# Used Jeep Grand Cherokee: Common Problems and Which Years to Buy > What to check on a used Grand Cherokee, what a problem looks like, and when to walk away. Covers: WK (2005–2010), WK2 (2011–2021), WL (2022 on). Last updated: 2 November 2026. Web page: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-jeep-grand-cherokee-inspection-checklist. Printable PDF: https://shufti.com.au/checklists/used-jeep-grand-cherokee-inspection-checklist.pdf. ## Common Problems on a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee The most commonly reported problems on a used Jeep Grand Cherokee are an oil cooler failing inside and mixing oil and coolant on the diesel, harsh or rough automatic gear changes, and electrical faults from the power module. Also check the recall history, which is long. ### Oil Cooler Failure On WK2 Grand Cherokees with the 3.0-litre diesel, owners report the oil cooler failing inside, which lets engine oil and coolant mix. Left alone, it can damage the engine. With the engine cold, open the coolant tank and look for an oily film or brown sludge, and check the dipstick for milky oil. Watch for coolant loss and the temperature gauge rising on the drive. Ask whether the oil cooler has been replaced, with receipts. Any sign of oil in the coolant needs a mechanic's check before you buy. ### Harsh Gear Changes Owners report harsh or rough gear changes from the Grand Cherokee's automatic, and Jeep issued software updates for poor shift quality and a harsh bump on downshifts ([AustralianCar.Reviews](http://australiancar.reviews/recalls-faults-jeep-wk2-grand-cherokee-2011-21/)). On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, slow down to a stop, and check every change is smooth, with no bang, flare in the revs or slipping. Ask whether the gearbox software has been updated or the gearbox serviced. If it shifts harshly, have a mechanic check it or price it into your offer. ### Electrical Faults From the Power Module The WK2's power module (TIPM), which runs much of its electrics, has had recalls for a fuel pump relay that could stop the car starting or stall it while driving ([AustralianCar.Reviews](http://australiancar.reviews/recalls-faults-jeep-wk2-grand-cherokee-2011-21/)). Run the VIN through the government's recall search. On your inspection, check the windows, lights, wipers and screen all work, and watch for warning lights on the dash. Ask for proof the recall work was done. Random electrical faults can be costly to trace, so have a mechanic check any car that shows them. ## Which Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid? No single Jeep Grand Cherokee year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing. - **WK (2005–2010).** 16 to 21 years old, typically about 200,000–260,000 km. ANCAP rating: [4 stars (2005) for cars built to 2008](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/jeep/grand-cherokee/02099f). Stability control is standard. At this age, condition and history count for more than the year: look hard for rust, worn suspension and leaks, and check whether a timing belt (if it has one) has been replaced. - **WK2 (2011–2021).** 5 to 15 years old, typically about 60,000–190,000 km. ANCAP ratings: [4 stars (2011) for diesels built 2011 to 2013](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/jeep/grand-cherokee/8ffb1f); [5 stars (2014) for V6s built from March 2013, until it expired in December 2022](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/jeep/grand-cherokee/18a4bb). Stability control is standard. AEB is on some variants. Most have done enough kilometres for wear items to come due: check the service history for regular servicing, and whether tyres, brakes and the battery need replacing. - **WL (2022 on).** Up to 4 years old, typically up to about 50,000 km. ANCAP ratings: [5 stars (2022), expiring December 2028, for the long-wheelbase petrol and the short-wheelbase plug-in hybrid](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/jeep/grand-cherokee/9fafab); [4 stars (2022), expiring December 2028, for the short-wheelbase petrol](https://www.ancap.com.au/safety-ratings/jeep/grand-cherokee/c98bbf). Stability control and AEB are standard. The current model. Check how much of the new-car warranty is left and that servicing has kept it valid. Kilometres are at the Australian average of about 12,600 km a year. Well above that means harder use; well below, ask why. ## Jeep Grand Cherokee General Inspection Guide A guide to checking for Jeep Grand Cherokee problems, built on the [used car buying checklist](https://shufti.com.au/checklists/australian-used-car-inspection-checklist) for any car. It can't cover every problem reported across its years in one viewing. Tick it if it's fine. Cross it if it isn't, and note what you found so you can price it into your offer. - Safety critical: Affects how safely it drives or protects you in a crash. Best to have a mechanic check it before you buy. - Negotiate: Costs money to fix, from wear to major repairs. Get a quote and take it off the price. ### Exterior - [ ] **Bullbar mounting.** If a bullbar is fitted, check it's bolted solidly to the chassis with no rust or cracking at the mounts and that it doesn't cover the crash sensors. A poorly mounted bullbar can stop airbags working properly in a crash. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Panel gaps.** Walk around the body checking panel gaps are even and paint colour matches across every panel and door jamb. Mismatched colour or uneven gaps usually mean a crash repair. