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

- 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
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr SUV Laredo 4x2 | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,471 lb | |
| 4 Dr SUV Laredo 4X4 | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,661 lb | 51/49 |
| 4 Dr SUV Limited 4x2/Overland | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,601 lb | |
| 4 Dr SUV Limited 4X4/Overland | 189.8 in | 76.4 in | 69.3 in | 115 in | 63.8 / 64.2 in | 4,850 lb | 53/47 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -14% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD FFV | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -14% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -5% | $3,700 | 494 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 20 / 16 | -23% | $4,200 | 555 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD | 5.7L 8-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 14 / 19 / 15 | -21% | $4,450 | 592 |
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
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Toyota 4Runner | 19 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2011 Toyota Highlander | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe | 23 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
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.
Not every 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 435 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 237 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- 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.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,800 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Grand Cherokee | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | Not rated | 6 | 55 |
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 121 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 193.3 in | ★★★★★ | 18 | 315 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 23 | 597 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 204.7 in | Not rated | 24 | 491 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 16 | 502 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 241 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 24 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 370 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 855 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 21 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 364 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 25 | 189.8 in | Not rated | 8 | 311 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →