Free used car buyer guide / WK2 / 2011-2021
Jeep Grand Cherokee common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
3.9/10
4 walk-away risks, 4 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: tipm fuel-pump relay no-start and stall. Score methodology.
The WK2 Grand Cherokee is a good used SUV only when the buyer treats it as a premium 4x4, not as a cheap family crossover. The costly traps are concentrated in four places: 2011-2013 TIPM fuel-pump relay failures, 2014-2015 monostable shifter rollaway recall cars, 2014-2020 EcoDiesel EGR/HPFP/tone-wheel campaigns, and Quadra-Lift air suspension that has reached leak age. The safest version for a normal buyer is a late 2017-2021 3.6 Pentastar Limited or Laredo on steel springs, with clean recall status and no hot valvetrain tick. Hemi, SRT and Trackhawk cars can be excellent, but they need a different budget because manifold bolts, lifter/cam work and tyres are not V6 running costs. For owners, this list is a triage order: fix recall items first, then stop any air-suspension leak before it kills the compressor, then keep oil services tight enough to protect the Pentastar or Hemi.
Faults covered
9
Highest risk
TIPM fuel-pump relay
Best years
2017-2021
Best buys
- 2017-2021 3.6 Pentastar V6 on conventional springs, clean recall file, dry oil-cooler valley and no misfire history
- 2016-2021 5.7 Hemi only if the hot engine is quiet and cold manifold tick has already been repaired with invoices
- Late WK2 Trailhawk without Quadra-Lift leaks, full 4WD service history and matching tyres
Inspect hard
- 2011-2013 petrol cars: verify P54/V62 fuel-pump relay remedy and test repeated cold starts
- 2014-2015 8-speed cars: confirm S27 Auto Park software before discussing price
- Every EcoDiesel: read recall status for W79, Z46 and 66A before the road test
- Every Overland/Summit/Trailhawk with Quadra-Lift: inspect after overnight parking, not after the seller has driven it
Avoid
- EcoDiesel with open HPFP or EGR recall, coolant loss, low rail-pressure codes or any delete/tune that hides emissions faults
- Quadra-Lift car sitting low on one corner or sold with 'service air suspension' message
- Hemi with persistent hot tick plus cylinder misfire; that is cam/lifter territory, not a small exhaust leak
- 2014-2015 electronic-shifter car with no proof of S27 completion
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Jeep Grand Cherokee viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
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Engines and trims
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.6 Pentastar V6
2011-2021
BEST MAINSTREAM BUY
The 3.6 is the sensible WK2 engine because it gives enough power, avoids the diesel recall stack and does not carry Hemi running costs. Its two checks are very specific: the plastic oil cooler/filter housing in the valley and the rocker/cam follower tick on neglected oil histories. A dry, quiet Pentastar with short oil intervals is the Grand Cherokee most buyers should be hunting.
5.7 Hemi V8
2011-2021
GOOD IF HOT-IDLE QUIET
The 5.7 gives the WK2 the towing character buyers expect, but the word "tick" has to be diagnosed carefully. A cold tick that fades is often manifold bolts; a hot tick with misfire is the expensive lifter/cam path. Buy the Hemi for the right reason, but do not pay V6 money plus a future cam job.
3.0 EcoDiesel / CRD V6
2014-2020 in most markets
INSPECT CAREFULLY
The diesel is attractive on fuel economy but it is the most recall-dependent WK2 powertrain. EGR cooler fire risk, HPFP debris, and crank tone-wheel delamination can each immobilise the car. A diesel with all campaigns done, clean coolant, legal emissions hardware and no rail-pressure history can work; a deleted or undocumented one is false economy.
6.4 Hemi SRT
2012-2021
SPECIALIST BUY
SRT versions compress the same Hemi checks into a much higher-cost car. Brakes, tyres, cooling and previous abuse matter as much as the engine itself. A quiet, stock, well-serviced SRT is desirable; a tuned one with cheap tyres and vague oil history belongs in a specialist inspection bay before money changes hands.
6.2 Supercharged Trackhawk
2018-2021
ONLY WITH PERFORMANCE-CAR HISTORY
The Trackhawk is not just another WK2 trim. It has supercharged-Hemi heat, huge brake/tyre costs and strong incentive for prior hard use. The guide should steer normal SUV buyers away unless they deliberately want the performance version and can verify stock calibration, cooling condition and driveline health.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2011
WK2 launch year with new unibody platform shared with Mercedes-era development. Petrol V6 and Hemi are the core engines; early electronics and TIPM fuel-pump relay risk start here.
