Jeep Grand Cherokee Best and Worst Years (Top Picks!)

A mid-size SUV called the Jeep Grand Cherokee was initially introduced in 1993.

It is renowned for having a tough yet upscale vibe and comes in a number of trim levels to fit a range of price points.

We’ll examine both its finest and worst years in this piece.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Best and Worst Years

The top years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, according to search results, are 2017–2020, 2021, 2014–2016, 2008, 2020, 2019, 2016, and 2010. These years had the fewest consumer complaints, the least significant reported difficulties overall, and the most standard or optional options. Avoid 2005–2007, 2011, 2014, and 2015 at all costs. With relatively low mileage, these years are most likely to suffer mechanical issues and high maintenance expenditures. Like any other product you purchase, it is crucial to avoid model years that have a high number of customer complaints, technical issues, and expensive maintenance.

What Are The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Best Years?

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2023

The Grand Cherokee from 2023 is a great option because it’s one of the newest models, one of the most elegant, and it has the most cutting-edge technological features.

For 2023, only Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain was used with the off-road Trailhawk model.

The 10.1-inch infotainment display with integrated navigation was bigger and better in the Midrange Limited and Overland models. 

A high-end McIntosh audio system can also be added to Overland and Summit models.

• ‌Edmunds: 4.1 out of 5
• ‌3.7 / 5.0 on the Kelley Blue Book
• ‌80 of 100 for JD Power 

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2022

The Grand Cherokee was redesigned end to end for 2022 as it marked the start of the WL 5th Gen.

With a two-row body style riding atop the new architecture, the 2022 Grand Cherokee was also the first model year to be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

The redesign features a much more contemporary style, making it instantly recognizable.

• ‌Edmunds: 4.3 / 5.0
• ‌Kelley Blue Book: 3.7 / 5.0
• ‌JD Power: NA

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020

The 2020 Grand Cherokee is another sure thing because to its timeless design and respectable off-roading abilities. It is the WK2 4th Generation model with the least statistically significant issues.

For models of the Laredo, Limited, and Trailhawk for 2020, a brand-new Premium Lighting Group package was unveiled.

Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights were included in this package for improved visibility in rainy and foggy weather.

Limited and Trailhawk trims came equipped with a power sunroof.

The High Altitude variant also received new wheel designs, and the Diesel engine was dropped.

• ‌Edmunds: 4.5 out of 5
• ‌4.4 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
• ‌JD Power rating: 81/100

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2019

A number of improvements were made to the Grand Cherokee for 2019, including the usual inclusion of blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning.

There was also an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen entertainment system with a navigation system built in.

Jeep launched a brand-new trim called as the Limited X to its already crowded lineup.

The model’s distinctive front and back bumpers, a performance hood like that of the high-end Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, and special 20-inch alloy wheels designed to handle most terrains were what gave it its distinctive look. 

Green Metallic, Sting Gray, and Slate Blue are the three brand-new hues that have been introduced to the palette. 

• ‌Edmunds: 4.2 out of 5
• ‌4.4 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
• ‌JD Power rating: 81/100

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2017

The 2017 Grand Cherokee is a wonderful all-around car with almost any concerns.

The Trailhawk variant, which includes Kevlar-reinforced tires, red tow hooks, an adjustable air suspension system, and other off-road features, was added to the lineup for 2017.

New leather upholstery, a lane-departure warning system, a parallel and perpendicular parking assistance system, and an updated front grille were all included on high-end Summit versions.

• ‌Edmunds: 4.1 out of 5
• ‌4.4 out of 5.0 on Kelley Blue Book
• ‌JD Power rating: 81/100

What Are The Jeep Grand Cherokee’s Worst Years?

Let’s look into the history of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which has, to put it mildly, had some issues.

Jeep Grand Cherokee (2015)

According to CarComplaints.com, steer clear of the clunker. And so do we. Avoid the 2015 Grand Cherokee at all costs.

Gearbox problems afflicted this model year, including jerky shifting, a service shifter alert, gearbox leaps to park, and inability to shift out of park.

The driver’s side headrest airbag deploying for no apparent reason was another issue that received a lot of complaints.

Total complaints for the 2015 Grand Cherokee were 247 on CarComplaints.com and 1,259 on CarProblemZoo.com.

Common issues:

• ‌Unreliable electronic shifting
• ‌Not moving correctly
• ‌The dashboard is disintegrating
• ‌Head restraint is in use 

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014

The 2014 Grand Cherokee is statistically the most problematic model to date and should be avoided at all costs, according to CarComplaints.com.

The 2014 Grand Cherokee’s electrical difficulties, which included a full loss of all electrical power, a blank dashboard, and flashing warning lights, were the most frequently reported type of issue.

Owners reported sliding and sluggish shifting up and down as well as the service shifter alert coming on as problems with the transmission.

The oil filter housing cracking was another major cause of oil leaks from the engine.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2013

The 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee may not have been as problematic as some of the other WK2 4th Gen models, however it did rack up its fair share of complaints.

The most common problem was the failure of the fuel pump relay, owners also reported that despite having it replaced they still experienced engine stalling issues.

Another widely reported problem was the brake pedal going stiff which was related to brake booster failure (a device that increases the force applied from the brake pedal to the master cylinder).

The 2013 Grand Cherokee had a total of 117 complaints at CarComplaints.com and 970 problems at CarProblemZoo.com.

