights (D and R blinking), and vehicle stalls during gear engagement.
When: Reported at 24K miles and other lower mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: D and R symbols on transmission display blink; Vehicle stalls while in Drive or Reverse; Vehicle hesitates to shift into next gear; Requires shifter to be moved back to Park and engine restarted; Transmission warning light may not illuminate immediately
Codes mentioned: P1D97 (Clutch A or D defective), P1DB8 (Unintended Torque applied while in neutral)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose without check engine light illumination. Vehicles remain undrivable without repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner referenced existing recall (2016–2017 Cherokee transmission recall affecting 67,000+ vehicles) as similar but Jeep customer service stated it does not apply to Grand Cherokee.
Engine will not turn over or start on first or multiple attempts; vehicle has push-button start and may display stop/start warning lights.
When: Reported on vehicles with low mileage (under 12K–52K miles) after sitting overnight or for a few hours.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not turn over on button press; Multiple restart attempts required before engine cranks; Check engine light illuminated; Stop/Start warning light illuminated; Vehicle eventually starts after several attempts
Codes mentioned: EGR cooler fault (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replacement quoted at approximately $2,000 in one case; blown head gasket discovered during starter removal and startup attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer intervention documented.
Synthesized from 46 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The contact owns 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to Firestone, where the contact was informed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the…
The EVAP system leak P0456 the code I received.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP mode and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle overheated due to the radiator not functioning properly. The check engine and brake warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after numerous attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where unknown…
Early engine wear on 3.6L v6. Heavy rocker arm and lifter noise.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 46 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 24,000 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.