Jeep Grand Cherokee Liftgate Moisture Recall: Affected Years, Fix Details, and What to Do

What Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Liftgate Moisture Recall?

The Grand Cherokee liftgate moisture recall is a safety recall issued by FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) covering certain 2014-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee models equipped with power liftgates. The core problem: moisture can work its way into the power liftgate control module, create a short circuit, and — in a worst-case scenario — spark an electrical fire, even when your rig is parked and turned off.

FCA originally issued recall campaign R27 in October 2015 to address the issue. That campaign was later superseded by recall 49A, which corresponds to NHTSA campaign number 23V338 issued in 2023. The updated recall also supersedes earlier campaigns 15V393 and 15V826, rolling all of the liftgate moisture concerns into a single, more comprehensive remedy.

In total, approximately 99,400 vehicles in the United States and Mexico are covered, with the global count reaching up to 164,000 units. If you own a Grand Cherokee from those model years and have a factory power liftgate, this recall directly applies to you.

The bottom line is straightforward: water gets where it should not be, and the electronics in the liftgate module are not protected well enough to handle it. FCA recognized the risk and is covering the fix at no cost through authorized dealerships. Whether you are hauling gear to the trailhead or loading groceries, you want that liftgate working safely — and this recall is designed to make sure it does.

Looking to upgrade or replace liftgate-area components while you are at the dealer? Browse our full catalog of Grand Cherokee parts and accessories to find what fits your build.

Which Model Years and Vehicles Are Affected?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee liftgate recall targets a specific production window. Here is a breakdown of the affected vehicles: 

A few things to keep in mind. First, only Grand Cherokees with the factory power liftgate option are included. If your WK2 came with a manual liftgate, this recall does not apply. Second, the build date range matters — even if you own a 2014 or 2015 model, it needs to have been manufactured between January 4, 2013, and February 18, 2015, to fall under the recall. Third, the 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee (KL) has a related recall for a similar power liftgate moisture issue, so Cherokee owners should check their VINs as well.

How to Check If Your Grand Cherokee Is Affected

Checking whether your Grand Cherokee is covered by the Jeep Grand Cherokee power liftgate recall takes about five minutes. Here is what to do: 

1. Locate your VIN. You will find the 17-character Vehicle Identification Number on the driver-side dashboard (visible through the windshield), on the driver-side door jamb sticker, or on your vehicle registration and insurance documents.
2. Visit the NHTSA recall lookup page. Go to NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your VIN in the search tool.
3. Review the results. If your vehicle is affected, the tool will list the applicable recall campaigns. Look for NHTSA campaign numbers 15V393 or 23V338.
4. Contact your local Chrysler/Jeep dealer. Schedule an appointment to have the recall remedy performed. The repair is free of charge regardless of your vehicle's mileage or warranty status.

You can also reach Chrysler customer service directly at 1-800-853-1403 for questions about the recall status or to locate a dealer near you.

Do not put this off. Even if your Grand Cherokee seems to be operating normally, moisture damage can develop silently over time — and the fire risk makes this one worth addressing sooner rather than later.

Signs of Liftgate Moisture Damage

Not sure if moisture has already reached your liftgate control module? Here are the warning signs to watch for: 

• Power liftgate stops responding. If your liftgate will not open or close with the button, key fob, or interior switch, the control module may already be compromised.
• Visible moisture or water stains in the cargo area. Check the headliner near the liftgate, the interior trim panels, and around the liftgate hinges for water intrusion.
• Corrosion on electrical connectors. Green or white buildup on the wiring connectors near the liftgate module is a clear sign that moisture has been present.
• Burning or electrical smell. A faint burning odor coming from the rear of the vehicle — especially near the liftgate — warrants immediate attention.
• Dashboard warning lights. Unexpected electrical warnings or liftgate-related fault codes can indicate control module issues caused by water damage.

If you notice any of these symptoms, avoid using the power liftgate and get your vehicle to a dealer as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can operate the liftgate manually if your model allows it.

Not sure what you are looking at under there? Our Sales Techs have wrenched on WK2 Grand Cherokees and can walk you through what to look for — reach out to get pointed in the right direction.

Need to replace weatherstripping, seals, or cargo area components that have taken water damage? Check out our Grand Cherokee rear cargo storage options.

What the Dealer Fix Involves

The dealer remedy for the Jeep liftgate recall is a targeted repair — not a full liftgate replacement. Here is what the technician will do: 

• Inspect the power liftgate control module and wiring connectors. The tech will check for signs of moisture intrusion, corrosion, and any existing damage to the module or its harness.
• Substitute bolts for threaded grommets. Part of the moisture entry path involves the original bolt hardware. The fix replaces specific bolts with threaded grommets that create a tighter seal against water.
• Install a foam water shield. A new foam barrier is placed over the control module to block moisture from reaching the electronics — this is the key preventive measure in the updated recall remedy.

