While slowly turning into a parking slot in front of a building, the vehicle surged forward, jumping the curb and striking a metal handrail and the corner of the building. Substantial damage resulted to the front, hood and cooling systems.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
severe 37 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
37
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2fires
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 37 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 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain is prone to transmission failures (often reported as refusing to shift gears or slipping), unintended acceleration, stalling, and electrical system faults across a wide range of mileages. Buyers should be aware that multiple owners report these issues have persisted even after dealer repairs and that one vehicle caught fire while operating.
The 2020 Grand Cherokee's powertrain shows a pattern of critical failures. Transmission problems dominate: owners report vehicles that won't shift into any gear (stranding them in traffic), harsh jerking during shifts, slipping in third gear, and complete failures as early as 460 miles and as late as 88,000+ miles. Some replaced transmissions exhibit the same faults shortly after installation. Multiple owners cite dealer diagnostic codes P0733 (gear 3 shift error) and P1B14-00 (park-by-wire errors), along with TSB 21-00925.
Unintended acceleration happens too—vehicles surge forward at 20–60 mph without pedal input, especially in Sport mode and during reverse parking. One owner's vehicle accelerated to 60 mph and had to be driven into a field. Stalling at traffic lights and loss of power during highway driving are also reported, with one vehicle catching fire at 75 mph after losing acceleration (total loss).
Electrical failures are severe: some owners describe their dashboard lighting up "like a Christmas tree" with all warning lights on, rendering the vehicle immobile. Engine problems include sputtering at 350 miles, misfires, and one confirmed case of combustion leaking into coolant (suspected head gasket). Coolant vanishes without visible leaks. A few owners faced accelerator unresponsiveness and transfer case/4WD system faults. Steering vibration from suspected driveshaft bushing failure also appears in reports.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Loss of Function / Failure to Shift
Transmission ceases to engage gears or becomes unable to shift from one gear to another. Vehicle locks in place or refuses to move forward/reverse. Often accompanied by a 'flashing D' on the gearshift display and messages like 'Shift to P then desired gear' or 'Auto Park.' Owners report the vehicle stalling or becoming immobilized in traffic.
When: Occurs without warning; reported at mileages ranging from 460 miles (new vehicle) to 88,000+ miles; happens while driving, at traffic lights, or while attempting to shift gears.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into any gear (Drive, Reverse, Park, Neutral); Flashing 'D' on gearshift display; Message 'Shift to P then desired gear' or 'Auto Park on' appears; Check Engine light illuminates; Vehicle stalls or becomes stranded in traffic; Loss of power/acceleration despite pedal being depressed
Codes mentioned: P0733 (Gear 3 Shift Incorrect Ratio), P1B14-00 (Park by Wire Unintended Park Position), P1DA8
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend complete transmission replacement. Replacement cost estimate cited: $5,970. Some owners report that replacement transmissions show the same symptoms shortly after installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 21-00925 Revision C references P0733; ECU re-flash attempted without resolution; owners report manufacturer involvement but no recall issued at the time of complaints.
Hard or Rough Shifting / Transmission Jerking
Transmission shifts are abrupt, harsh, and jerk the vehicle or occupants. This occurs at low speeds, during gear transitions, and in eco/auto stop/start modes. Owners describe being thrown back or forward in their seats.
When: Reported across the vehicle's life; some from early ownership (14,500 miles), others at higher mileage; occurs during normal driving, parking maneuvers, and especially when using eco or sport modes.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks back and forth during gear changes; Abrupt shifting from Park to Reverse; Hard shifts between 2nd–3rd and 3rd–4th gears; Clunking noise when engaging gears; Shuddering when shifting, especially in reverse; Rough shifting at low speeds and in eco mode
Codes mentioned: P0733
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission replacement at 14,500 miles due to harsh shifting. Parts cited: output shaft replacement; some owners note dealers perform 'process of elimination' repairs (TCCM replacement, battery replacement) without resolving the issue.
Transmission Slipping / Loss of Power While Driving
Engine revs but vehicle does not accelerate or maintain speed; transmission slips out of gear. Vehicle either loses power completely or experiences a momentary lag that feels like driving into neutral. Occurs during normal driving and highway speeds.
