Owner complaint record
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,639 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 3, 20261,639 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
+1301% vs 2010
760 complaints, 46% of the total
half of the electrical system reports that give a mileage came before this
37 mention an injury, 61 a fire
The electrical system leads the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee record at 46%, with engine next at 21%. Of the electrical system reports that give a mileage, half came before 62,200 miles. The costliest part on our cost list is the power brake booster, $195 for the part alone.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Nearly half of the complaints name the electrical system, many of them stalling, and brake complaints follow a recall for a brake booster that can let water in (14V-154).
The one documented fault in the power module (TIPM) of the 2011 and 2012 Grand Cherokee is its fuel pump relay, which can fail and stall the engine; recall 19V-813, which took over from 14V-530 and 15V-115, replaces the relay and its wiring for free. NHTSA's review of wider TIPM claims (DP14-004) found no valid evidence of airbag, acceleration or fire faults.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee overview
The 2011 Grand Cherokee came with a 3.6-liter V6 or a 5.7-liter V8, in rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
The 2011 Grand Cherokee was all new, on a new platform with independent suspension front and rear. It was the first to use the company's new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and it offered Quadra-Lift air suspension and a Selec-Terrain dial with five terrain settings.
Owners filed 14 times as many complaints about the 2011 as the 2010 (117), and the electrical system leads both years. The 2012 drew 1,638, with electrical system named most.
- Power
- 360 hp
- Torque
- 390 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm
- Gearbox
- 5-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
- Power
- 290 hp
- Torque
- 260 lb-ft at 4,800 rpm
- Gearbox
- 5-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Chrysler's 2011 Grand Cherokee press kit (Wayback copy), read 3 Oct 2026.
Is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee than about any other Grand Cherokee year except 2014, and the electrical system draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 2ndCompared with other Grand Cherokee years1,639 complaints, the 2nd most of 16 model years (2014 has 2,373).By model year
- 46%The system named mostElectrical system, in 760 complaints. Half of the electrical system reports that give a mileage came before 62,200 miles.Problems by system
- 6Recalls6 recall campaigns cover the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.Recalls
- 53Crashes, injuries, fires53 complaints mention a crash, 37 an injury and 61 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,639 complaints about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Electrical system46%760 complaintsStalling and no-starts
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Vehicle was traveling on highway at 55 mph when it suddenly stalled in traffic. Could not restart after pushing to side of road. Towed to dealer and told that total integrated power module had failed and needed to be replaced.
I parked the car in the garage and heard a noise. After searching the whole car, the fuel pump was stuck on. I turned car on and off thinking it would reset and it did not. I had to pull the fuse to turn off the pump. I took it to the dealer and was told that the tipm was bad and will cost $1500.00 to replace.
WALAFLINRead 4 more owner reports+4
Vehicle unlocks randomly as I walk away from it, have to lock then try again and again sometimes. Several times have come back to vehicle after locking it only to find it unlocked. I have taken it to 3 dealerships including the one I bought it from and they have never fixed the issue as stated.
While driving my 2011 jeep grand cherokee I saw white smoke coming from the driver side sun visor and then a burning smell. I pulled over and after a few minutes the smoke cleared, the bracket for sun visor stayed hot and shows signs of melting. No injuries, the vehicle was driven to dealership immediately. *tr.. Updated 08-20-14 *bf updated 08/25/2014
2 weeks ago my car would not start, did get it started, took to dealer ship. Its apparently the timp module. This part is on back order I was told it would be in this week its not and they are not sure. It take a few tries to get it started. And twice it stalled while driving. And its making a knocking. May I add this started at 36600. Miles.
2011 jeep grand cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to a notice for a brake booster recall. *tgw the consumer has been waiting almost two months for the brake booster recall, to be rectified. The dealer informed him, the parts were not available. The consumer referenced recall numbers 14v154000 and 14v391000.
When it starts
Usually starts around 62,250 miles. Half of owners reported it between 42,000 and 94,056.
What to do
Ask for proof that the fuel pump relay recall was done, then test the battery.
Our guideBad Alternator or Battery? How to Tell Before You BuyMore: Dashboard warning lights
Engine21%343 complaintsEngine that stalls
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Vehicle was traveling on highway at 55 mph when it suddenly stalled in traffic. Could not restart after pushing to side of road. Towed to dealer and told that total integrated power module had failed and needed to be replaced.
