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.

9.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,710
Average Mileage:
69,150 miles
Total Complaints:
66 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (51 reports)
  2. replace TIPM module (7 reports)
  3. safety recall asap (4 reports)
  4. replaced fuel pump (3 reports)
  5. replace alternator, throttle body and position sensor (1 reports)
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 3 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #26

Sep 012015

Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 165,000 miles

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

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has continuing problem where the Jeep shuts off while driving it. Several years ago Jeep told me they were going to do a workaround on TIPM to solve a problem I was having with intermittent starting problem. At that time I mentioned to them that the car had been turning off while driving it. They had no answers at that time on why it was stalling but whatever workaround they did fixed the starting problem. The car has turned off several times a year with it occurring approximately 2 times a month when it is really acting up.

I just took the Grand Cherokee in and had the Recall fix for the fuel pump relay done yet car has stalled while driving it since the fix was completed. It is very dangerous when the car turns off as the car loses power steering making it virtually impossible to turn the during the time it takes to pop it into neutral and restart it, all while still moving. Most of the times it has happened to me I have been coming off the freeway on an off-ramp, thus traveling at a high rate of speed. Don't let them fool you that the Fuel Pump Relay is causing the problem as it hasn't prevented my jeep from turning off while I am driving it.

Update from Mar 28, 2017: Have had all recall work performed including fuel relay replacement. Car continues to stall without warning while driving. Seems to stall at higher rates while coming to a stop after coasting. The car stalls irregularly and can go a few weeks without stalling while other times it will occur multiple times in a day. When vehicle stalls breaking and steering are extremely difficult which leads to dangerous conditions to me as driver and to others on the road given the 5000 lb moving vehicle now is virtually unresponsive. I took my car into my jeep dealer and inquired about the stalling and if me paying out of pocket to replace the TIPM would solve the issue and was simply told that the dealership has a few handful of people with the same issue and they don't know what is causing it and they didn't think replacing the TIPM would solve it.

- David N., San Diego, US

problem #25

Apr 292015

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,569 miles

The car stalled while driving on the freeway. It does not throw a code when it happens and the dealership says there is nothing they can do. The dealership said it was possibly my radar detector that was causing frequency issues so I unplugged it. Still not correct, it continues to stall while driving.

- sylc, Chula Vista, CA, US

problem #24

Feb 232015

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,770 miles

This problem has happened numerous times. The car stalls while driving, there is no power steering or brakes. Extremely dangerous situation. It happened on the freeway! Dealership claimed it was fuel pump relay control circuit wiring issue. Apparently, not correct since it continues to happen.

- sylc, Chula Vista, CA, US

problem #23

Jul 122015

Grand Cherokee V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

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

TWICE - my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has shut down on my while driving! The ESC light comes on and then all the sudden my power steering shuts down and the car dies. This has happened once on a freeway going 55 (over 3 hours away from home) and another at a stop light. Both time with my two toddlers in the car - talk about scary and extremely frustrating.

I took it into a Jeep service center after the first time - they had my car for over 4 days and came back with, we could not duplicate your issue, ran codes and found nothing wrong.

Well two weeks later it happened again at a stop light. We shut down the car and waited a couple of minutes (with tons of people honking and yelling, mind you with my kids in the car) and then it started again.

I will be bringing it in again to make a fuss - how can they say NOTHING is wrong when it has happened twice now!

I have had a few other things go wrong with my jeep and I must say for the price I paid and trying to buy American, I am EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED!!! I tried for the lemon law and was denied. What does it take for answers or admission my car is a lemon? Someone to die - NO!

Absolutely PISSED OFF!

- thehenrys222, San Bruno, CA, US

problem #22

May 182015

Grand Cherokee Laredo 3.6L, V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,713 miles

5/18/15 -Car stalled at 70mph. Had car towed to local mechanic who connected to computer where code P0627 appeared. As this code refers to a fuel pump issue. We had car towed back to Jeep as they did a 'fuel pump relay' recall on 4/14/15....a month before. Jeep insisted recalled part was working fine. Kept car for two weeks and insisted it was starting up and running for hours despite owner telling them that the problem occurred while car was running...not while parked.

Picked up car and took to my own tech buddy who drove car. When he shut car off and tried to restart...nothing doing. My tech buddy opened up the hood and tapped on the PCM...car started right up. Brought car back to Jeep where they then opened a 'Starr' report with Chrysler. Chrysler advised them to just replace the PCM which they did. Picked up car and brought right over a used car dealer for a trade in. Guess what? Dealer went to start car and it didn't start. (Hmmm...maybe problem wasn't the PCM? Maybe it goes back to that fuel pump relay!) I now opened hood and tapped on PCM just as my tech friend did. What do you know....car started up. (Old school mechanics!)

