2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
What owners have reported about the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Grand Cherokee. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 Grand Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and transmission.
138 complaints 3 recalls 16th worst of 19 Grand Cherokee years
Top 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Electrical problems
47 complaints (34%) name the electrical system, most often the horn and switch.
Engine problems
27 complaints (20%) name the engine, most often the engine.
Transmission problems
23 complaints (17%) name the transmission.
Acceleration problems
12 complaints (9%) name the acceleration and speed control.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (111 of 138). The amber line is the middle value, about 60,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
Transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
A transfer case electrical failure may result in an unintentional shifting of the transfer case into the neutral position. If the vehicle shifts into neutral, it may roll away increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the final drive controller which governs the transfer case, with new software, free of charge. Chrysler's recall campaign number is N23.
Recall 13V175000 · May 2013Suspension
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. 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.
Fix: Rock krawler will notify owners and provide a free remedy. 2008.
Recall 09E039000 · Jun 2009Wiring, Frontal
Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended. 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.
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.
Recall 09V118000 · Apr 2009Get an email when your 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Grand Cherokee years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Grand Cherokee. Owners have filed 138 complaints with NHTSA, the 16th most of 19 Grand Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the electrical system, engine and transmission.
What are the most common 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Owners most often report problems with the electrical system, engine, transmission and acceleration and speed control. 47 complaints (34%) name the electrical system, most often the horn and switch.
At what mileage do 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 52,000–111,000 miles, with a middle value near 83,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
3. Transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE) (13V175000); Suspension (09E039000); Wiring, Frontal (09V118000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Ask for service records covering the electrical system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2026, 2025 and 2010 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.