Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
critical Owners of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 79 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
79
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Grand Cherokee | 180 |
| 2008 Grand Cherokee | 72 |
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 19 |
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 20 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 79 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 82 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 51 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 450 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 346 |
6crashes
1fire
1injury
2fatalities
When does it fail?
Of the 79 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 79 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Transmission Kit with Torque Converter 1. All Promaster (VF) 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the transmission bracket to the transmission case fasteners are removed during servicing, the fasteners (Part Number 06511385A$) are one-time usage. Vehicles built prior to 10/23/2015 requires Service Kit PN 68461214AA; includes Transmission Isolator PN 68264483AA, and Adaptation Bracket 68264479AA and Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA Vehicles built after on or after 10/23/2015 will require only the Fastener Service Kit PN 68329056AA. 2. All 3.6L/62TE equipped vehicles. If the vehicle you are repairing has a crack in the flex plate or failed pump bushing inspect and confirm that both (2) dowel pins
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Steering Column If vehicle comes in for steering column replacement, verify column installed. Go to Info Column in Star Parts and open the flow chart to determine which column is installed. If column is Daimler, verify that a replacement Daimler column is in stock and use for replacement. If no Daimler column is in stock, replacement must use Presta column (which require a number of other components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star. UPDATE: 11/9/2016 If the new bearing does not fit through the double dash, you need to re
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: ELSD Module Enhancements This bulletin involves selectively erasing and reprogramming the Electronic Limited Slip Differential (ELSD) with new software. If any of the following DTC?s are either Active or Stored in the ELSD module?s memory, the ELSD motor will need to be replaced as well. C1490-00-REAR DIFFERENTIAL ACTUATOR INITIALIZATION FAILURE C148F-1D-REAR DIFFERENTIAL MEASURED MOTOR - CIRCUIT OUT OF RANGE C1489-96-REAR DIFFERENTIAL MOTOR BRAKE - COMPONENT INTERNAL FAILURE The customer may indicate that their 4X4 lamp may be flashing (indicating a malfunction of the 4X4 system).In addition, one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC) are Active or Stored in the ELSD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Grand Cherokee's powertrain troubles center almost entirely on the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)—Chrysler's central electrical distribution unit. Owners describe weak startups that hiccup and stall, no-start events especially in cold weather, and unpredictable stalling while driving at any speed. The worst part: when the engine cuts out, power steering and brakes fail simultaneously. Dealerships and Chrysler both acknowledge this is widespread, but replacement TIPM units are produced at one per seven days, leaving owners waiting three weeks or longer for parts. Some dealers offer a jury-rigged external fuel pump relay as a stopgap.
Transmission problems are nearly as common. Vehicles stick in low gear, shift into wrong gears on their own, lurch violently, or lose all drive function. Software updates and module replacements haven't solved these issues in the cases owners report. One owner's family of three all experienced sudden unintended acceleration at different times; Chrysler found nothing and closed the case.
The transmission cooler and AC condenser unit (a combined part) leaks transmission fluid consistently around 50,000 miles across multiple vehicles—Chrysler denies it's a defect despite the pattern. Transfer cases fail internally, sometimes dropping into 4WD low at highway speeds. One transmission overheated and caught fire during light beach use, and Chrysler blamed the owner.
A smaller group reports engine stalling unrelated to TIPM, some after recall work supposedly fixed the issue, and one reports camshaft wear requiring engine replacement outside warranty. The electronic shifter occasionally fails to engage park, leaving the vehicle rolling in reverse. Throughout these narratives, dealers consistently say they cannot replicate problems and have no fixes; Chrysler stalls on recalls.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) Failure
The TIPM is a critical power distribution module that controls multiple vehicle systems. When it fails, it can cause starting issues, stalling, fuel pump relay failure, and loss of vehicle control. Owners report this is a widespread problem in 2011 Grand Cherokees. Dealerships and Chrysler acknowledge the issue but cite extremely slow replacement part production (one unit per seven days), leading to multi-week backorders. Some dealers offer external fuel pump relay workarounds.
When: Typically between 25,000 and 115,000 miles; some failures occur early (under 5,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Weak startup or engine cranking without starting; Engine hiccupping and stalling; Intermittent no-start conditions, worse in cold weather; Vehicle stalling while driving at various speeds; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall events; Fuel pump running continuously or shutting off unpredictably; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: P0000 (generic TIPM-related codes not specified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM replacement typically costs $1,600 at independent shops; Chrysler negotiated $100 on at least one case. External fuel pump relay workaround offered by some dealers as stopgap. Part production severely constrained; replacement can take 3+ weeks due to backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler corporate confirmed the problem is widespread and acknowledged slow TIPM production rate. Some dealers cite recalls 14V530000 and 19V813000 (electrical system). Chrysler advised owners to have repairs performed and request reimbursement if/when recall is issued, but as of complaints, no formal recall had been granted. One owner reported Chrysler told them insufficient formal complaints exist to validate a recall.
