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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 40 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 11,180 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
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 346 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 76 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 84 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 66 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 40 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 37 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 47 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 51 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 28 |
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What stands out
Owners have filed 40 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.
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.
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗To inform dealers about the 850RE valve body PN: R8348504A connector: the original 16-pin connector included six pins that were not used in this application. To simplify the design, the connector has been optimized and updated to a 10-pin configuration.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission "Transmission For transmission concerns related to DTCs P0733-00, P1DA8-00, and/or P1D92-00, a repair is available, and transmission replacement is NOT required. Please reference TSB 21-009-25 Rev. A, for details on D-clutch replacement. Please also note, visible ""glitter"" or debris in the pan and fluid color/condition/odor is NOT an indicator of transmission health and should not be used as the reason for unit replacement. Complete unit replacements instead of repairs for these DTCs may be subject to chargeback."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain generates complaints across multiple systems. Transmission issues dominate: drivers lose power mid-acceleration (vehicle feels like neutral despite being in drive), experience violent downshifts from high gears to first, hard jerking shifts from cold start, and intermittent inability to shift into drive or reverse from park. Lockups occur at 25–30 mph where the vehicle will not accelerate beyond that speed.
Engine stalls happen at highway speeds (60–75 mph) with no warning lights, requiring immediate restart. One owner documented five stalls between July 2020 and January 2021; another experienced three incidents with the third in a construction zone. Throttle response fails intermittently, with the accelerator producing no engine response.
An active HCU/ABS safety recall has left owners without reliable vehicles for up to a year, with no remedy timeline provided. One catastrophic electrical failure flooded the dashboard with simultaneous warning lights, locked the transmission in park, disabled the shifter, and overheated battery cables.
Dealerships consistently report inability to reproduce intermittent faults despite test-driving vehicles 100+ miles, and transmission repairs—including valve body kits and software updates—frequently fail to resolve issues. One dealer acknowledged repairing over 30 similar vehicles, mostly out of warranty. Head gasket failure at 67,000 miles is noted as a recurring problem the manufacturer was supposed to have fixed.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Loss of Power / Neutral Condition
Vehicle loses power during acceleration or merging, acting as if transmission is in neutral. Engine revs but wheels don't move or respond sluggishly. Occurs without warning lights. Dangerous during highway driving.
When: Throughout ownership, some cases as early as 3,000-4,000 miles; intermittent, happens multiple times over months/years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs with no power transfer to wheels; Vehicle feels like it's in neutral despite being in drive; Loss of acceleration during highway merges or traffic situations; No warning lights or error codes displayed; Intermittent behavior makes diagnosis difficult
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership aware of this issue per owner report; one dealer claimed to have repaired over 30 vehicles with same problem. Majority out of warranty. Owner reports thousands of dollars spent on repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued per owners; forums and dealership acknowledge Jeep awareness of issue
Engine Stall While Driving
Engine suddenly loses all power while vehicle is in motion at highway speeds (60-75 mph). Vehicle cannot accelerate. Requires immediate restart to regain function. No warning lights or check engine codes.
When: Multiple occurrences over weeks to years; one vehicle stalled 5 times between July 2020 - January 2021; another stalled 3 separate times
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Dashboard lights blink, display 'SHIFT TO P TO START' message; Rapid deceleration from 65+ mph to near stop; No check engine light or warning codes displayed; Engine restarts normally after restart cycle
Codes mentioned: No codes reported by owners
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to reproduce issue in multiple cases; owners driven 100+ miles by dealer test drives. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases; case numbers provided but no recall or remedy offered
Hard/Rough Transmission Shifts and Jerking
Transmission shifts roughly or violently, especially during downshifts and gear changes. Vehicle lurches, shudders, or jolts passengers forward. Hard shifts from 2nd-1st gear are particularly severe. Occurs from cold start and during normal driving.
