In our analysis, we have identified two Jeep Grand Cherokee years that should be avoided. Learn which ones to avoid (and why) so you can feel confident when shopping for a used car.
Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted in 1993, immediately becoming one of the most popular midsize SUV models on the market.
With a fourth generation debuting in 2011, the Grand Cherokee has undergone numerous redesigns throughout its lifetime. It is no secret that Jeep models have a loyal following, but even Jeep models can suffer from a few issues from time to time. The following Jeep Grand Cherokee years should be avoided.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years To Avoid
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2004
A used 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee should be considered with caution by prospective buyers. According to many user reviews, it continues to have problems even though it has been diligently maintained and costly repairs have been made. It received an average score of 3/5 in the NHTSA crash test and a 3/10 reliability rating from FIXD.
Recurrent electrical problems with this vehicle are a primary concern. In addition, there have been complaints about the defroster/defogger, air conditioning system, and instrument panel. It was common to find shortened brake lights, taillights, and turn signals when driving our 2004 Grand Cherokee. It is sometimes difficult to open the sunroof and the window on the driver’s side due to electrical issues.
As owners of a 2004 Grand Cherokee Laredo Sport for seven years, we had a lot of problems with the rough suspension system. Over minor obstacles like speed bumps, our vehicle bounced and bottomed out, even though it performed well on paved roads. This drawback remained unsolvable despite countless attempts to improve it.
In addition, the seats, airbags, and fuel system of this version have some minor but consequential concerns. In addition, it is susceptible to the P0455 error code, which indicates that the EVAP system is leaking or defective. In order to resolve the consecutive issues with the 2004 Grand Cherokee, 4 investigations have been conducted and 14 recalls have been conducted. The model is therefore not a safe investment, as several issues exist.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011
The 2011 Grand Cherokee was the first model for the 4th generation, but it failed to meet expectations. There were more than 1500 complaints about this version, making it the worst of the other versions.
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failure was the most prevalent issue, causing malfunctions in electronic functions. Approximately 50,000 miles into the vehicle’s lifetime, certain owners report that the vehicle fails to start or stalls. In addition to disrupting the brake system, the faulty wiring also caused a fuel pump malfunction.
There were five investigations and six recalls targeted at the center brake booster as well. There is a high risk of this component rusting or freezing, which compromises the longevity of the vehicle. A vehicle designed to navigate diverse terrains and weather conditions may also suffer from structural deterioration that reduces braking performance and safety rating.
Minor concerns were raised about the heater, fuel system, transmission, and lights on the NHTSA complaint form. Even when mileage is low, owners are burdened by substantial maintenance costs.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014
It was agreed by all of our team members that the 2014 Jeep Cherokee was the worst model in its class. It was the subject of 19 recalls and 10 investigations, indicating a lack of quality control and subpar build quality. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine was expected to be a big disappointment, but it was not.
Despite its power, the engine was a beast to be reckoned with. It was only after 78,000 miles that we noticed a decrease in engine power. The vehicle was plagued with problems such as oil leaks, rough idling, and sudden stalls.
The transmission was the most noticeable problem. A significant amount of effort was required to control shifting and locking up. There were times when our vehicle jerks when changing transmissions aggressively. It sent us into panic mode when we encountered busy roads or mountain routes.
It was suggested by our trusted mechanic that a severe electrical short caused the problem. Our car also experienced a number of quality issues as a result of defective wiring, such as persistent headlight operation, non-responsive electronic accessories, and a non-functional steering column control module.
As soon as the exterior of our 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland deteriorated, we decided to say goodbye to it. When the leather on the seats and dashboard wrinkled and peeled, it was once an icon of style and luxury. As soon as the warranty expired at 60,000 miles, the harsh climate in Miami, Florida, likely accelerated the warping. Rather than spend thousands on an expensive overhaul, we decided to find a more reliable SUV.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 2015
In 2015, the manufacturer made multiple mistakes with the Grand Cherokee. In shifting gears, it encounters frequent jerks due to the buggy transmission inherited from previous models. Additionally, some drivers find it difficult to switch from the engine mode to the parking mode when they are driving.
Air conditioning systems are cited as the cause of most customer complaints. There were frequent reports of the temperature-controlled mixture recirculation door getting stuck and blocking airflow. Therefore, if driving conditions are harsh, it will cause great discomfort to the driver and the passengers.
