The Jeep Grand Cherokee has always been a cable off-roader with a comfortable ride that won’t break your back on the highway. While both engines are pretty reliable, they may let you down at the fuel pump.
Key Points
- There are only two engine options for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 3.6L V6 and a 5.7L V8.
- The 3.6L V6 is the fan-favorite, with respectable towing capacity and class-competitive gas mileage at 23 mpg on the highway.
- Choosing the 5.7L will net you 70 more horsepower and an extra 2,500 pounds of towing capacity at the cost of a few miles per gallon.
- Random engine stalls caused by faulty fuel pumps are the main complaints consumers have about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee engines.
Jeep’s 3.6-liter V6 is Popular for its Competitive Fuel Economy and 5,000-pound Towing Capacity
Jeep’s 3.6-liter V6 engine comes as the standard option for the 2011 Grand Cherokee. The engine offers 290 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. In terms of performance, it leaves a lot left to be desired with its zero to 60 time of 8.2 seconds. On the other hand, the 3.6L does offer good towing capacity for a V6 maxing out at 5,000 pounds.
What the 3.6L lacks in performance it tries to make up for with decent fuel economy. The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee gets an EPA estimated 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. That isn’t spectacular, but it is on par with its competition from Ford and Chevrolet.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has officially reported six recalls, five investigations, and more than 1,500 complaints about the 2011 Grand Cherokee. There are a fair amount of complaints involving the engine, and one recall for the vehicle’s fuel pump, which directly impacts the reliability.
Dangerous Engine Stalls Force Recall of Half-million Vehicles, Including 2011 Grand Cherokee
Multiple consumers reported that their engine would stall without any warning while driving, causing the brakes and steering to lock up, especially when making a right turn.
In 2019, Chrysler made a recall that impacted more than 500,000 cars, including the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that were equipped with faulty fuel pump relays, which can cause the vehicle to stall. To remedy the issue, Chrysler eventually replaced the fuel pump relay and related wire harness in affected vehicles.
The entire fuel-related issue stems from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which is a glorified fuse box that controls all the electronics in the vehicle. If enough power is not flowing to the fuel pump relay, it can cause the car to struggle on startup or not start at all.
If the relay sticks and remains on, the fuel pump will continue to run and slowly burn out until the battery dies. Many drivers have reported that the issue persists even after the recall fix had been performed.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees Equipped with 5.7L V8 Offer More Power but the Same Fuel Pump Concerns
Overall, the 5.7L V8 engine in the 2011 Grand Cherokee isn’t anything glamorous but is a step up from the 3.6L. The V8 offers a little more where performance is concerned, with 360 horsepower and 390 lb.-ft. of torque mated to the same five-speed automatic transmission.
That’s a noticeable amount of horsepower when you’re talking about moving a vehicle that weighs more than two and a half tons. The extra over 100 lb.-ft. of torque makes a huge difference if you’re trying to pull something behind your Cherokee too, pushing the towing capacity to 7,500 pounds.
Of course, adding two cylinders and more power comes at the expense of fuel economy, which is why most people don’t opt for the V8. Any 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee fitted with the 5.7L engine gets an EPA estimated 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
Unfortunately, 2011 Grand Cherokees equipped with the V8 are also plagued with the same problems V6 owners face, namely engine stalling and fuel pump failures.
Most Consumers Choose the V6 Engine Option for a Reliable Daily Driver
If you look at the sales figures, more people choose the 3.6-liter V6 engine when they buy a 2011 Jeep Cherokee. That’s not too surprising, considering the V8 only provides an additional 70 hp and significantly less gas mileage. Drivers feel that the V6 is a better fit for the transmission and makes it a smoother ride.
As far as dependability is concerned, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is decent. Of the 326 reviews left by consumers here on Vehicle History, most people doted on the car for being reliable and a good daily driver. Always remember, when purchasing a used vehicle of any kind be sure to have it inspected by a trusted mechanic before any money changes hands.
Photos: Jeep