When: From early ownership (1,300 miles reported); cold startups; during deceleration and acceleration
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, violent downshifts with violent clunking noises; Vehicle shudders or jerks forward during shifts; Lurching or popping sensation when shifting gears; Especially severe during 2nd-1st gear downshift; Surge or jump forward feeling during hard braking
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed TSB transmission adjustment on one vehicle which made problem worse; valve body kit installed on another (1,456 miles) with no resolution; transmission replacement ordered but did not resolve issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB report issued regarding transmission shift control per dealer; no successful repair documented
Transmission Shift Delay / Inability to Shift Gears
Vehicle unable to shift out of low gear or unable to shift into drive/reverse from park. Driver must come to complete stop, shift to neutral, then back to drive/reverse to regain function. Intermittent but recurring hazard during highway driving.
When: Intermittent, happening 10-12 times over 6 years on one vehicle; early ownership on others
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift out of lowest gear on initial acceleration; Cannot shift into reverse or drive from park; Requires complete stop and shift-to-neutral-then-back to regain function; No error codes displayed; Happens randomly, impossible to reproduce for dealer
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership appointment scheduled but repair status unknown in most cases
Transmission Lockup at Low Speed
Transmission locks up or becomes stuck, preventing vehicle from moving beyond 25-30 mph regardless of gear selection. Vehicle will not shift to higher gears. Occurs on highway and freeway driving, extremely dangerous.
When: Intermittent, multiple occurrences over weeks to months
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks into low gear, won't shift higher; Vehicle stuck at 25-30 mph maximum speed; Unable to accelerate beyond locked speed; No warning light or message (though some report late-appearing check engine light); Requires vehicle restart to restore function
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (delayed appearance in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed one vehicle as having defective transmission; transmission replacement eventually ordered
Violent Downshift from High to First Gear
While driving at normal speed, transmission abruptly downshifts multiple gears violently (e.g., from 5th or 6th gear to 1st), causing RPMs to spike over 7000 and vehicle to lunge forward. Driver temporarily loses vehicle control.
When: During normal driving at 45 mph in traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk during violent downshift; Sudden downshift to 1st gear from high gear; RPMs spike to 7000+ during downshift; Vehicle lurches/lunges forward violently; Driver momentarily loses control; Vehicle remains at high RPM until manually shut off
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Transmission Failure to Engage / Parking Gear Malfunction
Transmission fails to engage into drive, reverse, or park. Vehicle may roll or be unable to shift out of park despite being in park. Sometimes accompanied by multiple warning lights and shifter lock failures.
When: At startup or while attempting to shift gears
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fails to engage into gear; Vehicle rolls when in park; Unable to shift out of park despite selecting drive/reverse; Shifter button locks preventing gear selection; Service shifter light illuminates; Multiple dashboard warning lights (ABS, service engine, airbag, etc.)
Codes mentioned: Service shifter light, Service engine light, ABS warning light, Airbag warning light, 60+ codes reported in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Battery reset performed by dealer with temporary resolution; failure reoccurred; transmission disassembly needed per dealer (parts on backorder)
Transmission Sensor Issues / Software Problems
Transmission sensor malfunctions causing delayed or erratic shifting. Software updates performed by dealership without resolution. Fluid level and cleanliness cannot be checked due to sealed transmission design.
When: Multiple occurrences over 4 months in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed shifting response; Unable to shift into reverse or drive from park; Vehicle stalls; Rough gear changes; Unusual transmission noises
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed software updates which did not resolve issue; transmission stated to be completely sealed preventing fluid checks
Loss of Engine Power / Throttle Response Failure
Engine loses power response to accelerator pedal input. Vehicle unable to accelerate despite engine running and being in drive. Requires pull-over and restart to restore function. No warning lights.
When: Intermittent, while driving at highway speeds (55-75 mph) or during acceleration at intersections
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal has no effect on engine power; Engine running but no acceleration response; Vehicle coasts to stop on shoulder; No warning lights or error codes; Restart restores full function
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects PCM mounting screws too long, causing circuit board contact during vibration; workaround was adding washers to screws
Engine / Power Loss During Acceleration with Brake Malfunction
While attempting to park, brakes malfunction and vehicle accelerates forward uncontrollably, causing collision. Separately, vehicle loses acceleration ability and braking system malfunctions during highway driving.
