2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pictured: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4x4 in Bright White, Front Left, 01-16-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4 Dr SUV Laredo 4x2, 4 Dr SUV Laredo 4X4, 4 Dr SUV Limited 4x2/Overland, 4 Dr SUV Limited 4X4/Overland
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 22 hwy
Length
189.8 in
Curb weight
4,471–4,850 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
6 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 14% below the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG.
  • Many owner complaints967 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 86 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.6L 6-cyl and 5.7L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,471 lb (4 Dr SUV Laredo 4x2).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 22 highway), 14% worse than the 2011 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 967 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2011

  • New body dimensions: 3.2 in longer, wheelbase +5.6 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Engine added: 3.6L 6-cyl
  • Engines dropped: 3.7L 6-cyl and 6.1L 8-cyl

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Grand Cherokee →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4 Dr SUV Laredo 4x2189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,471 lb
4 Dr SUV Laredo 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,661 lb51/49
4 Dr SUV Limited 4x2/Overland189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,601 lb
4 Dr SUV Limited 4X4/Overland189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,850 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-14%$3,700494
Grand Cherokee 4WD FFV3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Grand Cherokee 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-14%$3,700494
Grand Cherokee 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Grand Cherokee 2WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 20 / 16-23%$4,200555
Grand Cherokee 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 15-21%$4,450592
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2011 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Similar 2011 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car)18 MPGNot rated6
2011 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2011 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated10
2011 Ford Explorer20 MPGNot rated6
2011 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated5
2011 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated2
2011 Volkswagen Touareg22 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (6)

Electrical System · Nov 14, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V813000 · 528,594 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) will replace the affected fuel pump relay and related wire harness. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed beginning December 19, 2019. Vehicles that experience a fuel pump failure will receive an interim repair. Owners will receive a second notice when the final remedy becomes available. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V62.
Service Brakes · Sep 18, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V572000 · 646,394 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the brake booster shield was not installed properly, the vehicle's braking ability may be reduced, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster shield, correcting the installation as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November10, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T59.
Interior Lighting · Dec 28, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V879000 · 389,252 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The vanity lamp wiring may short, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealer will install clearance for sun visor wiring, protection from sharp edges, and replace the sun visor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R71.
Electrical System · Sep 4, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V530000 · 189,206 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, to July 20, 2011, and equipped with either a 3.6L or 5.7L engine. In the affected vehicles, the fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7) may fail, causing the vehicle to stall without warning.
Risk
A vehicle stall increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump relay with one external to the TIPM, free of charge. The recall began December 19, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P54. Note: This recall has been superseded by recall 19V813.
Electrical System › Wiring · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V391000 · 653,562 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured January 5, 2010, through December 11, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the wiring for the vanity lamp in the sun visor may short circuit, after a service repair is performed.
Risk
If the vanity lamp wiring shorts, there is an increased risk of fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair any damaged wiring, and install a new sun visor that properly routes the wire, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P36.
Service Brakes · Apr 1, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V154000 · 646,498 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010, through September 8, 2013. The subject vehicles have a brake booster with a center shell that may corrode and allow water to get inside.
Risk
The water inside could freeze and limit the braking ability of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will add a water diverter shield to the booster after the booster has been tested to confirm it can hold an acceptable amount of vacuum pressure. If the booster inspection confirms an unacceptable loss of vacuum pressure, the booster will be replaced. Repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began on May 30, 2014. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is P14.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

967Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
43Involved a crash
50Involved a fire
39Injuries reported
69,800 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System435
Engine237
Fuel/Propulsion System151
Unknown Or Other124
Service Brakes106
Steering68
Power Train56
Air Bags48
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/03: 324/05: 424/06: 124/07: 424/08: 224/09: 224/10: 324/12: 225/04: 125/05: 125/06: 125/07: 225/08: 225/09: 125/10: 225/11: 125/12: 126/01: 226/02: 226/03: 226/04: 126/06: 126/09: 126/10: 124/0324/0724/1025/0525/0825/1126/0226/06max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 435 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 237 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Fuel/Propulsion System — 151 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Grand Cherokee years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Grand Cherokee23–Not rated00
2026 Grand Cherokee23193.3 inNot rated655
2025 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★5121
2024 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★18315
2023 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated23597
2022 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated24491
2021 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★16502
2020 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★3241
2019 Grand Cherokee24189.8 in★★★★★7370
2018 Grand Cherokee25189.8 in★★★★★10855
2017 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★5364
2016 Grand Cherokee25189.8 inNot rated8311

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →