NHTSA complaint #11612956

Owner complaint summary

I am reporting significant safety issues with my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited X. The vehicle has repeatedly experienced failures in critical safety systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), ParkSense, and Lane Departure, which randomly disable while driving, particularly in cold weather or after a restart. These failures compromise essential safety functions necessary for highway driving and parking. Additionally, I encountered a severe issue regarding the vehicle’s lack of over-voltage protection. While charging the battery, it was accidentally exposed to 48 volts instead of 12 volts, resulting in damage to key electronic modules, including those controlling safety systems. This lack of protection from foreseeable charging errors is concerning, especially given the advanced electronics in modern vehicles. Other Jeep owners have reported similar issues related to voltage fluctuations affecting ACC, Lane Departure, and ParkSense systems. Battery-related issues seem to be directly linked to the failure of these critical safety features​(Jeep Cherokee Club)​(Jeep Forum). Voltage instability, particularly with the Engine Stop/Start (ESS) system, has also been widely discussed, further pointing to potential flaws in Jeep’s electrical design. Given the critical nature of these systems, their failures due to inadequate over-voltage protection and inconsistent electrical performance represent a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate these concerns, as they may be affecting a broader range of Jeep vehicles, putting drivers and passengers at risk. While a fire did not occur, the potential is there due to the burning of electronics with strong odors and smoke.