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.

10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
6,500 miles
Total Complaints:
1 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments

problem #1

Aug 042011

Grand Cherokee Overland 3.6L Pentastar

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,500 miles

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

The Grand Cherokee with the 3.6 L Pentastar engine is rated for a towing capacity of 5000 lbs. We are towing 3100 lbs. and when towing uphill at a 6.5% grade the temperature rises to the 3rd mark as it should (not the 4th mark red zone), and the engine then suddenly drops all power and goes down to about 3000 RPM. Until the engine temperature backs down, there is no power above 3000 RPM regardless of what gear you are in. Chrysler has installed a 300 watt fan in all the vehicles with the pentastar engine and states that they should perform properly. Chrysler also stated that people should try turning off the air-conditioning to solve the problem. Turning off the switch to the air-conditioning did not turn off the air-conditioning on any of the new Grand Cherokee's that were at the dealership including mine. The dealership was able to fix the air-conditioning problem after Chrysler said "they had never heard of it" by getting new parts from Chrysler. They still have not issued a recall for it!!! Once the air-conditioning was able to be turned off, this made no difference with the towing RPM restriction problem. Chrysler also said they have never heard of the RPM restriction problem and yet a number of people have reported it to them. The dealership is working on the problem, but needs Chrysler to own up to it and possibly make a recall. This problem appears to happen to anyone that is towing with enough load to cause the engine temperature to rise to the 3rd line. The fan should be able to kick into high speed and cool the engine down a little, but it does not appear that the design will allow this to happen. Note, that on the larger engine a much larger 850 watt fan is used to cool the radiator and in turn cool the engine.

People need to test their vehicles and confirm this is a problem, then report it to chrysler before they have no warranty to get Chrysler to do anything about it!!!

This towing loading test is certainly well within the specification published by Chrysler and running the engine temperature up to the 3rd line (not the 4th line) is also not extreme, plus no lights or codes get set when this occurs.

If people do not complain about a design problem with their vehicle, Chrysler will not do anything to correct it and it will hurt the resale value at the end.

- steveu, Hr, CO, US

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