2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
What to watch for on the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Electronic Shifter Rollaway Recall (2014-2015)
The monostable electronic shifter gave poor feedback about which gear was selected, allowing vehicles to roll away after drivers believed they had parked. Subject to a major recall with software and hardware remedies. Confirm completion by VIN before purchase.
Pentastar Cylinder Head Failure (2011-2013)
Early 3.6 V6 engines suffered left-bank cylinder head failure producing a persistent misfire, often on cylinder 2. Many were replaced under an extended warranty programme. Ask directly whether the heads were done and get it in writing.
7 more known problems on the 2019 Grand Cherokee
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee price ranges
The 2014 facelift brought the ZF eight-speed automatic and a much improved interior, and is the dividing line worth paying for. Coil-sprung cars are cheaper to own long term than air-sprung ones. A 2011-2013 V6 with documented cylinder head replacement is a better buy than an undocumented one at the same price.
Recalls on the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Back over prevention: camera
4" or 12" radio displays.
Engine and engine cooling: gas recirculation valve (egr valve)
0L EcoDiesel engines.
Power train: differential unit
The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing…
4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.
Source: NHTSA
What 370 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee at a glance
- Trims
- AltitudeHigh AltitudeLaredoLimitedOverlandSRTSummitTrackhawk
- Engine
- 3.6L 6-Cylinder, 5.7L 8-Cylinder, 3.0L 6-Cylinder Turbo Diesel, 6.4L 8-Cylinder, 6.2L 8-Cylinder Supercharged
- Transmission
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drivetrain
- 4WD, RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline, Diesel
- Body style
- SUV
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) Buyer's Guide
Pentastar Heads, Air Suspension, Shifter Recall
The WK2 (2011-2021) is the highest-volume used Grand Cherokee by a wide margin, and the best one to date for most buyers. It shares its platform with the Mercedes ML of the era, rides and handles far better than any predecessor, and remained genuinely capable off-road with Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II, and the Trailhawk's low range and locking rear differential.
Engines: The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 is the volume choice and is good, with the important caveat that 2011-2013 engines suffered a left-bank cylinder head failure that produces a persistent misfire. Many were replaced under an extended warranty. The 5.7-liter HEMI carries the same MDS lifter and camshaft risk as the WK. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel offers excellent range and towing, and 2014-2016 examples were caught up in the emissions settlement. The 6.4-liter SRT and 6.2-liter supercharged Trackhawk are the performance halo cars.
What to look for: On a 2011-2013 V6, ask directly whether the cylinder heads were replaced. On any HEMI, listen at cold start for lifter tick. Check the Quadra-Lift air suspension through every height setting, since compressors and struts fail and the repair is not cheap. Confirm the 2014-2015 electronic shifter recall was completed, which addressed a monostable shifter design that allowed vehicles to roll away after the driver believed they had selected park. Check for TIPM-related electrical faults.
Reality check: A post-2014 facelift WK2 with the V6, documented maintenance, and no air suspension is one of the better value used SUVs available. Add air suspension, a HEMI, or a diesel and the potential repair bills rise sharply.
About the WK2
The WK2 Grand Cherokee, produced from 2011 to 2021, is by a wide margin the highest-volume used generation and the best all-round Grand Cherokee to date. Developed alongside the Mercedes ML of the era, it rides and handles far better than any predecessor while remaining genuinely capable off road with Quadra-Trac II, Quadra-Drive II, and the Trailhawk's low range and locking rear differential. A significant 2014 facelift brought the ZF eight-speed automatic and a much improved interior, and is the dividing line most worth paying for.
Engines were the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, the 5.7-liter HEMI, the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel, and the 6.4-liter SRT and supercharged 6.2-liter Trackhawk performance models. Early 2011 to 2013 Pentastar engines suffered a left-bank cylinder head failure that produced a persistent misfire, with many replaced under an extended warranty programme. The HEMI carries the familiar cylinder deactivation lifter and camshaft risk. EcoDiesel models from 2014 to 2016 were caught up in an emissions settlement. Beyond engines, the Quadra-Lift air suspension is a recurring four-figure repair, the TIPM module produces electrical gremlins, and 2014 to 2015 cars were subject to a major recall over the monostable electronic shifter that allowed vehicles to roll away after drivers believed they had selected park.
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years
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Frequently asked questions
Which WK2 year should I target?
2014 or later. The facelift brought the ZF eight-speed automatic, a substantially better interior, and left behind the early Pentastar cylinder head and alternator problems. If budget forces an earlier car, get written confirmation the heads were replaced.
Should I avoid the air suspension?
For long-term ownership on a used example, coil springs are the lower-risk choice. Quadra-Lift rides well and adds genuine off-road clearance, but compressors and air springs fail with age and the repair runs well into four figures. Cycle every height setting before buying.
Is the EcoDiesel a good used buy?
It tows well and covers big distances economically, and it has a loyal following. Understand that 2014-2016 cars were part of an emissions settlement with revised calibration, and that EGR and emissions components are expensive when they fail. Buy one with that history documented.
How do I check the shifter recall was done?
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup or a Jeep dealer, which will show open and completed recalls. The 2014-2015 monostable shifter recall is one you want confirmed closed rather than assumed, given what it addressed.
What should I check on a test drive?
Cold start and listen for lifter tick on a HEMI or misfire on an early V6. Cycle every air suspension height and check the vehicle sits level after standing. Test all Uconnect functions. Check rear footwells and headliner for damp. Confirm recall status by VIN before you get that far.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.