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Jeep2000–2023 Critical issues documented

Jeep Grand Cherokee WL: common faults & what to check

The WL is the Jeep Grand Cherokee built 2022 onward. It was sold here with the 2.0 plug-in hybrid (4xe) and 3.6 V6 petrol. Of the 31 faults documented for the Grand Cherokee, 6 apply to this generation, each with its symptoms, what to inspect and a typical repair cost. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Jeep Grand Cherokee

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

31

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$450–$3,000

Typical repair

42

Service milestones

You're looking at the WL

2 engine variants are documented for this generation. Pick yours to narrow further, or keep reading for the generation as a whole.

Choose a different generation

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

A 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the WL generation (2022 to now).

Start your free check on this Jeep Grand Cherokee

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Jeep Grand Cherokee WLEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Grand Cherokee came with 2, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

Free. The paid plate check is separate, and stays optional.

Can't confirm for this car

Jeep Grand Cherokee · 2023

Narrowed to the year. No engine is recorded for this vehicle. Pick an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

  • No engine is recorded for this vehicle.

matched on year only

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Jeep Grand Cherokee before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Run the VIN through the Stellantis/Jeep recall checker and vehiclerecalls.gov.au and require proof every open recall is closed.

    See why

    Assembly-defect recalls: rear coil springs can detach, upper control arm bolts damaged (WL)

    The current WL Grand Cherokee has been hit by a cluster of Australian/NZ safety recalls for assembly defects: incorrectly installed rear coil springs that can detach while driving (about 2,050 vehicles, 2021-2023), and upper control arm retaining bolts damaged during assembly that could let a wheel separate (about 2,850 vehicles). A further recall covered the steering column shaft separating from its U-joint, risking total loss of steering. All are fixed free at Jeep dealers, but an unrepaired example is genuinely dangerous - VIN recall checks are non-negotiable on a WL.

    What you would notice

    • Clunk or bang from the rear suspension
    • Knocking from the front suspension over bumps
    • Play or notchiness in the steering
    • Usually no symptoms before failure - that is the danger

    Typically $0 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Verify the fuse box recall completion on the VIN.

    See why

    Fuse box cable torque fault - sudden loss of power, lights and steering assist (WL recall)

    A WL-series recall covered fuse box cable fixings not tightened to the correct torque at the factory; a loose connection can cause a sudden loss of motive power, headlights and power steering assistance while driving. Beyond the recall, early WL owners report the usual new-platform electrical gremlins - Uconnect screen freezes, phantom warning lights and ADAS faults - most of which are resolved with software updates. Confirm the recall on the VIN and test all electronics thoroughly.

    What you would notice

    • Momentary or total loss of power while driving (pre-fix)
    • Headlights cutting out
    • Heavy steering as assistance drops
    • Random warning lights or screen reboots

    Typically $0–$500 to put right.

A 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee: what is due, and when

Servicing

Next service

60,000 km

Full transmission fluid and differential service keeps the drivetrain feeling sharp.

In about 30,000 km, on this estimate.

Placed by the car’s age, not read from the dash — 20,700–48,300 km after 3 years.

Timing

Our research does not record which this engine uses, and it depends on the engine rather than the model. Check the owner’s manual rather than assume: on a belt-driven engine, an overdue belt is the failure that takes the engine with it.

Ahead of it

  • 100,000 kmCheck suspension bushings and the condition of the spark plugs specifically for the 3.6L Pentastar engine.
  • 150,000 kmReview the status of the cooling system components and water pump, natural wear items at this stage.

“Behind it” means the car has driven past that distance, not that the work was done — ask to see the receipts. These are the intervals for the Fifth Generation (WL) · 3.6L Pentastar V6 - Night Eagle/Limited/Summit · Petrol; only the car’s own service book says what has actually been done to it.

See all 6 issues for this oneDocumented for the exact year and engine you picked, including 4 rated critical.
Electrical1

01Fuse box cable torque fault - sudden loss of power, lights and steering assist (WL recall)

Verify the fuse box recall completion on the VIN.2022 onwardElectrical
RareElectrical $0–$500 to fix

A WL-series recall covered fuse box cable fixings not tightened to the correct torque at the factory; a loose connection can cause a sudden loss of motive power, headlights and power steering assistance while driving. Beyond the recall, early WL owners report the usual new-platform electrical gremlins - Uconnect screen freezes, phantom warning lights and ADAS faults - most of which are resolved with software updates. Confirm the recall on the VIN and test all electronics thoroughly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Momentary or total loss of power while driving (pre-fix)
  • Headlights cutting out
  • Heavy steering as assistance drops
  • Random warning lights or screen reboots

What to check

  1. Verify the fuse box recall completion on the VIN.
  2. During the test drive, watch for warning lights flickering and any Uconnect reboot.
  3. Ask whether the car has had all dealer software updates applied.

