The 2019 Grand Cherokee WK2 is a comfortable highway cruiser, but the 3.0L EcoDiesel has catastrophic failure potential and the ZF 8-speed transmission shows chronic cooler and solenoid issues. The 3.6L Pentastar is the safest bet if you're shopping used.
3.0L EcoDiesel Complete Engine Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking noise on cold starts that progresses to all operating temps, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power with rod knock, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0306)
Fix: Catastrophic bearing failure due to oil pump and crankshaft thrust bearing design flaws. Requires complete engine rebuild or replacement. 25-35 hours labor for long-block swap, 40+ hours for full rebuild. FCA extended warranty to 100k/10yr on some VINs after class action, but many fall outside coverage.
Estimated cost: $10,000-18,000
ZF 8HP Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or delayed engagement, Milky or contaminated transmission fluid, Coolant in transmission pan or trans fluid in coolant reservoir, Limp mode or transmission fault warnings
Fix: Internal cooler in the radiator corrodes, allowing coolant/ATF cross-contamination. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush (often 2-3 flushes), and if caught late, transmission rebuild. If you see pink ATF or milky coolant, stop driving immediately. 6-8 hours for cooler/flush, add 18-25 hours if trans is damaged.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,500 (caught early); $4,500-7,000 (with trans damage)
ZF 8HP Solenoid Pack and Valve Body Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard shifts or gear hunting between 2nd-3rd or 6th-7th, Clunking when shifting into drive or reverse, Check engine light with transmission solenoid codes (P0748, P0750, P0755), Intermittent limp mode
Fix: Mechatronic solenoid pack or valve body wear. Requires transmission pan drop, valve body R&R, and sometimes full mechatronic unit replacement. Critical to use proper ZF Lifeguard fluid. 4-7 hours labor depending on whether valve body can be cleaned or needs replacement.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
3.0L EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Failure and Carbon Buildup
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke on startup or under load, Loss of coolant with no external leaks, Check engine light with EGR flow or temp codes (P0401, P0404), Rough idle and reduced power
Fix: EGR cooler cracks internally, leaking coolant into intake. Also sees heavy carbon buildup choking intake manifold. One recall exists (R64) but doesn't cover all failures. Requires EGR cooler, often intake manifold cleaning or replacement. 6-9 hours labor. If coolant ingestion damaged cylinders, see problem #1.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Rear Differential Pinion Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or howling noise from rear that increases with speed, Clunking on acceleration or deceleration, Vibration through the floor at highway speeds, Metallic grinding if bearing has fully disintegrated
Fix: Pinion bearing or carrier bearing wear, especially on Quadra-Trac II and Quadra-Drive II setups. Requires differential disassembly, bearing replacement, and setup with proper shims/preload. If caught late, ring and pinion may need replacement. 5-8 hours labor. Some units covered under recall 21V-845 for specific VINs.
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, Stalling or rough running under load, Check engine light with low fuel pressure codes (P0087), Metal contamination in fuel filter
Fix: High-pressure fuel pump fails, scattering metal through the fuel system. Requires pump, injectors (often all six if metal contaminated them), fuel lines flushed, tank drop and clean. One recall (21V-600) for certain build dates. If not covered, this is a wallet-killer. 12-20 hours depending on contamination extent.
Estimated cost: $3,000-8,000
ABS Module Corrosion and Failure
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: ABS and traction control warning lights, Brake pedal going to floor or feeling spongy, Loss of power assist braking, Pump running constantly or not at all
Fix: ABS module corrodes internally or fails electrically. Two recalls (T84A, V87) cover some units but not all years/VINs. Module is integrated with hydraulic unit. Requires bleeding entire system after replacement. 2-4 hours labor, but part availability is a nightmare—expect weeks of downtime.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Owner tips
Avoid the 3.0L EcoDiesel unless you have records of engine replacement under warranty or extended coverage—original engines are grenades waiting for mileage.
Change ZF 8-speed fluid every 40k miles with genuine ZF Lifeguard fluid, not universal ATF—this transmission is fluid-sensitive.
Check transmission cooler for cross-contamination at every oil change: pull trans dipstick (if equipped) and radiator cap to inspect for mixing.
If shopping used, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically includes dropping the transmission pan to check for metal and pulling a rear diff sample for metal content.
The 3.6L Pentastar is the workhorse—boring but bulletproof compared to the diesel and less thirsty than the 5.7L Hemi.
Buy a 3.6L V6 model with service records and budget $2k/year for transmission maintenance; avoid EcoDiesel unless you enjoy expensive surprises.
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: AGM battery required for start-stop system; higher CCA required for diesel engine
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Every control module on the 2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee — 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 into transmission valve body (8HP70/8HP75 ZF 8-speed) or mounted on left side of engine compartment (older 5-speed)
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ ZF 8-speed transmissions have TCM inside valve body requiring transmission pan removal and fluid change. Requires adaptive learning drive cycle after programming.
Electric Power Steering Module (EPS)2.5 hr R&Rsecurity gateway +0.8 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly or steering rack depending on system type
🔧 wiTECH 2.0
⚠️ Steering angle sensor calibration mandatory after replacement. Some models use column-assist, others rack-assist.
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
240hp
Torque
420lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.8sec
Quarter mile
16.1sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
21mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
24mpg
Fuel
Diesel
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,400lb
Payload
1,470lb
Curb weight
5,075lb
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
WK2 generation (2011-2021). Some sources show 21" front blades as alternative.
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 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel 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.