Had car towed back to Jeep as trade in deal was now kaput. We escalated the problem up to Chrysler as we have no faith in the mechanics at our Jeep dealership. Chrysler had an 'expert' technician get in touch with Jeep today 6/22/15. His response was to make sure the power to the starter was ok, and if so return the vehicle to owner. WHATTTTTTTT????? The starter was never the issue. How about making sure all connections from that recalled/replaced fuel pump relay are tightly connected???? How about we handed them a car in April that did not have an issue and came back to us broken?

Unbelievable that the Chrysler tech was basically blowing off the problem....this is not acceptable. Doesn't look too good for Chrysler. The mechanic at the dealership agrees that it is most likely not the starter.....he told us he will 'keep looking'. This car has not been used since we brought into Jeep on May 18th.

- Susan S., Scotch Plains, NJ, US

problem #21

Jun 132015

Grand Cherokee Limited V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,465 miles

Our 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee stalls when driving into a turn at aprox 40 mph. Just dies. I can re-start immediately but it has happened about 6 times over the last couple of years. Seems to be happening more frequently.

The last time it happened I had my 6 yr old grandson and a buddy in the back seat and turned off the interstate in mass traffic. NOT GOOD! I am starting to worry it may happen while driving down the road and have someone hit me from behind.

I have had the TIPM recalled and replaced. Just went to the Chrysler dealer to have them look into the recent scare. They couldn't find anything.

CHRYSLER GET THIS FIXED!!

- Amy M., Silver City, IA, US

problem #20

May 252015

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,000 miles

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

Driving down the road going around a curve and the car just shuts off, no power steering or power brakes, very scary. I'm just glad I made it in to a parking lot without hitting someone or them hitting me!

- hayess, Calhoun, GA, US

problem #19

Dec 212011

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L 290 Hp V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

So, me and my wife and kids were in Pennsylvania, visiting relatives for Christmas. We were following my brother's van on the motorway, doing about 50 miles per hour. Suddenly, the engine shuts off, and we lose power steering! I try to regain control of the vehicle, but it is no use. We crash into the concrete barrier. Luckily, the only injuries were some bruises and minor cuts. This is a life - threatening defect! Is Chrysler going to shove this problem aside and only recall the car when people start dying and the million dollar lawsuits come rolling in? My brother and his wife are loyal Chrysler owners ( owning an '04 Town & Country and an '09 Avenger ). What if there is a major defect in one of their cars that kills them? Can this happen in other Chryslers?

- Edward H., Greater London, England, United Kingdom

problem #18

Feb 092015

Grand Cherokee 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

On two separate occasions, within two weeks after purchasing the vehicle, it wouldn't start. My son was stranded and had to call a tow truck to haul it to the dealership, dealership's diagnostic report said faulty key. The second time the vehicle was towed to the dealership, they couldn't find anything that was wrong it.

This past week my son was on his way home from work in traffic when the Jeep just cut off for no reason. He had no power steering very hard to control and very dangerous in traffic.

- Kim G., McDonough, GA, US

problem #17

Sep 192014

Grand Cherokee Limited 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

On Friday, 9/19/14, my 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee almost killed me. I usually do not post to sites or actively rant, but in this case, I am so angry, shocked, scared, and unsure of what to do, that I decided to pursue this further with Jeep and Chrysler, and this site is my first stop on the way to the NHTSA, the Center for Auto Safety, etc.

I was driving between Virginia and New York for a family member's funeral, via Interstate 81. Half-way there, I stopped for a late lunch and when I returned to my Jeep, I experienced a problem starting it - upon hitting the start button, it would not turn over - nor would it stop trying to - it just kept cranking and cranking until finally I opened the door and it stopped. It did this 3-4 times, and then it started. It has never done this before. Unnerving on a long road trip, to say the least, but I had to get to New York to be with my family, and I was closer to my destination than home, so I continued on, but more slowly - and that probably saved my life. About an hour later, while moving at 70 mph surrounded by several big rigs while passing, part of the Jeep's electrical system stopped working. I lost power steering, accelerator function, and my dash lit up like a Christmas tree - every light - and the engine kept working (and even revved with no accelerator function). The car slowed, and the big rig behind me slammed on his brakes, while mine didn't work for about 10 seconds. I was boxed in by another big rig, and literally had approximately 2 feet between my vehicle and the one on the side, and approximately 1-2 feet between my vehicle and the big rig behind me - all with no control of my vehicle! The road was curving, and I could not follow it adequately - almost flipping the Jeep at that speed! My brakes then came back online, and I was able to maneuver the Jeep away from these rigs, ultimately pulling over. No damage and no accident by mere feet - and I was almost a statistic! I let the Jeep sit for about 15 minutes, and it re-started - I was able to limp the rest of the way to New York with this happening multiple times on the way. Upon arrival, I let the Jeep sit overnight while I took care of the family and funeral.