Where to look: Main fuse box in the engine bay; Uconnect head unit in the dash

Parts involved: Steering rack.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the fuse box recall been completed?”
  • “Any unexplained warning lights or power losses?”
  • “Are all software updates current?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4 critical4

02Upper control arm ball joint safety recall — risk of wheel separation

2022–2023SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Steering column intermediate shaft safety recall — loss of steering

2022–2023Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $0–$1,500 to fix

Chrysler recalled 89,327 Grand Cherokees — the five-seat car from 2022 to 2023 and the seven-seat L from 2021 to 2023 — because the steering column intermediate shaft was incorrectly assembled on the production line and can disconnect from its universal joint. If it comes apart the driver loses steering control. Unusually for a recall of this severity there is a warning: owners reported play in the steering and unusual noises when turning before the shaft let go, so this is one a buyer can actually feel from the driver's seat as well as check on paper. The affected build dates run from 19 October 2021 to 4 April 2023 for the five-seat car and from 27 January 2021 for the L, which covers most of the early WL production. The dealer fix is free.

Symptoms to notice

  • Play or slack in the steering wheel before the front wheels respond
  • Clunk, knock or creak from the steering column when turning
  • Steering feeling notchy or inconsistent at low speed
  • Steering wheel not self-centring smoothly after a turn

What to check

Note the VIN from the base of the windscreen or the driver's door jamb and ask a Jeep dealer to confirm this recall has been completed — it is free, it takes one call, and on a car this new it is worth more than anything you can feel. Then check it yourself as well, because this fault gives warning. Sitting still with the engine running, turn the steering wheel gently left and right through the straight-ahead position and feel for a dead patch where the wheel moves but the car's front wheels do not follow immediately. Listen at the same time for a clunk or creak from the column area rather than from the tyres. On the drive, take a slow full-lock turn in each direction in a car park and listen and feel for anything notchy or knocking. On a straight road, note whether the wheel returns to centre smoothly by itself. Ask the seller for recall paperwork and read it, since Jeep ran several separate campaigns on this car and having one done does not mean the others were. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the steering column and intermediate shaft joint to be checked directly.

Where to look: Steering column — intermediate shaft and its universal joint, between the column and the steering rack

Ask the seller

  • “Has the steering column recall specifically been completed on this car?”
  • “Is there any play, clunk or noise from the steering when turning?”
  • “Can I see the dealer invoices for every recall done on this vehicle?”

04Rear coil spring separation safety recall

2022–2023Suspension
OccasionalSuspension $0–$900 to fix

A separate recall covering 80,620 vehicles — the Grand Cherokee L from 2021 to 2023 and the Grand Cherokee from 2022 to 2023 — covers rear coil springs that may not have been seated and secured correctly on the assembly line. A spring that works its way out of position can come away from the car entirely while it is being driven, which is a hazard both to the car and to whatever is behind it. Like the control arm recall, the fix is free and the only real question is whether it has been carried out on this particular vehicle. The two recalls are separate, so having had one done does not mean the other was.

Symptoms to notice

  • Usually no warning at all before the spring shifts
  • Rear of the car sitting lower or unevenly on one side
  • Clunk or bang from the rear over bumps or when reversing
  • Rear of the car feeling loose or unsettled over undulations

What to check

This is the same VIN check as the control arm recall and it is worth asking about both by name, because they are separate campaigns with separate completion records. With the car on level ground, stand back and look along it from behind: the gap between the top of each rear tyre and the arch should be the same on both sides, and an obvious difference is worth asking about. Push down hard on each rear corner and let go, listening for a clean rebound rather than a clunk or a graunch. Look into each rear wheel arch and check that the coil spring is sitting square in its seat rather than tilted or rubbing. On the drive, go over a rough road and listen for a bang or clunk from the rear that does not match the front. If a workshop inspection is possible: ask for the rear spring seating to be checked directly, which is quick and conclusive.

Where to look: Rear suspension — coil springs and their upper and lower seats, both sides

Ask the seller

  • “Has the rear coil spring recall specifically been completed on this car?”
  • “Does the rear ever clunk or bang over bumps?”
  • “Has the car ever carried very heavy loads or towed regularly?”

