Model research hub

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV made since 1992 and now in its fifth generation, from 2021. Federal data shows 20 recalls on the 2023 and 15 on the 2024, the most complaints on the 2015 (1,355), and CarsCounsel calls the 2020 model year widely considered the most reliable, with only 3 recalls. The 2026 Grand Cherokee starts at $40,410.

What the Jeep Grand Cherokee is and who buys it

Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) describes the Grand Cherokee as a range of mid-sized sport utility vehicles from Jeep, produced since 1992, whose unibody construction stood out when most SUVs were body-on-frame, with generations ZJ (1993), WJ/WG (1999), WK (2005), WK2 (2011) and WL (2021). The 2026 Grand Cherokee is offered with a 3.6L V6 and a 2.0L plug-in hybrid, four-wheel, all-wheel or rear-wheel drive, rated 21 to 23 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,700 to $2,950 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices start at $40,410 for the Laredo and $45,810 for the Limited.

Best and worst Grand Cherokee model years

Federal counts run high throughout. The 2015 has 10 recalls and 1,355 complaints, the most complaints of any year, the 2016 has 9, the 2017 has 6, the 2018 has 11 recalls and 853 complaints, and the 2019 has 7. The 2020 has 3 recalls and 233 complaints. The fifth generation starts with the 2021, which has 12 recalls, the 2022 has 12, the 2023 has 20, the most, covering the backup camera, suspension, air bags and wipers, the 2024 has 15, the 2025 has 3 and the 2026 has 5 so far. See the 2015, 2020 and 2023 Grand Cherokee pages.

CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says the 2020 model year is widely considered the most reliable. Car Smite (opens in a new tab) publishes lists by generation from 1993 on, and says owners particularly praised the performance of the HEMI V8 engines and the overall reliability of one earlier run of years.

Choosing a year

The 2020, the last year of the WK2, has one of the lowest recall counts at 3, which matches CarsCounsel's view. Among current-generation cars, the 2025 with 3 recalls is the quietest, and any 2021 to 2024 needs a VIN check for the many backup camera and suspension campaigns.

Questions buyers ask

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee year is most reliable?

CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) says the 2020 model year is widely considered the most reliable. Federal data shows it with 3 recalls.

Which Grand Cherokee year has the most recalls?

Federal data shows the 2023 with 20 recalls, the 2024 with 15 and the 2021 and 2022 with 12 each.

Research map

Every major decision path.

Current model year

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2026 Grand Cherokee family spans the standard two-row SUV and the extended Grand Cherokee L with seating for up to seven. Jeep highlights a new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo with as much as 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, while detailed equipment continues to vary substantially by body, trim and drivetrain.

Read specifications, trims, answers and sources

Model-year archive

4 indexed Jeep Grand Cherokee model years.

2027202620252016
Number of trims per model year for the Jeep Grand Cherokee (most: 1).
Model yearTrimsOpen record
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee12027 record →
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee2026 record →
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee2025 record →
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee2016 record →

Background and safety record

What public sources say about the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a range of mid-sized sport utility vehicles produced by American manufacturer Jeep. At its introduction, while most SUVs were still manufactured with body-on-frame construction, the Grand Cherokee has used a unibody chassis from the start.

Source: Jeep Grand Cherokee (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.

Jeep Grand Cherokee at a glance

Production
1992–present
Model years
1993–present
Class
Mid-size SUV (1993–2010), Mid-size crossover SUV, (2011–present)
Body style
5-door sport utility vehicle
Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Chassis
Uniframe

Jeep Grand Cherokee generations

The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been redesigned in 1999, gaps of 6 years, an average of 6.0 years between generations. The current generation (second generation, WJ/WG) began in 1999.

GenerationCodeBeganWhat changed
First generationZJ1993–1999The original Grand Cherokee was launched in 1992 as a 1993 model-year vehicle in the luxury SUV segment.
Second generationWJ/WG1999–presentLaunched in September 1998, the redesigned WJ 1999 Grand Cherokee shared just 127 parts with its predecessor (mostly fasteners).

NHTSA rated the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (6 campaigns across the latest model years)

  • September 2026, Tires:Pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a… Consequence: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
  • August 2026, Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Due to a software issue in the body control module (BCM), the windshield wipers may fail. Consequence: Windshield wiper failure can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about electrical system (30), engine (21), unknown or other (14).

Year by year

The Jeep Grand Cherokee across 13 model years.

Model yearCombined MPG/MPGeEPA annual fuel costEPA recordsNHTSA recallsNHTSA complaintsNHTSA overall rating
2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee21–23$2,800–$3,1008
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee21–23$2,700–$2,950955 stars
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee21–23$2,700–$2,95053705 stars
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee17–23$2,700–$4,2006152405 stars
2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee17–23$2,700–$4,200720381
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee17–23$2,700–$4,200912366
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee13–21$2,950–$5,9508124015 stars
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee13–21$2,950–$5,950532335 stars
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee13–24$2,950–$5,950673645 stars
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee13–25$2,950–$5,9507118534 stars
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee15–21$2,950–$5,150463645 stars
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee15–25$2,950–$5,150693085 stars
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee15–25$3,100–$5,1507101,3555 stars

Year-to-year changes

What changed in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, one model year at a time.

