Used Guide: 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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I’ve logged tens of thousands of kilometres in Grand Cherokees during years of testing cars for a living — and in my northern locale, they all blend right in with traffic. 

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By my eye, the Grand Cherokee is one of the most common 4x4s on Sudbury roads, and for good reason: many owners (and reviewers) appreciate its ability to make comfortable work of typically-uncomfortable driving conditions, ranging from potholes to blizzards to mud-ruts.

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Used Guide: 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Back to video

This generation’s Grand Cherokee launched with Pentastar V6 or HEMI V8 power back in 2011 before being joined by other high-performing and diesel-powered variants. Competition is fierce in this market segment, but Grand Cherokee has long stood out as a go-to product for active Canadians.

Featured content includes climate-controlled leather, push-button start, a terrain selector console, memory seating, rear-seat entertainment interface, power tailgate, remote start, and plenty more. Most models will deliver a comfortable ride with car-like response that’s composed and planted, even on rough surfaces. 

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By the way, with proper winter tires, the Grand Cherokee is pretty much unstoppable in the snow, too. 

Here are 5 important things to know, before you buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Look Beneath

Before you buy a used Jeep Grand Cherokee, and especially an earlier unit from this generation, you’ll want to be sure to closely inspect the engine compartment, and its underside, for signs of fluid leaks.

Be on the lookout for leaks from power steering lines, radiator hoses, and for a particularly frustrating oil filter housing leak. In some cases, leaky parts may have been previously replaced under warranty. Left unattended, leaks like these can cause expensive damage to your vehicle, and put your safety at risk. 

Some owners report leaks like these, many do not. 

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Thankfully, problematic fluid leaks are easy to spot during a pre-purchase inspection (PPI). 

Water Leaks

Some Grand Cherokee owners from this generation have reported leaks from their windshields or sunroofs — most have not.

A leaky seal may allow water past the windscreen, and plugged sunroof drainage system can allow built-up rainwater to overflow into the vehicle.

To check for water leaks, look for signs of damp carpeting, water staining, or pooled water in the vehicle’s spare-tire well. If the vehicle you’re considering appears to have a water leak problem, proceed with caution, or select another machine. 

Climate Control Test

Run the Grand Cherokee’s climate control system through all functions, noting that some owners have had issues with blend-door actuators, which control the flow and temperature of air into the cabin. 

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Test-drivers should select the hottest and coldest possible settings, cycling several times between each, and checking for adequate airflow at all available vents. 

This issue was more common on earlier units from this generation, and was frequently caught and corrected during the warranty period — but it can pay to be on the lookout.

Modifications

Some Grand Cherokee owners modify their vehicles with non-factory lighting, electronics, suspension, or engine modifications that enhance its functionality and capability.

Sometimes, modifications can cause problems — especially if the quality of the parts, or their installation, is sub-par. Low-quality wiring jobs and amateur suspension installs can result in headaches, durability trouble, and voided warranties.

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The average shopper is best to stick to a unit that hasn’t been modified, for maximum peace of mind.

Connect with Owners

The online Jeep owner’s community is one of the biggest and most active on the web. With a quick search on Google or Facebook, you can find an owner’s forum or discussion group, dedicated to sharing information and stories about Jeeps.

Consider joining an online group to post specific questions and learn from members of the community. Many owners within this community are happy to share their experiences and knowledge with newcomers, making them a great source of real-world information.

Final thought

These tips are designed to help test-driving shoppers more easily identify possible trouble areas reported by some owners. An attentive test-drive and shopping process that focuses on the areas above can help you find a first-class example of a second-hand Jeep Grand Cherokee.