What Are The Worst Years For Jeep Grand Cherokee?

By Nick Marchenko, PhD

After you've read through this article, you'll know the answer to the question: "What are the worst years for Jeep Grand Cherokee?" We'll explore the reasons why certain model years are considered to be less reliable than others, and we'll also provide some tips on how to avoid potential problems down the road. So, without further ado, let's take a look at the worst years for Jeep Grand Cherokee.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the start of the fourth generation and it's a complete redesign from the previous model years. It has a new chassis, a new interior, and new engines. The most notable change is the addition of the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine option.

The 2011 Grand Cherokee is the worst model year to buy, with 741 total complaints. It has significant maintenance costs at relatively low mileage. It means that if you're looking to buy a used 2011 Grand Cherokee, be prepared to spend more on maintenance and repairs than you would on a newer model.

200+ owners have reported their engine failing or being delayed in the start-up. In 2011, there were 10x as many complaints about the Grand Cherokee having engine trouble than in 2010, which resulted in a class-action lawsuit. By 2012, however, that number had reduced by nearly 80%. This complaint is likely due to the new 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that was introduced in 2011.

While engine troubles are a major concern, there are other issues to be aware of as well. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has a lot of advantages, so it's not all doom and gloom. The main advantage of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is its towing capacity. It can tow up to 7,400 pounds, which is significantly more than the 2010 model's 5,000-pound limit. This makes it a great choice for those who need to tow trailers or boats on a regular basis.

Another plus point is that the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes standard with stability control and traction control. These features weren't available on the 2010 model, so if you're looking for a used Grand Cherokee, be sure to check that these safety features are included.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Although the 2014 Grand Cherokee had a more powerful engine, improved electrical system, and classier interior than its predecessor, there were still some qualms with the performance of the engine, brakes, and selection of interior accessories.

The main concern with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was its engine. Many owners experienced problems with the 3.6-liter V6 engine, reporting issues such as reduced power, stalling, and misfiring. Some even had to have their engines replaced entirely. Another problem that cropped up was with the brakes. There were reports of the brakes failing or being less responsive than they should be. This is a serious safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately if you're experiencing it.

The Grand Cherokee's most significant issue in 2014 was its gearbox, especially how violently and abruptly it would change gears. This led to several car accidents, even when the engine wasn't running because the driver failed to shift from driving to parking correctly.

The final problem with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was its electrical system. There were complaints of the electrical system failing and causing all sorts of problems, from the headlights flickering to the car not starting at all. All in all, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a vehicle that you should avoid if possible. If you absolutely must buy one, be sure to get it checked out by a qualified mechanic before making the purchase.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The transmission fault that affected the 2014 and 2015 model years was part of a broader issue. The problems from the 2014 year continued into 2015, with a handful of new fourth-generation problems.

Rear suspension issues are common in the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A few owners have had to replace their entire rear suspension, while others have only had to replace the shocks. The cost of the replacement parts and labor can be quite high, so this is definitely something to keep in mind if you're considering buying a used 2015 Grand Cherokee.

Electronics in this year of manufacture is also a common failure point. The Uconnect system, which is responsible for the car's infotainment and navigation, is known to freeze or crash. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you're relying on the GPS to get around.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been plagued with transmission problems since 2014. In 2015, these problems continued, with many owners reporting that their cars would jerk or lurch when shifting gears. This issue is still present in some of the newer models, so it's something to keep an eye out for.

Some units had issues with the brake caliper breaking and brake fluid leakage. Consequently, there was an increased danger of collisions because drivers had to apply the brakes earlier than average to stop at a safe distance. The visor wasn't the only problem - a short circuit also prevented the driver from being able to turn off the cruise control. This was a common issue in 2014 and resulted in cars maintaining or increasing their speed. Besides, if you have to slam on the brakes to stop, you risk getting into an accident.

All these issues make the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee a vehicle to avoid. If you must buy one, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before making the purchase.

Are There Good Models?

2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee

This year of manufacture features a 3.7-liter V6 engine that is known for being underpowered and unreliable. Additionally, the interior of this model year is often criticized for being cheap and poorly made.

The 2009 Grand Cherokee is more than 10 years old, but it's still one of the most reliable models. It received high praise from both critics and consumers for being rugged, great for off-roading, and having powerful engine options. While it wasn't the safest vehicle during its time, it had enough features to ensure passenger safety.

At the same time, many drivers admit that this model year was not the most reliable. Complaints include transmission issues, leaks, and electrical problems. Overall, the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee is considered to be a decent vehicle, but it's not without its fair share of problems.

2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2010 was the end of the third generation Grand Cherokee. The 2010 model is one of Jeep's best-known off-road vehicles. It not only has great off-roading abilities, but also a luxurious interior -something that is uncommon for most other off-road vehicles.

Many car owners told that this car provides a smooth ride and good handling. It has a comfortable interior with plenty of features, making it a great choice for families.

However, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee also has its fair share of problems. Common issues include transmission failures, leaks, and electrical problems. Additionally, this model year is known for having poor fuel economy. Overall, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a decent vehicle, but it's not without its fair share of problems.

If you purchase the 2010 Grand Cherokee, you're not only getting an off-road warrior; but a luxurious SUV as well. The base trim comes with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and rear-wheel drive; however, if you go for the Grand Cherokee SRT8 instead, you'll have access to the powerful 6.1-liter Hemi V8 engine trims. So, whenever you're ready to take your Grand Cherokee off-roading, you'll be able to do so with ease.

Final Words

So, now you know the worst years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and some of the common issues to look out for. If you're in the market for a used Grand Cherokee, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic before making the purchase. And, if you're still not sure which model year is right for you, take a look at our list of the best years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Nick Marchenko, PhD

Industrial Engineer & Automotive Content Specialist

Nick writes in-depth guides on car clubs, engine specs, vehicle ownership, and modifications, combining engineering knowledge with automotive passion.

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