05Assembly-defect recalls: rear coil springs can detach, upper control arm bolts damaged (WL)

Run the VIN through the Stellantis/Jeep recall checker and vehiclerecalls.gov.au and require proof every open recall is closed.2022 onwardSuspension
RareSuspension $0 to fix

The current WL Grand Cherokee has been hit by a cluster of Australian/NZ safety recalls for assembly defects: incorrectly installed rear coil springs that can detach while driving (about 2,050 vehicles, 2021-2023), and upper control arm retaining bolts damaged during assembly that could let a wheel separate (about 2,850 vehicles). A further recall covered the steering column shaft separating from its U-joint, risking total loss of steering. All are fixed free at Jeep dealers, but an unrepaired example is genuinely dangerous - VIN recall checks are non-negotiable on a WL.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunk or bang from the rear suspension
  • Knocking from the front suspension over bumps
  • Play or notchiness in the steering
  • Usually no symptoms before failure - that is the danger

What to check

  1. Run the VIN through the Stellantis/Jeep recall checker and vehiclerecalls.gov.au and require proof every open recall is closed.
  2. Look at the rear coil springs for correct seating in their perches and check for suspension clunks on the test drive.

Where to look: Rear coil springs; front upper control arms; steering column

Ask the seller

  • “Can you show recall completion paperwork for all campaigns?”
  • “Has the car been back to Jeep for any suspension or steering work?”
Depends on the exact engine — 1 moreDocumented for a specific engine we could not confirm from what you picked. Check the engine code on the car.
Engine, transmission & cooling1

014xe plug-in hybrid drivability faults and 2.0 turbo integration niggles (WL 4xe)

Charge and drive the car in electric mode; note the indicated EV range against the ~50 km claim.hybrid2022 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $300–$6,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

NZ-market WL Grand Cherokees are predominantly the 4xe plug-in hybrid (2.0 turbo four plus electric motor), and early owners report hybrid-system warning lights, occasional failure to charge, harsh engine-to-electric transitions and 12V battery drain issues - largely addressed through successive software updates. Globally the 4xe system has also seen recalls on related Stellantis platforms for shutdown risk. The powertrain is complex; buy on a dealer health check of the hybrid battery and confirmation all software campaigns are applied.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hybrid system warning light
  • Failure to charge or charge stopping early
  • Clunky transitions between electric and petrol drive
  • 12V battery going flat

What to check

  1. Charge and drive the car in electric mode; note the indicated EV range against the ~50 km claim.
  2. Watch for hybrid warning lights on start-up.
  3. Ask a Jeep dealer for a hybrid battery health report and software campaign status before purchase.

Where to look: Traction battery under the floor; charge port left rear; hybrid control electronics

Parts involved: Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “What EV range does it achieve on a full charge?”
  • “Any hybrid system faults or failed charging sessions?”
  • “Are all software updates and campaigns completed?”
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee engines and years25 documented issues that do not apply to the one you picked.
Engine, transmission & cooling15

013.0 V6 diesel EGR cooler, turbo and (rare) bottom-end problems (WK2 CRD/EcoDiesel)

Check the coolant level and ask about top-ups.diesel2011–2021Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$15,000 to fix

Does not apply

The VM Motori 3.0 V6 diesel sold in NZ/AU WK2s (related to the US 'EcoDiesel') is torquey and economical but carries known risks: EGR coolers clog and crack (there was a US recall for EGR cooler fire risk), turbochargers fail from oil contamination, and a small but well-documented number of engines suffer main/rod bearing failure that writes off the block. Oil condition and interval discipline is everything on this engine. The ZF 8-speed behind it is excellent - the risk is the engine, not the transmission.

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant loss with no visible leak (EGR cooler)
  • Whining or reduced boost from the turbo
  • Knocking from the bottom of the engine
  • Excessive black smoke or limp mode

What to check

  1. Check the coolant level and ask about top-ups.
  2. Listen to the engine at idle and under load for deep knocks.
  3. Insist on full oil-change history with correct-spec oil; an oil analysis on purchase is cheap versus a bottom end.
  4. Verify any US-style EGR recall/service campaign equivalent was completed on NZ/AU-delivered cars.

Where to look: EGR cooler and turbo at the rear/top of the engine; bottom end within the block

Parts involved: EGR valve, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR cooler or valve ever been replaced?”
  • “Full oil service history available, and what intervals?”
  • “Any turbo work or bottom-end noise ever investigated?”

