Last updated: 2026-03-04

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Reliability Compared

Ford Explorer reliability comparison

Ford Explorer

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good
VS
Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability comparison

Jeep Grand Cherokee

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

Choosing between the Ford Explorer 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. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 66/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

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

The Ford Explorer is currently in its sixth generation, which began in 2020. This places it relatively early in its generation cycle, suggesting potential for first-year issues that can occur with newer platforms. The previous fifth generation saw a significant facelift in 2016, indicating a mature platform by its end in 2019, which often translates to more reliable performance as initial bugs are worked out. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is in its fifth generation, launched in 2021. Like the Explorer, it is early in its cycle, which can mean teething problems typical of new designs. The fourth generation, which ran from 2011 to 2022, offered a long period of refinement, generally resulting in well-sorted reliability by its conclusion.

Verdict

The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee are evenly matched with a reliability score of 66/100.

The Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee both show similar reliability with average scores of 68 and 67 out of 100, respectively. The Explorer has a higher number of recalls at 117 compared to the Grand Cherokee's 97 over the past nine years, which may concern some buyers. Both models report an identical owner complaint rate of 6.8 per 10,000 units sold. However, the Grand Cherokee has a slight edge in estimated annual repair costs at $666 compared to the Explorer's $732, making it marginally more economical in terms of maintenance expenses.

Key Differences

  1. 1Jeep Grand Cherokee costs $66 less per year to repair
  2. 2Jeep Grand Cherokee has 20 fewer total recalls
  3. 3Jeep Grand Cherokee has 1% lower major repair risk

Category Scoreboard

1Ford Explorer
—
3Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

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

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricFord ExplorerJeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score66/10066/100
Years Tracked99
Total Recalls11797
Complaints per 10k Sold6.86.8
Annual Repair Cost$732/yr$666/yr
Repair Frequency0.2/yr0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk14%13%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall
2026 NHTSA
2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins53

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

The Ford Explorer's problem profile is dominated by power train issues with 618 complaints, including 12 linked to crashes, whereas the Jeep Grand Cherokee faces its most significant challenge with the electrical system, accounting for 846 complaints and 15 crash-linked incidents. While both models have substantial complaints in the "unknown or other" category, the Explorer has a notably higher incidence in power train and structure-related problems compared to the Grand Cherokee. Conversely, the Grand Cherokee shows a concerning pattern in service brakes and air bags, with more crash-linked complaints in these areas than the Explorer. Additionally, the Explorer sees a higher number of steering-related complaints compared to the Grand Cherokee, which could indicate a broader distribution of issues for the Ford model.

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee common problem areas comparison
ComponentFord ExplorerJeep Grand Cherokee
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM0.7Very Low2.2Low
POWER TRAIN1.6Low0.7Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.1Low0.9Very Low
STRUCTURE1Very Low—None
ENGINE0.4Very Low0.4Very Low
STEERING0.2Very Low0.6Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES0.2Very Low0.5Very Low
SUSPENSION0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
AIR BAGS0.1Very Low0.2Very Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.2Very Low—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very Low0.1Very Low
SEATS0.1Very Low—None
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL—None0.1Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE—None0.1Very Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM—None0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM—None—None
VISIBILITY/WIPER—None—None
EXTERIOR LIGHTING—None—None
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 Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The Ford Explorer incurs an annual repair cost of $732, which is $66 more than the Jeep Grand Cherokee's $666. Over five years, this amounts to an additional $330 for the Explorer. While the Explorer has a lower repair frequency at 0.2 visits per year compared to the Grand Cherokee's 0.3 visits, the Explorer's major repair risk is slightly higher at 14% versus 13% for the Grand Cherokee. For cost-conscious buyers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers better value due to its lower annual repair costs and marginally reduced risk of major repairs, despite the higher frequency of visits.

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

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee year-by-year reliability scores
YearFord ExplorerJeep Grand CherokeeEdge
202572/10014R / 65C75/1003R / 59CJeep Grand Cherokee
202473/1006R / 14C66/10020R / 204CFord Explorer
202371/10012R / 84C63/10022R / 363CFord Explorer
202265/10021R / 208C62/10014R / 192CFord Explorer
202162/10022R / 354C63/10015R / 427CJeep Grand Cherokee
202054/10029R / 1066C72/1003R / 207CJeep Grand Cherokee
201969/1004R / 252C67/1007R / 336CFord Explorer
201864/1005R / 651C60/10011R / 804CFord Explorer
2026(predicted)72/100(predicted)68/100(predicted)Ford Explorer

Best years to cross-shop: The 2024 Ford Explorer scored 73/100 and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored 75/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

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

If you prioritize lower annual repair costs and slightly fewer major repair risks, the Jeep Grand Cherokee might be a better fit for you. With an estimated repair cost of $666 and a major repair risk of 13%, it offers a marginally more economical ownership experience. However, note that it has a higher repair frequency at 0.3 times per year, and its main issues include the electrical system and service brakes. On the other hand, if you seek a vehicle with a slightly higher reliability score and can handle a bit more in repair costs, the Ford Explorer could be your choice. It boasts a reliability score of 68/100 and a lower repair frequency of 0.2 times per year, despite a slightly higher annual repair cost of $732. Key issues involve the power train and electrical system, but with 117 recalls, it's worth considering how these factors align with your priorities.

Ford Explorer vs Jeep Grand Cherokee: Common Questions

Is the Ford Explorer more reliable than the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
They're very close — both average 66/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Ford Explorer has more recalls (117) 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 Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Both models have a similar complaint rate of 6.8 per 10,000 units sold. Check individual year pages for breakdown by component.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is cheaper to maintain at $666/year versus $732/year for the Ford Explorer.
Is the Ford Explorer or Jeep Grand Cherokee safer?
Both the Ford Explorer 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.

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