How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

Jeep is one of the most influential vehicle brands in the world. The American manufacturer produces a number of capable SUV models, including the Wrangler, Compass, and Renegade. Out of all the different Jeep models, most people consider the Grand Cherokee as the brand’s flagship vehicle. This luxurious SUV has remained in the Jeep lineup for decades and has sold very well. But, what about their reliability? How long do Jeep Grand Cherokees last? If you have been looking for an answer, you have come to the right place.

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability
  • Years To Avoid
  • Maintenance Schedule
  • Final Verdict
  • FAQs

With vehicle prices skyrocketing day by day, their longevity has become an important factor buyers should consider before purchase. The longevity and reliability of a model can change due to several factors, including the model year, engine choice, and even trim level. In this article, we’ll tell you everything that you should consider before committing to a Grand Cherokee. With that out of the way, let’s head on to the first part of our discussion.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability

How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

When we look into the question “how long do Jeep Grand Cherokees last”, the first thing we should take a look at is the reliability of the SUV. Throughout the years, there have been several reliability issues with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Some of the most notable and widespread ones are:

  • Power Window Failure
  • Faulty Thermostat
  • Brake Rotor Warping
  • TIPM Issues
  • Keyless Remote Issues
  • Alternator Failure
  • Engine Stalls
  • Gear Shifting Problems
  • Faulty Ignition Switch

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #1 – Brake Rotor Warping

If there are any vibrations in the brake pedal or steering wheel in your Grand Cherokee when you hit the brakes, there is a good chance of your SUV suffering from front brake rotor warping. Excessive heat is the major cause of brake rotor warping.

This is a major safety issue, as it impacts the braking performance of the vehicle. And in an SUV as big as the Grand Cherokee, braking is really important. Warped front brake rotors will increase the distance it takes for you to stop your vehicle. Not only that, it makes the ride feel uncomfortable for the passengers too.

To remedy this issue, the warped brake rotors should be completely replaced with new ones. Moreover, there are more robust rotors you can install to make sure this issue never happens again.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #2 – Power Window Failure

Faulty power windows are another ubiquitous issue with Jeep Grand Cherokee models. The window at the driver’s seat is the most vulnerable to this problem. However, on some rare occasions, this can affect the rear windows too.

A TIPM failure, faulty power window motor, or issues with the seating bracket are the most common culprits. Replacing the relevant part will get rid of the issue.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #3 – Faulty Thermostat

Like most modern vehicles, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a thermostat that determines the engine temperature. A malfunctioning thermostat will cause your vehicle to overheat, reducing its lifespan.

However, diagnosing a faulty thermostat is relatively easy. You see, when this component goes bad, the check engine light on your dashboard will light up. Luckily for the owners, the thermostat is not an expensive component, and it is also easy to come by.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #4 – TIPM Issues

TIPM stands for Totally Integrated Power Module, which is a component that controls the Grand Cherokees’ electrical systems. It controls the fuel pump, power windows, and lights among other components. To fix a problematic TIPM, you’ll have to find a replacement module.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #5 – Keyless Remote Issues

The keyless remote is a useful feature that comes with modern Jeep models including the Grand Cherokee. The remote works together with the ignition system to start up the vehicle. Sometimes, a failure of the Wireless Control Module (WCM) will cause the signal to be lost. You can get rid of this problem by replacing the WCM.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #6 – Alternator Failure

If your Grand Cherokee is experiencing problems starting up, the issue is most certainly with the alternator. On some rare occasions, a faulty alternator can even cause engine fires, which is not a situation you want to be in.

On top of that, the anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control systems may seize to function because of the faulty alternator. A recall was issued for 2012 – 2014 Grand Cherokees to fix this issue.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #7 – Engine Stalls

As we mentioned earlier, the Totally Integrated Power Module of the Grand Cherokee controls the fuel pump of the SUV. If that module fails, the fuel supply to the engine would be cut off, causing it to stall. In some model years, the relays on the fuel pump were faulty too, leading to the same issue. 2011, 2012, and 2013 Grand Cherokees were affected by these engine stalls.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #8 – Gear Shifting Issues

Some Grand Cherokees made in 2014, 2015, and 2016 had problems with the transmission of the vehicle. The vehicles would not shift out of the park and neutral gears even if the driver wanted to do so. The issue was linked to a loose electrical connection, and over 30,000 recalls were issued to fix the issue in 2016 alone.