023.0 CRD (OM642) oil cooler failing internally — oil and coolant mixing

Do this before anything else and with the engine cold.diesel2005–2010EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

035.7 HEMI lifter and camshaft failure (WH V8)

Listen to the engine cold and fully warm - the classic HEMI tick that stays or worsens warm is the warning.petrol2005–2010Engine
OccasionalEngine $3,500–$8,000 to fix

Does not apply

The 5.7 HEMI in WH Grand Cherokees can suffer hydraulic roller lifter failure - a roller stops turning, chews the camshaft lobe, and what starts as a tick becomes an engine-out camshaft and lifter replacement. The MDS cylinder-deactivation lifters are the usual culprits and the failure is well documented across HEMI platforms of this era. A persistent tick that does not fade when warm should be treated as a lifter until proven otherwise, and a compression/listening check by a V8-familiar workshop is worth the fee.

Symptoms to notice

  • Ticking from the top of the engine that persists when warm
  • Misfire on one cylinder
  • Check engine light with cylinder-specific codes
  • Metal in the engine oil

What to check

  1. Listen to the engine cold and fully warm - the classic HEMI tick that stays or worsens warm is the warning.
  2. Ask for oil change records (long intervals accelerate it) and whether the MDS system has ever thrown codes.
  3. A workshop stethoscope check on the rocker covers is cheap insurance.

Where to look: Valvetrain under the rocker covers, top of the V8

Ask the seller

  • “Has it ever had lifter or camshaft work?”
  • “What oil and intervals has it been serviced on?”
  • “Does it have any tick when warm?”

043.0L EcoDiesel Emissions Recall and Injector Reliability Issues

Verify the recall status via VIN check (NHTSA or FCA recall lookup).diesel2014–2021Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,800–$6,500 to fix

Does not apply

The 3.0L VM Motori EcoDiesel V6 in WK2 Grand Cherokees was subject to a US EPA and CARB emissions defeat device investigation and subsequent recall (FCA agreed to a consent decree in 2019). The recall involved EGR software updates and in some cases diesel particulate filter replacements. Separately, the engine has a documented history of injector tip cracking at high mileage, causing rough running and potential hydraulic lock if fuel accumulates in a cylinder. Pre-recall vehicles are a compliance and reliability concern.

A single common-rail diesel fuel injector photographed against a plain background.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A common-rail diesel injector. Contamination damages the nozzle at the tip.

Panoha · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light with emissions-related codes
  • Rough running or misfiring on one or more cylinders
  • Excessive diesel smoke under acceleration
  • Hard starting on a cold engine
  • DPF warning light

What to check

  1. Verify the recall status via VIN check (NHTSA or FCA recall lookup).
  2. Scan for emissions and injector-related fault codes.
  3. Ask for any recall service records.
  4. Check for injector-related oil contamination or fuel in engine oil.
  5. Have a diesel specialist assess injector condition if high mileage (150k+).

Where to look: Engine, cylinder head, fuel injectors (V6 diesel)

Parts involved: Fuel injector.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EcoDiesel emissions recall been completed?”
  • “Are there any check engine lights or emissions codes?”
  • “Has any injector been replaced?”

054.0 '0331' cylinder head cracking between cylinders 3 and 4

Do this before the engine is started, because a warm engine hides the best evidence.petrol2000–2001Engine
CommonEngine $1,500–$4,500 to fix

Does not apply

Unconfirmed. This entry does not match our record of which engines and years this model was sold with, and is awaiting review. Confirm it against the car before acting on it.

The 4.0 straight-six fitted to WJ Grand Cherokees of this period uses a cylinder head with casting number 0331, and a large batch of those heads was cast in poor-quality iron with too little metal in the wall between the number 3 and number 4 valve springs. Under normal heat cycling that wall splits, and coolant weeps into the engine. The tell-tale is unexplained coolant loss with no puddle on the ground and no visible hose leak — the coolant is going into the engine, not out of it. Left alone it dilutes the oil, drops oil pressure and takes the bearings with it, so an owner who tops the header tank up every few weeks and thinks nothing of it is describing an engine on its way out. Jeep changed to a Brazilian 'TUPY' casting from about 2002 which largely cured it, so later cars are safer but not automatically clear.

A removed six-cylinder diesel engine cylinder head on cardboard, valve-gear side facing up.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A six-cylinder diesel head off the engine, valve-gear side up. Cracks run between the valve seats on the face beneath.

