Last updated: 2026-10-10

Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 70/100

No year is one to avoid. Every tracked year rates good, and none falls well below the model's own average. Recall counts and the mix of complaints change from year to year. The 2020 is the year to buy, with 5 recalls against 17 to 22 for 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024.

Verdict

Avoid
No outlier years
Buy
2020 76/100
Model average
70/100
See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Jeep Cherokee Problems?

Cherokee transmission problems

1330 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: The engine shuts off or the transmission drops out of gear while driving.

Cherokee electrical problems

1161 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2023

2018: A "Service Shifter" warning with every gear light glowing red is the most common report, seen as early as 11,000 miles.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

618 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Most filings here describe the "Service Shifter" message, with all gear lights turning red at mileages from about 10,000 to 68,000.

Cherokee engine problems

415 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2020

2019: Cars stall in traffic, including while accelerating through turns, and lose power steering when the engine quits.

Cherokee steering problems

370 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2021, 2023

2019: Power steering quits or the wheel locks up without warning, at parking-lot speeds and at 70 mph alike.

SERVICE BRAKES

252 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Stopping takes longer than expected, or the car creeps forward with the pedal pressed, and owners describe rear-end and side collisions across 5 crash reports.

Best Jeep Cherokee Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Jeep Cherokee

Federal recall records list only 5 recalls for 2020, against 17 to 22 for 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024. It has been on the road long enough to show its faults, mainly transmission trouble and no-restart shutoffs, and its complaint count is far below 2019's. Some of those reports describe a Grand Cherokee.

Score: 76/100 (Good)5 recalls436 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Jeep Cherokee has 5 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Jeep Cherokee Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Jeep Cherokee years should I avoid?
None clearly. Every tracked year rates good, and none sits well below the model's own average. The 2023 and 2024 model years rate lowest within the Cherokee range, but the gap is small, and both carry many recalls.
What is the best Jeep Cherokee year to buy?
The 2020 is the best pick. It has been on the road long enough to show its real record, and it carries only 5 recalls. Most other established years list 17 to 22. Its complaints center on transmission and electrical trouble.
Which Jeep Cherokee years have transmission or power train problems?
Power train is the top complaint area for 2019 and 2020. The 2019 model year has the most, at 686 complaints, though it has also had longer to collect them. In 2020, owners report harsh shifts, slipping and full transmission replacements.
Is a 2025 or 2026 Jeep Cherokee a good used buy?
It is too early to say. The 2026 has one complaint and the 2025 has 64, mostly because they have had little time on the road. Low counts do not prove reliability. Recalls and complaints keep growing as years age, so the 2020 is the safer choice.
Which Jeep Cherokee years have the most electrical complaints?
Electrical complaints top the list for 2018, 2023, 2024 and 2025. The 2018 model year has 432 of them. The 2023 has 146 and the 2024 has 99. The most common report is a Service Shifter warning that clears after a restart and returns.

How we score every Jeep Cherokee model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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