Credov's researched list of the 12 faults the Jeep Jeep Grand Cherokee is known for (2011–2013), 10 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Start the engine several times hot and cold, and watch for stalling, hard starting or random horn, wiper or light faults.
Why it matters: Stalling at speed loses power assistance to the steering and brakes, which is dangerous, and a replacement TIPM runs roughly NZ$1,800-3,000 fitted if the fault is already present.
Sources: 1
What to look for: If it has air suspension, check it sits level, rises and lowers evenly, and the compressor does not run on and on.
Why it matters: A full repair can run from about NZ$1,500 for a compressor alone to NZ$8,000 or more when several air springs and the valve block need replacing, and a leak left unfixed will keep failing the replacement part.
Sources: 1
What to look for: Listen at idle with the bonnet up for a tick from the driver's side head, and feel for a misfire at idle.
Why it matters: The fix is a replacement left head (sometimes both), around NZ$4,000-8,000 privately, and a flashing check-engine light while driving on a misfire can cause further engine damage if ignored.
What to look for: Check the coolant level cold, and look for white smoke or a sweet smell from the exhaust.
Why it matters: The cooler itself is a significant job, and if coolant has already reached the engine or caused a fire in the intake, the repair cost is far higher.
What to look for: Check the dash for ETC and engine lights, and look for oil wetness around the intake manifold.
Why it matters: A swirl motor alone is a moderate job, but where the turbo and intake have also been damaged by oil ingestion the bill becomes very large.
What to look for: Drive in traffic and on a hill, feeling for harsh, delayed or slurred automatic gear shifts.
Why it matters: A gearbox that has failed outright can cost several thousand dollars to replace, and harsh or hesitant shifts are unpleasant and point to a car that may need work soon.
What to look for: Drive hot and cold, feeling for harsh or flared shifts, and ask what the car has towed.
Why it matters: A gearbox rebuild or exchange unit is a major cost, and a car that has towed heavily with no fluid changes is a much higher risk even if it still drives normally.
What to look for: Start the car three times cold, and check the battery terminals and main cable for corrosion.
Why it matters: Intermittent electrical no-start faults are hard to diagnose and can leave the car off the road for a long time, and a WIN or TIPM replacement is a significant cost.
What to look for: Listen at idle and just off idle for a ticking or tapping noise that follows engine speed.
Why it matters: Repair is a camshaft and lifter set, and sometimes the MDS solenoids, which is a significant cost, or a replacement engine in a worse case.
What to look for: Listen at idle and 1,500-2,000 rpm for a light ticking from the cam covers, and feel for a misfire.
Why it matters: Repair is rocker arms, lifters and often camshafts, a significant cost, and neglect can mean a replacement engine.
What to look for: On a leather-covered dash, look across the top in daylight for ripples, bubbles or lifted leather near the instruments and glovebox.
Why it matters: The fix is a new dash top or a re-cover, typically NZ$1,500-5,000 because the dash has to come out, and it usually keeps recurring once it starts.
What to look for: Look at the touchscreen at an angle in daylight for bubbles or lifting, and watch for random touches.
Why it matters: Jeep usually treats this as out of warranty, a replacement touch panel or radio unit is an added cost, and the screen also runs the climate controls and reversing camera.
Got a question about a Jeep Jeep Grand Cherokee? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.