Ll1324 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Coolant level dropping with no leak anywhere on the ground
  • White steam from the exhaust, worst on a cold start
  • Milky or coffee-coloured film on the oil cap or dipstick
  • Heater blowing cold, or the temperature gauge climbing in traffic
  • Rough idle or a misfire on cylinder 3 or 4

What to check

Do this before the engine is started, because a warm engine hides the best evidence. Take the radiator cap or header-tank cap off while it is stone cold and look at the coolant — it should be clean and coloured, not brown, oily or with a film floating on top. Then take the oil filler cap off and look at the underside: a mayonnaise-like cream there is coolant in the oil and on this engine that usually means the head. Pull the dipstick and check the oil is black and thin rather than milky or over-full. Look at the header tank level and ask the seller directly how often they top it up — "every couple of weeks" is the answer that matters, and many owners volunteer it without realising what it means. Once it is running, stand behind the car on a cold start and watch for white steam that keeps coming after the first minute rather than clearing. Check the service history for a head replacement, which turns this from a risk into a solved problem. If a workshop inspection is possible: a cooling-system pressure test and a combustion-gas test on the coolant will confirm or clear it in under an hour.

Where to look: Top of the engine — cylinder head, between the number 3 and number 4 valve springs under the rocker cover

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “How often do you top up the coolant?”
  • “Has the cylinder head ever been replaced, and do you have the invoice?”
  • “Has it ever overheated or blown a hose?”

06Electronic gear lever rollaway recall (WK2 Grand Cherokee, 2014-2015)

2014–2015Transmission
Very commonTransmission $0 to fix

Does not apply

The 2014 and 2015 WK2 Grand Cherokee, with any engine, has a spring-loaded electronic gear lever that returns to centre after each shift, and drivers could think the car was in Park when it was not. It was recalled twice in Australia (PRA 2016/15391 and PRA 2016/15557): the fix is a software update that puts the car in Park automatically if the driver door opens with the engine running. Without it the car can roll away. The repair is free at a Jeep dealer.

Symptoms to notice

  • Gear lever springs back to centre after every selection
  • No automatic shift to Park when the door is opened (unrepaired cars)

What to check

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2016/15391 and PRA 2016/15557 (shifter software) was done. Give the VIN to a franchise dealer and ask them to check for open recalls before paying. With the engine running on flat ground, select Drive, hold the brake, then open the driver door: a repaired car should shift itself to Park and show a message. If a workshop inspection is possible: a dealer can confirm the shifter software level from the VIN.

Where to look: Centre console gear lever and transmission control software

Ask the seller

  • “Have the gear lever (rollaway) recalls been done?”
  • “Has the car ever moved after being left in what looked like Park?”

07ZF 8HP Solenoid Wear and Valve Body Degradation

Test drive with progressive full-throttle acceleration through the complete gear range, listening for any rpm surge or slip between ratios.petrol2011–2021Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $1,200–$6,000 to fix

Does not apply

The ZF 8HP45 and 8HP70 eight-speed automatics in WK2 Grand Cherokees rely on a bank of pressure-regulating solenoids inside the valve body to control clutch pack fill pressures and shift timing. Fine metallic wear debris from clutch friction material accumulates in the transmission fluid over time, eroding the precision-machined solenoid bores and causing pressure bleed-past. FCA specifies the ZF 8HP as a lifetime-fill unit requiring no fluid change, but in practice the fluid becomes saturated with wear particles and loses its friction-modifying properties well before 150,000 km. Worn solenoids produce inconsistent clutch engagement pressures, causing gear flare on upshifts, delayed range selection, and slip under load. In severe cases the TCM sets fault codes and the transmission enters a limp-home mode.

Symptoms to notice

  • Flaring or rpm surge between 2nd and 3rd gear under normal acceleration
  • Delayed engagement when moving the selector from Park to Drive or Reverse
  • Transmission slip or rpm flare under hard acceleration
  • Transmission warning light or limp-home mode restricting vehicle speed
  • Shudder during torque converter lockup at 60 to 90 km/h cruise

What to check

Test drive with progressive full-throttle acceleration through the complete gear range, listening for any rpm surge or slip between ratios. Engage Drive and Reverse from Park and note engagement delay — more than 1.5 seconds in either direction is abnormal. Request transmission service records; fluid that has never been changed on a vehicle over 100,000 km is a red flag regardless of the lifetime-fill specification. If a workshop inspection is possible: Connect a scan tool capable of reading ZF-specific fault codes.

Where to look: Transmission tunnel, ZF 8HP valve body and solenoid pack inside the transmission sump

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the transmission fluid ever been serviced despite the lifetime-fill specification?”
  • “Has the transmission ever entered limp mode or shown a warning light?”
  • “Have you noticed any hesitation or flare when accelerating hard through the gears?”