Buyer: Buy only if the P54/V62 fuel-pump relay history is clear and the car starts repeatedly from cold. A cheap 2011 Overland with Quadra-Lift sag is rarely cheap after compressor and relay work.
Owner: Treat the TIPM relay paperwork as part of the car's identity. If random no-starts appear, diagnose the relay circuit before replacing batteries or pumps.
2012
WK2 production settles but the early TIPM and optional Quadra-Lift ageing story remains. SRT8 brings the 6.4 Hemi to the range.
Buyer: A V6 steel-spring 2012 can be good value; a high-mileage SRT or Summit needs a specialist scan and suspension height test.
Owner: If equipped with Quadra-Lift, watch overnight ride height now rather than waiting for the compressor to run constantly.
2013
Final pre-facelift year. Some markets start seeing transition equipment before the 2014 refresh, but the older interior/electronics remain.
Buyer: This is the last year to avoid the 2014 electronic-shifter issue, but not the TIPM story. Prioritise clean starts, dry Pentastar valley and matching tyres.
Owner: Use this age to refresh fluids: transfer case, differentials and transmission service matter more than cosmetic upgrades.
2014
Major refresh: 8-speed automatic, updated interior/Uconnect and EcoDiesel availability. This is also the first year in the monostable electronic-shifter recall population.
Buyer: Do not buy a 2014 until S27 shifter recall and any diesel campaigns are checked. A 2014 EcoDiesel without clear recall proof should be priced like a risk, not like a rare economy model.
Owner: Keep S27 and diesel campaign documents in the glovebox; later buyers will ask for them and the car's value depends on proof.
2015
Refresh equipment continues and the 2014-2015 shifter recall remains central. EcoDiesel uptake grows in tow and motorway-use markets.
Buyer: A 2015 V6 with S27 complete can be a good midpoint. A 2015 diesel needs coolant, rail-pressure and tone-wheel checks before price negotiation.
Owner: If the shifter recall is complete, verify the Auto Park behaviour once so you know what the update changed.
2016
Later shifter hardware/logic reduces the 2014-2015 confusion issue. Petrol cars are more mature, while diesel campaign exposure continues.
Buyer: Good year for V6 buyers. For Hemi cars, separate a cold manifold leak from hot lifter tick before agreeing a price.
Owner: Keep oil intervals conservative; this is the age where Pentastar oil-cooler seep and Hemi manifold bolts start showing.
2017
Trailhawk returns and higher trims often combine off-road hardware with Quadra-Lift. Recall coverage on diesel and trim-specific safety items still needs VIN checking.
Buyer: Trailhawk is attractive if the air suspension works perfectly and tyres match. Do not accept a recently driven car as proof; see it after sitting.
Owner: If the compressor is louder than last season, leak-test before replacing only the compressor.
2018
Trackhawk joins with the supercharged 6.2. EcoDiesel remains exposed to later campaigns; non-diesel cars are relatively mature.
Buyer: Best year for a well-kept V6 or Hemi steel-spring car. Trackhawk and SRT need performance-car due diligence, not ordinary SUV inspection.
Owner: Keep performance models stock unless you are prepared to document tuning, cooling and driveline service for resale.
2019
New WL/DT-related product attention arrives elsewhere, but two-row WK2 continues. EcoDiesel campaign years still overlap.
Buyer: A 2019 petrol WK2 can be a safer late buy. A diesel still needs the same recall stack check as earlier years.
Owner: Late WK2 resale is strongest with boring paperwork: recalls, fluids, brakes and tyres beat aftermarket accessories.
2020
Final mature WK2 years. Diesel HPFP and tone-wheel recall populations still include some 2020 diesel vehicles.
Buyer: Strong V6 year if clean. Diesel buyers must confirm Z46 and 66A by VIN because "late model" does not automatically mean exempt.
Owner: If you own a diesel, keep dealer campaign letters and completion invoices together; these cars are hard to sell without them.
2021
Last two-row WK2 model year alongside the separate three-row Grand Cherokee L launch. Some 2021 WK/Durango vehicles had EGR-related recall activity on 3.6 in certain populations.
Buyer: Good final-year V6s command money, but still inspect oil-cooler valley, suspension and recall status. Do not confuse a 2021 WK2 with the new WL generation.
Owner: The car is mature but ageing; plan fluid services and suspension inspection before it becomes a deferred-maintenance WK2.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
TIPM fuel-pump relay no-start and stall
Affects
2011-2013 Grand Cherokee petrol engines, especially vehicles covered by P54 / NHTSA 14V530 and later V62 / 19V813 remedy recall.