The entire repair is free of charge. You will not pay for parts, labor, or diagnostics related to this recall, regardless of your vehicle's current mileage or whether it is still under the factory warranty.

The repair typically takes a couple of hours at the dealer, though scheduling availability can vary. Call ahead and reference NHTSA campaign 23V338 or FCA recall 49A when booking your appointment.

Dealing with a different recall on your Grand Cherokee? Read our guide on the 2017 Grand Cherokee recall for details on other model-year issues.

What to Do If Your Grand Cherokee Is Outside the Recall Window

If your Grand Cherokee does not fall within the recall's build date range but you are still concerned about Grand Cherokee power liftgate problems, there are steps you can take on your own. 

• Perform a self-inspection. Pop the interior trim panels near the liftgate and visually check the control module and connectors for signs of moisture, corrosion, or water staining. Even vehicles outside the recall window can develop similar issues over time.
• Consider aftermarket moisture shields. Several aftermarket options exist for adding water protection to the liftgate control module area. A foam or rubber shield installed over the module can provide the same kind of protection the dealer recall remedy offers.
• Check for Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs). TSBs are not recalls, but they address known issues and can sometimes lead to goodwill repairs or reduced-cost fixes through the dealer. Search for your VIN on NHTSA's website to see if any TSBs apply.
• Have a trusted mechanic inspect the area. If you are not comfortable pulling trim panels yourself, a qualified independent shop can inspect the liftgate module and connectors and let you know if moisture protection upgrades are needed.

The key is not to ignore it. Water and electronics do not mix, and the liftgate area on WK2 Grand Cherokees is a known weak point. A little preventive work now can save you from a much bigger headache down the road.

For more on electrical recall concerns, check out our Grand Cherokee wiring harness recall guide.

DIY Inspection and Temporary Workarounds

Want to get eyes on the problem yourself before heading to the dealer? Here is a basic inspection process you can follow in your driveway:

1. Open the liftgate manually. Use the interior release or key to open the liftgate without the power assist. This avoids cycling the potentially compromised module.
2. Remove the interior trim panel. The panel on the inside of the liftgate is typically held by plastic clips. Carefully pry it away to expose the control module and wiring.
3. Inspect the control module housing. Look for water droplets, staining, or dampness on or around the module. Pay attention to the area where the module bolts to the liftgate structure.
4. Check the electrical connectors. Unplug the connectors (with the ignition off) and look for green or white corrosion on the pins. Corroded pins are a definitive sign of moisture intrusion.
5. Examine the bolt holes and sealing surfaces. The original bolt locations are where water tends to enter. Check for missing or degraded seals around these points.

If you find moisture but your vehicle is scheduled for a dealer appointment, here are a few temporary measures:

• Apply automotive-grade sealant around the bolt holes and module mounting points to slow further water entry.
• Clear any clogged drain channels along the liftgate and rear roof edge — debris buildup can redirect water toward the module.
• Avoid using the power liftgate function until the recall repair is completed.

Important: DIY inspection and temporary fixes are not a substitute for the official dealer recall remedy. If your vehicle is covered, always get the free dealer repair done. The recall fix addresses the root cause with purpose-built components — sealant and workarounds are just stopgaps.

For more on maintaining your Jeep's systems between dealer visits, check out our Jeep cooling system guide.

Related Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalls to Know About

The liftgate moisture recall is not the only safety concern that has affected the Grand Cherokee lineup. If you own a WK2 or a nearby model year, it is worth running your VIN through the NHTSA lookup to check for these related recalls as well: 

• Gear Shift Recall. Certain Grand Cherokee models were recalled for a confusing gear shift design that could allow the vehicle to roll away if the driver did not fully engage Park. This was a high-profile recall with significant safety implications. Read more about the Grand Cherokee gear shift recall.
• Wiring Harness Recall. Wiring harness issues on some Grand Cherokee models can lead to electrical shorts and potential fire risk — a related concern to the liftgate moisture problem. Learn about the Grand Cherokee wiring harness recall.
• Rollover Risk Concerns. Earlier Grand Cherokee models faced scrutiny over rollover risks, leading to investigations and recalls on specific model years. Explore Grand Cherokee rollover risks.

Staying on top of recalls is one of the easiest ways to keep your rig safe — whether you are running it hard on the trails or just commuting to work. A quick VIN check once or twice a year takes almost no effort and can catch issues before they become serious problems.

If the recall process has you thinking about upgrades, replacement parts, or just making sure your Grand Cherokee is dialed in for whatever comes next, browse our full selection of Grand Cherokee accessories and parts. Our Sales Techs are real Jeep enthusiasts who can help you find exactly what you need for your build, your model year, and your driving style — talk to a Sales Tech to get started.