[jagj]

Hi all,

I am looking into purchasing a 2011 Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4. As I am graduating college, I do not want to spend the great deal of money to buy a brand new 2013 model. Therefore, I am looking into certified-used 2011's (25-35k mileage range). I will be using the vehicle as a daily commuter (20k miles a year), so I would like the V6 model for the better fuel economy (and, hopefully, less insurance premiums).

I hear a lot about when vehicles are completely redesigned, the first year of the new design is a bad year to buy due to flaws that need to be worked out in future years.

For those of you that own 2011 models, how has the reliability been? Have you run into a lot of designer flaws or problems? The jeep will be covered under a power train warranty, but I definitely don't want to deal with going in and out of the shop or with something like a leaky trunk that is not covered.

Of course, I have done some research on reviews and such, but I would like to discuss first hand opinions and points of view.

All input is appreciated and will definitely help me in my decision!

Thanks all

 

[tyresmoker]

I have literally one of the last 2011 builds...25k miles and it has been bulletproof.

 

[Aiyer]

Personally, I would avoid the first year model and hence got the 2012. But, having said that, all of the 2011 bugs would have been fixed by now and you should be good w/ a 2011.

Congrats on your graduation! I rewarded myself w/ a new 1998 GC back when I graduated my Masters degree.

 

[jagj]

Personally, I would avoid the first year model and hence got the 2012. But, having said that, all of the 2011 bugs would have been fixed by now and you should be good w/ a 2011.

Congrats on your graduation! I rewarded myself w/ a new 1998 GC back when I graduated my Masters degree.

Thank you!

Yeah, I'm going to keep looking into how the 2012 prices are looking. Maybe when the 2014s come out, they will dive a little, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

There were 2 design problems specific to 2011 that where later fixed:

1) http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1400211.pdf - sloshing fuel tank. Was fixed by using baffles inside in late 2011 models. I have this problem and it is mildly annoying.

2) High frequency pitch in AC: http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2400711.pdf

The rest have been fixed by software updates.

 

[jagj]

There were 2 design problems specific to 2011 that where later fixed:

1) http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_1400211.pdf - sloshing fuel tank. Was fixed by using baffles inside in late 2011 models. I have this problem and it is mildly annoying.

2) High frequency pitch in AC: http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2400711.pdf

The rest have been fixed by software updates.

Thanks a lot JoeSchmoe007, rep++.

I will make sure to look into these two when I am looking at vehicles.

 

[ColinIllinois]

I have a 2011 model year that I got late December 2011 and now have around 7k miles on it. I'm very impressed with it so far. No issues at all, no squeaks or rattles.

My three car brands before this were BMW, Mercedes, Lexus to give you an idea of what I'm used to.

 

[Taws600]

Since 2011 was a longer production year if u buy one built later u should be ok and similar to 2012 since the problems were fixed as time went on. I personally have one built from August 2010 and at 48k I've only had minor issues. I have the hemi so a bit different than the v6. I've heard of the v6 having cylinder issues so u might wanna search for that. Good luck and congrats. I remember when I graduated. Live it up while u can cause life really changes when u get to the real world. Something about responsibility sets in.

 

[gongodefoy]

I bought a certified 2011 with 30000 back in Nov 2011. Try to get it uh under 36000 miles So you can Go and correct some wear and tear issues. Ex driver Seat molding snaps off with repeated in and out of vehicle, plastic cover behind seats comes off if plastic snaps break off, ac high pitch noise very mild, fuel tank slosh ( I never got it corrected but I don't hear it anymore its better living with it then having them tear apart and break something else.) Transmission knock fixed with software update. As soon as I got mine I changed all fluids including transmission oil and filter, you never know what the dealer trully did. Also make sure it has the push button since its removable some dealers might try to charge you for it.

 

[jagj]

It looks like they started production of the 2011s May 2010 and ended July 2011? Anyone can confirm these dates?

So...a 2011 produced in the 2011 year would probably have some of the initial flaws worked out? Another thing I will add to the list to check on, thank you very much.

 

[JoeSchmoe007]

Thanks a lot JoeSchmoe007, rep++.

I will make sure to look into these two when I am looking at vehicles.

To elaborate: replacing fuel tank involves disassembling drivetrain and I don't want this, so I just live with it. It is not noticeable on the highway, only in stop-and-go traffic.

I heard mosquito noise from AC a couple times. Will test it again soon and will probably get it fixed wile it is still on factory warranty.

