Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid
We analyzed 9539 owner complaints and 132 safety recalls registered with the NHTSA to determine which Jeep Grand Cherokee model years are lemons and which are safe to purchase.
Years to Avoid
Model year 2014 had the highest spike in defects, particularly in electrical system.
Best Years to Buy
Significantly lower defect frequency, few recalls, and refined mechanicals.
Electrical System
The #1 source of driver complaints on this vehicle. Inspect this subsystem thoroughly during pre-purchase inspection.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints & Defects by Model Year
Official consumer safety reports filed with the NHTSA. Click any year for the complete breakdown.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Model Year Comparison Table
Detailed breakdown by model year showing complaint totals, safety recalls, and reliability verdicts.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Defect Score | Verdict | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1644 | 11 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 805 | 10 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2384 | 19 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1369 | 10 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 312 | 9 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 364 | 6 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 855 | 11 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 370 | 7 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 241 | 3 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 410 | 12 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 377 | 13 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
| 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 408 | 21 | 100/100 | Year to Avoid | Report → |
Buying a Used Jeep Grand Cherokee: Key Reliability Insights
What are the Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid?
Based on official NHTSA safety defect data, the Jeep Grand Cherokee model years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023. These years exhibit significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recurring electrical system issues, and federal safety recalls.
What is the best year to buy for a used Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most reliable used model year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee is 2020 (as well as 2020), which recorded the lowest defect score and minimal safety recalls on record.
What are the most common problems with the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most frequently reported component issues for the Jeep Grand Cherokee are Electrical System, Powertrain & Transmission, Engine & Cooling. Owners reported premature component wear and software calibration glitches to federal investigators.
How many total recalls have been issued for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Between 2012 and 2023, the NHTSA has published 132 safety recall campaigns and recorded 9539 official owner complaints for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.