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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: problems, recalls and what it’s worth

NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: 3.6L Pentastar — left-bank cylinder head. 6 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 48% about electrical.

Before you buy A persistent tick from the left bank, a cylinder-2 misfire code. A head replacement (or both) on record clears this concern.

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Known problems on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

3.6L Pentastar — left-bank cylinder head $1,200–$2,500 to fix

Early 3.6L Pentastars fail the left (driver-side) cylinder head — a tick, then a misfire on cylinder 2 and often the exhaust valve seat drops. Chrysler issued a special coverage and revised the head casting for 2014+.

Check for: A persistent tick from the left bank, a cylinder-2 misfire code. A head replacement (or both) on record clears this concern.

Basis: Chrysler special coverage; NHTSA complaints; revised 2014 casting

Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee safety investigations and free repairs

Under investigation (not a recall):

Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.

Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):

A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.

Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee safety and fuel

4 of 5 starsNHTSA overall crash rating
15–18 mpgEPA combined, depending on engine and drive
$3,600–$4,300 a yearEPA fuel-cost estimate (15,000 miles a year)

From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.

What owners complain about

1,639 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.

Electrical48%
Engine & cooling22%
Brakes20%
Fuel system17%
Transmission & drivetrain5%

Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

2010 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Looking at a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee for sale?

No VIN? Paste the ad for a fair-price check.

The full report adds this car’s market value and what to offer.