How reliable is the Jeep Grand Cherokee? The Jeep brand is a true icon in the American automotive industry, but it is not without reliability issues. If you’ve wanted to own this rugged SUV, make sure you know about the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability rating to determine if it’s worth buying. To examine its reliability, we will be looking at various factors, such as the frequency of repair, severity of repair, cost of repair, and the safety rating.
Key Takeaways
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee is average in its reliability based on data from independent organizations.
• The Jeep Grand Cherokee fails to rank within the top 10 in the midsize SUV category for reliability due to the expensive repairs and the severity of repairs.
• The most common reliability issues on the Jeep Grand Cherokee include engine stalling, erratic electronic shifting, malfunctioning ignition switch, and alternator failure.
• The maintenance cost on the Grand Cherokee is higher than other midsize SUVs and other vehicle models.
What is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Rating?
Jeep is a reliable brand overall, but it has soiled its reputation for issues regarding broken parts and expensive repair costs. Thus, many budget-conscious owners deviate from buying Jeep models because of the aforementioned reasons.
However, the reliability of the brand varies according to the different models and model years. To examine the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability, we will examine its performance over the years and give you a more accurate picture of its dependability on and off the road.
The reliability of the Jeep Grand Cherokee in terms of its performance and power is superb. This SUV is built to handle harsh off-roading conditions, as is the case with many Jeep models. They are built to handle more impact and rough terrains more than any ordinary car, or even those built for 4×4 conditions. Considering this, it wouldn’t be a surprise that Jeep Grand Cherokee requires expensive repairs. You must give it the best care to ensure they can offer optimal riding condition.
There are two independent organizations that evaluate cars and SUVs for reliability and dependability. The first one is JD Power, which evaluates feedback from verified car owners to determine its rating. The overall Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability rating is 79/100 for the 2023 model. This overall score of 79 is broken down into a score of 77/100 for Quality & Reliability, 82/100 for Driving Experience, and 82/100 for Resale.
With a JD power rating of 79, the Jeep Grand Cherokee fails to reach the top 10 in the upper midsize SUV category. It is outdone by other SUVs in the class, such as the Honda Pilot, Toyota 4Runner, Chevrolet Traverse, and Hyundai Palisade.
RepairPal is another organization that evaluates the Jeep Grand Cherokee for its reliability. It scored 3.5 out of 5 (above average), ranking it 15 out of the 26 midsize SUVs they’ve evaluated. This rating is based on extensive evaluation of vehicle repair invoices with predictive data science and automotive statistics.
Now, let’s look at the individual components that impact the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability.
Cost of Repair
The average cost of repair for a Jeep Grand Cherokee is $666, which is higher than the industry average for midsize SUVs ($573). It is also higher than the average cost of repair for all other vehicle models ($652).
A higher cost does not necessarily equate to less reliability. Jeep car owners have to deal with a higher repair cost due to the more expensive parts on Jeep SUVs. If you’re worried about the cost of repair for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, consider buying the Jeep Extended Warranty for your peace of mind.
Frequency of Repair
The frequency of repair on Jeep Grand Cherokee is 0.3 times per year, which is lower than the average of 0.4 times per year for midsize SUVs and all vehicle models. It refers to the number of unscheduled repair visits for the Grand Cherokee owners, which does not include routine maintenance such as oil changes.
Severity of Repair
The severity of repair is one of the assessment factors that directly impact the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability. The more severe the repairs are, the higher the chances that this SUV will encounter major issues in the long run. It is especially true if the unexpected repair is a major one, which can be difficult for most car owners to manage.
According to RepairPal’s data, the Grand Cherokee has a probability of 13% in encountering major repairs. The average is 13% in its class, but only 12% for all vehicles. This number is an average, and should not negatively impact your decision to buy the Grand Cherokee if you value reliability.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee Expensive to Maintain?
The cost of maintenance is an important factor to consider when looking at the overall reliability of this midsize SUV. The CarEdge report on the Grand Cherokee is that it will cost $10,484 on average to maintain the SUV within the first ten years of ownership. As you would expect, this number will go up as the vehicle gets older. This maintenance cost puts the SUV higher in maintenance cost than other vehicles in its class. You will also pay more for repairs than other vehicles in this category.
While the frequency of repairs is average, the cost of repair is something to consider when you want to keep your cost of ownership low.
Common Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Issues
The reliability and performance rating on the Jeep Grand Cherokee varies widely depending on the model years and the age of the SUV. However, there are certain issues and reliability problems that are evident across the board. Here are common reliability issues you should be aware of.
1. Engine Stalling
An engine stall is a major issue and it’s sadly common in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially in the fourth-generation models. Avoid the models from 2011-2013 if you don’t want to deal with engine stalling, which is due to a faulty fuel pump relay in its totally integrated power module (or power module failure).
The power module is the car’s central command that impacts the vehicle’s operation. When it fails, the car engine could stall abruptly when driving. This issue has resulted in many Jeep owners being stranded on the road.
2. Ignition Switch Malfunction
The Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2005-2007 suffered this problem, with up to 800,000 vehicles being recalled off the market. It is a major issue since a failed ignition switch could cause major components, such as the power steering, power braking, and airbags, to fail as well. Replacement of a malfunctioning ignition switch could cost up to $100, plus labor costs.
3. Erratic Electronic Shifting
The problem with erratic electronic shifting has also prompted a major recall of Jeep Grand Cherokees in 2016. Up to 37,000 vehicles were pulled off the market due to the transmission problems. Many vehicle owners noted that the gear would be stuck in either ‘park’ or ‘neutral’ position even though they would shift gears. It was later determined that the transmission issue is due to a manufacturing error.
4. Alternator Failure
A failed alternator in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a simple fix, but it can still be a hassle for SUV owners to deal with. This problem was most prevalent with the 2012-2014 models. However, a faulty alternator can risk the vehicle igniting while being driven, making it a significant safety hazard. Many vehicle owners who experienced this issue noted a burnt odor and whirring noises on their vehicle.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Midsize SUV?
It depends on the specific model year you’re driving. While there are Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability issues, it makes up for it with modern tech, high-end interior, and impressive on- and off-road ride quality. It is crucial to be aware of the prevailing issues on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, and which model years to avoid so you can maximize the above benefits and features.
FAQs
How long will a Jeep Grand Cherokee last?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers excellent longevity, which can last between 150,000-200,000 miles. This number is impressive and is higher than other SUVs in its class. It is especially important since longevity is a crucial factor affecting reliability.
What makes a Grand Cherokee reliable?
Jeep Grand Cherokee is built for off-roading, which makes it more resilient than other midsize SUVs (without off-road capabilities). However, you must weigh this factor with the expensive repairs and the common reliability issues across specific model years.
Is Grand Cherokee a safe car?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has received excellent safety ratings from the IIHS, especially with mid-stream tweaks. The 2023 model (the base and L trims) earned the Top Safety Pick from the IIHS.
Are Grand Cherokee good on gas?
The average MPG for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is 19 MPG on the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The combined MPG rating is 22.