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Roof racks.** If roof rails or racks are fitted, check the mounting points for cracks in the paint or rust streaks below them. Cracked paint around mounts can mean stress from a roof-top load or box. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tow ball wear.** If a towbar is fitted, check the tow ball for scoring or an oval shape rather than a clean round surface. A worn tow ball points to a lot of heavy towing over the car's life. (Negotiate) ### Under the Bonnet - [ ] **Engine oil.** Pull the dipstick and check the oil sits between the marks and looks brown and clean, not black, gritty or milky. Milky oil suggests coolant is mixing with the oil somewhere in the engine. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Oil cooler mixing.** Check the coolant and oil for any sign of cross-contamination: a milky coolant cap or oil with a creamy tinge on the dipstick. A failed internal oil cooler lets coolant and oil mix, ruining both fluids. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Coolant condition.** Check the coolant in the overflow bottle sits at the mark and looks a clean colour, not rusty, oily or milky. Discoloured coolant points to a cooling system or oil cooler problem. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Diesel turbo pipes.** Diesel: look inside the large rubber intake pipes for oily residue and check for blue smoke on startup. Oil in the pipes or heavy smoke points to a tired turbo. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Battery condition.** Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ask when the battery was last replaced, as these cars are hard on batteries with their electronics. A weak battery can cause odd electrical faults that look like bigger problems. (Negotiate) ### Underbody and Wheels - [ ] **Underbody rust.** Look underneath at the floor pans and suspension mounts for rust; light surface rust is normal but flaking metal or holes are not. Heavy rust here can mean the car has spent time near the coast or on salted roads. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Air suspension.** If fitted with air suspension, check the car sits level on flat ground and doesn't sag noticeably overnight. A corner sitting low points to a leaking air spring or compressor fault. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Tyre wear.** Check all four tyres for even wear and matching size, as uneven wear can point to alignment or 4WD system issues. Feathered or one-sided wear suggests the alignment or suspension needs attention. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Suspension bounce.** Push down hard on each corner of the car and let go; it should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing. A corner that keeps bouncing means a worn shock absorber. (Negotiate) ### Interior and Electrics - [ ] **Warning lights.** Turn the key or press start without the engine running and check the engine, ABS, airbag and 4WD lights all come on, then go out once running. A light that stays on, especially 4WD or airbag, needs an explanation before you buy. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Infotainment screen.** Turn on the touchscreen and work through the menus, checking it doesn't freeze, go blank or reboot on its own. A screen that freezes or restarts points to a software or hardware fault. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Seatbelts.** Pull each seatbelt out fully and let it retract, checking it latches firmly with no fraying or cuts in the webbing. A belt that doesn't lock up sharply when yanked may not hold you in a crash. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Third-row or cargo trim.** Check the cargo area and any folding seats for worn trim, cracked plastic or a hatch release that doesn't work smoothly. Heavily worn cargo trim suggests the car has carried loads or towed often. (Negotiate) ### Test Drive - [ ] **Automatic gearbox.** Drive off from a stop and through several gear changes, feeling for a harsh thump, hesitation or flare between gears. Judder or a harsh shift at low speed is a warning sign of a transmission problem. (Negotiate) - [ ] **4WD engagement.** On gravel or grass, try any selectable 4WD or low-range setting, checking for clunks and that the dash indicator confirms engagement. A light that keeps flashing means the system hasn't properly engaged. (Negotiate) - [ ] **Steering stability.** At highway speed, check the car tracks straight without wandering or needing constant correction. Wandering at speed can mean worn steering or suspension parts. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Braking.** Brake firmly from speed on a quiet road and feel for shaking through the pedal or the car pulling to one side. Shaking under braking usually means warped brake discs. (Safety critical) - [ ] **Diesel cold start.** Diesel: start the engine from cold and check it fires within a couple of seconds and settles into a smooth idle without heavy smoke. Rough running or lingering smoke on cold start needs a diesel mechanic's opinion. (Negotiate) ### Documentation - [ ] **Service history.** Check the logbook or invoices show regular oil and transmission fluid changes, with extra attention if the car has towed heavily. - [ ] **Modification paperwork.** Ask for certificates for any suspension lift, GVM upgrade or towbar fitment and check your state and insurer were told. ## Stay Safe Never go under a car held up only by a jack, and never open the radiator or coolant cap on a hot engine. Keep hands, hair and loose clothing clear of fans and belts when the engine is running, and do checks under the bonnet with it switched off where you can. On the test drive, hold a current licence, confirm the car is registered and insured, obey road rules, and only brake hard when the road behind is clear. Meet in a safe, public-facing place, take someone with you, and don't carry large amounts of cash to a viewing. ## Disclaimer Shufti is not affiliated with or endorsed by Jeep; Jeep and Grand Cherokee are trademarks of FCA US LLC. Figures are counts from Shufti's analysis of official records and published reports, not a statement that any particular vehicle is affected. This checklist is general information only and is not professional, mechanical, legal or financial advice. It covers common checks, not every possible fault, and a car can pass every item here and still have problems. It is not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, which is worth considering before you buy, especially if anything tagged Safety critical turns up. Repair costs vary widely; get your own quotes. Roadworthy, registration and transfer rules differ by state, so check with your state road authority. Private sales generally don't come with the consumer guarantees that apply when you buy from a dealer. You use this checklist at your own risk and, to the extent permitted by law, Shufti accepts no liability for any loss, damage or injury arising from its use. ## Buying a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee: Questions Answered ### Is a used Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable? It depends more on the particular car than the badge: how it was driven, loaded and serviced. Work through the commonly reported problems above, read the service history for servicing done on time, and run a PPSR check. ### Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should I avoid? No single Jeep Grand Cherokee year stands out as one to avoid. Newer ones usually have fewer kilometres and less wear, and the newest may still have some new-car warranty left. Whatever the year, a car's condition, service history and recalls tell you more than its build date, and Shufti looks up the reported faults and recalls for the exact car from its listing. This checklist covers the WK (2005–2010), WK2 (2011–2021) and WL (2022 on) Jeep Grand Cherokee. Problems reported across them include oil cooler failure, harsh gear changes and electrical faults. ### How many kilometres is too many for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee? Kilometres matter less than how the car was driven and serviced. A high-kilometre SUV with a full service history can be a better buy than a low-kilometre one that's missed services, done short trips or been used for rideshare. Check the history for regular servicing, and on a hybrid ask for a battery health check. ### Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a used Jeep Grand Cherokee? It's most worth it on a car where a hidden fault could be costly. All-wheel-drive and hybrid systems can hide faults a visual check won't show, so ask for the service records for them and watch for warning lights on the test drive. Either way, start by checking the car yourself with this checklist, so you know what to look for and whether it's worth paying a mechanic to see. See Pre-purchase car inspection: what it checks and costs (https://shufti.com.au/guides/used-car-inspection-options) ### How do I check a used Jeep Grand Cherokee for money owing or a write-off? Run a PPSR check with the car's VIN on ppsr.gov.au (https://www.ppsr.gov.au/). It shows whether there's finance owing and whether the car has been reported stolen or written off. Run it on the day you pay. See What a PPSR check covers and what it doesn't (https://shufti.com.au/guides/what-is-a-ppsr-check) ### How do I check recalls on a used Jeep Grand Cherokee? Search the government's Vehicle Recalls site for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (https://www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au/recalls/browse-all-recalls?search=Jeep%20Grand%20Cherokee). Each notice says which models and build dates it covers and what the fault is. A recall on record doesn't tell you whether the work was done on a particular car, so ask the seller for proof, or ask a Jeep dealer to check the VIN. --- Shufti is an Australian used car inspection app for iPhone and Android that tailors the inspection to the exact car you're looking at. It is not affiliated with Shufti Pro, the identity verification (KYC) company. From the listing link, it builds every check around that car's make, model and year, odometer reading and the seller's description. It runs PPSR and government recall checks, crosschecks a database of more than 3 million recalls and owner complaints, flags problems from your photos and audio, plans a test drive, produces a shareable report with repair cost estimates, and coaches you through the negotiation. A Tailored check costs $24.99, or $49.99 for three, including PPSR and recall checks. A mechanic's pre-purchase inspection costs $250–350. To start, Shufti's General inspection guide is free: pick the car's make and model, and it takes you through the checks that matter for that model, on your phone. There's a guide for popular models, and one for every type of car. Made by Frontpoint Digital Pty Ltd (ABN 23 669 870 366), Melbourne, Australia. Contact: hello@shufti.com.au. 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