Last updated: 2026-10-10

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 66/100

Skip the 2018 model year. It drew the most owner complaints of any year, led by electrical faults, and its engines show head gasket failures with repair quotes over $6,000. The 2020 model year is the better buy, with far fewer complaints per vehicle sold.

Verdict

Avoid
2018 60/100
Buy
2020 72/100
Model average
66/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

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

Electrical trouble leads the 2018 complaints. Touchscreens delaminate and press controls on their own, and some batteries under the passenger seat melt or catch fire. Engines add head gasket and cylinder head failures, with repair quotes over $6,000. Some owners also report the vehicle rolling away after they select park.

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 2018reliability report →

What Are Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems?

Grand Cherokee electrical problems

846 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2023, 2022

2018: The touchscreen delaminates and starts pressing itself.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

335 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

2018: Screen delamination dominates this category.

POWER TRAIN

285 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2021, 2022

2018: Vehicles roll away after the driver selects park, usually while the engine is running and the driver is stepping out.

STEERING

246 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2022, 2023

2021: Power steering cuts out without warning, often with a "power steering unavailable" message and a cluster of other alerts for stability control, blind spot monitoring, air bags, and brake assist.

SERVICE BRAKES

180 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2021

2019: Brake failures and stacked warning lights dominate these reports, and most tie back to two federal recalls on the hydraulic brake system.

ENGINE

165 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Head gaskets and cylinder heads fail.

Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Year to Buy Instead

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Federal recall records show 3 recalls for 2020 against 11 for 2018, and owners filed far fewer complaints per vehicle sold. It has been on the road long enough for problems to surface. Still check for engine ticking, harsh shifts, and a delaminating touchscreen.

Score: 72/100 (Good)3 recalls207 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Jeep Grand Cherokee Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should I avoid?
Avoid the 2018 model year. It has the most owner complaints, led by electrical faults, plus engine head gasket failures and rollaway reports. It also has 11 recalls in federal records. The 2020 model year is the better choice.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have transmission problems?
Power train complaints appear in several years, most often in 2018, 2021, and 2020. In 2020, owners describe harsh or lunging shifts, slipping, dropping into neutral, and some full transmission replacements. In 2018, they report hard shifts and limp mode capping speed.
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year?
Yes, it is the best-supported pick, with 3 recalls and a low complaint rate. It is not problem-free. Owners report sudden acceleration while parking, touchscreen failures, transmission trouble, and camshaft and rocker arm wear on the 3.6L V6.
Is a newer Grand Cherokee like the 2025 safer to buy?
Not necessarily. The 2025 year has only 59 complaints and the 2026 has none, but that mostly reflects less time on the road. Complaints and recalls build up over the years, so these model years are too new to call the most reliable.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have the most recalls?
The 2023 model year has the most recalls at 22, followed by 2024 at 20 and 2021 at 15. The 2018 year has 11. Recall counts alone do not make a year weak, so check each VIN for open recalls before buying.

How we score every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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