Last updated: 2026-04-20

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
RELIABILITY SCORE: 72/100 (GOOD)

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Report

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 207 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

3

Complaints

207

Complaint Rate

9.9per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$666

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$5,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity65/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity85/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (50)
  • POWER TRAIN (34)
  • ENGINE (23)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 10)

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.

2011: Fourth generation (WK2) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2020: This Model Year

2020 is year 10 of the Fourth generation (WK2).

Should You Buy the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

At 72/100, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is year 10 of the Fourth generation (WK2).

Owners log 207 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (50). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

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

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (50)
  • POWER TRAIN (34)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

9.9

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 21.2

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

21

Crashes

5

Fires

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

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.

23V4110002023-06-08

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.

22V4060002022-06-09

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.

20V1910002020-09-10

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.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Check its history first

Every 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep Grand CherokeeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based 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

Grand Cherokee
$666
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Resale Value

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is estimated to retain about 54.7% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Jeep Grand Cherokee model overall and is not specific to the 2020 model year.

Value Retained
54.7%

after 5 years

Depreciation
45.3%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
720

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.

Explore Jeep Grand Cherokee depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

13–21 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$5,950/yr

Fuel + repair

11–19 city / 17–26 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2020 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Grand Cherokee 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192621$2,850
Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd182521$2,850
Grand Cherokee 4WD 5.7L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd142217$4,400
Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD 6.4L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd131915$4,600
Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WD 6.2L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd111713$5,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

  • 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

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems by Component

207 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

50
34
33
23
33
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)Other (33)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

50 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

50 complaints total3 crashes

POWER TRAIN

34 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

34 complaints total2 crashes2 fires1 injury

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

33 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

33 complaints total1 crash2 fires1 injury
ENGINE (23 complaints)

ENGINE

23 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

23 complaints total1 fire
STEERING (13 complaints)

STEERING

13 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

13 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (9 complaints)

AIR BAGS

9 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

9 complaints total8 crashes9 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (7 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

7 complaints total4 crashes
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (5 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

5 complaints

Owners 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.

5 complaints total
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (5 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

5 complaints

Owners 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.

5 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (3 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners 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.

3 complaints total2 crashes

When Do 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

50,000–60,000 milesElectrical system failures
30,000–88,000 milesTransmission failures
50,000–115,000 milesEngine misfires

Best & Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

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 2026 (70/100).

Top Pick
75
Good

2025

3Recalls
59Complaints
72
Good

2020

(Current Model)

3Recalls
207Complaints
70
Good

2026

2Recalls
0Complaints

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.

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.

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201967/100Good
202072/100Good
202163/100Good
202262/100Good
202363/100Good
202466/100Good
202575/100Good
202670/100Good

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202670/100-5Good20
202575/100+9Good359
202466/100+3Good20204
202363/100+1Good22363
202262/100-1Good14192
202163/100-9Good15427
2020(selected)72/100+5Good3207
201967/100+7Good7336
201860/100Good11804

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 72/100. It is reasonably reliable with 3 recalls and 207 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee include: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (50 complaints), POWER TRAIN (34 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (33 complaints), ENGINE (23 complaints), STEERING (13 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee expensive to maintain?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has estimated annual repair costs of $666/year, which is $93 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 72/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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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