Sudden Unintended Acceleration (SUA)
Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input, particularly during low-speed maneuvers like backing out of parking spaces or when brakes are applied. Multiple family members in same household experienced the failure at different times and speeds. Chrysler inspection found nothing and closed the case despite owner concerns.
When: Occurred multiple times over vehicle ownership; at least 2 incidents reported by single owner
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward during reverse in parking lot; Acceleration occurs despite brake pedal being pressed; Occurs at varying speeds and conditions; No warning indicators present
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired. Owner reported witness confirmed vehicle lunged with brake lights still illuminated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler inspected vehicle, found nothing, and closed the case. Company advised owner that no fix was found and case is closed.
Transmission Shifting / Gear Selection Failures
Transmission fails to shift properly, stays in low gear, shifts into wrong gears unprompted, or lurches during shifts. Issues range from rough shifting (shuddering) to complete loss of proper gear sequencing. Software upgrades and module removals have not resolved problems in multiple cases.
When: Can occur early (2,300 miles) to later in ownership (90,000+ miles); some intermittent over years
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stays in low gear or does not upshift; Jerking or lunging during acceleration; Rough/shuddering shifts at 30–40 mph in automatic mode; Transmission shifts into wrong gear on its own while driving; Transmission stuck in manual 4th gear when selecting drive mode; Loss of traction or acceleration in drive mode; only reverse available; Unpredictable acceleration events; Vehicle will not move forward or backward at low speeds despite accelerator input
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Software upgrades attempted but failures recurred. Transmission control module/park neutral module replacement recommended on some vehicles but parts often on backorder. Costs range from $1,300 (TIPM module) to $4,800 (full transmission). One owner traded vehicle due to unresolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to replicate failures in most cases; advised owners issue is likely software-related and performed upgrades. One case referenced NHTSA campaign 19V813000 (electrical system) with parts not available. Manufacturer referred owners to file complaints and advised no warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Transmission Cooler / AC Condenser Leaks
Combined transmission cooler and A/C condenser unit develops leaks at welds, causing transmission fluid loss. Problem occurs consistently around 50,000 miles across multiple 2011–2012 vehicles. No dip stick on transmission makes fluid level monitoring impossible, creating safety risk. Chrysler denies this is a defect.
When: Typically around 50,000 miles; consistent pattern across owners
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaking underneath vehicle; A/C condenser failure; Transmission slipping in 2nd gear; Fluid puddles on ground creating slip hazard
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Part replacement required (~$750 reported). Repair involves emptying and recharging A/C system plus refilling transmission fluid—work requiring professional equipment. One owner noted their other vehicle with same condenser has 297,000 miles without failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated this is normal part failure and not a recall issue. Company said they will notify owners if future recall is issued, but denied investigation into manufacturing defect or public safety hazard.
Engine Stalling (Unrelated to TIPM)
Engine cuts out while driving at various speeds, often when slowing down, making turns, or braking. Multiple owners report dealer diagnostics find no fault codes or cannot replicate. One owner with HEMI V8 reports carbon-like smell and check engine light appearing after recall work. Camshaft wear reported in one case.
When: Variable; one case at 60,000 miles; another 1–2 times per month over years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during normal driving; Stalling when slowing for stops or making turns; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; Vehicle must be shifted to neutral and restarted to resume operation; Rough idle after starting; Sputtering/missing when accelerating or driving uphill; Carbon-like smell entering cabin (HEMI-specific); Intermittent rough idle
Codes mentioned: P0000 (check engine light; specific codes not always provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft, oil pan, purge solenoid, exhaust manifold gasket, fuel pump, and starter/fuel module relay replacements attempted in various cases without resolving issue. One HEMI owner quoted $5,700 for engine work (diagnostics not completed). One case noted camshaft wear at 99,000 miles causing excessive oil and fuel burning; engine replacement refused under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Most dealers unable to diagnose or replicate failure. References to recall 14V530000 (fuel relay wiring harness) on at least one case, but owner reported relay replacement did not solve stalling. One dealer advised not to drive vehicle until fixed due to serious safety risk.
