The winter-ready 2011 Grand Cherokee Jeep offers solid performance, but aging electronics and suspension issues can cost you
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee eats snow for breakfast and your bank account for lunch.
Jeep’s flagship SUV, the Grand Cherokee, received a significant overhaul in 2011, including a new body style, a V6 engine, a redesigned interior and a revised four-wheel-drive system.
Although the Mercedes turbo-diesel engine was no longer available, Jeep’s new Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 offered improved fuel economy and range. Jeep claimed drivers could travel up to 1,000 km between fill-ups. The vehicle was built on the same platform as the Mercedes ML350 and assembled in Jefferson, Mich.
In 2011, the Grand Cherokee was available in four trims with either the V6 or Chrysler’s 5.7-litre Hemi V8. The V8 featured variable valve timing and a multi-cylinder displacement system to improve efficiency. It delivered 360 horsepower and was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
The base Laredo E trim came with the V6 only, producing 290 horsepower. It included Jeep’s Quadra-Trac I four-wheel-drive system, one of three available, depending on the model.
The top-tier Overland edition came equipped with the advanced Quadra-Drive II and an air suspension system called Quadra-Lift. This allowed the SUV to raise or lower itself by up to 10 cm with the push of a button, ideal for winter driving and rugged terrain.
Standard equipment included electronic stability control, hill-start assist, power driver’s seat, 17-inch wheels, satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, tilt/telescoping steering and fog lamps. The Overland added leather, navigation, 20-inch wheels and wood interior trim.
No safety recalls were issued for the 2011 Grand Cherokee by either Transport Canada or the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the NHTSA logged nine service bulletins and 81 complaints, mostly related to software and electrical systems. Common concerns involved the Powertrain Control Module, which manages engine and transmission functions, and the Totally Integrated Power Module, which controls the vehicle’s electrical systems including ignition, fuel pump and lights.
Consumer Reports praised the Grand Cherokee’s comfort, fit and finish, and ride quality. However, it rated the V6 model as worse than average and gave the V8 its lowest possible reliability score.
Some owner-reported issues included early rack and pinion failure, faulty security systems and intermittent stalling.
From an original base price of just under $38,000, values for the 2011 Grand Cherokee have fallen significantly. In 2025, a used base Laredo V6 can be found in the $6,000 to $10,000 range, depending on condition and mileage. Limited and Overland models command $2,000 to $4,000 more, while V8-equipped versions typically cost an additional $1,000 to $1,500.
Our Verdict
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a capable and comfortable SUV, particularly well-suited for Canadian winters. Its off-road ability, interior quality and feature-rich trims make it a solid choice for drivers needing rugged versatility.
However, reliability issues, particularly related to the TIPM and PCM, are well documented and can lead to costly repairs. Replacement modules often run over $1,000 and may require dealership programming. Air suspension systems on Overland models can also fail with age, leading to additional repair costs. Watch for electronic glitches, stalling and hard starts.
Before buying, ensure the vehicle has complete service records and that common electrical issues have been addressed. A full mechanical inspection, including diagnostics on the powertrain and suspension systems, is highly recommended.
If properly maintained, the Grand Cherokee remains a strong contender in the used SUV market but it’s not without risks.
| Auto Desk
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