CarComplaints.com Notes: The fourth generation Grand Cherokee took the relatively trouble-free run of the 3rd-generation and flipped the script.

From 2010 to 2011, complaints about the vehicle not starting increased 10-fold. In fact, the 2011 model year is riddled with engine problems and a defective TIPM might be to blame. The TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) distributes power to all the eletrical components in the vehicle, so when it starts acting funny so do numerous other components in the car. Orders for new TIPMs were so abundant that parts became scarce, prompting a class-action lawsuit claiming Chrysler ignored this obvious defect.

By 2012 complaints dropped back down by about 80%. Needless to say, if you see a used 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee on a lot just keep walking.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
8 / 44
Injuries / Deaths:
9 / 0
Average Mileage:
51,446 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems

electrical problem

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2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 38)

problem #750

Dec 012024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Rear Camera has been intermittent since I got the car new and dark image and not crystal clear. The lens is clean and it works intermittently.. the dealership said it would cost $1000 to replace the camera.. since there are recalls currently on other jeeps can you help add my vehicle in the mix.. I just spent over 5000 dollars to get my exhaust system fixed and they didn't even give me a loaner car. Bad cus service and this should be fixed.. a safety issue to me.. just like the recall..

- Shiloh, IL, USA

problem #749

Dec 172024

Grand Cherokee

  • 125,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was burning red hot. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a local independent mechanic who was nearby during the failure, and it was determined that the alternator had overheated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #748

Oct 262024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Since I bought it at the dealership the car hesitates to start, I took it several times and they couldn't find the fault, they said it could be a problem with the battery so I changed it and it kept doing the same thing. thing, they told me what the tank was. of gasoline I took it to a Nhtsa office and they told me that they would change the part, over time I had the same problem again but now a year has passed and the car no longer starts, from the beginning they have not helped me solve the problem problem. problem problem that comes from the factory.

- Houston, TX, USA

problem #747

Aug 182024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While my wife was driving, there was a noticable whining sound that was followed by heat, burning smell and smoke coming into the cabin. After taking in for service, I was told that the problem was the alternator which would have caught fire or failed without warning increasing the risk of a crash. Upon learning it was the alternator I discovered that there were 2 separate recalls (P60 and & T36) for defective alternators for 2012-2014 vehicles. "The alternator diodes on your vehicle may experience a rapid failure. Variability in the failure mode ranges from no output, reduced output, and/or a fully shorted to ground condition. Depending on the alternator failure mode and timing, vehicle electrical system voltage may drop to critical levels, disabling systems such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Electronic Control Module (ECM), and/or the Central Body Controller (CBC). The driver will have limited or no detection of the alternator failing, which can result in vehicle shutdown while driving and/or an underhood electrical fire." Something terrible could have happened to my wife. Thankfully it did not. When I was told that my vehicle was not included because it is a 2011 I was angry and frustrated which is why I am reporting this to you. I am questioning why the NHTSA - would not include 2011 vehicles in the safety recall as the problem with the alternator is the same. Am I supposed to believe that the defective alternator in my vehicle is not the same as the ones that are in the 2012 when they are having the exact same problem? Along with the anger I feel because of the danger it posed to my family, I am equally frustrated that the repair is not covered under the costly repair because my VIN didn't not fall under the recall.

- Morton Grove, IL, USA

problem #746

Jul 162023

Grand Cherokee

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shut off inadvertently. The contact was able to pull over to an open lane, where the vehicle stopped. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact's husband charged the battery with a portable charger, and the vehicle restarted. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact's husband replaced both the battery and the alternator; however, the failure recurred a week later. The battery warning light was illuminated. The contact's husband replaced the alternator; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contacted stated that the check engine warning light and the brake warning light were illuminated. The contact later became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V879000 (Electrical System, Interior Lighting), 19V813000 (Electrical System) and 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer and two other dealers were contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

- Milroy, PA, USA

problem #745

Jun 062024

Grand Cherokee

  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 126,000.

- Windsor Mill, MD, USA

problem #744

May 152024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There-??s a recall on jeep that causes the jeep to stall while driving which could result in a crash or injury. There-??s no recall on my jeep though and it-??s doing exactly what the recall is for the other jeeps. I-??ve taken it too three different spots including jeep and they don-??t know what-??s wrong with it.

- Elgin , IL, USA

problem #743

May 022024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My battery warning lamp came on, and when i was safely able to pull over and pop the hood, the alternator was smoldering and smoking, and continued to do so for almost an hour after the battery was disconnected. I stood by with a fire extinguisher for fear of it catching fire. It looks as though this issue has been on a recall for the 2012 models, but not for the 2011. What changed in 2012 to eliminate this from happening?

- Wytheville, VA, USA

problem #742

Feb 292024

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Foward Collision Warning light stays on no matter what. Vehicle turns off randomly at different times without warning. No power steering no power breaks nothing, vehicle just dies on the freeway, going through intersections.