08Pentastar 3.6 V6 cylinder head (No. 2 cylinder) failure and lifter/rocker tick (WK2)

Scan for stored/pending misfire codes even if the light is off.petrol2011–2016Engine
OccasionalEngine $2,500–$6,000 to fix

Does not apply

Early Pentastar 3.6 V6s had a rash of left-bank cylinder head failures - typically a burnt valve on cylinder 2 causing a persistent misfire - and Chrysler extended the head warranty on 2011-2013 engines to 10 years/150,000 miles, a program that has now expired. 2014-on engines still show occasional rocker/lifter failures producing a loud tick and misfire. It presents as a check engine light with a single-cylinder misfire code, and the fix is a replacement head or rocker assemblies. Otherwise the Pentastar is a solid unit.

A removed six-cylinder diesel engine cylinder head on cardboard, valve-gear side facing up.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A six-cylinder diesel head off the engine, valve-gear side up. Cracks run between the valve seats on the face beneath.

Ll1324 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Persistent misfire code on one cylinder (often #2)
  • Loud ticking from one bank of the engine
  • Check engine light flashing under load
  • Rough idle

What to check

  1. Scan for stored/pending misfire codes even if the light is off.
  2. Listen for ticking from either rocker cover at idle.
  3. Ask whether the cylinder head was ever replaced under Chrysler's extended warranty - paperwork proving a later head is a plus, not a minus.

Where to look: Cylinder heads, top of the V6 engine

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the cylinder head ever been replaced under the extended warranty?”
  • “Any misfire history or ticking noises?”

09Left cylinder head valve seat and guide wear, misfire (3.6 Pentastar V6, WK2 Grand Cherokee 2011-2013)

Start the engine from cold and listen at idle for a ticking or uneven beat; a healthy Pentastar idles smoothly.petrol2011–2013Engine
OccasionalEngine $2,500–$5,000 to fix

Does not apply

Early 3.6 Pentastar V6 engines (sales code ERB) in 2011 to 2013 WK2 Grand Cherokee models can wear the valve guides and valve seats in the left cylinder head, so cylinders 2, 4 or 6 lose compression and misfire. Chrysler admitted the problem: in the US it extended the warranty on the left head to 10 years or 150,000 miles (warranty bulletin D-14-12) and told dealers to leak test the cylinders and replace the head (service bulletin 09-002-14). In Australia the service bulletin (09-002-14 REV.A) was applied to 2011 to 2012 WK2 Grand Cherokees with the 3.6 built before 25 July 2012; the 10 year extended warranty was a US program, so do not count on it here. Left alone it gets worse and the cure is a replacement head.

A removed six-cylinder diesel engine cylinder head on cardboard, valve-gear side facing up.Example of the part — not this vehicle

A six-cylinder diesel head off the engine, valve-gear side up. Cracks run between the valve seats on the face beneath.

Ll1324 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons

Symptoms to notice

  • Check engine light, sometimes flashing
  • Rough idle or shake, worse when cold
  • Ticking or tapping from one side of the engine
  • Loss of power

What to check

  1. Start the engine from cold and listen at idle for a ticking or uneven beat; a healthy Pentastar idles smoothly.
  2. Watch the dash for a check engine light during the test drive and feel for any stumble or shake when pulling away and at steady low speed.
  3. Ask whether the left cylinder head has been replaced and ask for the invoice.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: scan for stored misfire codes on cylinders 2, 4 or 6 and run a cylinder leakage test on those cylinders.

Where to look: Engine bay, the left bank cylinder head of the V6 (cylinders 2, 4 and 6)

Parts involved: Cylinder head.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the left cylinder head ever been replaced, and do you have the invoice?”
  • “Has the check engine light come on or has it been treated for a misfire?”
  • “Was this car new in Australia or New Zealand, or a US import, and what is its build date?”

10ZF 8HP Torque Converter Shudder

Test drive at 70–90 km/h on light throttle — shudder is typically felt in the seat pan and floor.petrol2013–2021TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

113.0 CRD EGR cooler cracking and turbo actuator sticking

The test drive is what finds this, and it needs to be a proper one.diesel2005–2010EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

123.6L Pentastar PCV Failure and Oil Consumption

Check the oil level against the last service record to estimate consumption rate.petrol2011–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

1345RFE/545RFE solenoid pack failure — limp mode and locked in one gear

Test drive it properly rather than round the block.petrol2000–2010TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

14Transmission stuck in limp/first gear - shifter module and conductor plate faults (WJ/WG 2.7 CRD, WK 3.0 CRD)

Take a long test drive including hot running - the fault typically appears warm.diesel2000–2010Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $600–$2,500 to fix

Does not apply

Diesel WJ/WG Grand Cherokees (2.7 CRD) are well known for the P0702 fault where the transmission shifter module's circuit board fails from poor soldering and oxidation, locking the Mercedes-sourced 5-speed auto in limp home mode (stuck in one gear); restarting sometimes clears it temporarily. On the later WK 3.0 CRD the same Mercedes 722.6/W5A580 transmission suffers conductor plate and speed sensor failures with similar symptoms. Repairs are a module repair or conductor plate replacement - far cheaper than the full transmission the symptoms suggest, but scary on the test drive.

