2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems And Complaints

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints

• Engine problems- The 3.6L Pentastar, the standard engine on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a generally reliable unit. The only low-mileage issue it is known to come across is a faulty crankshaft position sensor and malfunctioning throttle body, both of which can result in random stalls, a no-start condition, misfires, and hesitation to throttle. Cylinder head and coolant system failure are some other issues reported, but come in limited numbers and are only noticed at high mileages, averaging at around 125,000 miles. The optional high-performance 5.7L HEMI was called out for timing chain failures initially, but TSBs and recalls on it are said to have resolved that problem.

• Service brake- Brake booster failure has been a common issue on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Excessive corrosion of a brake booster lament causes water to enter the unit, resulting in a loss of braking assistance. Several users have complained about spongy brakes, hard pedals, and even complete loss of resistance from the brake pedal. This problem was identified to be a manufacturing error and a recall (14V154000) was initiated to inspect for defects and replacement if found necessary.

• Transfer case problems- ‘Service AWD system’ warning is a rather common occurrence on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most common causes of this issue are faulty transfer case motor circuits or faulty front differential solenoid. In worst cases, if this warning is accompanied by clunking noises while driving or a noticeable drop in power, it would point to issues with the transfer case itself, which in most cases would require an expensive replacement. However, most cases are traced to shift motor issues and repair costs come between $750 and $950.

 Electric System complaints

• TIPM problems- The ‘Totally integrated power module’ that jeep employs in most of its vehicles, as usual, has also been quite a headache on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee as well. Internal circuitry issue with the module is said to cause an electrical short within, resulting in many of the onboard electrical devices losing functionality and at times even causing the engine to stall. This issue is something that has received two separate recalls (IDs-19V813000 and 14V530000), both being instances of fuel pump relay failure causing the engine to stall. Issues like a malfunctioning start/stop button, wipers, exterior lights, the door locks, instrument cluster, power steering, and intermittent engine stalls might indicate a faulty TPIM.

Structural Complaints

• AC/Transmission cooler leak- The AC/ transmission cooler unit on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a major failure point. Several users have reported spotting leaks in this unit which at times can mix with the transmission fluid, leading to catastrophic transmission issues. The cooler, as reported. Is not included under warranty and has an estimated repair cost of around $850 to $1,000. The lowest failure mileage reported is around 47,000 miles.

• Air Suspension issues- The Quadralift suspension (as equipped) has a high possibility of being a hurdle in the long run. Air leaks and compressor failure have been a common issue on these units and the repairs could get rather expensive. A compressor replacement alone could cost anywhere between $2,300 to $2,600 while the air spring come out even more expensive at over 3 grand.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalls

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	14th November 2019	19V813000	The fuel pump relay may fail resulting in an engine stall	The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.	Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020.
2	18th September 2017	17V572000	Incorrectly installed brake booster shield	The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability, increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on November 10, 2017.
3	28th December 2015	15V879000	Vanity lamp short may result in fire	In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring, increasing the risk of a cabin fire	Chrysler will notify owners, and the dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016.
4	4th September 2014	14V530000	The fuel pump relay may fail resulting in a stall	The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.	Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of charge. The recall began on December 19, 2014.
5	2nd July 2014	14V391000	Vanity lamp short may result in a fire	In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed, increasing the risk of a cabin fire	Chrysler will notify the owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge.
6	1st April 2014	14V154000	Loss of Power brake assist	The affected vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside, limiting braking ability and increasing the risk of a crash.	The dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014.

Should you buy a used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

 TheGrand Cherokee might just put Jeep mainstream in the midsize SUV game with this new generation as indicated by the massive jump in sales numbers. Though a variety of engine and electrical have been reported on this midsize SUV recently, we won’t mind looking past them given the fact that the vehicle is brand new for this year. In a segment that has been taken over by jacked-up hatches and station wagons, a proper SUV is always a delight. Given the pace at which Jeep has been rectifying issues, buying the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be a problem, and as always, there are compromises to be made for the ‘Jeep Life’. However, the Quadralift air suspension system is something we would stay clear of, at least this year.