Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Jeep Grand CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 1,640 owner complaints for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve electrical system (780) and engine (344). The EPA rates it 15–18 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
15–18mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
6campaigns
Latest Nov 2019
Owner complaints
1,640
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

6 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.

Electrical systemReported Nov 14, 2019NHTSA 19V813000

Service brakes

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is to verify that the brake booster shield installation was performed properly.

Service brakesReported Sep 18, 2017NHTSA 17V572000

Electrical system: wiring

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured December 3, 2009, to September 1, 2012. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after having been remedied for a prior recall for the vanity lamp wiring. This recall is also addressing certain vehicles that have not been remedied under that prior recall.

Electrical systemReported Dec 28, 2015NHTSA 15V879000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,640 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2010 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system780
  2. Engine344
  3. Service brakes324
  4. Fuel/propulsion system247
  5. Power train90
  6. Steering86
  7. Air bags60
  8. Structure43
  9. Suspension37

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,342
19971,380
19981,429
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20021,476
2003761
20041,295
20052,052
20061,297
20071,109
2008734
2009138
2010118
20111,640
20121,644
2013805
20142,388
20151,369
2016312
2017364
2018855
2019370
2020241
2021410
2022377
2023408
2024254
202580
202632
Crashes reported
53
Fires reported
61
Injuries reported
47
Deaths reported
2
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

780 reports8 crashes51 fires
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the A/C unit started blowing warm air, with the battery, ABS, and malfunction indicator warning lights illuminated. The vehicle stalled, and the contact to pulled over to the shoulder. Upon inspection, there was extreme heat and a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. A mobile mechanic jumpstarted the vehicle and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The battery was replaced, but the failure recurred immediately after the next start-up. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 18, 2026Electrical systemODI 11765200

Engine

344 reports6 crashes7 fires
“I took my vehicle to Vaden Jeep on Chatham Parkway in Savannah, GA for the recall on the brake booster and was told there was a waiting liat to get parts to repair my vehicle. It have been over a year and I still have not received anythi g regarding my brake booster. Also, the recall for the TPIM for my make/model does not seem to be done. My vehicle still acts though it was never done.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11772454

Service brakes

324 reports8 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard without warning while attempting to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective brake booster. The mechanic discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which the mechanic linked to the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 19, 2024Service brakes, hydraulic, Service brakesODI 11609319
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$3,450494
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
162218$3,450494
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L, FFV · 4-Wheel Drive
162218$3,450494
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
162218$3,450494
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
142016$3,900555
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 5-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive
141915$4,150592
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.8%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 512Vehicle 101
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Grand Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 1,640 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (780), engine (344), service brakes (324). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026