CarComplaints.com Notes: The fourth generation Grand Cherokee took the relatively trouble-free run of the 3rd-generation and flipped the script.

From 2010 to 2011, complaints about the vehicle not starting increased 10-fold. In fact, the 2011 model year is riddled with engine problems and a defective TIPM might be to blame. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) distributes power to all the eletrical components in the vehicle, so when it starts acting funny so do numerous other components in the car. Orders for new TIPMs were so abundant that parts became scarce, prompting a class-action lawsuit claiming Chrysler ignored this obvious defect.

By 2012 complaints dropped back down by about 80%. Needless to say, if you see a used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on a lot just keep walking.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
52,150 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace cylinder head (2 reports)
  3. replace engine (1 reports)
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #5

Apr 062016

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine making an annoying ticking noise. Did some research online and found a number of similar complaints and noticed a warranty extension for the V6 Pentastar (flex fuel) for 15yr or 150k. The issue has to be only on driver side of engine to be covered. I took vehicle to Jeep Dealer and they said the ticking is coming from passenger side of engine and that side is not covered. To further compound the problem, they don't make the part (smaller piston head) for the passenger side, only have part for driver side. They offered to replace everything else for 1,700 in hopes that it would fix the problem.

I left the dealership and took the Jeep to a trusted local mechanic. He advised to sell the Jeep before the problem gets worse and devalues the vehicle. The mechanic advised to post a complaint so here it is.

It's unbelievable that Jeep knows they have this issue and isn't treating loyal Jeep owners fairly. Jeep is the one that identified the problem as cylinder head being to big and fuel quality too poor as the underlying cause. You sold me on the flex fuel saving money and yet it is going to cost more to fix your engineering flaw.

I've done all the right things with servicing the vehicle and taking care of it. Do the right thing Jeep and make the part to fix BOTH sides of the engine. You know there is a problem so fix it. I'm a Jeep lover but will no longer support Jeep if they refuse to support Jeep owners. Make the part and cover it on warranty. The fact that this problem occurred 4 mos after manufacturer warranty is also frustrating. Not like you even would have the part to fix it anyways.

- Nate F., Englewood, FL, US

problem #4

Dec 302013

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 58,500 miles

12/30/13 on the way to work my wife experienced the "red lightning bolt" followed by complete loss of power. The Jeep was transported to the local selling dealer for diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis 4 days later was that of a broken exhaust valve in the number 2 cylinder (are you seeing a pattern here based on other post....?). The GC spent the next 4 weeks waiting for a "short block" (basically the whole engine except for existing intake and accessory items) which was on national back-order. We were number 121 in line. Jeep customer service was of absolutely no help but I must say our local dealer service department and the sales person went above and beyond to help as much as they could. Upon reciept of the new engine the tech found that the engine was out of time and had to re-time it costing another day out of service. after things have been "fixed" we have had to return for multiple check engine light warnings typically amounting to nothing but the last one showed up and threw a code for the left (same side as #2 cylinder) side calytic converter-6 weeks after the fix. Another couple days in the shop and that brings us to today when the Jeep is finally running well and properly getting 23 mpg on the highway-even with BFG rugged terrain tires.

after some interweb research it seems that the problem with the #2 cylinder was a manufacturing problem (see Auto Week June '12) that was supposed to have been corrected in mid 2011. Unfortunately we bought a vehicle built in 2/11. My complaint is that there was not a recall to at least inspect for potential problemsthat were already known. I guess this is the way a big corporation runs-"we'll see how much we can get away with and pay for the problems that do occur rather than try to fix something before it becomes a problem.

Will I buy another Jeep-yes.Is there an auto manufacturer that this hasn't happen to-no. I guess it's just the cost of doing business in the USA.

- Doug T., Berrien Springs, MI, US

problem #3

Sep 012012

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,500 miles

Having bought a new 2011 Grand Cherokee in January 2011 as a company car, I decided that I'd also buy the lifetime powertrain warranty being offered as I expected to put many miles on the car and hopefully give it to my son as a reliable, safe first car when he gets his drivers license next year. The other day, with 77,500 miles, I went to start it and it ran like half of the cylinders were not firing. The check engine light came on and I shut it off. It was flatbedded to my dealer who informed me today that after running compression tests, one of the cylinders was not firing and further inspection showed heavy carbon build up. I will have to wait a week for the head to come in and have it replaced. Their comment was that this has happened in vehicles with 18k miles so I was lucky to go this long. My service intervals have been every 5k with no oil usage, no break wear and no issues so far. Supposedly the replacement heads are slightly different from the OEM one being replaced. Having read tonight several other reports of this on this site, I'm wondering how long this car will actually last me.

- newboldd, Bedford, NH, US

problem #2

Jul 102011

Grand Cherokee Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,069 miles

I am unhappy about this problem as I cant belive that after 5000 km i start to have this problem of check engine light and went twice to work shop of jeep and they couldnt fix it. Now the car is at Jeep dealership and i am not sure if it will fixed or not and also since the problem appears the engine is not soft any more and the performance of the car is not normal. It even has some plastic parts on the car (insdie & out side falling a part ) i just can't belive this is a jeep .

- okal, Jeddah, K.S.A, Saudi Arabia

problem #1

Mar 102011

Grand Cherokee Limited V8 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,500 miles

Basically my brand new Jeep is making strange noise out of the engine. It sounds like a chug a chug sound almost like a train. I took it to three dealerships and now they have to break down my engine to even find out what is wrong. DO not buy this car.

- Matt S., Orem, UT, US

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