How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last #9 – Faulty Ignition Switch

On some Jeep models made in the late 2000s, the ignition switch shifted to the “off” position while it was being driven on the road. As you can guess, this had huge implications for safety. When the key was in this position, important safety systems like the airbags and power steering will be turned off.

How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

As you can see, there are many reliability problems with the Grand Cherokee you should be concerned about. With that in mind, let’s continue our look into the longevity of this popular SUV by talking about some of the most problematic model years you should probably avoid purchasing.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Years To Avoid

The Jeep Grand Cherokee first went on sale in 1993 and has been in constant production since then. During this decade-long production run, there have been some model years that had more reliability issues than others. If you want to know “how long do Jeep Grand Cherokees last”, you would also want to know the years to avoid. The most problematic Grand Cherokee years so far are,

  • 2005
  • 2011
  • 2014
  • 2015

Next, we will tell you all about what makes these models more unreliable than the rest.

1. 2005

The main issue with the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee was excessive wind noise. The noise set in at around 40mph and made driving the Grand Cherokee annoying for most passengers. Wheel bearings were the main source of this problem.

Various other components of the SUV, like the steering, brakes, transmission, fuel system as week as interior all had reliability issues. When taken as a whole, these issues make the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee a vehicle you should avoid purchasing at all costs.

2. 2011

Usually, the first model year of a new generation of any vehicle tends to have the most issues. This is certainly the case with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As the first model year of the iconic SUV’s fourth generation, it brought with it some never before seen issues to the lineup.

The lack of consumer testing was the main reason behind most of the issues. In total, the 2011 Grand Cherokee garnered more than 700 complaints about its unreliability, according to date from Car Complaints. The main issues that plagued this model year include TIPM issues, electrical problems, engine troubles as well as issues with the interior accessories.

In fact, the widespread TIPM issues even caused several lawsuits to be filed against Jeep too. As a result of its numerous issues, the 2011 Grand Cherokees were recalled six times.

2011 Recalls #1 – Corroded Brake Booster Shield

The first of these recalls happened in April 2014, to fix a faulty brake booster shield. You see, the center brake booster of early fourth-generation Grand Cherokees was known to corrode easily. When this happened, water would get inside the brake booster and freeze.

This would ultimately result in the brakes of the SUV malfunctioning. The Grand Cherokee was recalled again in the September of 2017 for the same issue.

2011 Recalls #2 – Vanity Lamp Wiring

Two recalls, one in 2014 and another in 2015, were issued to fix a short circuit in the wiring system leading up to the vanity lamp. If not fixed, this short circuit had the risk of setting the SUV on fire.

2011 Recalls #3 – Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

The TIPM is notorious for being a headache for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners. Unsurprisingly, this issue was present in the 2011 Grand Cherokee too. To fix the issue, the SUV was recalled in September 2014 and again in November 2019.

3. 2014

Jerky gear shifts were the main complaint of many 2014 Grand Cherokee owners. Additionally, some people injured themselves as a result of the SUV not shifting from drive to park, which made it roll while the engine was turned off.

With this model year, Jeep had changed the position of the gear shifter. Previously, the Grand Cherokee came with a conventional gear shift lever, but this generation shifted to an electronic version. This might have confused some owners, leading them to injure themselves by selecting the wrong gear.

A total of 12 recalls were issued for the 2014 Grand Cherokee Throughout the years. Let’s take a deeper dive into the most prominent ones.

2014 Recalls #1 – Acceleration Issues

Some Grand Cherokees were discovered to have a major issue with acceleration. Vehicles affected by this problem would keep accelerating even when the driver took their foot off the gas pedal, leading to accidents. The NHTSA issued a recall in 2014 to fix this problem.

2014 Recalls #2 – Problems With The Airbags

A fault in the Occupant Restraint Control (OCR) module caused the airbags on several 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees to malfunction, which resulted in a recall in October of the same year.