Symptoms
Intermittent crank/no-start, fuel pump failing to prime, random stall, start only after several key cycles, or a previous owner-installed relay bypass.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 250-700 for external relay wiring repair; EUR 900-1,800 for TIPM replacement where needed.
Codes / scan clues
P0627, P069E, fuel-pump control faults; many cars fail intermittently with no current engine DTC.
Root cause: The fuel-pump relay is built into the TIPM-7. Relay contact contamination/failure can interrupt pump power; some remedy relays were later recalled for similar contamination risk.
Quick check
- Run the VIN for P54 / 14V530 and V62 / 19V813 before viewing.
- Start the vehicle repeatedly from fully cold and listen for pump prime.
- Inspect the TIPM area for neat dealer relay work rather than a crude bypass.
- Scan for fuel-pump relay/control history even if the MIL is off.
- Reject any car that 'sometimes needs a few tries' to start.
Buyer note
This is the early-WK2 fault that makes a cheap car feel haunted. A completed recall with clean starts is fine; an intermittent no-start with no paperwork is not a negotiation item, it is a walk-away.
Owner note
If the symptom returns after an old P54 repair, ask specifically about V62/19V813 remedy-relay coverage before paying for a fuel pump.
Fault 2
2014-2015 monostable electronic shifter rollaway recall
Affects
2014-2015 Grand Cherokee with 8-speed automatic and joystick-style electronic shift lever.
Symptoms
Confusing Park engagement, vehicle not actually in Park, shifter returns to centre, or rollaway-risk recall still open.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under S27 recall; EUR 150-400 for software/update diagnosis; EUR 500-1,100 if shifter hardware is damaged.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; recall status and Auto Park software behaviour matter more than engine codes.
Root cause: The monostable shifter does not hold a conventional detent position. FCA recall S27 / NHTSA 16V240 added Auto Park logic to reduce rollaway risk.
Quick check
- VIN-check S27 / 16V240.
- Confirm the Auto Park software update is listed on a dealer invoice.
- Verify clear Park indication on the cluster before exiting.
- Check for any shifter warning messages.
- Avoid cars sold with 'you just have to learn the shifter' explanations.
Buyer note
A completed S27 car is buyable; an unverified one is not worth the risk. This recall is about human-interface design, not ordinary wear.
Owner note
After the update, learn exactly when Auto Park engages so parking habits match the software, especially on slopes or while hitching trailers.
Fault 3
EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking and fire risk
Affects
2014-2019 Grand Cherokee 3.0 EcoDiesel / CRD under W79 / NHTSA 20V699.
Symptoms
Coolant loss with no puddle, white exhaust steam, sweet smell, overheating, EGR warnings, smoke from intake area.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 900-2,000 for EGR cooler; EUR 2,500-5,500 if intake/emissions parts are damaged.
Codes / scan clues
P0401, P0402, coolant-temperature irregularities, DPF/regeneration codes.
Root cause: Thermal fatigue cracks the EGR cooler, allowing coolant vapour into the EGR/intake stream where it can smoke or combust.
Quick check
- Run VIN for W79 / 20V699.
- Check coolant cold before and after road test.
- Look for white smoke after hot idle.
- Ask whether the intake manifold was inspected during recall work.
- Avoid deleted or tuned diesels unless legality and diagnosis are fully documented.
Buyer note
Coolant loss on an EcoDiesel is not a small top-up issue. If the seller cannot prove the EGR recall and the coolant level is moving, stop the deal.
Owner note
Record coolant level monthly. Early EGR-cooler diagnosis is cheaper than letting coolant and soot contaminate the intake and DPF system.
Fault 4
EcoDiesel HPFP debris and fuel starvation
Affects
2014-2020 Grand Cherokee 3.0 diesel under Z46 / NHTSA 22V406.
Symptoms
Long crank, low rail-pressure codes, limp mode under load, sudden stall, no restart, metal contamination in fuel system.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 3,000-8,000+ if the pump, injectors, lines and rails need retail decontamination.
Codes / scan clues
P0087, P0191, P2293 and manufacturer low-rail-pressure faults.
Root cause: High-pressure fuel pump internal failure can send debris downstream and starve the engine of fuel.
Quick check
- Run VIN for Z46 / 22V406.
- Ask for proof the HPFP was replaced, not just inspected.
- Load the engine uphill and watch for limp mode.
- Scan desired vs actual rail pressure.
- Reject cars with metal-contamination history unless fully invoiced.
Buyer note
A diesel with HPFP recall done is much easier to justify. A diesel with low rail-pressure history and no Z46 invoice is one of the highest-risk WK2 purchases.
Owner note
Keep fuel filters fresh and buy quality diesel. After recall work, any new rail-pressure code deserves immediate shutdown-level attention.
