MotorDeets

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.

2vehicle recalls
138owner complaints
4mention a crash
18best combined mpg
2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Photo: Norbert Pietsch Enpi48 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Electrical47
Transmission & drivetrain23
Engine22
Speed control / throttle12
Airbags11
Steering11
Wheels10
Other / unknown10

What owners describe

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)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive162118Regular
3.7 L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive152017Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive142016Regular
4.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive141915Regular
5.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive131915Regular
4.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141915Regular
4.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive141915Gasoline or E85
4.7 L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive141915Gasoline 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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee manual

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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.

Other Grand Cherokee years

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