Symptoms to notice

  • Transmission suddenly locked in one gear (limp mode)
  • P0702 or transmission control codes
  • Fault clears after switching the ignition off and on
  • Harsh or missing shifts when hot

What to check

  1. Take a long test drive including hot running - the fault typically appears warm.
  2. Scan for stored transmission codes even if it drives fine now.
  3. Ask whether the conductor plate, shifter module or transmission fluid/filter have been done (the 722.6 needs fluid changes despite 'sealed for life' claims).

Where to look: Transmission under the centre of the vehicle; shifter module at the gear selector

Parts involved: Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has it ever gone into limp mode or been stuck in one gear?”
  • “Has the transmission fluid ever been changed?”
  • “Any conductor plate or valve body work done?”

15Transfer Case Vacuum Line Cracking and 4WD Loss

2011–2021TransmissionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller
Electrical6

01TIPM Fuel Pump Relay Failure and Multi-System Faults

After switching off the ignition, stand beside the engine bay and listen for the fuel pump continuing to run.2011–2021ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure - no-start, stalling, rogue electrics (WK2)

Check the VIN for the fuel pump relay recall completion.2011–2013ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Alternator diode failure, stalling and fire risk recall (3.6 Pentastar V6 and 5.7 Hemi V8, WK2 Grand Cherokee 2012-2014)

Ask for proof the alternator recall has been done (a dealer invoice or recall record).petrol2012–2014Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $0–$1,500 to fix

Does not apply

On 2012 to 2014 WK2 Grand Cherokee models with the 3.6 Pentastar V6 or 5.7 Hemi V8 and electro-hydraulic power steering, the diodes inside the alternator can crack from heat, so charging voltage drops. That can switch off ABS and stability control, stall the engine while driving, and in some cases the failing alternator can overheat and catch fire. The 3.0 diesel is not part of this recall. It was recalled in Australia (PRA 2017/16284, REC-000199) and the US (17V-435, FCA campaign T36). The fix is a free alternator replacement, so check that the recall work has been done.

Symptoms to notice

  • Battery or charging warning light
  • ABS or stability control warning lights
  • Heavy steering at low speed
  • Engine stalls or will not restart
  • Burning smell from the engine bay

What to check

  1. Ask for proof the alternator recall has been done (a dealer invoice or recall record).
  2. Start the car and watch for a battery, ABS or stability control light, and on the test drive check the steering stays light at parking speeds.
  3. Smell for anything hot or electrical in the engine bay after the drive.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: run the VIN through a dealer recall check and test the charging voltage under load.

Where to look: Front of the engine, alternator on the accessory belt

Parts involved: Alternator.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the alternator recall been done, and can I see the paperwork?”
  • “Has the car ever stalled or shown a battery or ABS warning?”
  • “Has the alternator been replaced outside the recall?”

04Cruise control cannot be cancelled recall (WK2 Grand Cherokee, 2014-2018)

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2018/16859 (campaign U65) was done.2014–2018Electrical
Very commonElectrical $0 to fix

Does not apply

WK2 Grand Cherokees from 2014 to 2018, with any engine, were recalled (PRA 2018/16859, campaign U65) because an engine control software fault could stop cruise control cancelling, so the car could hold or gain speed until the driver braked hard or shifted to neutral. The fix is a free software update at a Jeep dealer.

Symptoms to notice

  • Cruise control does not switch off when the cancel button is pressed
  • Car keeps accelerating after cruise control is overridden

What to check

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2018/16859 (campaign U65) was done. Give the VIN to a franchise dealer and ask them to check for open recalls before paying. On a safe open road, set the cruise control, then check it cancels with the cancel button and with a light touch of the brake. If a workshop inspection is possible: a dealer can confirm the engine control software level from the VIN.

Where to look: Engine control module software, cruise control buttons on the steering wheel

Ask the seller

  • “Has the cruise control recall (U65) been done?”
  • “Has the cruise control ever failed to switch off?”

05Crankshaft position sensor heat-soak — will not restart until it cools

The test is the drive itself, and it needs to be long enough.petrol2000–2010ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

06Sun visor vanity lamp short circuit and fire recall (WK2 Grand Cherokee, 2011-2013)

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2016/15207 (sun visor vanity lamp) was done.2011–2013Electrical
CommonElectrical $0 to fix

Does not apply

WK2 Grand Cherokees from 2011 to 2013, with any engine, were recalled (PRA 2016/15207) because the vanity mirror lamp in the sun visor can short circuit, so the lamp stops working or the visor can overheat and catch fire. An earlier recall (PRA 2014/14210) fixed a wire that could be trapped at the lamp. The fix is free at a Jeep dealer.

