The last of the pre-refresh WK2 — same valvetrain and diesel questions, a shorter recall list, so it lives or dies on its service records.

The ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic has a specific issue on 2014-2017 cars with the 3.6L engine: a hesitation during deceleration and a hard shift that jerks the whole vehicle. A WK2 buyer's guide says 'the problem appears to be resolved in 2018 with a shift to an uprated version of the 8-speed gearbox,' and a free software campaign updated the shift program on affected cars. A rough first shift that a software update can't smooth is a bargaining point on a high-mileage 2017.

On the 3.0L EcoDiesel, the same three engine recalls as the surrounding years: crankshaft tone wheel delamination that can stall the engine (20V-475 / 23V-411), an EGR cooler that can crack and cause an intake fire (20V-699), and a high-pressure fuel pump that can fail and cut power (22V-406), plus the EPA/CARB emissions-modification program. All free; a diesel with any undone is a walk-away. Verify by VIN.

The cheap-but-worth-catching items carry over: a brittle plastic oil-filter housing that cracks and leaks, a water pump (notably on the HEMI V8) that weeps coolant, and cracked plastic thermostat housings. Separately, the Uconnect touchscreen can malfunction — a fault that in bad cases needs the whole infotainment unit. Check for coolant loss between changes and confirm the screen responds cleanly across menus.

As on 2016, the front active head restraints can deploy without a crash and stick forward. Chrysler's X88 warranty extension covers 2011-2018 Grand Cherokee, inspecting the sled-bracket striker pin and replacing a deployed restraint. Ask whether either front restraint has fired; verify terms in the bulletin.