Jeep

Grand Cherokee (WK2)

2011-2021 · Midsize SUV · 6 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.8)
13,069 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
324 Fire Reports
745 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl / 275 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)HONDA Pilot (2016-2022)TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)LEXUS IS (2006-2013)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)LOTUS Evora (2014-2014)LOTUS Evora (2017-2017)TOYOTA Venza (2009-2015) +44 more

L61

2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hp
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)GMC L Series (2003-2003)OLDSMOBILE Aurora (2003-2003)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)SATURN Sl (2001-2001)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2004-2004)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2003-2003) +70 more

Magnum

3.7L 6-cyl
Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)JEEP Laredo (2006-2006)JEEP Wrangler (2007-2018)FORD F-150 (2004-2008)JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)MITSUBISHI Outlander (2006-2006)DODGE Nitro (2007-2011)MITSUBISHI Raider (2006-2009) +23 more

SMPI (DOHC 16V)

2.4L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.4)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
electrical
1
interior
1
exterior
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)PONTIAC Bonneville (2000-2005)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)DODGE Ram (2002-2008)CHRYSLER 300 (2005-2010)DODGE Magnum (2005-2008)RAM 2500 (2010-2018)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)

2ZR-FXE+3JM

1.8L 4-cyl
Recommended (4.2)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
3

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)TOYOTA Prius (2000-2003)TOYOTA Tundra (2007-2021)TOYOTA Prius (2016-2022)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)LEXUS CT (2011-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2012-2017)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011) +1 more

ERB

3.6L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
819 complaints 272.0 per year Gasoline
34 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
402
brakes
198
engine
139
fuel system
125
other
40

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (402 complaints)
Brakes Issues (198 complaints)
Engine Issues (139 complaints)

Also found in

CHRYSLER 300 (2011-2023)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)JEEP Cherokee (2014-2023)CHRYSLER Town & Country (2008-2016)JEEP Grand Cherokee (2000-2004)RAM 1500 (2019-2025)CHRYSLER 200 (2011-2014)DODGE Journey (2009-2020) +14 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Jeep Grand Cherokee regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (404 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (198 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (140 complaints)
engine critical
Fuel System Issues (125 complaints)
fuel_system critical

Alternatives in Midsize SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

The 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has accumulated 13,069 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Brakes, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee engine is most reliable?

The 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.6L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good used car?

The 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 13,069 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

The 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 13,069 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Before buying a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Brakes, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 13,069 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver