The 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT with the 6.4L Hemi is a high-performance SUV that suffers from heat-related transmission failures and catastrophic engine bearing failures when oil maintenance is neglected or when subjected to prolonged high-load driving.
WK2 ZF 8-Speed Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission overheating warnings, Limp mode activation during spirited driving or towing, Burnt ATF smell, Harsh shifting when hot
Fix: The factory transmission cooler is undersized for the SRT's power output. Cooler lines corrode at fittings and the core clogs with debris. Replacement requires dropping the front bumper cover and accessing cooler behind grille. 3-4 hours labor. Many shops recommend aftermarket upgraded cooler and flush.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
6.4L Hemi Rod and Main Bearing Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Rod knock at idle that worsens with RPM, Metallic ticking from lower engine, Sudden oil pressure drop, Metal shavings in oil filter, Catastrophic failure with no warning in some cases
Fix: The 6.4L uses tight bearing tolerances that are intolerant of extended oil change intervals or low oil level. Rod bearings fail first, then mains. Requires full engine teardown or replacement. Many techs recommend short block replacement over rebuild due to potential cylinder wall scoring. 20-28 hours labor for short block, 30+ for full rebuild.
Estimated cost: $8,500-14,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive/Reverse, Excessive driveline vibration at idle, Visible separation or cracking of rubber mount, Transmission movement visible during throttle blips
Fix: The combination of 470 lb-ft torque and 5,000+ lb curb weight destroys the factory transmission mount. The rubber tears and the mount collapses. Requires lift access and transmission support. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Head Gasket Failure (Both Banks)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Oil in coolant reservoir or milky oil on dipstick, Overheating under load, Rough idle and misfires
Fix: The MLS head gaskets fail from heat cycling, especially on vehicles that see track use or repeated high-load conditions. Requires heads removed, machined flat if warped, and new bolts. Often find cracked exhaust manifolds during this job. 16-20 hours labor for both banks.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Fuel Filter Clogging (In-Tank)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Hesitation or stumble under hard acceleration, Loss of power above 4,500 RPM, Lean fuel trims and P0171/P0174 codes, Hard starting after sitting
Fix: The 6.4L uses a high-pressure fuel system and the in-tank filter clogs with sediment, especially if bad fuel was introduced. Requires fuel tank drop and pump module replacement. 3-4 hours labor. Often combined with fuel pump replacement as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Piston Ring Land Failure
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive blue smoke on startup and acceleration, High oil consumption (quart per 500-1,000 miles), Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Fouled spark plugs, Carbon buildup on intake valves
Fix: A subset of 6.4L engines experience piston ring land cracking, typically from detonation or sustained high RPM. Requires bore inspection, piston replacement, possibly cylinder honing. Full engine disassembly. 24-30 hours labor if caught early; most become full rebuilds.
Estimated cost: $7,000-12,000
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles MAX with quality 0W-40 synthetic — the 6.4L is intolerant of extended intervals despite what the computer says
Upgrade the transmission cooler before towing or track use — the factory unit cannot handle sustained load
Check oil level every fuel fill-up; these engines can consume oil with no visible leaks due to ring tolerance
Replace transmission fluid every 50,000 miles with Mopar ZF 8-speed spec fluid, not generic ATF
Buy one only if maintenance records prove religious oil changes and the transmission has been serviced — budget $2,000/year for deferred performance-vehicle maintenance or avoid entirely.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Unlock any single procedure for $3 — or become the founding sponsor and we generate every common job on this Grand Cherokee SRT, with your name on each one.
Fitment notes: High-performance AGM battery required for SRT model; 950+ CCA recommended for 6.4L Hemi
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Integrated within transmission valve body (W5A580/NAG1 5-speed or 8HP70 8-speed)
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Requires transmission pan removal and fluid service. VIN programming and adaptive learning required. 2012-2013 use 5-speed, 2014+ use 8-speed ZF 8HP70.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr▸ programming details
📍 Steering column, under dash
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Requires steering angle sensor calibration and system initialization. Not present on early 2012 models with hydraulic steering.
📍 Steering column, integrated with ignition switch assembly
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Keyless Go system. Requires pairing with PCM, BCM/TIPM, and all key fobs. Security-critical component.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.8 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), engine bay, driver side near battery
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ TIPM combines BCM, fuse box, and relay control. Requires extensive configuration for all body functions, lighting, and accessory control. Common failure point.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning Module (HVAC)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center stack controls
🔧 wiTECH or Autel
⚠️ Dual-zone automatic climate control. Requires actuator calibration after replacement.
⚠️ Manages CAN bus communication between modules. Critical for security gateway function on 2014+ models. Replacement requires extensive configuration.
Transfer Case Control Module (TCCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.4 hr▸ programming details
📍 On transfer case assembly, center undercarriage
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Quadra-Trac or Quadra-Drive II system. Requires configuration and shift motor calibration.
📍 Center stack, integrated with touchscreen display
🔧 wiTECH
⚠️ Uconnect 8.4 system (2014+) or earlier 5.0/6.5 systems. Requires VIN programming and feature configuration. May need security unlock on 2014+ models.
⚠️ Requires VIN programming and mileage transfer from old cluster.
Trailer Tow Module (TTM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side quarter panel
🔧 wiTECH or Autel
⚠️ Integrated trailer brake controller. Requires configuration for trailer parameters.
Backup Camera Module (BCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with liftgate handle or separate module behind liftgate trim
🔧 wiTECH or Autel
⚠️ ParkView rear camera. May require dynamic gridline calibration.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER · 17E061000
2017-10-19
Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017. Owners may contact ATI customer service at 1-913-338-2886.
SERVICE BRAKES · 17V572000
2017-09-18
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.
Consequence: If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L engine and a 160, 180 or 220 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. There is also the possibility that the alternator may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator and depending on the part number, will replace the alternator, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T36.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 15V879000
2015-12-28 · RQ15003
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.
Consequence: The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 15V115000
2015-02-27
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 17, 2010, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6, 5.7 or 6.4 liter engine, and 2012-2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured January 18, 2011, to August 19, 2013, and equipped with a 3.6 or 5.7 liter engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Consequence: A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM. The recall began on August 7, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R09. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 14V-530. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango; and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured April 22, 2010, to January 2, 2014, and equipped with a 3.6L engine and a 160 amp alternator. In the affected vehicles, the alternator may suddenly fail.
Consequence: If the alternator fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P60.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 14V391000
2014-07-02 · EA14001
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Consequence: If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
SERVICE BRAKES · 14V154000
2014-04-01
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Consequence: The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP · 14V104000
2014-03-04
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 11, 2011, through October 1, 2012. Under certain braking events, the Ready Alert Braking System (RAB) may result in the driver experiencing a hard brake pedal feel.
Consequence: If the driver experiences a hard brake pedal, the driver may not push the pedal as intended, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS module software, free of charge. The recall began on April 3, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number associated with this recall is P05.
Performance
Horsepower
470hp
Torque
465lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.6sec
Quarter mile
13.1sec
Top speed
160mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
12mpg
Highway
18mpg
Combined
14mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,200lb
Payload
1,050lb
Curb weight
5,150lb
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
WK2 generation Grand Cherokee SRT. Symmetrical front wiper configuration.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6.4L V8 Hemi and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.