Engine shuts off with no warning while driving. Power steering and brakes are lost. No service lights or loss of power to other items (ex: radio) and no error messages can be found by jeep dealership service tech. This has happened 3 times most recently 4-4-17.
TXFLOHCARead 4 more owner reports+4
While driving at 45 mph started to brake for a right turn yield and car completely shut off . Restarted the car and everything was fine; went to the dealer to run a diagnostics and nothing came up.
2 weeks ago my car would not start, did get it started, took to dealer ship. Its apparently the timp module. This part is on back order I was told it would be in this week its not and they are not sure. It take a few tries to get it started. And twice it stalled while driving. And its making a knocking. May I add this started at 36600. Miles.
Recall p54/NHTSA 14v-530 my jeep has stalled 5 times in a year. Called chrysler about this recall and they do not have the parts to fix it. Took it to the dealer and was told the same thing. I ask both of them, what if it stalls and I am in a crash. There responds was that they hope that doesn't happen. My question is what can I do about this situation? Thank you
Vehicle stalled on a busy road while traveling approximately 35 mph. I was decelerating approaching a traffic light and lost power steering, power brakes and engine shut down. After placing vehicle into park I was able to restart. This has happened twice in the last few months. The dealership is not able to replicate the issue or take further action to correct the issue.
When it starts
Usually starts around 69,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 47,000 and 104,000.
What to do
Drive a mix of city and highway and watch whether the engine cuts out.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoBraking system20%322 complaintsBrake booster recall, soft pedal
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
My brake booster blew. Now awaiting brake booster and brake master cylinder. My jeep is still in dealership garage. Jeep liaison is now telling me april 2 is delivery date of parts, this date seems to change weekly. Stating this is manufacturer's date of (out of stock parts) delivery to dealership.
Received recall for brake booster. Dealer claims they are only receiving one replacement part every two weeks and I'm number 42 on the list. At this rate my recall will not be resolved for another 84 weeks. It has already been 5 weeks since the part was ordered.
NCNCWINYRead 4 more owner reports+4
While driving the abs, and tracking lights came on. Made it home , and notice that the fuel pump continued to run when the ignition was turned off. Started the jeep back up , and the brake pedal went to the floor. Had jeep towed to thd dodge dealership. Estimated cost, 1,300.
Local chrysler dealerships do not have parts to correct brake booster recall p14 / NHTSA 14v-154. Have been waiting 3 months for replacement parts. Dealerships say parts are back ordered and they have no estimate on when new parts will arrive. Recall is not being addressed within a reasonable amount of time.
The dealer list for the warranty repair of the recall is 7 pages long and in 3 months only one page has been completed. I believe this is an unreasonable delay for a somewhat basic part related to an important safety function like braking.
I received a recall notice for my jeep grand cherokee pertaining to the brakes,I notified the dealer dutchess 2285/2291 south rd poughkeepsie ny 12601 and they have been giving me the run around.
When it starts
Usually starts around 60,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 44,170 and 84,500.
What to do
Press the brake pedal hard: it should stay high and firm.
Our guideBrake Warning Light: What It Means and Is It Safe to Drive?More: ABS light on · Warped brake rotors
Fuel and power delivery15%247 complaintsStalling, relay recall
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Vehicle was traveling on highway at 55 mph when it suddenly stalled in traffic. Could not restart after pushing to side of road. Towed to dealer and told that total integrated power module had failed and needed to be replaced.
While driving the abs, and tracking lights came on. Made it home , and notice that the fuel pump continued to run when the ignition was turned off. Started the jeep back up , and the brake pedal went to the floor. Had jeep towed to thd dodge dealership. Estimated cost, 1,300.
ILCORead 2 more owner reports+2
I parked the car in the garage and heard a noise. After searching the whole car, the fuel pump was stuck on. I turned car on and off thinking it would reset and it did not. I had to pull the fuse to turn off the pump. I took it to the dealer and was told that the tipm was bad and will cost $1500.00 to replace.
When I went in to waconia jeep (905 strong dr, waconia, mn 55387) they told me I need a new fuel pump. Did not do recall work. My call often stalled but I was able to get back to my home in colorado. Dealers in denver metro area don't have any "openings" for 3 weeks.
