Problems · NHTSA complaints
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners filed 1,640 complaints about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Sep 2010 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (780).
Complaints
1,640
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
53
Reported by owners
Fires
61
Reported by owners
Injuries
47
People reported injured
Deaths
2
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system780
- Engine344
- Service brakes324
- Fuel/propulsion system247
- Power train90
- Steering86
- Air bags60
- Structure43
- Suspension37
- Vehicle speed control37
- Exterior lighting37
- Fuel system, gasoline36
- Service brakes, hydraulic27
- Interior lighting22
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
23
21
119
506
180
122
105
126
114
142
69
34
29
24
12
10
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 4 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 21 |
| 2013 | 119 |
| 2014 | 506 |
| 2015 | 180 |
| 2016 | 122 |
| 2017 | 105 |
| 2018 | 126 |
| 2019 | 114 |
| 2020 | 142 |
| 2021 | 69 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
780 reports8 crashes51 fires4 related recalls
“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.”
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.”
Service brakes
324 reports8 crashes1 fire2 related recalls
“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.”
Fuel/propulsion system
247 reports6 crashes
“Car has died while driving 4 times in the last 3 years. Complete loss of power WHILE driving. Lost of power steering, loss of brakes while driving. Chrystler is saying recall was resolved by previous owner but it is still happening. EXTREMELY dangerous. I have paid out of pocket to replace the TIPM (over $3000) and I was not told about the fuel pump relay issue associated and connected with this recall.”
Power train
90 reports6 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 126,000.”
Steering
86 reports3 crashes1 fire
“Greetings, after 3 dealership attempts to correct the TIPM - NHTSA 19V813000 recall, my Jeep still stalled 4 times at highway speeds. I narrowly averted being rearended several times. I am terrified to drive the vehicle! I have yet another dealership appointment Friday, January 12, 2024 to correct the issue. Previous visits could not reproduce the problem or show any code errors. There were no warnings at all during these malfunctions, only the loss of braking and power steering did I realize the vehicle had stalled. Are there any remedies afforded to me at this point from Chrysler? The vehicle has only 124,000 miles. I've been extremely lucky that I haven't crashed or injured another party to date, but I fear it could happen at any time since this is my only transportation to and from work.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.