Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?

Based on our data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.

Which has more recalls, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Mazda CX-90?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has more recalls (97) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Mazda CX-90?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Mazda CX-90 safer?

Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-90 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.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90: Reliability Compared

More Reliable

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Good

Mazda CX-90

Mixed

Choosing between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Mazda CX-90? 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. The Jeep Grand Cherokee currently leads with an average score of 66/100 compared to 51/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-90 Generations Compare?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently in its fifth generation (WL), which began in 2021. This generation is relatively new, suggesting potential early production issues common with new platforms. Historically, the Grand Cherokee has undergone several redesigns, with its previous fourth generation (WK2) lasting over a decade, indicating a mature and well-sorted platform by the end of its cycle. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 is in its first generation (KK), introduced in 2024. As a brand-new model, it may face typical first-year teething problems. Buyers might find more reliability in the Grand Cherokee's established design, while the CX-90's newness may require patience as initial issues are addressed.

Verdict

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is more reliable than the Mazda CX-90, scoring 66/100 vs 51/100.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee exhibits a higher average reliability score of 67/100 compared to the Mazda CX-90's 51/100, suggesting a more dependable performance over time. Despite having 97 recalls over nine years, the Grand Cherokee maintains a lower owner complaints rate of 6.8 per 10,000 units, significantly better than the CX-90's 111.2 complaints per 10,000 units. While both vehicles share common issues in the electrical and power train systems, the Jeep's estimated annual repair cost of $666 provides a clearer financial expectation for potential owners. Overall, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers a more reliable choice in the midsize SUV segment based on these metrics.

Key Differences

1Jeep Grand Cherokee has 104.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
2Mazda CX-90 has 84 fewer total recalls
3Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 15 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

2Jeep Grand Cherokee

—

1Mazda CX-90

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateSafety Rating

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90: Which Is More Reliable?

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90 at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Mazda CX-90
Reliability Score	66/100	51/100
Years Tracked	9	3
Total Recalls	97	13
Complaints per 10k Sold	6.8	111.2
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2026 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	2	0

What Are the Common Problems With the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-90?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee exhibits a significant number of complaints in its electrical system with 846 issues, including 15 that are crash-linked, indicating a potential area of concern. Its air bags also present a critical safety issue, with 63 complaints, 37 of which are linked to crashes. In contrast, the Mazda CX-90 shows a lower total number of complaints, with steering being the most reported issue at 80 complaints, 5 of which are crash-linked. While the Grand Cherokee has a broader range of issues across multiple components, the CX-90's problems are more concentrated, with fewer crash-related incidents overall.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90 common problem areas comparison
Component	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Mazda CX-90
STEERING	0.6Very Low	31.8High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	2.2Low	17.5High
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	0.1Very Low	11.5Above Avg
POWER TRAIN	0.7Very Low	8.3Above Avg
ENGINE	0.4Very Low	6.8Average
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	6.4Average
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	4Average
SERVICE BRAKES	0.5Very Low	2.8Low
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	0.1Very Low	2Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.9Very Low	0.8Very Low
STRUCTURE	—None	1.6Low
SUSPENSION	0.2Very Low	—None
AIR BAGS	0.2Very Low	—None
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	0.1Very Low	—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: Jeep Grand Cherokee or Mazda CX-90?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an annual repair cost of $666, with an average of 0.3 repair visits per year and a 13% risk of major repairs. This translates to a relatively low frequency of visits, suggesting fewer disruptions for owners. However, the 13% risk of major repairs indicates potential for higher unexpected costs down the line. In contrast, while specific repair data for the Mazda CX-90 is unavailable, it's essential to consider that new models often come with warranties that may cover initial repair costs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Jeep Grand Cherokee provides a clearer picture of potential expenses and may be a safer bet for those wary of unforeseen major repairs.

How Does Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90 Reliability Compare by Year?

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90 year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Jeep Grand Cherokee	Mazda CX-90	Edge
2025	75/1003R / 59C	63/1002R / 21C	Jeep Grand Cherokee
2024	66/10020R / 204C	38/10011R / 259C	Jeep Grand Cherokee
2026(predicted)	68/100(predicted)	51/100(predicted)	Jeep Grand Cherokee

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee scored 75/100 and the 2025 Mazda CX-90 scored 63/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee vs the Mazda CX-90?

If you prioritize reliability and lower running costs, the Jeep Grand Cherokee might be your best choice. With a reliability score of 67/100 and an estimated annual repair cost of $666, it offers a more predictable ownership experience. The Grand Cherokee also has fewer owner complaints per 10,000 sold, at 6.8, compared to the Mazda CX-90's 111.2. Despite having a higher total number of recalls at 97, its lower repair frequency of 0.3 per year and major repair risk of 13% make it a solid option for those looking for a dependable vehicle. On the other hand, if you are more concerned with avoiding recalls, the Mazda CX-90 could be appealing due to its significantly lower total recalls at 13. However, keep in mind that the CX-90 has a lower reliability score of 51/100, and specific repair cost estimates and repair frequency data are not available. Consider this model if recalls are a primary concern, but be cautious of potential unknown costs and issues.

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Mazda CX-90: Common Questions

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee more reliable than the Mazda CX-90?: Based on our data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is more reliable with an average score of 66/100 compared to 51/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
Which has more recalls, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Mazda CX-90?: The Jeep Grand Cherokee has more recalls (97) compared to the Mazda CX-90 (13). 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Mazda CX-90?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a lower complaint rate at 6.8 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 111.2 for the Mazda CX-90. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Mazda CX-90 safer?: Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Mazda CX-90 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.

More Jeep Grand Cherokee comparisons

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More Mazda CX-90 comparisons

Mazda CX-90 vs Toyota Highlander reliability Mazda CX-90 vs Honda Pilot reliability Mazda CX-90 vs KIA Telluride reliability Mazda CX-90 vs Hyundai Palisade reliability Mazda CX-90 reliability by year Mazda CX-90 years to avoid

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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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