When: Reported at 26,000 miles, 30,450 miles, and higher mileages; happens spontaneously while driving straight or navigating turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM rises but vehicle does not accelerate; Vehicle feels like it shifted into neutral unintentionally; Loss of power while maintaining accelerator input; Vehicle slipping when going into 3rd gear; Momentary loss of thrust followed by normal operation
Codes mentioned: P0733
Repairs/costs cited: One owner cites output shaft replacement; another reports ongoing slipping after transmission replacement.
Unintended Acceleration / Throttle Surge
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input or with accelerator pedal off the floor. Occurs during slow maneuvers, parking, and reversing. One incident involved acceleration from rest to 60 mph without driver action.
When: Reported at 4,000 miles and later; happens during low-speed driving, parking, reverse maneuvers, and when using Sport mode or rear park-assist feature.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle spontaneously accelerates to 20–60 mph; RPM surge while in second gear at low speed; Vehicle lunges forward during parking maneuvers; Unintended acceleration while foot is completely off accelerator; Surging forward when coming to a complete stop in Sport mode; Spontaneous acceleration in reverse while using rear park assist
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer fixed a failed wiring harness; owner stated cause was not definitively identified by the manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but unable to specify root cause in one case.
Engine Replacement (Post-Warranty Failures / Grinding/Shredding)
Engine develops loud grinding noise immediately after replacement; subsequent inspection reveals severe internal damage ('shredded' engine). This occurs in a vehicle that had a factory engine replaced under warranty, suggesting either poor diagnostic practices or repeat engine defects.
When: Reported in a 2020 model purchased new in November 2023; engine replacement occurred by August 2024 (~9 months); second engine failure within 1.5 days of delivery.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding noise from engine; Engine severely damaged / shredded internally; Failure of replacement engine shortly after installation
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replaced twice; second time accompanied by transmission component replacement (parts not fully specified, but owner states transmission work was incomplete).
Coolant Loss / Overheating Without External Leaks
Coolant level drops repeatedly with no visible external leaks from the cooling system. Vehicle overheats, and owners are advised to monitor the issue without resolution. Pattern repeats across multiple visits.
When: Reported at 4 months of ownership and continuing; occurs after new water pump installation.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant level drops to empty; No visible leaks under vehicle; Engine overheating warning; Repeated coolant loss after dealership service
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replaced; issue persisted. Dealership advised customer to return if problem recurs.
Complete Electrical/Powertrain System Failures (Multiple Warning Lights / Loss of All Systems)
All dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; transmission cannot engage any gear; vehicle is immobilized. This represents a complete loss of powertrain electrical control. Occurs in episodes spanning weeks to months, with partial resolution after component replacement.
When: Reported starting September 2022; multiple episodes over ~2.5 months; one vehicle immobilized from late September to early November 2022.
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights come on simultaneously ('dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree'); All lights on gearshift panel and center console flash; Vehicle will only move forward; reverse/park disabled; Check Engine light, ABS light, Stop/Start warning light, ESC light; All gears locked out or unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: ABS Module replaced (initial attempt); later Engine Control Module replaced after issue recurred.
Stalling / Loss of Idle / Engine Shutdown While Driving
Engine shuts off while vehicle is operating or at traffic lights. Requires manual restart. May be related to transmission issues, battery problems, or electrical faults. Can occur intermittently.
When: Reported at 60,000 miles and early in vehicle operation; happens at stop lights and while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at traffic lights; Vehicle shuts off while driving; Requires manual restart; Check Engine light illuminates after stall
Codes mentioned: P0733
Repairs/costs cited: Secondary battery replacement attempted; problem persisted. Transmission replacement recommended by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 21-00925 Revision C cited; owner claims issue is covered under an existing recall per dealership communication.
Head Gasket Failure / Combustion in Coolant
Owner reports mechanic findings of combustion leaking into coolant system and suspects failed head gasket. Described as a manufacturing defect seen in multiple Jeep vehicles.
When: No specific mileage provided; owner claims VIN is excluded from existing recall for this issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light illuminates; Combustion detected in coolant when cooling system pressurized
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement suspected; owner notes this is flagged as a manufacturing defect by independent mechanic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in existing recall for head gasket; owner urged to contact NHTSA.
Engine Sputtering / Spark Plug and Misfiring Issues
Engine sputters violently after very short operation; severe shaking; resolved by spark plug replacement. Additional reports of misfiring and coil issues.
When: At 350 miles (brand new); also reported at higher mileages with ongoing cylinder misfires.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering at very low mileage; Violent shaking of vehicle; Check Engine light for cylinder misfire; Reduced power and rough running
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug replacement at 350 miles; later repairs include coil replacement and multiple diagnostic visits ('process of elimination').
Powertrain Fire / Catastrophic Failure
Vehicle caught fire while operating on highway. Loss of power and acceleration preceded fire. Vehicle completely engulfed within minutes. Occurred shortly after scheduled maintenance visit.
When: At highway speed (75 mph); vehicle had just been serviced 6 days prior (battery, aux battery, diagnostics, brake fluid, fuel system service).
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration / felt like neutral engagement; Flames shooting from under engine; Complete vehicle fire within minutes; Powertrain alert indicator received via app after service
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was a total loss; owner has video documentation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain alert received via connected vehicle app; no explanation of cause documented.
Throttle/Accelerator Unresponsiveness / Hesitation
Accelerator pedal becomes unresponsive or fails to produce proportional engine response. Includes cases where pedal travels to the floor with no effect or hesitation upon input.
When: Reported at 34,000 miles and other mileages; occurs at low speeds (10 mph turns, parking).
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal depressed but vehicle does not respond; Pedal travels to floorboard with no proportional acceleration; Yellow warning light flashes during the event; Vehicle hesitates when accelerator pedal is depressed
Transfer Case / 4WD System Failures
Transfer case requires repair; 4WD service light illuminates; 4WD low activates without driver input and disengages on its own. Vehicle shudders during reverse shifts. ESC light comes on intermittently.
When: At 41,500 miles after ~5 years of ownership with minimal 4WD use (~4 times); also reported with traction control and rear differential motor issues.
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light illuminates intermittently then stays lit; 4WD service light activated; 4WD low engages without manual input; self-corrects within a minute; Vehicle shudders when braking and shifting to reverse; Engine almost stalls when coming to a stop
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case repair recommended; rear differential motor and TCCM replacement attempted in related cases without resolution.
Transmission Fluid Loss / Contamination Issues
Multiple complex transmission issues involve fluid loss or contamination that are not clearly root-caused. Owners report persistent problems despite multiple repair attempts.
When: Ongoing across multiple mileages; some issues persist or recur after repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard/rough shifting; Slipping; Refusal to engage gears; Continued issues after transmission repair or replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Internal defects (3 defects reported); output shaft issues; multiple repair attempts without resolution.
Steering Wheel Vibration / Rear Driveshaft Bushing Failure
Significant steering wheel vibration during normal driving, increasing with speed. Owner cites documented issues with rear driveshaft bushing failure in this model as potential cause.
When: Affects driving at 30 mph and above; vibration intensity increases with vehicle speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Substantial cabin vibration, especially in steering wheel; Requires firm grip on wheel to control vehicle; Vibration increases proportionally with speed
Repairs/costs cited: Rear driveshaft bushing failure suspected per service bulletins; repair not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 23-001-19 REV.B references similar issues in other Jeep models.
Intermittent Power Loss / Cutting Off
Vehicle power cuts on and off unpredictably. Starts fine one day and then experiences electrical/powertrain faults the next. Flashing lights and inability to start reported.
When: Ongoing intermittently; no specific mileage given; pattern is random and not reproducible.
Symptoms owners cite: Power cuts off and on randomly; Lights flash on/off; Vehicle may not start at times; Next day vehicle drives normally
Air Conditioning System Malfunction
Air conditioning fails to reach desired temperature and turns off when vehicle is stopped. Only functions adequately on maximum setting.
When: Reported at early mileage (~350 miles); ongoing issue.
Symptoms owners cite: A/C fails to reach desired temperature for more than 20 seconds; A/C becomes non-existent when vehicle is at a stop; Temperatures drop significantly at idle; Only functions when set to maximum
Synthesized from 37 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The car will be driving and it all of a sudden stops and has all the lights on the dashboard coming on. Every single warning light coming on the car comes to a stop and will not move. This has happened three times and the dealership tells me they don’t know what the issue is.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 37 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?
Based on the 37 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 27,831 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.