Last updated: 2026-03-04

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 207 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2020 is year 10 of the Fourth generation (WK2).
Recalls
3
Complaints
207
Complaint Rate
9.9
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$666
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
3 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is year 10 of the Fourth generation (WK2).
- Redesigned for the 2011 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 4th generation Grand Cherokee (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
Fourth generation (WK2)
Should You Buy the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 72/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2020 is year 10 of the Fourth generation (WK2).
With 207 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (50). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 9 points lower. See also the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (13%)
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- Above-average repair costs for its class
- Moderate recall count
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Uconnect touchscreen display (50 complaints)
Compare 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee With
2020 Ford Explorer
Score: 54/100
2020 Honda Pilot
Score: 60/100
2020 Honda Passport
Score: 68/100
2020 Toyota Highlander
Score: 71/100
2020 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (50)
- POWER TRAIN (34)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (33)
- ENGINE (23)
- STEERING (13)
- AIR BAGS (9)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5)
- STRUCTURE (5)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5)
- FUEL SYSTEM (4)
- SUSPENSION (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (3)
- SEAT BELTS (3)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- EQUIPMENT (2)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- TIRES (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 recalls on record. This is a moderate number. Each recall represents a safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
9.9
per 10k soldSegment avg: 18.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
21
Fires
5
Injuries
11
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Consequence
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
Jeep Grand Cherokee Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$666
vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test infotainment system for screen delamination and unresponsive controls
- Check for rough or hard shifting in transmission
- Inspect engine for oil leaks and listen for unusual noises
- Verify accurate fuel gauge readings and test fuel pump functionality
- Ensure power steering functions correctly and does not pull to one side
- Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, especially related to the engine or transmission
- Confirm airbags are operational and have not been previously deployed
Check Any 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Grand Cherokee in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Jeep Grand Cherokee with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems by Component
207 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
50 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the Uconnect touchscreen display. Common symptoms include screen delamination, leading to "phantom" touches, unresponsive controls, and malfunctioning navigation and backup camera systems. These problems often occur around 50,000 to 60,000 miles and can create safety hazards, as the backup camera may freeze or display inaccurate images. Additionally, some complaints involve key fob failures and unexplained vehicle shutdowns while driving. Three reports mention crashes potentially linked to electrical malfunctions, highlighting safety implications for prospective buyers.
POWER TRAIN
34 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the transmission system, including slipping, failure to shift, and unexpected engagement in neutral, particularly around 30,000 to 88,000 miles. Common symptoms include the check engine light activation, hard shifting, and the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly. Some complaints also involve the vehicle cutting off while driving, with one incident leading to a fire and another involving a crash, highlighting potential safety risks. These patterns suggest recurring transmission problems that may lead to costly repairs and safety concerns, which prospective buyers should consider.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
33 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the delamination of the touchscreen, affecting navigation, radio, and climate control functions. This delamination often leads to reduced visibility and erratic touchscreen behavior, with some reports noting the problem worsening rapidly over time. Additionally, several owners describe the sunroof shattering unexpectedly while driving, posing a potential safety risk from flying glass. Some complaints also mention the vehicle stalling due to inaccurate fuel gauge readings, which can cause unexpected shutdowns even when the gauge indicates sufficient fuel. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with no specific timeline emerging from the complaints. Safety implications include potential injuries from shattered glass and the risk of accidents due to vehicle stalling.
ENGINE (23 complaints)
ENGINE
23 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report that the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently experiences engine issues, with common problems including misfires, rough idling, and stalling. Multiple complaints highlight camshaft and rocker wear, often leading to engine misfires and, in some cases, complete engine replacement. Symptoms such as check engine lights, oil leaks, and loss of power typically emerge around 50,000 to 115,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, including engine stalls at highway speeds and one reported fire originating from the right side of the engine. Prospective buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the potential for significant repair costs and safety risks.
STEERING (13 complaints)
STEERING
13 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report several steering-related issues with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, notably power steering failures and steering pulling to one side. Complaints frequently mention the power steering cutting in and out, sometimes accompanied by warning messages like "POWER STEERING UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED," and some describe the steering wheel pulling to the right, necessitating multiple alignments. These issues often arise around 25,000 to 28,000 miles, with some owners experiencing problems shortly after purchase. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a crash due to loss of steering control and multiple accounts of near-misses. Prospective buyers should be aware of these steering concerns, as they may require costly repairs and pose potential safety risks.
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)
AIR BAGS
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with air bag deployment during crashes, with multiple complaints indicating that air bags failed to deploy in significant frontal collisions. Symptoms described include no air bag activation despite severe impacts, resulting in injuries such as head trauma and rib fractures. Complaints often occur at varying mileage, with some vehicles having as few as 16,273 miles and others around 70,000 miles. These incidents often involve crashes, with eight out of nine complaints mentioning collisions and nine injuries reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these reported air bag deployment failures, which may pose safety risks in the event of an accident.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
7 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee's vehicle speed control, including unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. Unintended acceleration is frequently described, sometimes leading to crashes, with vehicles accelerating despite braking attempts. These incidents occur at various mileages, from as low as 500 miles to over 64,000 miles. Several complaints involve the cruise control system, where pressing the "+" button causes rapid speed increases, described as functioning differently from previous models. Safety implications are significant, with four reports involving crashes, highlighting potential risks for loss of control.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the fuel system, particularly involving the fuel pump. Complaints commonly describe the vehicle failing to start on the first attempt, requiring a second try before the engine turns over. Some owners indicate that replacing the fuel pumps resolves this issue, though it is noted to be costly. Additionally, one report highlights a malfunctioning fuel sending unit, leading to inaccurate fuel gauge readings, which could potentially result in running out of gas unexpectedly. Another owner reports difficulties when refueling, with the pump prematurely shutting off, causing fuel spills. While no crashes or fires are mentioned, these issues may pose inconveniences and potential safety concerns. These problems are reported even with low mileage, such as under 100 miles, and continue as mileage increases.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
5 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report engine misfires and abnormal vibrations, often accompanied by warning lights and overheating issues. Symptoms include white smoke from the exhaust, loss of power, and audible warnings of overheating. These issues typically arise between 14,787 and 90,000 miles. Some complaints describe severe engine damage, such as camshaft wear and coolant intrusion, leading to engine replacement. Additionally, a few reports mention electrical issues related to water damage affecting the engine control module, resulting in stalling and multiple error codes. No crashes or fires are reported, but the loss of power and stalling could pose safety risks.
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report multiple issues with the service brakes of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, primarily involving ABS module failures and brake malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention ABS module replacements at low mileages, with one owner detailing three replacements over four years, affecting vehicle start-up. Additionally, two reports involve crashes, with one owner describing a brake lock-up leading to a rollover, while another owner reports unexpected acceleration upon braking, resulting in a collision. These incidents occur across a wide range of mileages, from as low as 7,713 miles to over 26,543 miles. The described brake failures and associated crashes indicate significant safety implications, including the potential for loss of control.
When Do 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Years
Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Buy
The best Jeep Grand Cherokee year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (72/100) and 2019 (67/100).
2025
3 recalls · 59 complaints
2020(this page)
3 recalls · 207 complaints
2019
7 recalls · 336 complaints
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid
The worst Jeep Grand Cherokee year is 2018 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to electrical system (301) issues.
See full Jeep Grand Cherokee years-to-avoid analysis →Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Score Trend
Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 66/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 60/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 63/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 75/100 | Good |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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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