Fault 5
EcoDiesel crank tone-wheel delamination
Affects
2014-2016 diesels under W58 / NHTSA 20V475 and expanded 2014-2020 diesel population under 66A / 23V411.
Symptoms
Sudden stall, no-start, crank sensor faults, cam/crank sync loss, hot restart problems.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 for recall software; EUR 1,500-3,500+ for hardware diagnosis/repair outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
P0335, P0336, cam/crank synchronisation codes.
Root cause: The crankshaft-position sensor tone wheel can delaminate, leaving the ECU unable to synchronise injector and cam timing.
Quick check
- Run VIN for W58 and 66A.
- Confirm PCM software update completion.
- Hot restart the engine several times after a long drive.
- Scan for stored crank/cam sync faults.
- Avoid diesels with unexplained random stalls.
Buyer note
The recall software is important but it does not make a stalling diesel harmless. Random stall history needs a diesel specialist inspection.
Owner note
Do not clear crank-signal faults and keep driving. Preserve the freeze-frame data because it helps separate sensor, wiring and tone-wheel causes.
Fault 6
Quadra-Lift air suspension leak and compressor overwork
Affects
2011-2021 WK2 Overland, Summit, Trailhawk and other trims fitted with Quadra-Lift.
Symptoms
One corner low after parking, service air suspension message, slow height changes, compressor cycling often, harsh ride or stuck ride height.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-900 for leak/valve diagnosis; EUR 900-1,800 per air strut; EUR 1,200-2,500 compressor/valve block; EUR 2,000-4,000+ for full refresh or coil conversion.
Codes / scan clues
C15xx chassis faults, C1562-style pressure/performance faults depending scan tool.
Root cause: Air strut bags, fittings, valve block or lines leak; the compressor then runs excessively and fails from overwork.
Quick check
- View the car before the seller has driven it that day.
- Compare all four corner heights after overnight parking.
- Cycle every ride-height mode and time the compressor.
- Scan the suspension module, not just engine OBD.
- Reject any car stuck in entry/exit or sold with warning messages.
Buyer note
A sagging Quadra-Lift Jeep is not a cosmetic issue. Once the compressor is overworked, the bill expands from one leaking corner to a system repair.
Owner note
Fix small leaks early and avoid repeated manual height cycling when warnings appear. That cycling is what burns out the compressor.
Fault 7
Pentastar oil cooler and filter housing leak
Affects
2011-2021 3.6 Pentastar V6.
Symptoms
Oil smell, oil pooled in the engine valley, oil dripping down the bellhousing, coolant/oil mess around the filter housing.
Typical repair cost
EUR 500-1,200; EUR 1,000-1,800 if ignition or coolant cleanup is required.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; misfire codes may appear if oil contaminates coils or plugs.
Root cause: The plastic cooler/filter housing warps or cracks and its seals harden with heat cycling.
Quick check
- Remove the engine cover and inspect the valley with a torch.
- Smell for hot oil after a road test.
- Look at the bellhousing and undertray for oil trails.
- Ask whether the revised cooler assembly has been fitted.
- Budget immediate repair if the valley is wet.
Buyer note
A dry Pentastar valley is a positive sign. A wet one is not a deal-killer, but it must be priced before purchase because the leak will not fix itself.
Owner note
Replace the assembly before oil reaches ignition components. Doing it early keeps the job as a cooler repair rather than a misfire cleanup.
Fault 8
Hemi manifold tick versus lifter/cam failure
Affects
5.7 Hemi and 6.4 Hemi WK2 variants; Trackhawk costs are higher.
Symptoms
Cold tick from wheel-well area that fades when warm, or persistent hot tick with misfire, rough idle and metal in oil.
Typical repair cost
EUR 600-1,500 per side for manifold bolts; EUR 2,500-5,500 for cam/lifter repair; higher on SRT/Trackhawk.
Codes / scan clues
P0300-P0308 misfires; fuel-trim codes if exhaust leak is severe.
Root cause: Manifold heat cycling breaks bolts or warps flanges; separate Hemi valvetrain wear can damage lifters and cam lobes.
Quick check
- Cold-start and listen at both front wheel wells.
- Repeat the listening test at hot idle after a 20-minute drive.
- Scan for cylinder-specific misfire history.
- Check oil history and look for metal if a mechanic inspects the oil-control valve.
- Do not let a seller label every tick as a harmless manifold leak.
Buyer note
A cold-only manifold tick is negotiable. A hot tick plus misfire is the expensive branch and should stop a normal buyer immediately.
Owner note
Diagnose the sound early. Manifold bolts are annoying; cam material circulating through oil is a different level of damage.