Transfer Case Failure / 4WD System Malfunction
Transfer case internally fails or shifter malfunction causes vehicle to suddenly shift into 4WD low at highway speeds. This is accompanied by clunking noise, traction control loss, and service warnings. Transfer case replacement performed under warranty but owner lost confidence in vehicle afterward.
When: Failure occurred while driving at normal speeds (20–40 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden shift into 4WD low gear while driving; Loud clunking noise upon shift; Loss of traction control; Service 4 wheel drive warning light illuminates; Vehicle stuck in front wheel drive position; Abnormal ticking noise from transfer case
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case replacement performed under warranty; 3-week shop time. One case cited internal transfer case failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage provided for replacement. One case referenced recall 19V813000 (electrical system).
Electronic Shifter / Gear Selection Malfunction
Electronic shifter fails to properly engage park. Vehicle remains in reverse despite shifter being pushed all the way forward to park, forcing driver to dive back in to brake and manually shift. Extremely dangerous with pedestrians nearby. Recall under consideration per driver's knowledge.
When: Single incident reported during rainy conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter pushed to park but vehicle remains in reverse; Vehicle continues rolling in reverse after 'park' command; Engine shut-off button engaged but engine and reverse function still active
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired as reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of recall being considered but not yet issued.
Drivetrain Vibration (Intermittent)
Vehicle exhibits vibration in coast mode (foot off accelerator) between 30–45 mph that has persisted for years without solution. Dealership cannot replicate problem despite multiple attempts and engineer involvement. Suspected source is transmission, transfer case, rear axle, or drive shaft based on vibration location.
When: Present since 2,300 miles; unresolved after 4 years and 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in coast mode (foot off gas, slack in drivetrain); Vibration felt primarily between 30–45 mph; Vibration felt in driver seat
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership unable to duplicate; non-dealership mechanics agree with owner on suspected components. No repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep engineers reportedly looking for solution but have received less than a handful of reports on 2011 Overland models nationwide.
Transmission Overheat and Fire
Transmission overheated and caught fire during light off-road use on beach with sand mode enabled. Vehicle had been backed up and pulled forward gently three times when fire started with no warning. Chrysler blamed owner abuse despite owner's 40 years of experience on same beach with other vehicles.
When: During beach driving after minimal low-speed maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission rapidly overheating; Vehicle fire ignition
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not applicable; vehicle considered total loss.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler claimed owner abused vehicle, refused warranty coverage.
Battery / Alternator / PCM Electrical Failure
Battery warning light illuminated; subsequent diagnostics revealed alternator extremely warm internally, which affected PCM internal voltage. Multiple electrical components required replacement. Dealer aware of related recalls but vehicle year not included in electrical system recall 17V435000.
When: At 83,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery warning indicator illuminated; Alternator assembly running extremely hot internally; PCM internal voltage shortage detected
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced battery, alternator assembly, and PCM. Vehicle required shutdown during repair due to PCM voltage issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer referenced NHTSA recalls 15V879000 (electrical system, interior lighting) and 17V572000 (service brakes) but vehicle year not included in recall 17V435000 (electrical system) despite manufacturer notification.
Vehicle Rolling / Park Disengagement
Vehicle rolled away from parked position 12 minutes after driver exited and parked. Vehicle crashed into neighbor's garage. No warning indicators present; vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
When: 12 minutes after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away from park position; No warning indicators
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted and assigned case number 59742830.
Loss of Motive Power / No-Restart
Vehicle suddenly loses all power while driving and refuses to restart. Driver able to pull to shoulder but left stranded with inoperable vehicle.
When: At 126,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle unable to restart; No warning lights illuminated
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired or diagnosed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA hotline.
Accelerator Pedal Non-Response / Erratic Deceleration
Accelerator pedal fails to respond to driver input and vehicle erroneously decelerates while pedal is depressed. Diagnosed as TIPM module failure.
When: At 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal does not respond to acceleration attempts; Vehicle decelerates while accelerator pedal is pressed; No warning indicators
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: TIPM module replacement recommended but not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified.
Synthesized from 79 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep grand cherokee. The contact received a recall notification in the mail for NHTSA campaign number: 19v813000 (electrical system). The contact had not spoken with a local dealer or the manufacturer regarding the recall. The contact stated that her nephew experienced a slight hesitation with the transmission after placing the vehicle into drive. There were no warning…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a serious issue. 79 complaints have been filed, including 6 reports involving a crash and 2 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 70 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 45,000 and 100,765 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 100,765. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.