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Jeep Grand Cherokee
SUV · Gas · 112 versions · owner report
Ranked #9 of 19 midsize SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (289 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation.
8 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 3 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentPoor long-term reliability / high repair frequency
Vehicles reported to be trouble-free for the first 100,000-120,000 miles, then experiencing frequent, costly failures (e.g., engines, transmissions, electrical systems) leading to breakdowns.
- Very frequentElectrical system problems
Parasitic battery drains, faulty sensors, infotainment glitches, and module failures affecting various functions.
- RecurrentEngine failures
Specific reports of blown head gaskets on certain models (mentioned as common around 60,000 miles by a former technician), coolant leaks requiring full engine replacement, and camshaft issues.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTransmission issues
Concerns about reliability, "clunky" AWD engagement, and failures, particularly with the nine-speed unit in related models.
- RecurrentInterior build quality degradation (WL generation)
Use of cheaper-feeling plastics and components compared to the previous WK2 generation, particularly noted on door panels.
- IsolatedAir suspension failures (Quadra-Lift)
Costly repairs involving air bags and pumps, primarily on higher-trim WK2 models.
- IsolatedExhaust manifold bolts
Breaking and causing exhaust leaks, requiring extensive labor to repair.
- IsolatedPersistent interior rattles
Specifically noted from the plastic housing around the rearview mirror in newer models.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Isolated positive reports exist for the V8-powered models (e.g., Summit Reserve) for their power and towing capability, and for the Overland trim of the WK2 generation for its luxury features. However, these are tempered by widespread reliability warnings. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is noted as more fuel-efficient but less powerful, especially for towing or mountainous driving.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Highlander, Lexus GX, Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on model year and generation. Long-term owner reports for the WK2 generation (approximately 2011-2021) indicate a pattern of initial satisfaction followed by significant reliability concerns, particularly after surpassing 100,000-120,000 miles. Owners of earlier models (e.g., 2005 with the 4.7L V8) express concerns about durability and high maintenance costs. Feedback on the current WL generation (2022-present) is mixed; some owners report a luxurious ride, improved technology, and trouble-free initial ownership, while others note early electrical issues, cheaper-feeling interior materials compared to previous generations, and persistent concerns about brand-wide reliability. The vehicle is consistently praised for its comfortable highway ride, capable AWD/4x4 systems, luxurious interior feel in higher trims, and strong towing capacity with available V8 engines. However, a very frequent and dominant criticism across nearly all discussions is poor long-term reliability and high repair costs, which severely undermines owner satisfaction and resale confidence.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more luxurious and capable alternative to mainstream three-row SUVs like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, but frequently criticized for inferior reliability. Compared to body-on-frame SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner and Lexus GX, the Grand Cherokee is seen as offering superior on-road comfort, interior luxury, and technology but is viewed as significantly less durable and reliable for long-term ownership. Against domestic rivals like the Dodge Durango, it is considered more refined but shares many mechanical components and reliability concerns. The consensus is that competitors from Toyota, Lexus, and Honda offer far superior long-term reliability and lower cost of ownership, making them recommended alternatives for buyers prioritizing durability.
Recommended configurations
Captain's chairs in the Grand Cherokee L are recommended for family utility. The V8 engine is suggested for those needing towing capacity or living in mountainous areas, as the base V6 is described as lacking power. All-wheel drive (4x4) is strongly recommended for traction in snow and adverse conditions. An unlimited-mile, bumper-to-bumper extended warranty is very frequently recommended by owners due to anticipated repair costs. Avoiding first model-year vehicles (e.g., 2021 for the WL) is advised due to higher incidence of initial problems.
General recommendations
Suitable for buyers who prioritize interior luxury, comfortable highway ride, and off-road aesthetics over long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. Not recommended as a primary vehicle for high-mileage drivers or those who plan to keep the vehicle beyond 120,000 miles without a comprehensive warranty. Essential to get a thorough pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic, with particular attention to the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and air suspension (if equipped). Owners strongly advise budgeting for significant and unexpected repairs. Leasing or purchasing with a factory-backed extended warranty is a recurrent suggestion to mitigate financial risk. For buyers seeking similar capability with reliability, the Toyota 4Runner, Lexus GX, or a mainstream three-row SUV are overwhelmingly recommended alternatives.
Remarks
Owner feedback spans multiple generations (WK, WK2, WL), making it difficult to isolate issues to specific model years without more data. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 and 5.7L Hemi V8 engines are both subjects of reliability concerns, though specific failure modes differ. There is a strong consensus from professional mechanics and long-term owners that newer Jeeps, in general, are not built for long-term durability compared to Japanese competitors. The high cost of repairs, not necessarily the frequency alone, is a critical factor in negative sentiment. Many positive attributes (ride comfort, luxury, capability) are acknowledged but are ultimately overshadowed by reliability fears. Analysis based on approximately 40 substantive owner discussions and experiences.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2018. Years to avoid: 2018, 2014Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 79 | 6 | engine |
| 2025 | 114 | 5 | electrical system |
| 2024 | 309 | 18 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 584 | 21 | electrical system |
| 2022 | 606 | 13 | electrical system |
| 2021 | 505 | 16 | electrical system |
| 2020 | 578 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2019 | 888 | 7 | service brakes |
| 2018 | 2,225 | 11 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 689 | 6 | engine |
| 2016 | 601 | 9 | power train |
| 2015 | 1,364 | 10 | power train |
| 2014 | 2,380 | 19 | electrical system |
| 2013 | 804 | 10 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices307 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · electrical system:propulsion systemcampaign 25V576000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
2026 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V741000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
2026 · air bags: air bag/restraint control module:softwarecampaign 26V328000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2026 · visibility:windshield wiper/washercampaign 26V529000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Due to a software issue in the body control module (BCM), the windshield wipers may fail.
2026 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 26V531000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, and 2026-2027 Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger vehicles. The rearview camera image may fail to display when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2026 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 26V559000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure monitoring system may fail to detect low tire pressure and/or fail to illuminate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
2025 · electrical system:propulsion systemcampaign 25V576000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.
2025 · electrical system:propulsion system:traction batterycampaign 25V741000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.
2025 · air bags: air bag/restraint control module:softwarecampaign 26V328000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2025 · tires:pressure monitoring and regulating systemscampaign 26V559000
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure monitoring system may fail to detect low tire pressure and/or fail to illuminate the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring System."
2025 · enginecampaign 25V766000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE and 2024-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. Debris inside the engine may cause engine failure, which can result in a loss of drive power and/or an engine compartment fire.
2024 · visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac systemcampaign 24V111000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
2024 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 24V130000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. When the master headlight switch is set to the AUTO position, the driver may be unable to quickly activate the high beams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2024 · steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:armcampaign 24V131000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. An improperly machined steering knuckle may separate between the ball joint and knuckle, causing the wheel to fall outward and resulting in a loss of control.
2024 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 24V289000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly connected coaxial cable may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
292 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Enthusiast code: WL
3.6 V6 Pentastar TorqueFlite
3.6L 6-cylinder · 293 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2025–2026