2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: engine overheating

Filed Dec 18, 2024 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact pulled into a parking lot to inspect the vehicle and became aware that the alternator was burning red hot. The battery warning light illuminated. The vehicle was inspected by a local independent mechanic who was nearby during the failure, and it was determined that the alternator had overheated. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Jul 16, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 127,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in his driveway from a short distance, there was a electrical burning odor coming from the vehicle along with smoke. The contact then discovered that the coolant overflowed to the alternator without warning. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer (vision automotive group located at 920 panorama trail s , rochester, ny 14625) where it was diagnosed that the PCM failed causing the coolant to overheat and replaced the alternator, the drain tube and the battery. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was explained that the engineering of the drain tube for the coolant overflow tank was designed to be directly above the alternator and if the coolant overflows it would come in contact with the electric alternator causing a possible fire. The contact was concerned that if he would have drove a long distance his vehicle would have engulfed in flames. The manufacturer had been informed of failure and suggested the contact call the federal safety agency and get a service manual. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2019 · Electrical · 107,950 miles · LA

The battery light came on as I was driving home the other day (it happened while the vehicle was in motion), so I called the repair shop. The manager said that it meant my battery was not receiving a charge and to drive it straight in, so I did. He and I both smelled smoke from my vehicle when I arrived (approximately 15 minutes after the battery light came on). Upon inspection, he said that my alternator had shorted out and had singe marks inside and it had also overheated my battery. I am very concerned that it could have caught my car on fire (and the manager of the repair shop verified that it could have), especially since the battery connection is under the passenger seat inside the vehicle. He said the yellow discoloration (see photo, attached) was from overheating/singe marks. He and I could also both smell smoke from the alternator after it was removed from the vehicle, so it was definitely the cause of the smoke and smell (although my battery may have been smoking as well according to the repair shop manager). I do not believe that the alternator (and possibly the battery as well as a result) should have started smoking as this could have resulted in serious injuries and/or death.

Filed Jun 28, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 135,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep grand cherokee. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle overheated and an unknown indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The failure occurred a couple of times. In addition, the vehicle would sometimes not start from a cold start. The contact had to shift the gear out of park in order to get the vehicle to start. The vehicle was taken to kernersville chrysler dodge jeep ram (950 nc-66, kernersville, nc 27284, (888) 656-5791) where it was diagnosed that the totally integrated power module (fuse box) needed to be replaced. The circuit was not getting power to the fan to cool the radiator. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed May 30, 2019 · 89,000 miles · PA · fire

I purchased this jeep 2nd hand, the jeep dealership told me that there is a "problem" in the HVAC system. Many 2011 grand cherokee owners have told me they have had similar problems. My problems resulted in an overheating, small smoke/fire related problem, which I quickly stopped. Over the past 3 years, repair costs have been approx $8,000--(I have repair invoices, I'll attach some, but they are too numerous to scan and attach all now. Will follow up with them if necessary). The following all replaced at my expense: 1)...replaced the entire A/C system, including the condenser and all associated parts for heating/cooling, including lines carrying freon, 2)...replaced the water pump, 3)...replaced the blend doors and actuators three times--(twice parts under warranty). But, this was only a temporary fix. The problems reoccurred several weeks after repairing. 4)...a month ago the dealer replaced the heater core, and it's housing, claiming that the housing was melted by the heater core. 5)...the result of regularly overheating--(coolant temperatures between 226-230-f), coolant has continuously been leaking on all parts below/around the leaks on the front passenger side, causing abnormal corrosion. These issues have been happening for the last 3 years, when the car is stationary or moving, city or highway driving.

Filed Jan 23, 2017 · Electrical · 50,800 miles · AR · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 jeep grand cherokee. While stationary, the alternator overheated and the battery caught fire. The contact stated that smoke appeared under the hood. In addition, the PCM had to be replaced. The fire extinguished on its own. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fire. The failure mileage was 50,800. Updated 03/16/17*lj

Filed Jun 3, 2016 · Engine · 113,998 miles · AZ

Driving w on 60 in az, 30 mins after having oil changed at local auto care shop, where I was told everything looked fine but my radiator hoses looking soft. Consider getting g new ones in this 112 degree heat (like the day I'm submitting this). On freeway, engine overheats, stalls, steering locks, brakes harden and I come to a complete stop in an inconvenient 2 inches off the curb, still in everyone's way as they attempt to exit mill ave. Brakes hard and doesnt allow for push-to-start button to turn over. Nor to place in neutral. Standing by for a tow as we speak. Never had this happen before. Coolant just topped off three days ago and given an okay after oil change half hour prior to this happening. Perhaps coincidence. Perhaps just life. Reporting either way.

Filed Dec 22, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 36,500 miles · SC

Repair of blown front running light reveled defective electrical socket that was overheating and creates a safety fire hazard. Bulb socket badly burned and needs replacement due to faulty part. This is a 2011 jeep grand cherokee 4x4 overland with only 36,000 miles. Repair mechanic described electrical socket as a level 1 safety hazard.

Filed Mar 4, 2014 · Engine · 39,500 miles · NJ

Car engine unexpectedly stopped while driving, losing all power and brakes. Car had sat in below freezing temperatures for a week. There were no flashing warning lights nor any buzzing sounds of overheating as stated in the car manual would indicate immediate action was needed. Parking brake was used to stop and engine was damaged beyond repair.

Filed Nov 5, 2013 · Transmission · 31,000 miles · VA · fire

Drove vehicle on the beach cape hatteras nc. From ramp 44 to cape point about 1 1/2 mile.vehicle got stuck I backed up and pulled forward 2 times very gently. On the third try someone yelled you are on fire. The transmission had overheated an set the vehicle on fire. Chrysler says I abused the vehicle. I have driven on this beach 40 years with various vehicles. Never had a problem. This jeep is 4 wheel drive with a sand mode. If these vehicles can heat up this quick with no warning they are a safety problem.

Filed Oct 17, 2011 · Engine · NY

2011 grand cherokee. Consumer states vehicle stalled while driving and engine and power steering stopped working *tgw the consumer stated a few months later, the engine light went to hot, the fan went into high mode and the air conditioning unit would not work. A local garage informed the consumer, the engine did not overheat. The next day, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they kept it for three days. The dealer stated the vehicle had a faulty thermostat. On july 26th the same overheating scenario occurred again, and the cooling fan was replaced.