Other problems experienced by some people that aren't specific to '11 and haven't been fixed:

1) Problems with QL suspension (nitrogen leaks, difficult to diagnose/repair)
2) Leaks/rattles from pano moonroof
3) Shudder with HEMI engine.

I don't have any of these options of my Laredo X, so can't personally comment.

IMPORTANT: as someone else mentioned above there were reported problems with V6 engine that required engine head replacement. Chrysler never officially announced what vehicles are affected and what exactly the problem is.


Note that if your car is under 36,000 miles and under 36 months old you can still buy Chrysler extended warranty for it (but double-check mileage/age numbers, this is what they used to be a while ago, may be they were changed).

 

[jerryw1000]

My '11 Larado X 4x4 was manufactured 10/10. I've had it 2 years now and have not had any problems so far. I actually DID have the TSB done for the sloshing fuel tank and they dropped the drive shaft and part of the exhaust and replaced the tank. Had to take it back and have it dropped again because they did not calibrate the fuel pump to the fuel gauge so it would only go to 3/4 of a tank. After that, no more problems. In fact, the second disassembly and reassembly seemed to fix an odd low frequency groaning noise I would get sometimes idling through a parking lot at < 5 mph. Had a couple of software TSBs done for the shift points, etc when I got oil changes. Love the vehicle. Wife likes it so much she just made me order her a 2014 4x2 Limited. I would probably keep it forever but I am so afraid that when the wife gets the 2014 with the 8 speed tranny I will be back up at the dealer ordering me a 4x4 Limited.

 

[Alrkishler]

Have a late 2011 GC overland summit 4x4 Hemi, 38,000 miles, and even though I had a couple repairs on technical service bulletins (steering shaft and rear suspension grease), I would for sure buy it again. So much more look, fun and options than anything else on the market for the price.

This is my 3rd GC (1995 Cherokee model, 2001 GC V8 4x4 model I still own), and I still like them best. Love the look, the convenience, the price, and the cheap repairs so far. Not to mention that after 12 years with the 2001, this is still my wife and kids prefered car among ours.

 

[moosehead]

I have literally one of the last 2011 builds...25k miles and it has been bulletproof.

I have one of the first 2011 builds, born in September 2010.

Same experience as Tyresmoker, no issues, bulletproof after 30k miles of trail, sand, deep snow, subzero, high altitude, towing, and high speed highway. The WK2 has been a stylish, reliable workhorse IME.

 

[jacko15]

As has been mentioned here, Chrysler MaxCare Service Contract (Warranty), should not be overlooked. If you're going to keep your GC for a while it's a great bit of piece of mind. Here's one link, but you can find many sellers and prices. Chrysler Extended Warranty | Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep extended maintenance plans

 

[jagj]

Thanks all, I really appreciate it. Hoping to get to the dealership to start looking around, comparing offers, and test driving in the next few weeks!

 

[hammer1234]

FWIW we are at 40K after 2 years, and the vehicle has been solid ever since I bought the Lifetime MaxCare warranty...

Early 2011 build, had some issues, most serious ones I recall were a noisy water pump and a problem with the key fobs that resulted in some stalling/startup issues. Have had a few software updates along the way as well. Not as trouble-free as the Toyota Highlander it replaced but I'm actually quite pleased so far.

 

[AJB-830]

I have a 2011 GC Limited I bought new March of 2011. It now has 17K miles. I have had zero problems with it. My only dislike is the Michelin Latitude 18 inch tires in snow. As other have said, these tires don't have good snow traction. I trade every 3 years and will get a 2014 Overland with Good Year tires before the next snow season. I have had 4 Jeep GCs and this is the best one yet. Al

 

[camaro430sut]

I have a late build, 5/11, laredo X. Its been great. Only issue I had with it was a cel for cam phazers. Replaced umder warranty. Dealer messed up cam cover gaskets during install reaulting in an oil leak I had corrected shortly after. Otherwise been bulletproof. Just about to turn 35k.

I had planned to trade it in for a 14 when they hit but the refresh looks aweful IMHO. 11-13 is soooo much sexier. Now if only my jeep could have an 8.4

Sent from my Galaxy S3

 

[sdsyver]

I have a 2011 Hemi Limited bought in Feb 2012 and have no issues as of yet. Been very reliable. I put 25,000 km on it last year. Its been to the Yukon, southern Alberta and temperatures ranging from +42C to -45C all without a hitch. Very happy with it so far! And yes the stock tires suck! I replaced them early. Congrats on college. Now the real work starts.