Last updated: 2026-03-15

Jeep Cherokee

0 Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Jeep Cherokee average of 69/100

All Jeep Cherokee years score consistently around the model average of 69/100 — no years are statistical outliers. The best year is 2020 76/100 and the weakest is 2023 66/100.

Verdict

All Jeep Cherokee years score consistently around the model average of 69/100 (66–76 range) — no years are statistical outliers. The best is 2020 76/100 and the weakest is 2023 66/100.

See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

What Are Common Jeep Cherokee Problems?

Top reported issues across all Jeep Cherokee model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

POWER TRAIN

1330 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1161 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

579 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

415 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

370 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

252 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Jeep Cherokee Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Jeep Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has good reliability. There are 5 recalls and 436 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Severity signals include 30 crash-related complaints and 10 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Power Train (148), Electrical System (71), Unknown Or Other (49).

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

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Jeep Cherokee year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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All Jeep Cherokee Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Jeep Cherokee Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Jeep Cherokee years should you avoid?
All Jeep Cherokee years in our database score consistently around the model average of 69/100. No years are statistical outliers, though some are stronger than others.
What is the best year for the Jeep Cherokee?
The best year for the Jeep Cherokee is 2020, with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 436 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Jeep Cherokee have?
Across all years in our database, the Jeep Cherokee has a total of 105 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Jeep Cherokee worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2020 model year, which scores 76/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 69/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Jeep Cherokee problems?
The most common Jeep Cherokee problems are power train (1330 complaints), electrical system (1161 complaints), unknown or other (579 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable long-term?
The Jeep Cherokee has an average reliability score of 69/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Cherokee?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Cherokee is $520 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee a good used buy?
Yes, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 76/100 ("Good"). It has 5 recalls and 436 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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.

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