2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.7L Petrol · AW54 JGY

The Mercedes-sourced 3.0-litre CRD diesel fitted to most UK Grand Cherokee WKs leaks oil from the sump gasket and the oil temperature sender unit, with drips collecting on the ground beneath the engine. Auto Express advises looking for drips on the ground, and CarBuyer confirms these leaks are a known issue. A slow seep can become a steady drip, and if the oil level is allowed to drop it risks serious engine damage. The leaks are often missed until a service reveals a wet underside, so a thorough check is essential on a used example.

The WK's rear shock absorbers and anti-roll-bar bushes are known weak spots. CarBuyer identifies shock absorbers and anti-roll-bar bushes as weak areas, and RAC notes worn rear shock absorbers on used examples. Worn bushes cause clunks and reduced body control, while failing shock absorbers give a bouncy ride and poor stability — especially when the large, heavy Grand Cherokee is loaded or towing, a common UK use. Replacement is straightforward but adds to the cost of running an already expensive-to-run SUV.

The Grand Cherokee WK's heating and ventilation system is a weak spot, with faults often requiring dashboard removal to reach the blend doors and heater matrix. Auto Express describes heating and ventilation as weak spots and notes that faulty heated-seat elements prompted the first recall in March 2007, affecting all models built up to December 2005. Heated seats that do not work are a particular annoyance in UK winters. Because the components are buried behind the dash, even minor fixes are labour-heavy and expensive relative to the car's value.