It is common for EGR recirculation units on diesel models to crack. In addition, there are several critical concerns related to the vehicle. These include a non-functional wireless control module, a faulty throttle position sensor, an unprotected Uconnect electronics system, and warped front brake discs. There were 10 recalls and 7 investigations issued by the manufacturer due to these problems.
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Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems
TIPM Errors
TIMP is responsible for controlling all electronic functions in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition to powering fuel injection, air intake, and other essential systems, the controller distributes power from the battery.
It causes the vehicle to have difficulty starting or pumping fuel, which leads to hard starting or engine stalling. As a result of TIPM errors, airbags can malfunction, windows don’t work properly, and horns can sound unexpectedly.
There have been numerous TIMP failures in the third- and fourth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokees. These mechanical issues have caused several recalls and investigations, particularly in the 2014 and 2019 models.
EcoDiesel Emissions
In 2006, Jeep introduced a 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine with six cylinders. While the manufacturer claims it is cheating on emissions on its EcoDiesel engines, this introduction is aimed at reducing fuel consumption.
It was revealed in a California complaint that EcoDiesel engines emit more nitrogen oxide than is allowed. This problem led to a significant recall of Grand Cherokee models from 2014-2016.
Bad Brake Boosters
Brake booster failure is common among third-generation models. There is a reduction in the physical force on the brake pedal due to this malfunction. Therefore, the amplification is not sufficient for converting into hydraulic pressure, which affects the braking system. A recall was conducted in 2011 to make necessary repairs.
Transmission Issues
Several issues have been reported regarding the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s e-shift transmission. An investigation was conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding this problem with the 2014-2015 models. According to the findings, the park lever did not work correctly in the “P” position. Many rollovers were caused as a result of the vehicle moving without the driver’s knowledge.
Transmission failures have been attributed to confusing design by owners. Their confusion was exacerbated by the standard gear order and the lack of a tactile indication of parking mode. As well as gearbox problems, repairs were costly due to glitches with software modules and unstable gear transitions.
Faulty Interior Accessories
Drained batteries or technical glitches can cause issues with radios, transmission indicators, airbags, and other internal components in certain model years. There can also be problems with the heating and air conditioning systems due to electrical problems.
This is more prevalent in fifth-generation and fourth-generation Grand Cherokees with advanced infotainment systems. A remote hacking attack was possible via cellular connections with the uConnect entertainment system. In an experiment conducted by wired.com, GPS tracking software was demonstrated to be able to manipulate steering, engine, and braking systems. Following this, 1.4 million uConnect-equipped vehicles were recalled by the manufacturer.
Is The Jeep Grand Cherokee A Reliable Car?
As a reliable vehicle, the Jeep Cherokee is expected to last between 200,000 and 300,000 miles on average. Proper maintenance will allow you to enjoy the vehicle for 13-20 years. To avoid expensive repairs and replacements at high mileage, it is recommended to invest in models with a high reliability score.
How Much Does It Cost To Maintain Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The cost of regular maintenance for a Jeep Grand Cherokee during the first ten years of ownership is $10,872. There is a nearly $2,500 price difference between this and other popular SUVs.
Conclusion
With an average reliability and durability rating of 9th out of 26 models, the Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of the best midsize SUVs. Nevertheless, to ensure that every penny is worth it, it is recommended that you research customer reviews and ratings. Don’t settle for a problematic model year; instead, choose a model that will serve you well for many years.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid
Which model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee are recommended to avoid?
There are two model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee that you should avoid: 2011 and 2014. In these years, mechanical issues and complaints are most common, resulting in potentially costly maintenance and repairs.
What were the central issues reported with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was plagued by significant issues, notably problems with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), causing the engine to run slowly or not start at all. Electrical wiring and interior styling were also problematic areas, and the TIPM problem prompted a class-action lawsuit.
What recalls were issued for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and why?
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was the subject of several recalls due to TIPM failures affecting the fuel pump, rusting of the central brake boosters affecting brake performance, and sun visor wiring shorts causing potential fire hazards.
What are considered the most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee model years?
It is generally considered that Jeep Grand Cherokee model years 1998, 1999, 2005, 2017, and 2018 are the most reliable. In addition to their strong off-road capabilities and fuel economy balance, these years are also favored for their strong on-road capabilities.
