So many issues with my new GCL. Is this normal?

[dave007]

I've always wanted a Grand Cherokee, and I absolutely love my GCL (limited with towing and luxury tech 2 packages). I've had it about a month, and has only 450 miles. But, there have been a ton of little issues:

1. Auto stop/start has never worked even once. I'm aware there are lots of conditions that disable it, but even when those conditions aren't present, it won't work. Dealer wasn't able to get it working either.

2. SOS call doesn't work, and the Uconnect screen says I need to take it to the dealer.

3. Automatic brake/warning light and beep has gone off twice when there was no cars or obstacles in front of me, nor were there shadows or anything that can confuse those systems.

4. Uconnect screen won't operate, and says "Turn vehicle to Run or Key On to access menu" even though the car is running and being driven.

5. Carplay screen goes completely black. Carplay also frequently won't connect wirelessly, but I'm aware that's a common issue.

6. Bright lights won't turn on in "auto," but I'm told that a fix is on the way.

7. Today, the screen brightness on the dash and Uconnect screen suddenly went to the highest brightness setting all by itself, and it could not be turned down with the knob. Later, it suddenly returned to normal brightness.

8. Minor issues: weather app rarely works; Uconnect software won't update.

I'm definitely not a picky person, and I don't need things to be perfect. But, I'm starting to get nervous about all these little issues, and I hope these issues can get fixed. Are these issues within the normal range for a new vehicle?

 

[SC300ES]

This is starting to remind of the XC90 in its first year when it had all those electronic gremlins.

 

[elsabito]

I've always wanted a Grand Cherokee, and I absolutely love my GCL (limited with towing and luxury tech 2 packages). I've had it about a month, and has only 450 miles. But, there have been a ton of little issues:

1. Auto stop/start has never worked even once. I'm aware there are lots of conditions that disable it, but even when those conditions aren't present, it won't work. Dealer wasn't able to get it working either.

2. SOS call doesn't work, and the Uconnect screen says I need to take it to the dealer.

3. Automatic brake/warning light and beep has gone off twice when there was no cars or obstacles in front of me, nor were there shadows or anything that can confuse those systems.

4. Uconnect screen won't operate, and says "Turn vehicle to Run or Key On to access menu" even though the car is running and being driven.

5. Carplay screen goes completely black. Carplay also frequently won't connect wirelessly, but I'm aware that's a common issue.

6. Bright lights won't turn on in "auto," but I'm told that a fix is on the way.

7. Today, the screen brightness on the dash and Uconnect screen suddenly went to the highest brightness setting all by itself, and it could not be turned down with the knob. Later, it suddenly returned to normal brightness.

8. Minor issues: weather app rarely works; Uconnect software won't update.

I'm definitely not a picky person, and I don't need things to be perfect. But, I'm starting to get nervous about all these little issues, and I hope these issues can get fixed. Are these issues within the normal range for a new vehicle?

Can you confirm the build Date on your vehicle?
Bottom left of the window sticker, above barcode.
If you have the Lux tech I will guess you have the initial units that came out in June/July.

 

[dave007]

Can you confirm the build Date on your vehicle?
Bottom left of the window sticker, above barcode.
If you have the Lux tech I will guess you have the initial units that came out in June/July.

I’m not seeing a build date. What does it look like?

 

[elsabito]

I’m not seeing a build date. What does it look like?

 

[dave007]

Thanks. It says 0707-3

 

[dave007]

One other thing - twice on the freeway I've smelt a mild burning electrical smell, but when I pull over, I can't smell anything anymore. I'm hoping that's just part of the break-in process.

 

[elsabito]

Thanks. It says 0707-3

July 7th, initial batches
Whatever is being built now will have many of the initial issues addressed. Doesn’t mean there will not be other bugs, but you get the point.

 

[bm5650]

I've got a 11/15 build date and had to have a towing service come for a jump start yesterday. The dealer said the dead battery was due to a software issue causing the radio amp to drain the battery while the vehicle was off. Fingers crossed the update fixed the problem. Hindsight, I should have followed the advice of others here and demanded the software updates be checked before taking delivery. Lesson learned the hard way.

 

[bm5650]

One other thing - twice on the freeway I've smelt a mild burning electrical smell, but when I pull over, I can't smell anything anymore. I'm hoping that's just part of the break-in process.

Mine had the same thing. smell is gone now.

 

[jeepgrady]

I've got a 11/15 build date and had to have a towing service come for a jump start yesterday. The dealer said the dead battery was due to a software issue causing the radio amp to drain the battery while the vehicle was off. Fingers crossed the update fixed the problem. Hindsight, I should have followed the advice of others here and demanded the software updates be checked before taking delivery. Lesson learned the hard way.

My Sept. 30th built SR also wouldn't start yesterday. Vehicle showed that battery was only producing 9.5 volts. Had to get it jumped. Drove it directly to my dealer. Luckily, they provided mw with a brand new Ram as a loaner. Not sure if I can agree with your dealer saying that you needed a software update. Shouldn't all of the most recently built units have the latest software?

 

[bm5650]

My Sept. 30th built SR also wouldn't start yesterday. Vehicle showed that battery was only producing 9.5 volts. Had to get it jumped. Drove it directly to my dealer. Luckily, they provided mw with a brand new Ram as a loaner. Not sure if I can agree with your dealer saying that you needed a software update. Shouldn't all of the most recently built units have the latest software?

I thought they should have too. Service Manager showed the diagnostics displaying all the updates that were behind - and there were several. The amp software fix specifically listed the symptom is a dead battery. I also noticed a power steering failure fix listed too (good thing that didn't happen while I was driving). From my perspective, one of two things is happening: (1) new vehicles are not being sent with the latest software or (2) what I mentioned were really recent updates and a lot of people need to get their vehicles back in for software updates.

