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Jeep Cherokee Problems

The Jeep Cherokee has had two distinct identities: the legendary XJ (1984-2001) and the modern KL (2014-present). With 40,562 complaints and 60 reported deaths, the modern Cherokee has struggled to live up to its predecessor's reputation. The XJ remains one of the most reliable SUVs ever built, while the KL generation has been plagued with transmission problems.

40,562
Total Complaints
66
Total Recalls
33
Model Years
60
Reported Deaths
!

Years to Avoid

These years have significantly more complaints than average.

2019 2017 2016
✓

Best Years

These years have the fewest reported problems.

1973 1978 1980

Common Problem Categories

Power Train 10,416
Electrical System 4,690
Engine 4,216
Unknown Or Other 3,422
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 2,766

Complaints by Model Year

All Model Years

Year ↓ Complaints Recalls Crashes Fires Rating
2023 6 0 4 0 Good
2022 112 2 4 0 Good
2021 322 3 30 16 Good
2020 594 2 20 12 Good
2019 4,310 10 128 56 Avoid
2018 1,870 7 34 12 Below Average
2017 3,692 6 82 16 Avoid
2016 3,978 9 98 44 Avoid
2015 5,236 11 160 94 Avoid
2014 7,834 13 188 68 Avoid
2006 36 0 0 0 Good
2001 658 0 66 50 Average
2000 1,016 0 64 146 Average
1999 1,032 0 98 68 Average
1998 1,106 0 84 10 Average
1997 992 0 120 14 Average
1996 1,168 1 144 60 Average
1995 1,464 1 220 22 Average
1994 1,236 1 136 28 Average
1993 1,142 0 120 34 Average
1992 350 0 42 14 Good
1991 594 0 28 22 Good
1990 736 0 36 24 Average
1989 574 0 26 38 Good
1988 236 0 8 14 Good
1987 144 0 8 14 Good
1986 52 0 6 2 Good
1985 48 0 4 0 Good
1984 16 0 2 2 Good
1981 2 0 0 0 Good
1980 2 0 0 0 Good
1978 2 0 0 0 Good
1973 2 0 0 0 Good

Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid

The 2014 Cherokee KL is the worst model year, introducing the troublesome ZF 9-speed automatic transmission that suffered from harsh shifting, hesitation, and premature failure. The 2015-2017 models continued transmission issues despite multiple software updates attempting to fix the problems. The 2019 Cherokee added a new 2.0L turbo engine that brought oil consumption complaints alongside the persistent 9-speed issues. The 2000-2001 XJ models, while generally reliable, saw increased head gasket failures in the 4.0L engine during its final years. Avoid any 2014-2018 Cherokee with high mileage unless the transmission has been replaced.

Best Jeep Cherokee Years

The 1978-1983 SJ Cherokees established the nameplate with rugged durability. The 1996-1999 XJ Cherokees are the sweet spot, combining the refined 4.0L engine with improved interiors and the XJ's legendary reliability. The 2020-2022 KL models show improvement as Jeep finally sorted out the 9-speed transmission calibration.

Frequently Asked Questions