Symptoms to notice

  • Vanity mirror light does not work
  • Hot or melted spot on a sun visor
  • Burning smell from the headlining

What to check

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2016/15207 (sun visor vanity lamp) was done. Give the VIN to a franchise dealer and ask them to check for open recalls before paying. Fold down both sun visors, open the mirror covers and check the lamps light and that there is no scorching or melted plastic. If a workshop inspection is possible: a dealer can confirm from the VIN that the visors were replaced or modified.

Where to look: Driver and passenger sun visors

Ask the seller

  • “Has the sun visor recall been done?”
  • “Have the visor lights ever stopped working or smelt hot?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior3

01Brake booster corrosion and water entry recall (WK2 Grand Cherokee, 2011-2014)

2011–2014Brakes
Very commonBrakes $0 to fix

Does not apply

WK2 Grand Cherokees built for 2011 to 2014, with any engine, were recalled (PRA 2014/14060) because the brake booster centre shell can corrode and let water in. In cold weather that water can freeze and make the brakes much less effective. A follow-up recall (PRA 2017/16427) re-did the water shield on cars where the first fix was fitted incorrectly. Both repairs are free at a Jeep dealer.

Symptoms to notice

  • Hard or high brake pedal on a cold morning
  • Brake pedal needs more effort than usual

What to check

Ask the seller for the service history and look for a dealer invoice or service stamp showing recall PRA 2014/14060 (and PRA 2017/16427 if the VIN was included) was done. Give the VIN to a franchise dealer and ask them to check for open recalls before paying. On the test drive, press the brake pedal firmly: it should feel progressive, not hard or wooden. If a workshop inspection is possible: a dealer can confirm from the VIN that the booster water shield was fitted correctly and inspect the booster for corrosion.

Where to look: Brake booster on the driver side firewall under the bonnet

Parts involved: Body corrosion.

Ask the seller

  • “Have both brake booster recalls been done, and do you have the paperwork?”
  • “Has the brake pedal ever felt hard in cold weather?”

02Quadra-Lift Air Compressor and Air Spring Failure

2011–2021SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03Chronic brake judder / warped front rotors (WJ and WK)

On the test drive, brake moderately hard from open-road speed and feel the wheel and pedal for pulsing.2000–2010Brakes
Very commonBrakes $400–$1,000 to fix

Does not apply

Brake shudder plagued both the WJ and WK Grand Cherokee: the factory front rotors are marginal for the vehicle's weight, and they warp (develop disc thickness variation) quickly, especially with towing or hilly running. The steering wheel shakes under braking from speed and gets progressively worse. Machining buys time but quality aftermarket rotors and pads are the accepted fix, and it will recur on cheap replacement discs. It is a WOF-relevant defect and a good price-negotiation item.

Symptoms to notice

  • Steering wheel shake when braking from 80-100 km/h
  • Pulsing brake pedal
  • Shudder worse after long downhill braking

What to check

  1. On the test drive, brake moderately hard from open-road speed and feel the wheel and pedal for pulsing.
  2. Look at the front rotors through the wheels for lips, scoring or heat discolouration.
  3. Ask what brand of rotors were last fitted.

Where to look: Front brake rotors behind the front wheels

Ask the seller

  • “When were the rotors and pads last replaced, and what brand?”
  • “Does the wheel shake under braking at speed?”
  • “Is the vehicle used for towing?”
Fluid leaks1

013.0 CRD (Mercedes OM642) oil cooler and turbo seal oil leaks (WH/WK)

Look down into the vee of the engine with a torch - wet black oil pooling around the intake area points to the oil cooler seals.diesel2005–2010Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Jeep Grand Cherokee faults in detail

Narrowed to the Jeep Grand Cherokee · 2023. Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

Upper control arm ball joint safety recall — risk of wheel separationCritical · Suspension

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Jeep models

Jeep Wrangler24 documented faultsJeep Cherokee18 documented faultsJeep Compass12 documented faults

Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer questions

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 31 documented faults for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the recurring problem areas are engine, electrical, and suspension. A Jeep Grand Cherokee with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?

We've catalogued 31 known faults for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, covering engine, electrical, and suspension. All 31 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Most single repairs on the Jeep Grand Cherokee fall between $450–$3,000 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 31 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes. A Jeep Grand Cherokee inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.