Jeep Grand Cherokee Pre Purchase Inspection Guide
Electrical module faults, air suspension failures, and engine ticks.
The Grand Cherokee is comfortable and capable, and it is cheap used for a reason.
The electrics and the air suspension are what turn a cheap one into an expensive one.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6
- 5.7L HEMI V8
- 6.4L V8 (SRT)
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6
On 2011–2013 cars the main power module can cause stalling, no-start, dead fuel pumps, and wipers that run on their own.
WE CHECK We scan every module and test the fuel pump, wipers, and starting behaviour.
Early 3.6 Pentastar engines can fail a cylinder head, usually showing as a tick and a misfire.
WE CHECK We listen for a tick and scan for a misfire on the affected cylinder.
Cars with air suspension can sag, fail to lift, or kill the compressor.
WE CHECK We cycle the suspension through every height and listen to the compressor.
Some 2014–2015 cars have the shifter that was recalled for rollaway risk.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for the recall and confirm the fix was done.
The 5.7 V8 can collapse a lifter and damage the camshaft.
WE CHECK We listen carefully at idle and scan for misfire codes.
The EcoDiesel has EGR and DEF systems that clog and fault.
WE CHECK We scan the emissions system and check for any deletes or open campaigns.
- Scan every module, not just the engine
- Cycle the air suspension through all heights
- Listen for a tick on both the 3.6 and the 5.7
- Confirm the shifter recall on 2014–2015 cars
- Check emissions history on any EcoDiesel
Each year has its own guide — the engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Counts are pulled from NHTSA's public Manufacturer Communications file. Full bulletins stay with the maker — we use the summaries to guide the inspection.
Why are used Grand Cherokees so cheap?
Is the air suspension worth avoiding?
Where do you inspect?
Do you pull recalls?
We'll check it first
Pre-tagged for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. One call and a tech is on it.
951-267-8500Call nowRequest a Jeep Grand Cherokee inspection
Pre-tagged for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Buying a Jeep Grand Cherokee? Let us check it first.
Engine-specific checks, a live recall pull, and a clear report.