Early Saturday afternoon, I was able to get it started and drive it three miles to the nearest dealership via back roads - they couldn't even look at it until Monday (today). In the meantime, I had to go home to Virginia, so did so on Sunday with family members, and now have to deal with long-distance repairs in an unknown dealership, and ultimately travel back to New York to get my Jeep once it is repaired. The NY dealership will call me today once they determine what the problem is, but they mentioned TIPM failure as a possible cause. I researched it, and am finding this is a growing problem that Jeep and Chrysler are aware of - no recall yet - and it is very expensive to fix ($1200-$1400, plus diagnostic costs - and in my case, travel costs, local rental car costs, costs to be off of work, and likely the costs of trading the vehicle in).

The NY dealership indicated that if it is the TIPM, they could replace it in time - but with the same part - so if it failed so horribly the first time, what would make me think the Jeep was safe for my family to travel in at all? I have been a loyal Jeep owner for 25 years - but I think after their negligence in not addressing a known problem almost killed me, I think it is time to shop for a new brand. Also, Jeep's customer care was no help at all - I called again today about the recall that came out on Saturday to fix a fuel pump problem, but they can't even tell me if my Jeep is affected (which could be the problem, but I can't get the information for the NY dealership). I also have experienced random, small electrical issues since day 3 of ownership - the flashlight in the back stopped working at day 3 and never worked since (no big deal), I've replaced the tail-light bulbs each 4-5x, the tailgate button stopped working a couple of weeks ago, and my local dealerships addressed all of these issues as isolated cases, even after paying for an electrical diagnostic of the vehicle which revealed nothing. After this experience, it seems that my TIPM has been degrading for three years, since I bought the vehicle, ultimately leading to this past weekend's major problem and scare - at least that is what the NY dealership is telling me. I'll update this complaint with the outcome of this ongoing saga, including repair solutions and costs. In the meantime, how many people have to suffer before a company will do what is right?

Update from Sep 22, 2014: Monday, 9/22/14, Update: The NY dealership has confirmed that they are 99.9% sure it is the TIPM, and recommended replacement. With diagnostics and computer upgrades, we're looking at $1400, plus $250 for a rental for the week, $250-$300 in airfare / rental car to get to Albany, $125 in hotel costs for a night - this one is going to cost me around $2000, based on the geographic location of the part failure. Also, Chrysler customer care indicated that the replacement TIPM is the same part as the original (it has not been upgraded or re-engineered in any way) - so this could happen again, since they are replacing a failed part with a known faulty part. All of this on the heels of the recall from Saturday, 9/20/14, for the fuel pump relay switch inside of the TIPM - which will likely be repaired / installed with this service - even though Chrysler could not tell me if my Jeep was included in that recall. I'll update the saga again once I get the Jeep back next weekend, after the trip to NY, and see how it is running.

- Daniel B., Sterling, VA, US

problem #16

Oct 152014

Grand Cherokee Overland

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

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

My 2011 Jeep was having a problem starting and then it stalled in the middle of an intersection. After finding out about the faulty TIPM I called Chrysler. They said it wasn't my Jeep even though it's the same issue and my Jeep is in the manufacturing dates, he stated that mine wouldn't be covered. I am so angry and am now wishing I wasn't such a loyal Chrysler owner with a Jeep and a Dodge Truck.

Update from Oct 17, 2014: Well I can not drive me Jeep. And now I have to rent a car and pay out of pocket. My dealer said they cant even get to my Jeep until sometime in November! Why do I have to pay for this?

- edsgirl0088, Commack, NY, US

problem #15

Jul 012014

Grand Cherokee 4x4 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles

Engine has not quit completely while running, but it starts in an extremely low idle mode --barely running. It will not response to throttle input. The only way to correct it is to switch the engine off and start it again.

So far, this happens only occasionally, but we fear it will get worse. I sounds to me like it's related to the TIPM problem.

- falcnjet, Birmingham, AL, US

problem #14

Sep 022014

Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,000 miles

TIPM issue - I am so annoyed at the fact that I have only had the vehicle for two years and I have less than 50,000 miles on it and I am having to fork out over $1000 for a repair! This is absolutely ridiculous that Chrysler has not recalled this issue. What does it say to the consumer about the product if you will not correct YOUR mistake!!!

WE pay way too much for these vehicles to have to come out of pocket this type of money with no help or acknowledgement of an apparent issue from Chrysler.

- Rionda B., Powder Springs, GA, US

problem #13

May 212014

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 51,000 miles

Same problem as before. While accelerating after stopping at a stop sign, the steering wheel locked and the engine shut off. Dealer could not diagnose, but problem is consistent with TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) problem reported by others.