 

[dave007]

It's back in the shop, and it's anticipated to be there for several days. I asked them to update the Uconnect software, as it hasn't updated on its own yet. They said they would try to force the update. It's also getting updates for "front door check" and "electronic power steering."

 

[Juggernaut]

I've always wanted a Grand Cherokee, and I absolutely love my GCL (limited with towing and luxury tech 2 packages). I've had it about a month, and has only 450 miles. But, there have been a ton of little issues:

1. Auto stop/start has never worked even once. I'm aware there are lots of conditions that disable it, but even when those conditions aren't present, it won't work. Dealer wasn't able to get it working either.

2. SOS call doesn't work, and the Uconnect screen says I need to take it to the dealer.

3. Automatic brake/warning light and beep has gone off twice when there was no cars or obstacles in front of me, nor were there shadows or anything that can confuse those systems.

4. Uconnect screen won't operate, and says "Turn vehicle to Run or Key On to access menu" even though the car is running and being driven.

5. Carplay screen goes completely black. Carplay also frequently won't connect wirelessly, but I'm aware that's a common issue.

6. Bright lights won't turn on in "auto," but I'm told that a fix is on the way.

7. Today, the screen brightness on the dash and Uconnect screen suddenly went to the highest brightness setting all by itself, and it could not be turned down with the knob. Later, it suddenly returned to normal brightness.

8. Minor issues: weather app rarely works; Uconnect software won't update.

I'm definitely not a picky person, and I don't need things to be perfect. But, I'm starting to get nervous about all these little issues, and I hope these issues can get fixed. Are these issues within the normal range for a new vehicle?

I have had some minor issues. The Jeep app not being able to lock or unlock or start my vehicle consistently (almost never works). The key fob sometimes fails to start the vehicle (horn only beeps once instead of twice when it doesn’t work). CarPlay sometimes not working (not a frequent problem but it’s happened a few times even when my iPhone is plugged in). I’m going to see if there is a software update. All in all though I really like the truck. So much in fact, I’m looking to buy a second one, this time an Overland. Mine rides so nice I can’t imagine what air suspension feels like. I really don't care about that option though because I never will take it off road and I see it as being costly to repair outside of warranty. I do care about resale value though. But I like the fully painted panels instead of grayish blk plastic trim and I’d love the McIntosh system and the nicer leather. The limited interior is very nice so I can’t wait to see what the next trim level is like.

 

[dave007]

I have had some minor issues. The Jeep app not being able to lock or unlock or start my vehicle consistently (almost never works). The key fob sometimes fails to start the vehicle (horn only beeps once instead of twice when it doesn’t work). CarPlay sometimes not working (not a frequent problem but it’s happened a few times even when my iPhone is plugged in). I’m going to see if there is a software update. All in all though I really like the truck. So much in fact, I’m looking to buy a second one, this time an Overland. Mine rides so nice I can’t imagine what air suspension feels like. I really don't care about that option though because I never will take it off road and I see it as being costly to repair outside of warranty. I do care about resale value though. But I like the fully painted panels instead of grayish blk plastic trim and I’d love the McIntosh system and the nicer leather. The limited interior is very nice so I can’t wait to see what the next trim level is like.

I love it at as well and I don't regret my purchase. I've had three people approach me in parking lots to ask me about my experience with it and I've given glowing, but honest, reviews each time. I'm hopeful these quirks will get ironed out.

 

[Juggernaut]

I love it at as well and I don't regret my purchase. I've had three people approach me in parking lots to ask me about my experience with it and I've given glowing, but honest, reviews each time. I'm hopeful these quirks will get ironed out.

Same here. I’m sure the quirks will get worked out through software updates. I have gone through the drive through of Starbucks and a few other places and had employees rave about how much they like the look of the truck. That’s never happened to me with any other car I’ve owned except an Audi TT coupe. It’s a fine looking truck and the interior is fantastic. I love it.

 

[Immtbiker]

Weird problem. My iPhone Contacts thru Bluetooth only have up until the letter "J", and some in-betweens are missing.

I had to add an "A" in front of my wife and son's name to get them to show up. Anyone else experiencing anything similar?

 

[RonCamp]

Any idea how to determine what software updates are needed without taking it to the dealer? Though let's be honest, I have several things that the dealer has to fix anyway...

 

[dave007]

Any idea how to determine what software updates are needed without taking it to the dealer? Though let's be honest, I have several things that the dealer has to fix anyway...

I was unaware of the updates until I went to the dealer.

My vehicle has been at the dealer since Monday to address these issues, with no ETA for completion. It's now been at the dealer 9 of the 42 days I've owned it. I'm still optimistic things will get fixed, but I'm definitely a bit concerned at this point.

 

[eleceng1979]

Any idea how to determine what software updates are needed without taking it to the dealer? Though let's be honest, I have several things that the dealer has to fix anyway...

The only thing a normal user can do is check the software version in the vehicle settings pages. This is only the infotainment software version and basically useless. The only way to identify modules/subsystems that require software/firmware updates is to plug into the FCA WITECH scan tools, which are proprietary. All software and firmware updates are proprietary as well. So, non dealers have zero chance basically to see or do anything about it. It is possible that high dollar 3rd party scan tools "might" tell you the software version, but are incapable of updating it. I am speaking about $1-5K tools, not the free loaner scan tool from autozone.

Unless the update is marked required for all, they are not normally applied unless you specifically complain about a certain issue that has a certain update. Updating software is only done to people with problems, who complain about them, not everyone. Some updates do apply to everyone, some don't unless you complain. Obviously different trims have different features, which have different modules, etc... you get it. The issue is people here see user X with update Z, but it might not apply to them due to options/trims, etc...