Jeep Cherokee Problems by Year

We compared every Jeep Cherokee model year from 1995–2026 using 12,934 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 58 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017 and 2016, which drew far more complaints than other Cherokee years at the same age. The best years are 2022, 2021 and 2020.

18model years
12,934complaints
58recalls
2014, 2015worst years
2022, 2021best years

Complaints by model year

’95’96’97’98’99’00’01’06’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’26608447390399366369229172.6k1.8k1.4k1.3k6871.7k328176518
Owner complaints per model year, Jeep Cherokee. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20268−67%4Fuel SystemGood
202251−83%3TransmissionGood
2021176−56%4TransmissionGood
2020328−35%3TransmissionAverage
20191,6694.4×11TransmissionAvoid
20186871.9×7TransmissionCaution
20171,3373.7×6TransmissionAvoid
20161,4113.7×9TransmissionAvoid
20151,7924.6×11TransmissionAvoid
20142,6506.5×13TransmissionAvoid
200617−95%—Window & WiperGood
2001229−51%2BrakeGood
2000369−19%1BrakeAverage
1999366−20%2BrakeAverage
1998399typical5BrakeAverage
1997390typical4Fuel SystemAverage
1996447typical6BrakeAverage
19956081.6×6BodyCaution

* Complaints compared with the median Cherokee year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Jeep Cherokee problems

Latest Jeep Cherokee recalls

Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems

NHTSA recall 26V-559 · Sep 1, 2026 · 201,975 vehicles

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.

Remedy: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera

NHTSA recall 26V-531 · Aug 13, 2026 · 844,027 vehicles

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 Hybrid, Chrysler Voyager, and 2026-2027 Chrysler…

Remedy: Radio software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 2, 2026.

Power train

NHTSA recall 26V-290 · May 7, 2026 · 61,711 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge.

Electronic stability control (ESC)

NHTSA recall 26V-223 · Apr 9, 2026 · 241 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

Remedy: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control

NHTSA recall 26V-059 · Feb 2, 2026 · 456,287 vehicles

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

All 58 Jeep Cherokee recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Jeep Cherokee should you avoid?

2014, 2015, 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2018 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Cherokee years at the same age, led by transmission & drivetrain problems in the 2014.

What is the best year for the Jeep Cherokee?

2022 has the fewest complaints compared with other Cherokee years at the same age, followed by 2021 and 2020. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Jeep Cherokee problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the transmission & drivetrain (5,532), engine & cooling (2,628) and electrical system (2,258). Transmission complaints peak in the 2014 model year.

How many recalls has the Jeep Cherokee had?

58 recalls across 1995–2026. The model year with the most is 2014. See all Jeep Cherokee recalls by year.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.