KNOWN FAULTS · Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) 3.6 V6 common problems.

2011–2021 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Leaking oil filter housing and cooler on the 3.6 PentastarEngine

Engine / equipment: 3.6 V6 Pentastar: Jeep Grand Cherokee, Wrangler and Gladiator, Chrysler Grand Voyager and 300C, Lancia Thema and Fiat Freemont
Period mentioned: 2011 onwards
Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, oil on the block below the housing (in the engine’s “V”), frequent top-ups and, in serious cases, a low oil-pressure warning; sometimes coolant leaks too.
Possible cause described: The plastic housing that holds the oil filter and cooler sits in the middle of the engine, exposed to heat: with heat cycles it warps and cracks. Overtightening the filter cap also damages it. Chrysler revised the design in 2014, but leaks still occur.
Check for the garage: Look for oil in the centre of the engine and under the car; do not overtighten the filter cap. The usual repair is replacing the whole assembly (aluminium versions exist), removing the intake manifolds, with new gaskets.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Electrics, diesel EGR cooler and steering gaiter on the Grand Cherokee WK2Known weak points

Engine / equipment: Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 (3.6 V6 and 3.0 CRD)
Period mentioned: 2011–2021
Symptoms: Electrical faults: windows, a battery that drains by itself, starter motor, wiring loom (one car went back to the garage 7 times) and a Uconnect infotainment that freezes; a split steering-rack gaiter at about 57,000 km; long parts waits after the 2013 facelift. On the 3.0 diesel, the EGR cooler can crack: vaporised coolant reaches the intake manifold and can ignite.
Possible cause described: Cases collected by Honest John. The EGR cooler cracks from thermal fatigue: in the US, recall 20V-699 for 2014–2019 Grand Cherokee 3.0 EcoDiesel (VM Motori V6, the same as the European 3.0 CRD): the cooler is replaced and the manifold inspected.
Check for the garage: Measure the battery standby drain; check the steering gaiters; on diesels, watch the coolant level and check the campaign by VIN.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.