NHTSA complaint #11755756

Owner complaint summary

I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of the vehicle became so severe that I genuinely feared the vehicle could catch fire while I was still inside it. I was terrified for my personal safety and concerned that I could be seriously injured. This was not simply an inconvenience or an ordinary mechanical repair. In my opinion, the circumstances surrounding the engine failure created a potentially dangerous safety situation. The vehicle has subsequently remained at the dealership/service facility for an extended period while the engine issue has been addressed. I contacted Jeep/Stellantis regarding the engine failure. Stellantis offered approximately $13,000 in goodwill assistance toward the repair while requiring me to contribute approximately $3,200. However, my primary reason for reporting this matter to NHTSA is not the financial dispute. My primary concern is SAFETY. I am extremely concerned that an engine could experience such a catastrophic failure at approximately 44,000–45,000 miles and create circumstances in which I feared the vehicle could catch fire while being driven. As a result of this incident, I have completely lost confidence in the safety and reliability of this vehicle and do not feel safe driving it again, even if the engine is repaired or replaced. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint and determine whether similar engine failures, fire-related incidents, or safety complaints have been reported involving 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles or vehicles equipped with the same engine. I am prepared to provide my VIN, dealership repair orders, diagnostic information, service re