EPA certification record, change from the previous model year
StepEPA recordsCombined MPG/MPGe, midpointElectric range, milesAddedNo longer listed
2026 to 20279 to 8Labels: Grand Cherokee 4xe; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity
2025 to 20265 to 9Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; Drives: All-Wheel Drive
2024 to 20256 to 520.0 to 22.0Engines: 5.7L 8-cyl; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Midgrade
2023 to 20247 to 6Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEVEngines: 2L 4-cyl
2022 to 20239 to 7Engines: 2L 4-cylLabels: Grand Cherokee WK 2WD, Grand Cherokee WK 4WD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV
2021 to 20228 to 917.0 to 20.0first listed: 26Labels: Grand Cherokee 4xe, Grand Cherokee WK 2WD, Grand Cherokee WK 4WD; Engines: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV; Drives: 4-Wheel Drive; Fuels: Regular Gas and ElectricityLabels: Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WD; Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl Hellcat engine, 6.4L 8-cyl; Fuels: Premium
2020 to 20215 to 8Labels: Grand Cherokee L 2WD, Grand Cherokee L 4WD; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2019 to 20206 to 518.5 to 17.0Engines: 6.2L 8-cyl Hellcat engineEngines: 3L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl; Fuels: Diesel; Size classes: Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2018 to 20197 to 619.0 to 18.5Labels: Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WDLabels: Grand Cherokee TrackHawk 4WD
2017 to 20184 to 718.0 to 19.0Labels: Grand Cherokee TrackHawk 4WD; Engines: 3L 6-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl; Fuels: DieselDrives: 4-Wheel Drive
2016 to 20176 to 420.0 to 18.0Labels: Grand Cherokee SRT 4WDLabels: Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD; Engines: 3L 6-cyl; Fuels: Diesel
2015 to 20167 to 6Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Fuels: RegularEngines: 3.6L 6-cyl FFV; Fuels: Gasoline or E85

Buying used

What the Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls and complaints are about.

NHTSA recall campaigns by model year
Model yearCampaignsSystems recalledWarnings
20266electrical system (propulsion system); air bags (air bag/restraint control module); visibility (windshield wiper/washer); 2 more1 stop-driving or park-outside
20254electrical system (propulsion system); air bags (air bag/restraint control module); tires (pressure monitoring and regulating systems)1 stop-driving or park-outside
202416visibility (defroster/defogger/hvac system); exterior lighting (headlights); steering (linkages); 12 more1 stop-driving or park-outside
202321equipment (other); steering (column); suspension (rear); 12 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
202213back over prevention (display function); visibility (defroster/defogger/hvac system); suspension (front); 7 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
202112visibility (rearview mirrors/devices); exterior lighting (headlights); air bags (air bag/restraint control module); 9 more1 fixable over the air
20203back over prevention (sensing system); fuel system, diesel (delivery); engine and engine cooling1 fixable over the air
20197power train (driveline); back over prevention (sensing system); engine and engine cooling (exhaust system); 3 more1 fixable over the air
201811fuel system, gasoline (delivery); power train (automatic transmission); electrical system (wiring); 5 moreNone
20176equipment; engine and engine cooling; electrical system (wiring); 2 moreNone
20169service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); power train (automatic transmission); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); 4 moreNone
201510equipment (electrical); suspension (rear); service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); 5 moreNone

Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside

  • 2022, campaign 25V-741 (Oct 2025): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
  • 2023, campaign 25V-741 (Oct 2025): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
  • 2024, campaign 25V-741 (Oct 2025): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
  • 2025, campaign 25V-741 (Oct 2025): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
  • 2026, campaign 25V-741 (Oct 2025): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
What owners complain about most, all model years together
SystemComplaintsShare of all complaintsWorst model year
electrical system1,37228%2018 (339)
engine94919%2015 (199)
unknown or other90818%2018 (267)
power train86317%2015 (350)
fuel/propulsion system3918%2015 (74)
seats3768%2015 (313)
NHTSA crash-test stars by model year
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRollover
20265554
20255554
20245554
20215454
20205454
20195454
20184454
20175554
20165554
20155554

Trim by trim

Every 2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee trim side by side.

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee trims: Kelley Blue Book specifications and base price
TrimDriveEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)Curb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Combined mpgBase price
Laredo4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT)2932604,3656,200–$41,515
Laredo X4WD3.6-liter V6 (VVT)2932604,3656,200–$44,010
Laredo Altitude4WD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)3243324,3656,200–$46,955
Limited4WD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)3243324,4136,200–$46,955
Limited Reserve4WD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)3243324,4136,200–$54,550
Summit4WD2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)3243324,7846,200–$62,895

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.

Specifications by year

Power, weight and towing for every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year.

