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Last updated: 2026-03-04

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.
| # | Year | Score | Rating | Recalls | Complaints | Top Issue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018 | 60/100 | Good | 11 | 804 | Electrical System (301) |
Why These Years Should Be Avoided
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).
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 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
350 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
POWER TRAIN
285 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
STEERING
246 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES
180 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
ENGINE
165 complaintsMost reported in 2018, 2019, 2020
Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Year to Buy Instead
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).
All Jeep Grand Cherokee Years by Generation
All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Scores by Year
Fourth generation (WK2) (2011–2022)
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
3 recalls · 207 complaints
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee
7 recalls · 336 complaints
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
15 recalls · 427 complaints
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
14 recalls · 192 complaints
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee
11 recalls · 804 complaints
Fifth generation (WL) (2021–2023)
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
15 recalls · 427 complaints
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee
22 recalls · 363 complaints
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee
14 recalls · 192 complaints
Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Jeep Grand Cherokee years should you avoid?
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Is a used Jeep Grand Cherokee worth buying?
What are common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
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Is the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good 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
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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