Fault 9
Leather dash and upper trim delamination
Affects
Mainly 2011-2014 higher-trim WK2 cars in hot climates.
Symptoms
Dash top lifting or bubbling, passenger airbag cover distortion, trim peeling near windshield.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,200 for trim repair; EUR 1,500-3,000 for full dash replacement.
Codes / scan clues
None.
Root cause: Heat and ageing weaken the adhesive bonding the upper dash covering to the substrate.
Quick check
- Inspect the dash top in sunlight.
- Check the passenger airbag cover area for lifting.
- Look for glue marks or cheap re-trim work.
- Confirm no airbag-cover cutting or modification.
- Use it as price leverage, not as mechanical proof of neglect.
Buyer note
This is a value fault rather than a drivetrain fault. It matters most on high-trim cars where interior condition carries resale value.
Owner note
Avoid improvised glue near airbag panels. A cosmetic repair that interferes with airbag deployment is worse than a lifted dash.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout covering P54/V62, S27, W79, Z46, W58/66A and trim-specific recalls.
- Engine oil service invoices with correct oil spec and sensible intervals.
- Transmission, transfer case and differential fluid service records.
- Air suspension invoices if Quadra-Lift is fitted.
Walk around
- Check ride height before the car has been driven.
- Inspect tyre brand, size and tread match on all four corners.
- Look for oil at the Pentastar valley/bellhousing or Hemi exhaust bolt area.
- Inspect roof, dash and cargo area for water or trim damage.
In the car
- Confirm Park indication and shifter behaviour on 2014-2015 cars.
- Test Uconnect, camera, parking sensors, heated seats and HVAC.
- Check for air suspension, ABS, ESP or drivetrain warnings.
- Verify all four windows, locks and tailgate functions.
Test drive
- Cold-start and separate manifold tick from internal hot tick.
- Drive at low speed and motorway speed; listen for drivetrain whine.
- Cycle Quadra-Lift modes if fitted and safe.
- Load diesel engines uphill and watch for limp mode or smoke.
Scan tool
- Scan engine, transmission, ABS, air suspension and body modules.
- Read diesel rail pressure and EGR/DPF data on EcoDiesel.
- Check stored misfire history on Pentastar/Hemi.
- Save any crank/cam, fuel pump relay or suspension pressure codes.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a late WK2 3.6 V6 on conventional springs with every recall closed, clean scan data and a dry engine valley. It gives most of the Grand Cherokee experience without diesel campaign anxiety or Hemi/SRT running costs.
Avoid: Avoid any EcoDiesel missing recall proof, any Quadra-Lift car sitting low, and any Hemi with hot tick plus misfire. Those are the paths where a tempting SUV price becomes a repair bill larger than the discount.
Quick answers
Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: TIPM fuel-pump relay no-start and stall; 2014-2015 monostable electronic shifter rollaway recall; EcoDiesel EGR cooler cracking and fire risk. This guide covers 9 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years are the best to buy?
2017-2021 stand out in this generation. Buy a late WK2 3.6 V6 on conventional springs with every recall closed, clean scan data and a dry engine valley. It gives most of the Grand Cherokee experience without diesel campaign anxiety or Hemi/SRT running costs.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee should I avoid?
Avoid any EcoDiesel missing recall proof, any Quadra-Lift car sitting low, and any Hemi with hot tick plus misfire. Those are the paths where a tempting SUV price becomes a repair bill larger than the discount.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 3.9/10 (avoid unless inspected). 4 walk-away risks, 4 serious faults, 1 minor fault documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: tipm fuel-pump relay no-start and stall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Jeep Grand Cherokee guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- NHTSA recall 14V530 / P54
- NHTSA recall 19V813 / V62
- NHTSA S27 / 16V240 remedy
- NHTSA Jeep recalls API examples
- Chrysler OEMDTC W79
- Consumer Reports diesel Jeep/Ram recall
- Gears Magazine Quadra-Lift overview
- Fish the Mechanic WK2 suspension
- BD Diesel Hemi manifold guide
- Engine Professional Hemi lifter article
- CarComplaints P54 summary
- Go-Parts shifter guide
- Garden City Jeep S27 notice
- Car and Driver EcoDiesel recall
- EcoDiesel owner discussion
- NHTSA recall 20V475 via NHTSA API
- NHTSA recall 23V411 via NHTSA API
- Go-Parts WK2 strut/air suspension guide
- Jeep owner technical discussion
- Grand Cherokee owner repair discussions
- Pentastar platform issue summary
- Ram/Jeep owner Hemi tick discussion
- Used WK2 owner reliability discussion