Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Reliability Compared

Ford Bronco reliability comparison

Ford Bronco

51
MixedReliability score: 51 out of 100, rated Mixed
VS
More ReliableJeep Grand Cherokee reliability comparison

Jeep Grand Cherokee

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Grand Cherokee? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize suvs.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Jeep Grand Cherokee currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Cherokee Generations Compare?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently in its fifth generation (WL), introduced in 2021, making it relatively early in its generation cycle. Newer platforms like this may experience first-year issues as manufacturers work out initial kinks. In contrast, the Ford Bronco, revived in its sixth generation in 2021, also remains early in its cycle, with a notable facelift in 2023 introducing the Raptor trim. Both vehicles, being in the early stages of their respective generations, may have teething problems typical of new designs. Buyers should consider that mature platforms tend to be more reliable, as they benefit from years of refinement and updates.

Verdict

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more reliable than the Ford Bronco, scoring 66/100 vs 51/100.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee demonstrates superior reliability compared to the Ford Bronco, with a higher reliability score of 67/100 versus the Bronco's 49/100. The Grand Cherokee also has fewer owner complaints at 6.8 per 10,000 sold, compared to the Bronco's 29.4 per 10,000. While both vehicles have similar issues with electrical systems and power trains, the Grand Cherokee's lower recall count over a longer period and slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $666 make it a more reliable choice for consumers seeking a dependable midsize SUV.

Key Differences

  1. 1Jeep Grand Cherokee costs $118 less per year to repair
  2. 2Jeep Grand Cherokee has 29 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Jeep Grand Cherokee has 22.6 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

0Ford Bronco
—
5Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencySafety Rating

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Which Is More Reliable?

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord BroncoJeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score51/10066/100
Years Tracked69
Total Recalls12697
Complaints per 10k Sold29.46.8
Annual Repair Cost$784/yr$666/yr
Repair Frequency0.4/yr0.3/yr
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins05

What Are the Common Problems With the Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Bronco both exhibit issues with their electrical systems, but the Grand Cherokee reports a significantly higher number of complaints at 846 compared to the Bronco's 305, with more crash-linked incidents in this category. While both models show concerns with their power trains and service brakes, the Grand Cherokee also has a notable number of complaints regarding its steering system, which is not as prevalent in the Bronco's profile. The air bags in the Grand Cherokee present a particular safety concern, with 63 complaints leading to 37 crash-linked incidents, a stark contrast to the Bronco, which does not list air bag issues among its top problem areas. Overall, the Grand Cherokee's problem profile indicates a broader range of severe issues compared to the Bronco.

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord BroncoJeep Grand Cherokee
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5Average2.2Low
POWER TRAIN4.2Average0.7Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES3Low0.5Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER2.3Low0.9Very Low
ENGINE2.6Low0.4Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER2.5Low—None
FUEL SYSTEM1.8Low—None
SUSPENSION1.3Low0.2Very Low
STEERING0.8Very Low0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS0.4Very Low0.2Very Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.3Very Low0.1Very Low
STRUCTURE0.3Very Low—None
SEAT BELTS0.2Very Low—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING0.1Very Low—None
VISIBILITY0.1Very Low—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.1Very Low
LANE DEPARTURE—None—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Ford Bronco or Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an annual repair cost of $666, which translates to about $580 less than the Ford Bronco over five years. With a repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year, the Grand Cherokee also requires fewer trips to the mechanic compared to the Bronco's 0.4 visits annually. Although the Grand Cherokee has a 13% risk of major repairs, this risk is not specified for the Bronco. For cost-conscious buyers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better value due to its lower annual repair costs and less frequent repair visits. The potential for major repairs is a consideration, but the overall maintenance savings make the Grand Cherokee a more economical choice over time.

How Does Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Compare by Year?

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord BroncoJeep Grand CherokeeEdge
202561/10016R / 30C75/1003R / 59CJeep Grand Cherokee
202458/10018R / 104C66/10020R / 204CJeep Grand Cherokee
202350/10027R / 295C63/10022R / 363CJeep Grand Cherokee
202243/10032R / 576C62/10014R / 192CJeep Grand Cherokee
202141/10031R / 798C63/10015R / 427CJeep Grand Cherokee
2026(predicted)56/100(predicted)68/100(predicted)Jeep Grand Cherokee

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Ford Bronco scored 61/100 and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored 75/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Ford Bronco vs the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a better choice. With a reliability score of 67/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $666, it offers a more dependable experience compared to the Ford Bronco. The Grand Cherokee also has fewer recalls (97) and owner complaints (6.8 per 10,000 sold), reducing the likelihood of unexpected issues. However, be mindful of its top issues, particularly in the electrical system and power train. On the other hand, if you're drawn to the Ford Bronco for its design or features, be prepared for a few more challenges. Its reliability score is lower at 49/100, and it has more recalls (126) and owner complaints (29.4 per 10,000 sold). The estimated annual repair cost is higher at $784, reflecting potentially greater maintenance demands. The Bronco may suit you if you're willing to manage these drawbacks for the sake of its unique appeal.

Ford Bronco vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Common Questions

Is the Ford Bronco more reliable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Based on our data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Bronco has more recalls (126) compared to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (97). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 sold versus 29.4 for the Ford Bronco. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Bronco or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is cheaper to maintain at $666/year versus $784/year for the Ford Bronco.
Is the Ford Bronco or Jeep Grand Cherokee safer?
Both the Ford Bronco and Jeep Grand Cherokee received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Related Reliability Comparisons

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue