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Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 reliability - let's get better info

23K views 69 replies 26 participants last post by  bill_de 
#1 ·
I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

I'd like to provide solid stats for the WK2, just a matter of getting more owners involved. So I'm grateful that the owner of this forum has provided permission to post this thread.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Grand Cherokee, for free. I'll share results for the WK2 in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research
 
#2 ·
Just remember that with Jeeps your going to have more people reporting problems because they tend to beat the crap out of them. So the results will probably be worse.

I own an 02 WJ and other than having some refrigerant add to the AC, I have not had to do anythign to it, but then again I do the PM by the book and maintain it. On the other hand my wifes 07 Camry is the biggest POS I have ever owned and the Toyota service department are bunch of arrogant idiots and CR endorses everything Toyota, hence I dont put much stock in these surveys.
 
#20 · (Edited)
The last time I checked, most Grand Cherokee owners are women. I doubt they beat the c r a p out of them.

And if it's an auto that's targeted for consumers that will "beat the carp out of them", then why don't they engineer them to withstand the beating?

The reliability of GC's are an iffy with me which is why I don't know what my next purchase will be.

I'm leaning towards German engineering. Audi TT
 
#3 ·
I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

I'd like to provide solid stats for the WK2, just a matter of getting more owners involved. So I'm grateful that the owner of this forum has provided permission to post this thread.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Grand Cherokee, for free. I'll share results for the WK2 in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research
Fantastic, Michael! Joined TrueDelta when we were about to get an Enclave a couple of years ago, but dropped the idea when the WK2 seemed likely to materialize. We're waiting for the 2012 incarnation, then will finally participate in what is one of the most useful and credible auto sites on the net.
 
#9 ·
Publicly viewable results require 25 responses, but I post "partial" results based on fewer responses that members can see. I also post the latter to forums, noting the small sample size.

I started the 2011 JGC in the survey a couple of months ago, but had enough participants for even partial results only recently. So no result of any sort with the February update.

Wish I'd discovered this forum sooner...
 
#15 ·
I wanted more up-to-date car reliability information that made the differences between cars clearer. So a few years ago I started getting people together to make this possible. TrueDelta now updates actual repair frequencies, not just dots, four times a year, to track cars closely as they age.

I'd like to provide solid stats for the WK2, just a matter of getting more owners involved. So I'm grateful that the owner of this forum has provided permission to post this thread.

Participants simply report repairs the month after they occur on a one-page survey. When there are no repairs, they simply report an approximate odometer reading four times a year, at the end of each quarter.

To encourage participation, participants receive full access to all results, not just those for the Grand Cherokee, for free. I'll share results for the WK2 in this thread after each update.

For the details, and to sign up to help out:

Car reliability research
I like the idea of getting statistical data on this, but you are biasing your sample group by getting volunteers by asking for them on a forum. When people have problems with their cars they are much more likely to actively participate on a forum like this.
 
#17 ·
We have an initial result for the WK2 Grand Cherokee based on owner experiences through March 31, 2011.

With 85 repair trips per 100 vehicles per year, the 2011 is worse than average so far. Responses suggest common problems with the air suspension (a frequent problem area in Mercedes), sunroof rattles, and a transmission shudder. So GCs with neither the air suspension nor the sunroof should require fewer repairs than suggested by this stat.

Thank you, once again, to this forum and everyone who has been helping. We'll have further updates in August and November, with a preview for members of the August results in just a couple of weeks. With more participants, we could provide more precise information.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability ratings and comparisons
 
#21 ·
We're hardly talking about major problems here, with the possible exception of the air suspension. Which isn't a major problem if the first fix is permanent.

These also aren't problems that would follow from how the vehicle is treated. Especially considering how new these are.

As for the Audi TT--Audis aren't doing badly lately, but they're hardly the brand people buy for reasons of reliability.
 
#23 ·
Indeed. My vehicle is in the TrueDelta survey, and while I've reported some issues, not one of them is a real "leave your hide waiting for a tow" type of thing. They're almost entirely minor interior trim issues- you could ignore them if you so chose. The powertrain (and even the air suspension) has been rock solid thus far.

The German brands, meanwhile, hardly light the world on fire when it comes to long term durability.
 
#22 ·
I know what you mean bud. I'm just talking about small simple service stuff with my WK that adds up to a lot. Very very reliable so far but I just want to kick up the reliability a notch, you know.

And all the transmission errors due to design. I wonder who will be our lab rats for the 6 speed automatic transmission.
 
#24 ·
I'm just iffy about if I want to purchase an SRT or not.
 
#25 ·
Thanks, Michael. As always, your data reports are extremely useful, even when they suggest that the "new Chrysler" is only partially improved thus far over the olde. After all, the new parent company is Fiat.

We're taking the plunge with a 2012 anyway, but at least we're going in with eyes wide open. I'll add our Overland to the TD roster once it comes in.
 
#27 ·
"Last time I checked" as in my opinion. I do not think most Grand Cherokees on the road today are beat to hell.

Maybe some sporty import tuner but not a GC. Come on now guys. Lol.
 
#28 ·
We have an initial result for the WK2 Grand Cherokee based on owner experiences through June 30, 2011.

With 109 repair trips per 100 vehicles per year, the 2011 Grand Cherokee continues to worsen. Common problems remain the same ones reported last time. Once enough owners of the 2012 are involved we'll see whether they extend beyond the first model year.

We'll have further updates in November and February.

To see how competitors compare, and to sign up to help improve this information:

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability ratings and comparisons
 
#31 ·
I'll look into it, as this wouldn't be hard to do.

A definite difference: whether the GC has the air suspension and/or sunroof. Those without these features are FAR less likely to require a repair. Unfortunately, I don't know which vehicles have these options.
 
#30 ·
Jeebus, I must be the only WK2 Hemi owner to have zero issues.

Only thing I've been into Jeep Service for are oil changes, and the time that my wacky aftermarket stereo install threw a few codes after a few screws were accidently punched through some chassis wires. The Jeep guys chased it down and handled it no sweat.
 
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