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Jeep · Mid-Size SUV · 2011–2021

Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.3 / 5.0 · Based on 3 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

364 PS

5.7L Hemi V8 Benzin

5.7 Hemi V8 — cult engine, MDS is the only real problem

Legendary!
Problem Engine

239 PS

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 Diesel

3 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is available with 3 engine variants — from 239 to 364 hp.

3.0L EcoDiesel V6 · Diesel· 239 PS
2014 2021
Stay Away! 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.6L V6 · Benziner· 290 PS
2011 2021
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
5.7L Hemi V8 · Benziner· 364 PS
2011 2021
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Jeep 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (Diesel, 239 PS) has the EXF (3.0L EcoDiesel V6) — rated: "Stay Away!", 3 known weaknesses.

The Jeep 3.6L V6 (Benziner, 290 PS) has the Pentastar-3.6 (3.6L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Jeep 5.7L Hemi V8 (Benziner, 364 PS) has the Eagle-5.7 (5.7L Hemi V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!545RFE/65RFE harsh shifting

545RFE/65RFE automatic transmission shifts harshly or erratically — valve body wears, torque converter slips. Especially on 3.6L versions from ~50k miles.

Symptoms: Hard shift jolts, shudder on acceleration, torque converter slip
from 80,000 km
Ad valve body 545RFE Grand Cherokeetorque converter 65RFE WK2
 High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (2011–2021) — 11 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. One problem engine: EXF (3.0L EcoDiesel V6). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Body.

Grand Cherokee (EXF, 2014–2021) — Stay Away!: Oil cooler gasket failure, EGR cooler failure (2020 recall), Recall: Emissions software manipulation (Dieselgate). Power: 239 PS.

Grand Cherokee (Pentastar-3.6, 2011–2021) — Be Careful: Oil cooler housing leak, Cylinder head crack — early models 2011-2013, Rocker arm tick (class action 2022). Power: 290 PS.

Grand Cherokee (Eagle-5.7, 2011–2021) — Be Careful: MDS lifter failure — cylinder deactivation destroys camshaft, Water pump failure, Hemi Tick — lifter/rocker arm noise. Power: 364 PS.

What to watch out for with the Jeep Grand Cherokee? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 have? +
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 has 11 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: Pentastar-3.6 (3.6L V6), Eagle-5.7 (5.7L Hemi V8). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the Eagle-5.7 (5.7L Hemi V8). Problem engine: EXF (3.0L EcoDiesel V6) — stay away!
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 360 hp Hemi V8: the best engine in the Grand Cherokee WK2. Sounds fantastic, runs 200k+ miles — if MDS is deleted and oil changed regularly. MDS Delete ($600) is mandatory for long-term owners. Fuel economy: ~13-16 mpg.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 — 1 of 3 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2? +
The Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 is available with engine variants from 239 to 364 hp. Petrol: Pentastar-3.6 (3.6L V6), Eagle-5.7 (5.7L Hemi V8). Diesel: EXF (3.0L EcoDiesel V6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee