Jeep

Grand Cherokee (WK2)

2011-2021 · Midsize SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.0)
13,069 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
324 Fire Reports
745 Crash Reports
Includes data from: GRAND CHEROKEEGRAND CHEROKEE LGRAND CHEROKEE SRTGRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK
View all 4 generations of the Jeep Grand Cherokee → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

ERB

3.6L 6-cyl
โŒ 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)
Typical onset: 47,000โ€“116,500 mi Est. repair: $670โ€“$1,356 (39 reports)
Brakes Issues (198 complaints)
Typical onset: 50,516โ€“98,000 mi Est. repair: $200โ€“$900 (5 reports)
Engine Issues (139 complaints)
Typical onset: 36,000โ€“107,456 mi Est. repair: $464โ€“$1,673 (16 reports)

5 additional engine variants with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.

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

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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 โ€” 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.

Does the Grand Cherokee have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 13,069 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.

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