2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2 recalls, 138 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #09V118000 · 2009 · 4,314 vehicles
What's wrong: Wiring May be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag May not deploy as intended.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag May not properly inflate and May not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during May 2009.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #13V175000 · 2013 · 295,345 vehicles
What's wrong: A transfer case electrical failure May result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position.
Why it matters: If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it May roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2013.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Suspension Equipment recall #09E039000 · 2009 · 44 vehicles
What's wrong: These suspension systems were produced with grade 2 carriage bolts instead of the proper grade 5 carriage bolts. The improper grade 2 carriage bolts could experience a loss of clamping force for the bottom strut fork.
Why it matters: This condition could cause a loss of effective lift and lowering of the affected vehicle, possibly creating the driver to panic which could possibly lead to a vehicle crash.
The fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. The safety recall began on October 15. 2008. All the affected untits have been remedied.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (47): the most common themes are electrical failure (20), stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (5).
- Transmission & drivetrain (23): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (9), warning light on (2).
- Engine (22): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (10).
- Speed control / throttle (12): the most common themes are warning light on (3), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 138 owner complaints, ranking #31 of 37 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints (well below the 786 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (29 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 58,342 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (734 complaints, 4 recalls), 2010 (118 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 3.7 L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 20 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Regular |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (47), transmission & drivetrain (23), engine (22).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (3.7 L, Automatic 5-spd), across 8 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.