Kelley Blue Book trim data by model year
Model yearTrimsEnginesHorsepowerCurb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Fuel tank (gal)
202763.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)293–3244,365–4,7846,20023
202673.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo)293–3244,365–4,7846,20023
202593.6-liter V6 (VVT)2934,238–4,7846,20023
202493.6-liter V6 (VVT)2934,238–4,7846,20023
202393.6-liter V6 (VVT)2934,238–4,7846,20023
2022103.6-liter V6 (VVT)2934,238–4,7846,20023–24.6
2021123.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)295–7074,513–5,3566,200–7,20024.6
2020133.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)295–7074,513–5,3566,200–7,20024.6
2019123.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)295–7074,513–5,3566,200–7,20024.6
2018123.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI) / 6.2-liter V8 (HEMI, Supercharged)295–7074,513–5,3636,200–7,20024.6
2017103.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI)295–4754,545–5,1046,200–7,20024.6
2016103.6-liter V6 (VVT) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI)295–4754,545–5,1046,200–7,20024.6
201593.6-liter V6 (Flex Fuel) / 6.4-liter V8 (HEMI)290–4754,545–5,1506,200–7,20024.6

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.

Owning it

Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Maintenance figures from the owner's manual of each model year
Model yearEngine oilBrake fluidWheel-nut torqueA/C refrigerantKey-fob battery
2027–DOT 3130 lb-ft––
20265W-30DOT 3130 lb-ft––
2023–DOT 3130 lb-ft––
2021–DOT 3130 lb-ftR-134aCR2032
2020––––CR2032
2019–––R-134a–
2018–––R-134a–
2017–––R-134a–
20155W-20––R-134a–

Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.

Model-year recall record

Jeep Grand Cherokee: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.

Fewer recalls than this model’s own average

More recalls than this model’s own average

Model yearFederal recalls on fileComplaints on fileRecalls most commonly affected
20265not availableelectrical system, airbags, visibility/wipers, backup camera
2025370electrical system, airbags
202415240airbags, electrical system, backup camera, visibility/wipers
202320381backup camera, suspension, airbags, visibility/wipers
202212366backup camera, suspension, airbags, electrical system
202112401exterior lighting, suspension, backup camera, visibility/wipers
20203233backup camera, fuel system, engine cooling
20197364engine cooling, brakes, backup camera, powertrain
201811853electrical system, equipment, engine cooling, fuel system
20176364engine cooling, electrical system, equipment, fuel system
20169308engine cooling, fuel system, electrical system, brakes
2015101355engine cooling, electrical system, brakes, equipment

Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.

Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Jeep Grand Cherokee model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.

Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.

Q01Is there a best year to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Recall count alone can't answer that: it says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record. What federal data can say: 2025, 2020 carried fewer recalls than this model's own average, while 2023 carried more. See the model-year table on this page for the exact counts and what they cover.

Q02Which Jeep Grand Cherokee model years should I watch for recalls?

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 20 federal recalls on file, most commonly affecting backup camera, suspension, airbags. Always confirm the open/completed status of every campaign for the specific VIN: a recall on this list may already be repaired on the vehicle in front of you.

Q03Which Jeep Grand Cherokee model years have the cleanest federal recall record?

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 recalls on file; The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 3 recalls on file: below this model's own average of 9.4. A shorter list on file as of this page's data pull is not a guarantee against a future recall.

Q04What are common recall-related problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee by model year?

2026: electrical system, airbags, visibility/wipers, backup camera. 2025: electrical system, airbags. 2024: airbags, electrical system, backup camera, visibility/wipers. 2023: backup camera, suspension, airbags, visibility/wipers. 2022: backup camera, suspension, airbags, electrical system. 2021: exterior lighting, suspension, backup camera, visibility/wipers.

Q05Why do some Jeep Grand Cherokee model years show "not available" for complaints?

The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Jeep Grand Cherokee model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.

Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Engine and cooling, Climate and electrical, Brakes, tires and steering, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners specifically: see Climate and electrical and Brakes, tires and steering and Buying, records and recalls.

Trim ladder

1 Jeep Grand Cherokee trim, each with its own page.

Compared with

Models this Jeep Grand Cherokee is most often compared with.

Nearest Jeep models

Other Jeep models.

Frequent questions

Answers with their conditions intact.

Browse the complete answer library
Q01Does the 2026 Grand Cherokee have three rows?

The standard Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV. The Grand Cherokee L is the extended three-row version and can seat up to seven.

Source: Jeep
Q02What is the maximum horsepower?

Jeep lists up to 324 horsepower from the new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine.

Source: Jeep
Q03How much can the 2026 Grand Cherokee tow?

Jeep advertises a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.

Source: Jeep capability page
Q04Is four-wheel drive available?

Yes. Jeep offers four-wheel-drive configurations and multiple capability features, but the exact 4x4 system depends on configuration.

Source: Jeep
Q05Does every Grand Cherokee trim use the same touchscreen?

No. Jeep shows display size and passenger-screen availability changing across the lineup, so technology should be verified trim by trim.

Source: Jeep technology page