When it starts
Usually starts around 65,249 miles. Half of owners reported it between 47,250 and 100,632.
What to do
Start it cold, drive, shut off, and restart hot.
Our guideCar Won't Start? Try This Before You Call a TowPowertrain5%86 complaintsStalling, rough shifts
Show detailsHide details
What owners describe
Three instances where two stationary and one in motion full acceleration with out touching the gas pedal. The dealer told me that there was a transmission fluid leak. Caused my transmission oil to burn which lead to a faulty transmission. Pcim was flashed and caused transmission to decelerate at 40mph loosing all function.
Transfer case main shaft failed, causing a total lock up of the vehicle. It had to be towed to dealer and took 3 weeks to repair.
CAGARead 2 more owner reports+2
While driving up the freeway ramp and accelerating past 50 mph the entire vehicle started to shake. Had to immediately get off the freeway, stop the vehicle and have it inspected by our local mechanic. It was a frightening incident for my wife and kids.
My 2011 jeep grand cherokee is leaking from what appears to be coming from the trans cooler part just above the a/c condenser. This seems to be an extremely common issue with the 2011-2013 models.
When it starts
Usually starts around 64,081 miles. Half of owners reported it between 40,750 and 100,191.
What to do
Drive through every gear.
Our guideBad Transmission Symptoms: Seven Causes Ranked from $6.19 to $7,100What repairs cost on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Part prices for the problems 2011 Grand Cherokee owners report most. They are shelf and mail-order prices for the part alone, so a shop bill adds labor and its own markup.
One listing, a remanufactured Quality-Built booster, plus a $40 core deposit. Recalls 14V154 and 17V572 cover the booster on certain 2011 SUVs, free at the dealer; check the VIN first.
Check brake boostersPrices on this page are our own research, not the store’s, and store prices change daily.
Prices read on RockAuto on Oct 2, 2026, for the parts listed as fitting this car; regular stock only, closeouts left out.
When problems show up on the odometer
Braking system complaints start earliest, typically around 60,000 miles. Engine complaints start latest, around 69,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by model year
2011 is shown in dark. The electrical system is named most in 11 other Grand Cherokee years.
Show chartHide chart
2011 is shown in dark. The electrical system is named most in 11 other Grand Cherokee years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee have kept arriving since 2010, with peaks in 2014 and 2015. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
Show chartHide chart
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
6 recall campaigns cover the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee four stars overall, the same for four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive. Its defect office has opened six investigations into five problems that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 17% to 21%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
These checks follow what 2011 Grand Cherokee owners reported most: stalling from the electrical system, then brake booster recalls. Run the VIN before you pay, because this SUV has fuel pump relay and brake recalls.
- 1Run the VIN for the fuel pump relay and brake recalls
Only the VIN shows whether the relay and booster fixes were done.
- 2Start the engine several times, hot and cold
Owners describe stalling and no-starts.
- 3Drive in traffic and on the highway
Stalling leads the electrical and engine complaints.
- 4Press the brake pedal hard
A brake booster recall covers this SUV.
- 5Check the battery and charging
Battery complaints run through the electrical file.
Oil and service for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This is what Jeep's manual says the 2011 Grand Cherokee needs: which oil to use and how much, the fluids for the transmission and the cooling system, and when each job is due. The vehicle tracks oil wear itself and shows an oil change message, but Jeep says never to go past a set number of miles or months.
- Engine oil
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 7 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Mopar ATF+4
- Coolant
- Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
- Engine oil
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity, with filter
- 6 US quarts
- Transmission fluid
- Mopar ATF+4
- Coolant
- Mopar 5 Year/100,000 Mile Formula HOAT
Service schedule
From the Jeep 2011 Grand Cherokee Owner's Manual, read Oct 2, 2026. Normal schedule.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners name the electrical system most (760 complaints), then engine (343) and braking system (322).
Is 2011 a good year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the electrical system complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: electrical system (4), brakes (2). A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems start?
Braking system complaints start earliest, around 60,000 miles. Engine complaints come later, around 69,000 miles.
Which Grand Cherokee years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2014 and 2011 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2010 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 9 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.