Avoid: 2019, 2014 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
12 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 16 model years, the Jeep Cherokee has 17,219 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 115 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. 2014 drew the most complaints (2,649), 2023 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (3).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Jeep Cherokee vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $11,283–$18,052.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2021 | 168 |
| 2020 | 320 |
| 2019 | 1,653 |
| 2018 | 687 |
| 2017 | 1,336 |
| 2016 | 1,409 |
| 2015 | 1,789 |
| 2014 | 2,649 |
| 2001 | 1,133 |
| 2000 | 1,885 |
| 1999 | 2,113 |
| 1997 | 1,516 |
| 1996 | 500 |
Highest: 2014 (2,649 complaints). Lowest: 2023 (3).
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the original XJ generation (produced until approximately 2001), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising legendary reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged capability.
Including bad shifting, laggy downshifts (taking 2-3 seconds), clunking noises, loss of 4x4 capability, and widespread concerns about long-term reliability.
Vehicles become unreliable, with multiple breakdowns and expensive repairs for components like starters, water pumps, and electrical systems.
A critical failure point that can compromise structural integrity.
Typically around 17 MPG, especially in city driving.
A specific, recurrent failure in the AWD system, sometimes attributed to tire wear, requiring replacement.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cherokee. Individual model years are broken down above.
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