# Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011–2021 Pre-Purchase Checklist

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> Printable pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: the generation-specific checks that separate a good one from someone else's problem.

Case file · JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE-2011-2021 · Field document

# Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011–2021 · Pre-purchase checklist

Bring this to the inspection. Every check below is specific to this generation's documented failure modes, not generic used-car advice.

[← Full case file](https://carcasefile.com/vehicles/jeep-grand-cherokee-2011-2021/)

Check 01

On 2011–2013 3.6L cars: cold-start it and watch for a check-engine light / rough idle. Pull codes. P0300/P0302/P0304/P0306 (left-bank misfires) point at the known cylinder-head wear.

Check 02

On any 2011–2013 car: test EVERY electrical function: remote start, power locks, horn, wipers, fuel pump priming. Erratic behavior or no-start/hard-start is the classic TIPM symptom. Check the VIN for recalls 14V-530, 15V-115 and 19V-813 (fuel pump relay in the TIPM).

Check 03

Confirm whether the car has Quadra-Lift AIR suspension or steel coil springs. With the engine running, watch it raise/lower through its modes and listen for a constantly-running compressor or a 'Service Air Suspension' message.

Check 04

On the EcoDiesel: confirm the EGR-cooler recall (NHTSA 20V-699 / FCA W79) was completed by VIN, and ask about oil-cooler history. Look for coolant loss with no external leak.

Check 05

On 2014-2021 cars: test-drive at light throttle 40–60 mph and through stop-and-go. Harsh 1-2/2-1 shifts or a shudder at lockup is the 8-speed complaint. Ask if TCM software is up to date.

Check 06

Pull up the carpet edges (front and rear footwells) and smell for must/mildew. The WK2 has a well-documented sunroof-drain/cowl water-leak problem that ruins electronics.

Check 07

Check service records for cooling work; overheating from thermostat/EGR-cooler issues is common on heavily-complained years.

Walk-away signals

2011 (worst year: TIPM electrical, early Pentastar heads) · 2014 (8-speed shift complaints, EcoDiesel cooler issues, recall-heavy) · 2012–2013 (early Pentastar head wear)

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