- Richmond, CA, USA

problem #741

Feb 162024

Grand Cherokee

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owned a 2011 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH around a bend in the roadway, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, leaving the road and coming to a complete stop after colliding with a barrier wall. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed, and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:?19V813000 (Electrical System), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Lodi, CA, USA

problem #740

Feb 132024

Grand Cherokee

  • 126,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated on the instrument panel, after which a burning odor filled the interior of the vehicle, prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator, resulting in damage to the PCM. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number:?17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 126,000.

- Lake In The Hills, IL, USA

problem #739

Nov 202023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My car has had recall for over 2 years I-??ve contacted multiple dealers to get it replaced no one has gotten to me and my car has been stalling while driving my most recent problem was I was driving on the highway and my car decided to stall and a 18 wheeler was coming behind me and it almost lead I to a wreck that could have cost me my life also my check engine light has come on a thousand times and every problem that it shows on the scan tool I get fixed which lead to me getting 5 tune ups last year and 2 this year because the code shows I need a tune up but it-??s something deeper than what is being showed I paid 12k for my vehicle and I have spent double that in price trying to get it fix

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #738

Sep 192023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My vehicle in the last 2 days has randomly shutoff completely while driving on the highway. I was able to place in neutral, then restart the vehicle thank goodness without being rear-ended or a collision. The vehicle has been repaired before (NHTSA Campaign ID: 19V813000) and (Chrysler's recall number V62). The vehicle at this point I fear is too dangerous to drive. I am going to have the car towed to the dealership in hopes of reinstalling the fuel pump relay hack. There are many of the same complaints online from other drivers with the same vehicle. Something else needs to be done about this soon before someone gets killed.

- El Sobrante, CA, USA

problem #737

Aug 302023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
I was simply driving home from work on 8/30 when all of a sudden I see my alternator smoking. I pull over and let it clear. I then immediately go to auto parts store buy new alternator. Had it professionally installed. Then on my test drive I break down again lose all power Steering etc. I took it to dealership they said it's my power control module.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #736

Aug 112023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My vehicles Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) was rewired at a dealership as part of a manufacturer recall. Ever since this has been "rewired" I have had problems with the car shutting off while driving, and as a result, a loss of power steering and power brakes. I notified the dealership, Rentschler Chrysler of Slatington, PA, and they state that everything looks ok with the wiring and that a new TIPM was not part of the recall. This issue has been occurring with my Jeep (2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo) since 2013, two years after I purchased the car brand new. I want to know why Chrysler was not ordered to replace the TIPM with a new part? This has been happening to my car frequently and I have known other people with Jeep, Ram, and Durango problems with stalling while driving.

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #735

Jul 272023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Alternator failed while driving with no signs or warning. No emergency lamps came on. The air conditioning nearly quit blowing suddenly while driving and a high pitch whine was heard that corresponded to the acceleration. Then I began to smell burning. By the time I pulled over, smoke was coming out from under the hood. It is now in the shop having the alternator replaced.

- Seguin, TX, USA

problem #734

Jul 272023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
My car had the airbag indicator light turn on, engine light, battery light come on 7/27/23. Then about a few seconds later, the radio turned off by itself and the car turned off while I was still driving. The car is currently inoperable. I-??ve also been having issues with the horn not working, doors, windows locking and unlocking by themselves, engine stalling while driving, car cracks but won-??t start, radio shutting off, light failing constantly as well.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #733

Jul 072023

Grand Cherokee

  • miles
Alternator started smoking almost cought on fire and PCM probably bad too due to alternator going out, me and wife got scared when we saw smoke coming out of underneath hood. Battery light turned on a few minutes before smoke started, but car didn't shut off

- Broken Arrow, OK, USA

problem #732

Jun 182023

Grand Cherokee 6-cyl

  • miles
The vehicle has had recall 14V530000 performed at a local Jeep dealer in Mishawaka, IN. Vehicle still occasionally shuts off WHILE DRIVING. Called Jeep and they offered no relief. I cannot believe a they dont care about the effectiveness of recall for a known defect likely to cause a crash. AGAIN recall WAS PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE (after waiting 6 months for part!) and vehicle still turns off while driving.

- Mishawaka , IN, USA

problem #731

May 232023

Grand Cherokee

  • 197,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving approximately 30 MPH she observed that the check battery light had illuminated. The contact stated that his wife had smelled a burning smell and returned to the residence. The contact stated that he started the vehicle and was checking the battery using a volt meter and he noted that it was only showing 12.1 volts. The contact turned the vehicle off and was returning tools to his workshop when he noted a burning smell. The contact opened the hood and observed a stream of white smoke emitted from the alternator and suddenly the alternator had burst into flames. The contact stated that he extinguished the flame using a garden hose and disconnected the battery terminals due to a clicking sound he heard coming from the alternator. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact had removed the alternator and wanted it to be examined. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197,000.

- Westfield, NJ, USA

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