2014 Recalls #3 – Engine Trouble

Brake fluid leaks were another common problem among 2014 Grand Cherokees. This caused the brakes to fade or lose power completely.

2014 Recalls #4 – ESC Malfunction

Electronic Stability Control is a feature found in most modern SUVs, and the Grand Cherokee is no different. However, a software glitch in the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) disabled the ESC system on some vehicles. This caused some drivers to lose control of the vehicle and end up crashing their Grand Cherokees.

2014 Recalls #5 – Transmission Problmes

A recall was issued in April 2016 to fix a problem where some drivers experienced difficulties in shifting the vehicle to park mode.

2014 Recalls #6 – Alternator Faliure

Frequent vehicle stalls were commonplace in some Grand Cherokees due to alternator failure. The manufacturer recalled the SUV in October 2014 to fix the faulty alternator.

4. 2015

The final Jeep Grand Cherokee year we are going to discuss is 2015. Compared to the previous years, the number of complaints regarding the brakes and engine was relatively low. However, where the 2015 Grand Cherokee struggled was with its transmission system.

The transmission issues started to surface when the vehicle was around 12,000 miles. The first problem most owners encountered was unreliable shifting. This was a costly issue to fix, and the repair bill typically hovered around the $7500 mark. Other transmission-related issues with the 2015 model year included bad performance as well as shifting into the wrong gears.

As with the previous model years we discussed, the 2015 Grand Cherokee also faced some recalls. Here is a list of the most noteworthy ones.

2015 Recalls #1 – Brake Problems

The 2015 Grand Cherokee had 2 major problems with the brakes system. One was brake fluid leaking, while the other was the brake calipers breaking easily. The brakes are one of the most critical systems in any vehicle, so you shouldn’t be surprised when I say these two issues played a part in many 2015 Grand Cherokee crashes.

2015 Recalls #2 – Suspension Issues

The rear suspension of some Grand Cherokees had faulty lower control arms that caused fractures in the components. As a result, the SUVs might have a lower ride height, reduced brake efficiency as well as issues with rear stability.

2015 Recalls #3 – Electronic Problems

Software issues had the risk of giving unauthorized access to the vehicle’s control systems to attackers. This issue was fixed through a recall in July 2015.

2015 Recalls #4 – Faulty Wiring

An issue with the wiring system of the SUV had the effect of preventing the drivers from turning off the cruise control feature. A recall in May 2018 took care of this problem.

As you can see, there were many problems with the 2005, 2011, 2014, and 2015 model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you want a Grand Cherokee that lasts the longest, it is better to avoid these 3 model years.

Best Grand Cherokee Year

There are some Jeep Grand Cherokee models that have great reliability too. Some of the longest-lasting model years of this family SUV are,

  • 2008
  • 2009
  • 2010
  • 2016
  • 2018
  • 2019

1. 2008

Many critics consider 2008 to be the best Jeep Grand Cherokee year yet. The interiors were luxurious, and there were plenty of engine choices. Among them, the 4.7-liter V8 had 24 percent more power than earlier and was more fuel efficient too. 2008 Grand Cherokees have been documented to have reached as much as 300,000 miles, which is a great testament to their reliability.

2. 2009

In terms of reliability, capability, and fuel efficiency, only a few other SUVs can hold a candle to the 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Be it a blizzard or a desert, you can count on the 2009 Grand Cherokee to take you through it. Better yet, these well-built SUVs can easily reach the 200,000-mile mark without any significant trouble.

3. 2010

The reliability of the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee is just as great as the two years that preceded it. It came with a double wishbone suspension setup that gave a smoother ride over rough terrain. Additionally, you’ll be glad to hear that there were no significant recalls or issues related to this model year.

4. 2016

The 2016 model came with one of the most impressive and luxurious interior designs ever offered on an American SUV. The ride was quiet, comfortable, and stable. Not only that, the 2016 Grand Cherokee could handle anything you threw at it, thanks to its powerful engine offerings and off-road features.

5. 2018

A 7-inch touch screen with creature comforts like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a cabin clad in fabrics that are soft to the touch made the interior of the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee a nice place to be in. Not only that, this was the first year of the Grand Cherokee to come in the Trackhawk trim, which had a monstrous 700 horsepower engine under the hood.

