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Jeep Cherokee Reliability Grade

FOverall

Poor reliability

EngineC-
TransmissionF

Grade a specific Jeep Cherokee

Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.

The Jeep Cherokee earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 12th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The transmission (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 10,049 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

Jeep Cherokee reliability by year

Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.

2014F2015F2016F2017D2018D2019F2020C2021B-2022C

Years to avoid: 2014–2015 (transmission slipping / rough shifting) and 2016–2019 (stalling / loss of power)

How long does the Jeep Cherokee last?

160,000Estimated lifespan (miles)

A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.

Known Jeep Cherokee problems

We track 2 known problem areas for the Jeep Cherokee, including which model years they affect. They're in the full report, along with miles remaining and a deal score for the car you're looking at.

See Cherokee problems

Jeep Cherokee vs. other compact SUVs

ModelEngineTrans.Overall
Toyota RAV4 A- A A-
Nissan Rogue B+ B- B+
Mazda CX-5 B+ B+ B+
Toyota Venza A- A- B+
Honda CR-V B- B+ B
Chevrolet Equinox C+ B+ B
Kia Sportage C- B+ B
Subaru Forester B+ B B
Volkswagen Tiguan B- B+ B
GMC Terrain C B- C+
Hyundai Tucson D C+ C
Ford Escape F F F
Jeep Cherokee C- F F

Most reliable compact SUVs →

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Jeep Cherokee reliability FAQ

Is the Jeep Cherokee reliable?

Poor reliability. The Jeep Cherokee earns an F overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a C- for its engine and an F for its transmission. It ranks 12th of 13 compact SUVs we grade. The transmission (F) is the weaker of its two major components, so ask for transmission service records and pay close attention to shifting on a test drive. Grades are based on 10,049 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014-2022 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.

How many miles will a Jeep Cherokee last?

We estimate a well-maintained Jeep Cherokee lasts around 160,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.

What are the best years for the Jeep Cherokee?

No Jeep Cherokee model year stands out as exceptionally reliable in NHTSA owner complaints. The best-graded years are 2020, 2021 and 2022.

What Jeep Cherokee years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Jeep Cherokee years to be most careful with are 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The 2014 grades an F overall (engine F, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers. The 2015 grades an F overall (engine D, transmission F), and its top engine/transmission problem is transmission slipping / rough shifting, which a recall covers.

Is the Jeep Cherokee transmission reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Jeep Cherokee transmission an F (poor reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.

Is the Jeep Cherokee engine reliable?

GradeMyCar grades the Jeep Cherokee engine a C- (below-average reliability).