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Jeep Grand Cherokee: Years to Avoid and Best Years (Engine & Transmission)
Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by model year, from 11,490 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. For each year: the share of complaints about the engine, transmission or fuel system, how many there were, and the recalls.
Worst years to avoid: 2017 (58%, 195 drivetrain complaints), 2016 (56%, 163 drivetrain complaints) and 2015 (48%, 577 drivetrain complaints). 10 of the 14 Jeep Grand Cherokee years we score have an elevated engine, transmission or fuel-system complaint share.
Best years on this measure: 2018 (27%), 2013 (30%) and 2023 (31%). A low share means owners complained about other things more than the drivetrain, not that nothing ever fails.
The sharpest change between consecutive years is from 2017 (58%) to 2018 (27%), down 31 points. The complaint pattern shifts at that year, so check which year the car in front of you is.
By raw volume, the 2014 drew the most drivetrain complaints (894 of 4,081 across the scored years). Volume also tracks how many were sold and how long they have been on the road, which is why the share, not the count, sets the verdict.
Engine and transmission complaint share, 2010–2023
Share of relevant owner complaints about the engine, transmission or fuel system. 33% is elevated, 40% high, 60% very high. A dash means too few complaints to score.
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee year
| Model year | Signal | Drivetrain share | Drivetrain complaints | All complaints | Rank (1 = worst) | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | elevated | 38% | 41 | 118 | 7/14 | 5 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | elevated | 38% | 596 | 1,639 | 6/14 | 6 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | elevated | 34% | 527 | 1,644 | 10/14 | 11 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | no elevated signal | 30% | 229 | 804 | 13/14 | 10 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | high | 44% | 894 | 2,376 | 4/14 | 19 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | high | 48% | 577 | 1,361 | 3/14 | 10 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | high | 56% | 163 | 311 | 2/14 | 9 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | high | 58% | 195 | 364 | 1/14 | 6 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | no elevated signal | 27% | 216 | 854 | 14/14 | 11 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | no elevated signal | 33% | 110 | 368 | 11/14 | 7 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | high | 42% | 91 | 239 | 5/14 | 3 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | elevated | 36% | 152 | 487 | 8/14 | 16 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | elevated | 35% | 147 | 444 | 9/14 | 13 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | no elevated signal | 31% | 143 | 481 | 12/14 | 21 |
What owners complain about most, all years
Categories as NHTSA files them, summed across the Jeep Grand Cherokee years with data. A complaint can name more than one component, so the shares overlap. Red is engine, transmission or fuel.
Jeep Grand Cherokee engine and transmission recalls: timeline
NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns on the Jeep Grand Cherokee involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 73 across the years we track. Each model-year page has the details. Whether a particular car still has a recall open depends on its VIN.
| Date | Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2011 | 11V487000 | engine and engine cooling | 2012 |
| May 2013 | 13V175000 | power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive) | 2010 |
| Apr 2016 | 16V240000 | power train: automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) | 2014–2015 |
| Apr 2016 | 16V249000 | power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch | 2016 |
| Nov 2016 | 16V814000 | fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 2016 |
| Oct 2017 | 17E061000 | engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger | 2012–2017 |
| Jan 2018 | 18V048000 | fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings | 2018 |
| May 2018 | 18V280000 | power train: automatic transmission | 2018 |
| Mar 2020 | 20V183000 | power train: driveline: differential unit | 2019 |
| Aug 2020 | 20V475000 | engine and engine cooling: engine: diesel | 2014–2016 |
| Nov 2020 | 20V699000 | engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve) | 2014–2019 |
| Apr 2022 | 22V284000 | engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (egr valve) | 2021 |
| Jun 2022 | 22V406000 | fuel system, diesel: delivery: fuel pump | 2014–2020 |
| Jun 2023 | 23V411000 | engine and engine cooling | 2014–2020 |
| Jun 2026 | 26V413000 | power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (prndl) | 2022–2023 |
58 other recalls (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
| Date | Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2009 | 09V454000 | electrical system: instrument cluster/panel | 2010 |
| Jan 2010 | 10V009000 | service brakes, hydraulic | 2010 |
| Mar 2010 | 10V085000 | equipment | 2010 |
| May 2010 | 10V200000 | electrical system: ignition: module | 2010 |
| Jul 2013 | 13V289000 | exterior lighting | 2014 |
| Oct 2013 | 13V483000 | service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module | 2014 |
| Mar 2014 | 14V104000 | service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip | 2012–2013 |
| Apr 2014 | 14V154000 | service brakes | 2011–2014 |
| Jun 2014 | 14V293000 | vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal | 2014 |
| Jul 2014 | 14V391000 | electrical system: wiring | 2011–2014 |
| Sep 2014 | 14V530000 | electrical system | 2011 |
| Oct 2014 | 14V634000 | electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator | 2012–2014 |
| Oct 2014 | 14V636000 | electronic stability control (esc) | 2014 |