- eaglemb79, Simi Valley, CA, US

problem #12

Jul 092014

Grand Cherokee Overland Summit 5.7L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,200 miles

This failure was again, the TIPM. This was when my Wife was driving. She was crossing an intersection in Beaverton, Oregon where 2 lanes merge into 1. She was in the through lane (left) and drivers were cutting in from the right and following closely behind her and drivers cutting in there. This lousy designed intersection leaves no place to go when things go wrong.

Well, the Jeep GC shutdown. Nothing. Engine died. But then she found she couldn't steer it, couldn't stop it. Basically the brakes and steering were working but had lost their assist. She was trying to avoid an accident and other motorists didn't get it that she was having a vehicle problem. She looked down briefly and the dash was showing "Coolant Temp" and the chime was going off. Coolant temperature wasn't the display she had selected prior to this event, it was set for "Speed".

She managed to get the vehicle off to the side of the road and gave me a call on her phone. When she called me, there was a chiming in the background. I had her hit the STOP/START button and it was really goofy She said nothing was working. So I said to call towing. She waited a few minutes before getting towing and tried to start it again and the dash came on and it started. Headed to the dealer and was given a total runaround. They did their normal "no codes" "no problem found". Have a nice day. I bet when the warranty runs out and we come in with this issue, they'll know exactly what the problem is. Our neighbor is a very known Attorney and she said she'd be glad to "take a ride to the Dealership".

- Scott A., Beaverton, OR, US

problem #11

Aug 142014

Grand Cherokee

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

the vehicle shuts off......period......highway driving......no idiot lights.....no power steering.....no brakes......has happened twice......two different dealers say there is nothing wrong......I understand it might be the t.i.p.m. which the dealer says would cost $1100.00 dollars.......saw an article in the n.y. times about other people with the same problem and that Chrysler is "looking into it".........I hope I don't become a statistic........

- Ric H., Augusta, NJ, US

problem #10

Jan 012014

Grand Cherokee Laredo

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,134 miles

This problem has become worst since the initial issue of the vehicle not starting and stalling. I first thought it was related to cold temperatures since it started during the cold month of January. Since then and especially more recently, it has become an everyday issue (not starting)... the stalling so far, occurs shortly after it actually starts. It takes multiple attempts to start my car and the frequency of this issue is daily now. We are in the month of August so I am certain that the outside temperature has nothing to do with it.

- Dana K., Parker, CO, US

problem #9

Apr 222014

Grand Cherokee Limited 5.6L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

This car was purchased used in November 2013 from Chrysler/Jeep dealership so pregnant wife would have a safe car to transport new baby. While accelerating after stopping at a stop sign, the steering wheel locked and the engine shut off. Dealer could not diagnose, but problem is consistent with TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) problem reported by others.

- eaglemb79, Simi Valley, CA, US

problem #8

Mar 202014

Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,000 miles

We bought a used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee February 2014. March 2014 it started shutting down while driving. Luckily it was a a low speed and we had the opportunity to pull over and restart. Took it to the dealership, they couldn't replicate the problem and didn't have any suggestions. It has since shut down several times, doesn't recognize the key when it's in the vehicle and alarms, and is having trouble with taillights failure.

After researching and finding that TIPM replacement is a common problem (and involved in a class action lawsuit) we again contacted the dealership. They offered to order the part for us parts and labor totaling over $1000.

We're hoping the lawsuit is resolved quickly.

- Lisa K., Marshall, MI, US

problem #7

Jun 242014

Grand Cherokee Overland V8 Hemi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

Before the repair I had noticed intermittent issues with the car not starting, windshield wipers going off randomly, my car alarm not turning off, and the engine stalling while driving it. Then one day I was driving to lunch when I noticed that my car had just stopped running. I was able to coast into a parking lot to get out of the way. The first time this had happened my kids and I were in the car when it stalled and I rolled out into oncoming traffic (the power brakes went out and I was on an incline waiting to turn). I was able to get it restarted but it was extremely scary at the time. Since I had been having trouble getting my car to start and it was getting worse, I decided to take it in to get it fixed. They found that the fuel pump was staying on even when the car was off and was receiving the full voltage, which fried it. They replaced the fuel pump and cleaned out the tank for $1850 only to find out that the TIPM was the root cause of the pump failure. My mechanic replaced the TIPM for me at cost (for a total of $2100.00) because I couldn't afford their original quote. I contacted Jeep and they basically said you don't have a warranty so we won't help you. The car was repaired but it still doesn't run the same like it did before the TIPM was replaced and reprogrammed. I am not keeping this car.

- kartzberger, Houston, TX, US

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