The 2019 Grand Cherokee SRT with the 6.4L Hemi is a high-performance SUV that runs strong when maintained but suffers from heat-related transmission issues and catastrophic engine failures tied to cylinder deactivation (MDS) problems, particularly when oil changes are neglected or performance mods are added without proper tuning.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Overheating
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake color in overflow tank), Harsh or delayed shifts, especially when hot, Transmission temperature warning on dash, Loss of coolant with no visible external leak
Fix: Replace transmission oil cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely, often requires new radiator if contamination is severe. 6-8 hours labor if caught early, 12-15 hours if transmission internals are damaged from coolant intrusion.
Estimated cost: $1,800-4,500
Catastrophic Engine Failure from MDS Lifter/Cam Issues
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine, especially on cold start, Check engine light with multiple misfire codes, Metal shavings in oil, visible on drain plug magnet, Sudden loss of power or complete engine failure
Fix: MDS (Multi-Displacement System) lifter or cam lobe failure sends debris through engine, often requiring complete rebuild or short block replacement. Pistons, bearings, and cylinder walls commonly damaged. 25-35 hours for short block swap, 40+ hours for complete rebuild with machine work.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Vibration at idle in gear, Excessive driveline movement during hard acceleration, Visible separation or tearing of rubber mount
Fix: Replace transmission mount and crossmember bushings. The SRT's torque destroys these faster than standard models. 2-3 hours labor with proper lift access.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Filter Clogging and Pump Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loss of power under hard acceleration, Engine stumbling or hesitation at highway speeds, Fuel pump whine audible in cabin, Hard starting after sitting overnight
Fix: In-tank fuel pump module with integrated filter requires tank drop. Contamination from ethanol fuel degradation is common. 3-4 hours labor for pump replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Head Gasket Failure from Overheating or Tuning
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on startup, Coolant loss with no visible leaks, Bubbles in coolant overflow tank with engine running, Oil looks milky or has coolant contamination
Fix: Usually tied to overheating events or aggressive tuning without supporting mods. Requires head removal, resurfacing, new gaskets, and ARP studs recommended. 18-22 hours labor for both banks.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
Connecting Rod and Main Bearing Wear from Oil Starvation
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Deep knocking noise from bottom end that increases with RPM, Low oil pressure at idle when engine is hot, Metal flakes or bronze-colored debris in oil filter, Engine seizes or throws rod
Fix: Often caused by extended oil change intervals or running engine low on oil. Requires crankshaft inspection, bearing replacement at minimum, sometimes crank grinding or replacement. If caught early, 20-25 hours for bearings and crank polish; seized engines need full rebuild or replacement.
Estimated cost: $5,000-12,000
Owner tips
Use full synthetic oil and change every 5,000 miles maximum—the MDS system is unforgiving with dirty oil
Install an aftermarket transmission temperature gauge and consider auxiliary cooler if you tow or track the vehicle
Disable MDS with tuner or custom tune if you plan to keep the vehicle past 100k miles—it's the Achilles heel of these Hemis
Inspect transmission cooler lines and radiator tank seams annually—early detection prevents catastrophic transmission damage
Avoid extended idle periods in gear; the 8-speed ZF runs hot in these high-torque applications
Buy one if you can verify religious maintenance and it's stock or professionally tuned, but budget $3k-5k for eventual transmission cooler and MDS-related repairs—this platform rewards meticulous care and punishes neglect catastrophically.
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.
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Fitment notes: High-performance AGM required for SRT model; do not substitute with standard lead acid
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Every control module on the 2018-2021 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.
📍 Engine bay, driver side near master cylinder (integrated with hydraulic control unit)
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ Includes ESC/ESP/traction control and launch control (Trackhawk). Requires brake bleeding, system configuration, and security gateway unlock.
Body Control Module (BCM)1.8 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +1.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated into TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), engine bay, driver side near battery
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ TIPM combines BCM, fuse box, and relay control. Requires extensive configuration for all body functions, lighting, and accessory control. Security gateway unlock mandatory.
Door Module (DM)1.5 hr R&Raftermarket tool +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Inside each door (driver and passenger front doors)
🔧 wiTECH 2.0 or Autel
⚠️ Controls power windows, locks, mirrors, and memory seats. Requires configuration after replacement. Typically only front doors have modules.
⚠️ Manages CAN bus communication and enforces security gateway. Critical security component. Replacement requires extensive configuration and online authentication.
📍 Engine bay, driver side firewall near brake booster
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ VIN-locked with mandatory security gateway unlock. Requires online authentication through Stellantis servers. Must perform theft alarm pairing with WCM/RFA.
Active Damping Control Module (ADCM)1.2 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.6 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side or under rear seat
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ Adaptive Damping Suspension (Bilstein) with Selec-Track modes. Requires ride height calibration, system configuration, and security gateway unlock.
📍 Behind center stack or integrated with radio module
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ ParkView rear camera or available 360-degree surround view. Requires dynamic gridline and camera alignment calibration with security gateway unlock.
⚠️ Integrated trailer brake controller. Requires configuration for trailer parameters.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 24V838000
2024-11-07
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Consequence: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING · 23V411000
2023-06-08
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE · 22V426000
2022-06-09
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Consequence: A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Remedy: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel
engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V191000
2020-09-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT · 20V183000
2020-03-26
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Consequence: A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.
Performance
Horsepower
475hp
Torque
470lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.3sec
Quarter mile
12.9sec
Top speed
160mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
13mpg
Highway
19mpg
Combined
15mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,200lb
Payload
1,000lb
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 2019 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 Mechanic · 20+ years.