What's Wrong with the 4th Generation (2011–2021) Grand Cherokee?

Grand Cherokee owners have made 1,951 complaints about the 2011–2021 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it dead last in overall reliability, with significant electrical and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Grand Cherokee Generations

Common 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems

Some of the worst issues 4th generation Grand Cherokee owners have to deal with.

  1. EcoDiesel Emissions

    Fiat-Chrysler has agreed to pay over $800 million in fines and compensation for using defeat devices in 3-liter EcoDiesel engines. The settlement includes an average payout of $2,800 for each of the affected owners and lessees.

    Continue reading article "EcoDiesel Emissions" Smoke coming out of a tailpipe

  2. uConnect Hacks

    Automakers have been swapping out mechanical parts for electronic control units, setting up in-car wifi networks, and connecting infotainment systems to cloud-based services. So it was only a matter of time before these technologies got hac…

    Continue reading article "uConnect Hacks" Infotainment screen with uConnect loaded

  4. Jeep TIPM Electrical Problems

    If you've heard of a TIPM, chances are you own a vehicle from Fiat-Chrysler (FCA). Think of it like a command center for all the electrical functions of your car, and in FCA's case a very, very disfunctional one.

    Continue reading article "Jeep TIPM Electrical Problems" A TIPM pulled apart to show complicated electronics

  5. Death Wobble

    The death wobble is a creative term coined by Jeep owners that describes a situation when the front axle begins violently oscillating, causing the car to shake (or wobble) in a manner which makes the vehicle hard to control.

    Continue reading article "Death Wobble" A red Wrangler climbing over rocks

  6. Jeep e-Shift Design Defect

    FCA's electronic gear shifter is confusing because it violates basic design guidelines for vehicle controls. It has caused numerous rollaways and even deaths. So why did FCA make the switch?…

    Continue reading article "Jeep e-Shift Design Defect" Overhead view of Jeep gear shifter

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

4th Generation (2011–2021) Grand Cherokee Key Numbers

  1. 11 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,951 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 18th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 18 eligible generations.

Recent 4th Generation (2011–2021) Grand Cherokee News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Over 34,000 of 4th generation Grand Cherokee SUVs are being recalled because their EcoDiesel's EGR coolers are cracking

    , allowing coolant to leak and greatly increasing the chances of an engine fire.

    Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems trap exhaust gases and, as the name implies, recirculate them back into the engine. This helps cut down on Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) being released into the environment. The EGR cooler makes sure those hot exhuast gasses won't melt the engine's air intake by exchanging heat with engine coolant.…

    keep reading article "Grand Cherokee Recalled to Prevent EGR Cooler Leaks From Starting Engine Fires"

  2. A lawsuit concerning hacking vulnerabilities in Fiat-Chrysler’s (FCA) Uconnect system is headed to trial this October.

    The lawsuit was filed after researchers showed how a Jeep could be controlled remotely through the infotainment system. FCA has called the case meritless and tried to get it dismissed. When that didn’t work they turned to the U.S. Supreme Court. To FCA’s surprise, the court refused to even hear the appeal.

    It’s almost as if FCA thought the were in control of the situation and then suddenly they weren’t 🤔

    keep reading article "Uconnect Hacking Vulnerability Trial Date Set"

  3. Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) has settled allegations that it used an emissions defeat device in over 100,000 vehicles with 3-liter EcoDiesel engines.

    FCA didn’t disclose that the 2014-2016 Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee contain an auxiliary emission control device, presumably to get around strict nitrogen oxide testing. As part of the settlement FCA will pay fines, recall the affected vehicles, extend their warranties, and pay an average of $2,800 to each affected owner or lessee.

    The settlement is pending preliminary approval from the court.

    keep reading article "Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel Emissions Settlement Details"

  5. Following multiple violations issued by the EPA, owners are suing Fiat-Chrysler for allegedly using illegal emissions software in their EcoDiesel engines.

    According to the lawsuit, the EPA found the “principal effect of one or more of these AECDs was to bypass, defeat, or render inoperative one or more elements of design installed to comply with emissions standards under the Clean Air Act.

    So much for that eco part, huh?…

    keep reading article "Is the EcoDiesel Engine Illegal? This Lawsuit Thinks So And Wants Reimbursement for Owners Who Paid a Premium"

What Grand Cherokee Owners Say About This Generation

Grand Cherokee's Leather Dashboard Delaminates and Wrinkles

Leather dash started bubbling 2 years after purchasing new, dealer would not do anything because it was not severe enough and I was told the same thing by two different Jeep dealers several times over the next couple years. It continued to get worse and is now beginning to cause air flow issues with defroster.

2012 Grand Cherokee Owner in NJ

Grand Cherokee's Leather Dashboard Delaminates and Wrinkles

I'm simply another Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland owner with this same leather dashboard problem. Purchased vehicle used (no sign of problem at that time), once issue occurred, Jeep dealer I had servicing vehicle suggested contacting Customer Care...which proved worthless since vehicle was out of warranty period (should be renamed Customer CareLESS)

2011 Grand Cherokee Owner in CT

Electrical Nightmares Thanks to a Faulty TIPM

Wipers won't turn off, no turn signals, no horn ... It's sad that a car company knows there is a problem and will take care of the issue. That is the world we live in. It's all about them. Hell with the customer. They don't care about the customer or [their] safety.

2011 Grand Cherokee Owner in IA