When: While parking (first incident); during highway driving at high speed (second incident)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depression does not stop vehicle; Vehicle accelerates forward uncontrollably; Loss of acceleration response on highway; Braking system malfunctions; Vehicle responds only after shifting transmission back to drive
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose failures
HCU/ABS Module Recall with No Remedy
Vehicle subject to active safety recall involving HCU/ABS module. Owners unable to use vehicle for nearly a year due to safety risks. No remedy or timeline provided by manufacturer. Recall creates multiple dangerous conditions: false brake light illumination, disabled ABS and ESC, ability to shift out of park without brake pedal.
When: Ongoing, unresolved for up to 1 year
Symptoms owners cite: False brake light illumination; Disabled ABS system; Disabled Electronic Stability Control (ESC); Ability to start and shift out of park without brake pedal engagement; Vehicle can move without brake input even when parked
Codes mentioned: HCU/ABS module failure
Repairs/costs cited: No parts or repairs available; owners stranded without transportation for up to a year
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety recall issued but no remedy provided; no timeline communicated; case references NHTSA safety recall (campaign number reference implied)
Complete Electrical System Failure with Multiple Warning Lights
Vehicle experiences sudden, catastrophic electrical system malfunction with all lights and systems failing simultaneously. Dashboard floods with multiple warning lights. Vehicle cannot be controlled. Emergency shifter/neutral button locks. Battery cables overheat creating fire hazard.
When: Suddenly while vehicle parked at drive-through
Symptoms owners cite: Service shifter light comes on; Service engine light illuminates; Service airbag light illuminates; All interior and exterior lights malfunction/flash; Windshield wipers malfunction and cycle uncontrollably; Steering wheel becomes stiff; Vehicle stalls and will not move; Transmission shifts from drive to park automatically and locks there; Emergency neutral lever and button lock; Battery cables become extremely hot (fire hazard)
Codes mentioned: Service transmission: 'continue on D, do not shift or turn off engine', Multiple simultaneous warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Independent repair shop's diagnostic computer could not communicate with vehicle; vehicle had to be towed
Transfer Case Failure
Transfer case fails during driving, producing abnormal clinking sound. Requires replacement; parts on backorder.
When: At 80,686 miles while accelerating at 60 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clinking sound during acceleration; No warning lights
Codes mentioned: Transfer case failure
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosed as transfer case failure; parts on backorder; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign Number 25V011000 (Power Train)
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
Rattling noise persists in vehicle even after transmission replacement, later diagnosed as PTU (power transfer unit) failure requiring replacement.
When: After transmission replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise when accelerating after gear change; Noise persists after transmission replacement
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced transmission but did not resolve issue; owner identified PTU as actual cause
Shift Flare / Transmission Delay on Acceleration
Vehicle experiences hesitation or delay when accelerating, with transmission seeming to slip before engaging. Sudden bursts of power follow delay. Vehicle jerks during acceleration.
When: During normal acceleration and highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration; Transmission slip before engaging; Sudden bursts of power; Vehicle jerks during acceleration; Loss of power during acceleration
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Difficulty Starting / Engine Cranking Failure
Vehicle sometimes does not start when start button is pressed. No response on initial press; multiple attempts needed or prolonged wait before engine cranks.
When: Intermittent, during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Start button press produces no response; Engine does not crank; Requires multiple attempts to start vehicle
Codes mentioned: No codes reported
Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket fails at relatively low mileage (67,000 miles). Owner notes this is a chronic issue with engine in this vehicle and previous models that was supposed to be resolved.
When: At 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine sputtering and slowing down at highway speeds; Blown head gasket confirmed
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket failure confirmed
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 3,300 and 28,000 miles, with the median around 11,180. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,300; a quarter make it past 28,000. 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/2019/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.