Last updated: 2026-03-04

Jeep Grand Cherokee

1 Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Jeep Grand Cherokee average of 66/100

The Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 60/100. The best Jeep Grand Cherokee year to buy is 2025 75/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores significantly below the model average of 66/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 60/100 due to electrical system (301) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2019 67/100.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Jeep Grand Cherokee average of 66/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201860/100Good11804Electrical System (301)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

60
GoodReliability score: 60 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee has good reliability. There are 11 recalls and 804 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Jeep Grand-Cherokee. Severity signals include 41 crash-related complaints and 9 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (301), Unknown Or Other (171), Power Train (60).

11 recalls804 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (301), Unknown Or Other (171), Power Train (60), Engine (56), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (31), Seats (21)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems?

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

846 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

350 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

285 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STEERING

246 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

180 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ENGINE

165 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Year to Buy Instead

67
GoodReliability score: 67 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 336 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Jeep Grand-Cherokee. Severity signals include 16 crash-related complaints and 2 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (67), Service Brakes, Hydraulic (60), Unknown Or Other (49).

Score: 67/100 (Good)7 recalls336 complaints
View full 2019 reliability report →

All Jeep Grand Cherokee Years by Generation

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

Our data covers 20182025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Jeep Grand Cherokee years: 2018 (score: 60/100). These model years score significantly below the Jeep Grand Cherokee average of 66/100.
What is the best year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The best year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is 2025, with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 59 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
Across all years in our database, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a total of 97 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Jeep Grand Cherokee worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2025 model year, which scores 75/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 66/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
The most common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems are electrical system (846 complaints), unknown or other (350 complaints), power train (285 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable long-term?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has an average reliability score of 66/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee generation is the Fourth generation (WK2) with an average score of 65/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is $666 based on independent repair cost databases. This may vary depending on the model year and driving conditions.
Is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good used buy?
Yes, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 75/100 ("Good"). It has 3 recalls and 59 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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