How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

The 2018 Grand Cherokee came with a variety of engine choices, so there is sure to be a perfect fit for you. Powerful V8 engines, an efficient V6 as well as a unique turbo-diesel engine were all on offer.

6. 2019

Starting at around $32000, the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the go-to choice if you want an SUV that is capable both on the road and off it. What’s more is that with the Grand Cherokees’ great seating capacity, you’ll be able to take your whole family on an adventure with you!

2019 saw the introduction of the Trailhawk trim level which is specially designed for those who love to go off the beaten path. It came with a specially designed four-wheel drive system that increased the capability tenfold. Under the hood was a 3.6 liter V6 putting out 295 horsepower, and paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, made the Trailhawk a must-have vehicle for all off-road lovers.

If you are in the market for a reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee, be sure to go for one of the above model years. We are sure that you won’t be disappointed!

Jeep Grand Cherokee Maintenance Schedule

Sticking to the maintenance schedule is a must if you want your Grand Cherokee to last a long time. The average maintenance cost of this American family SUV is around $700. The first scheduled maintenance should be done after 6 months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. The engine oil, oil filter, and tires will all be changed during this maintenance.

When the Grand Cherokee reaches the 15,000-mile mark, the second service should be completed. On top of what was done at the first maintenance, the brake pads will be checked as well. Similarly, the third scheduled maintenance should be completed at 30,000 miles. The mechanic will replace your tires at this point too.

Along with the tire replacement, the spark plugs, engine air filter, drive belts as well as spark plugs will also be replaced with new parts. Additionally, the current transmission fluid will be flushed out and replaced with some new fluid. At the 90,000 mark, the engine coolant and the shock absorbers of the Grand Cherokee must be replaced.

Final Verdict

The answer to the question “how long do Jeep Grand Cherokees last” ultimately comes down to how you maintain your vehicle. With proper maintenance, the Grand Cherokee will serve you reliably for many years.

How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

However, keep in mind to avoid purchasing Grand Cherokees made in the worst years we mentioned above, as these models have several major reliability issues.

FAQs On How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last

Are Jeep Grand Cherokees Reliable

Since its introduction, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been one of the most capable vehicles on the road. With proper maintenance, this SUV has great reliability. However, some years have well-known reliability problems, so it is best to avoid them.

How Long Does A Jeep Grand Cherokee Last

The average lifespan of a Jeep Grand Cherokee is around 200,000 miles. Some of these SUVs have been recorded to reach as much as 300,000 miles.

How Many Miles Does A Jeep Last

The reliability of a Jeep depends on several factors including mileage, powertrain, and model year. Typically, these vehicles last around 200,000 miles.

Is Jeep Grand Cherokee A Good Car

With handsome looks, a luxurious interior, and capable powertrain options, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs on the market. If you want to take your family on an off trails adventure, this is the vehicle for you.

How Long Is A Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV. It is 189.8 inches long, 76.5 inches wide and 69.3 inches tall.

Approved Tools

These tools have been tried and tested by our team, they are ideal for fixing your car at home.

How many miles can a grand cherokee jeep last

What is a lot of miles for a Jeep Grand Cherokee?

What is this? Looking at the data above, we can say that a Jeep Grand Cherokee can provide you up to 300,000 miles of use. In fact, there are even those that can reach more than 300K. Nevertheless, professionals suggest that it is best to purchase a Grand Cherokee that has less than 300,000 mileage.

At what mileage do Jeep Grand Cherokees have problems?

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a Reliable Road Beast, but Hitting 150,000 Miles of Longevity May Be a Challenge. There are Jeep Grand Cherokees with 150,000 or more miles.

Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee a reliable car?

Jeep is generally not recognized for its reliability, landing in 19th place among major automakers in J.D. Power's 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. Despite these mediocre results, many Grand Cherokee owners raved about the SUV's reliability and ease of use.

How many miles does a Jeep engine last?

A well-maintained Jeep Wrangler should be able to last up to 200,000 miles, even though it may not have the highest reliability rating in the compact or midsize SUV segment. A key part of its longevity is the 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine that has been standard equipment on the 2012 to 2021 Jeep Wrangler.