Jeep Grand Cherokee 2012

The 2012 Grand Cherokee receives the “Beware of the Clunker” label from CarComplaints.com, which is not something to be proud of.

Due to a defective TIPM, the 2014 Grand Cherokee experienced a widespread problem with the engine stalling and the vehicle cutting off all power while in motion.

Total complaints for the 2012 Grand Cherokee were 320 on CarComplaints.com and 2,068 on CarProblemZoo.com.

Common issues:

• ‌Failure of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
• ‌The leather dashboard is worn out.
• ‌Inconsistent electrical system
• ‌Faulty fuel pump relay

How Safe Is Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The IIHS has given the Jeep Grand Cherokee its Top Safety Pick+ designation for 2023. During the IIHS test at 12 mph, the car avoided a collision by utilizing both its high and low beams. In the more demanding test, the Grand Cherokee received the best grade of “good,” which applies to all driver injury metrics. 

However, the 2022-2023 Grand Cherokee received a “poor” rating for the likelihood of head, neck, and chest injuries to rear passengers. Over 110 safety and security technologies, such as Active Driving Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Path Detection, are both standard and optional on the Grand Cherokee.

Reliability of Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is ranked 15th out of 26 midsize SUVs by RepairPal, with a dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0. The $666 annual average repair cost is standard for its class. serious repairs are not typical for the Grand Cherokee due to the average severity of repairs and the rarity of serious difficulties. 

Based on information from the 2022 model, Consumer Reports forecasts that the 2023 Grand Cherokee will be less dependable than the typical new automobile. 

 The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, has a 77 out of 100 expected reliability score from the United States. World Report News. The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a dependability score of 10 out of 10 on the FIXD app, whereas the 2017 Grand Cherokee receives a 7 out of 10. The reliability of the Jeep brand is generally regarded as average, and they are notorious for pricey repairs and broken parts.

How To Find The Best Deals on Jeep Grand Cherokee?

There are a number of choices to think about if you’re looking for the finest discounts on a Jeep Grand Cherokee. Here are some methods for locating the greatest offers:

• ‌Find out if your nearby Jeep dealership is currently offering any Grand Cherokee incentives or specials by contacting them. For any bargains that might be offered, you can also check their website.
• ‌For the greatest leasing offers and specials on the Grand Cherokee, check out Edmunds, TrueCar, and CarsDirect. These websites provide a range of discounts and promotions that can enable you to save money.
• ‌For the most recent Jeep discounts and incentives, visit US News & World Report’s Best Car Deals page. They provide a rundown of the Grand Cherokee’s top lease offers for the current month.
• ‌Think about buying a Grand Cherokee from an earlier model year. Older models may be discounted by dealerships to make place for new stock.
• ‌Before buying, do some research on the Grand Cherokee’s dependability. In the long term, a dependable car will save you money because repairs are less expensive. The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is ranked 15th out of 26 midsize SUVs by RepairPal, with a dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0.

Tips for Maintaining your Jeep Grand Cherokee

‌To keep your Jeep Grand Cherokee running smoothly and increase its longevity, regular maintenance is necessary. The following advice will help you maintain your Jeep Grand Cherokee:

• ‌Be sure to stick to the maintenance schedule: Jeep advises replacing the oil and oil filter every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Put your Grand Cherokee on a maintenance regimen to keep it running smoothly. Failure to do so could drastically affect the future of your car and shorten its lifespan by several years.
• ‌Replace the air filters: Spark plugs, the air conditioner filter, and the engine air cleaner filter should all be replaced every 8,000 miles. Every three years, both air filters should be changed.
• ‌Check the brakes and suspension: After 8,000 miles, adjust the brakes to make sure they are still operating at their best. Every two years, check the suspension and brake linings.
• ‌Keep the engine lubricated by using fresh oil and an oil filter to make sure the engine has the right viscosity and quantity of oil to lubricate its internal components.
• ‌Check the universal/CV joints: Check the universal/CV joints every 20,000 to 60,000 kilometers.

FAQ’s on Jeep Grand Cherokee

Which year Jeep Cherokee is the best?

The Jeep Cherokee performs best in 2014, 2019, 2021, 2016, and 2020. These vehicles provide outstanding comfort, cutting-edge technology, off-road prowess, and engine choices. For a superior driving experience, rely on these top options.

What years should I avoid with the Jeep Cherokee?

Avoid older models from 2014 and 2015 as much as possible, and use caution with those from 2016, 2017, and 2019. Keep to the final year before the facelift, 2018, or the second year following, 2020, for the finest experience. Regardless of the year, make careful to verify that all recalls have been completed by checking the VIN.

What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee?

Numerous Actual Owners of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Have Reported the 3 Most Common Issues. The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) failing and air conditioning problems are two of the most frequent Jeep Grand Cherokee concerns. Popular midsize SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is renowned for its toughness and adaptability.

Is Jeep Cherokee a long lasting car?

If properly maintained and driven cautiously, the Jeep Cherokee should last owners over two decades. When driving their SUV, Jeep Cherokee owners have learned to expect one thing: that it will last a very, very long time. 

What year was the Jeep not good?

2012 won when comparing the Jeep Wrangler models that performed the poorest. Its problems included nine recalls, which makes it the worst for Jeep. Given that there have been 10 and 9 recalls for the 2007 and 2008 Jeep Wranglers, respectively, those years are not too far away.