| Oct 2014 | 14V643000 | seat belts | 2014 |
| Feb 2015 | 15V115000 | electrical system | 2012–2013 |
| Jul 2015 | 15V461000 | equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/cd etc. | 2014–2015 |
| Jul 2015 | 15V469000 | suspension: rear | 2015 |
| Dec 2015 | 15V879000 | electrical system: wiring | 2011–2013 |
| Mar 2016 | 16V168000 | service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper | 2015–2016 |
| Sep 2016 | 16V686000 | equipment | 2017 |
| Jul 2017 | 17V435000 | electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator | 2012–2014 |
| Sep 2017 | 17V572000 | service brakes | 2011–2014 |
| Nov 2017 | 17V741000 | electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator | 2014 |
| May 2018 | 18V332000 | electrical system: wiring | 2014–2018 |
| Aug 2018 | 18V524000 | electrical system: wiring: front underhood | 2018 |
| Oct 2018 | 18E097000 | equipment: accessory: floor mat | 2018 |
| Oct 2018 | 18V759000 | equipment: accessory: floor mat | 2018 |
| Nov 2019 | 19V813000 | electrical system | 2011–2013 |
| Sep 2020 | 20V191000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2019–2020 |
| Sep 2021 | 21V729000 | visibility: rearview mirrors/devices | 2021 |
| Oct 2021 | 21V797000 | exterior lighting: headlights | 2021 |
| Nov 2021 | 21V873000 | air bags: air bag/restraint control module: software | 2021 |
| Dec 2021 | 21V950000 | exterior lighting: lighting control module: software | 2021 |
| Mar 2022 | 22V180000 | child seat: vehicle tether anchor | 2021 |
| Jun 2022 | 22V426000 | service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module | 2018–2019 |
| Jul 2022 | 22V544000 | exterior lighting: tail lights | 2021 |
| May 2023 | 23V336000 | equipment: other: labels | 2023 |
| May 2023 | 23V352000 | steering: column | 2021–2023 |
| Jun 2023 | 23V413000 | suspension: rear: springs: coil springs | 2021–2023 |
| Aug 2023 | 23V577000 | back over prevention: display function | 2021–2023 |
| Feb 2024 | 24V111000 | visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system | 2022–2023 |
| Feb 2024 | 24V130000 | exterior lighting: headlights | 2023 |
| Feb 2024 | 24V132000 | suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint | 2021–2023 |
| Mar 2024 | 24V199000 | air bags: frontal: driver clockspring/spiral cassette | 2023 |
| Apr 2024 | 24V289000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2022–2023 |
| Apr 2024 | 24V291000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2023 |
| Jun 2024 | 24V434000 | seat belts: critical fasteners | 2023 |
| Jun 2024 | 24V436000 | back over prevention: sensing system: camera | 2021–2023 |
| Nov 2024 | 24V838000 | service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module | 2018–2019 |
| Nov 2024 | 24V897000 | air bags: side/window | 2021–2023 |
| Feb 2025 | 25V083000 | equipment: electrical: infotainment: video (touch)screen/monitor/unit | 2021–2022 |
| Jun 2025 | 25V430000 | visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: fan/motor | 2023 |
| Jul 2025 | 25V472000 | seats: mid/rear assembly: head restraint | 2023 |
| Sep 2025 | 25V576000 | electrical system: propulsion system | 2022–2023 |
| Oct 2025 | 25V741000 | electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery | 2022–2023 |
| Jan 2026 | 26V051000 | suspension: rear: springs: coil springs | 2021–2023 |
| May 2026 | 26V328000 | air bags: air bag/restraint control module: software | 2022–2023 |
| Sep 2026 | 26V562000 | suspension: rear: springs: coil springs | 2021–2023 |
What the free pages leave out on the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- The mileage where it happens, for the model year you are looking at.
- What the repair costs, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives: similar cars with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive.
- Open recalls on the actual car, by VIN.
Questions people ask about the Jeep Grand Cherokee
What are the worst years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
On engine and transmission complaints, the worst Jeep Grand Cherokee years are the 2017 (58% of relevant complaints, high), the 2016 (56% of relevant complaints, high) and the 2015 (48% of relevant complaints, high). 10 of 14 scored years are elevated in all.
What are the best years for the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
On engine and transmission complaints, the best Jeep Grand Cherokee years are the 2018 (27%), the 2013 (30%) and the 2023 (31%). That describes the model year; any one car still needs an inspection.
Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have engine problems?
In some years. Across the 14 scored years, 4,081 of 10,681 relevant NHTSA complaints (38%) concern the engine, transmission or fuel system; the largest drivetrain category is engine. The years with an elevated share are 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
On the engine and transmission it depends on the year: 10 of 14 Jeep Grand Cherokee years we score have an elevated complaint share and 4 do not. Pooled across those years, 38% of relevant complaints are about the drivetrain, against a 33% line for an elevated signal. Complaint data does not measure overall reliability, so pick the year first, then inspect the car.
Are there transmission or engine recalls on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes. NHTSA lists 15 recall campaigns involving the engine, transmission or fuel system across the Jeep Grand Cherokee years we track, out of 73 in total: 22V406000 (Jun 2022, 2014–2020), 23V411000 (Jun 2023, 2014–2020), 26V413000 (Jun 2026, 2022–2023), and earlier ones. Whether a car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Have the VIN?Paste it and get the full report for that car. First report free, then a 30-day pass covers a whole car search.
Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across model years, not the condition of any individual vehicle. Model years with fewer than 25 complaints are not scored.