Here Are The Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid [2025]

A mid-size SUV was introduced to the market by Jeep in 1974, known as the Cherokee. The advanced technologies and powerful performance of the vehicle made it a popular choice in the future. Known for its versatile design and exceptional off-road performance, Jeep Cherokee is one of the most popular Jeep models.

A renowned SUV for its durability and high performance, the Jeep Cherokee boasts a comfortable design and modern technologies. A first-generation Jeep Cherokee was introduced in 1974, and a fourth-generation Jeep Cherokee was released in 2014.

There have been recalls and negative customer ratings for some Jeep Cherokee models, even though the Jeep Cherokee performs well. The Jeep Cherokee model years that are most commonly complained about should be avoided if you are considering buying one.

There are four years of the Jeep Cherokee that rank among the worst in terms of recall numbers, problems counted, reliability ratings, and customer reviews: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019.

It is possible to rank Jeep Cherokees from best to worst year models like other car manufacturers. Jeep Cherokee model years 2010 to 2021 are considered the best based on these factors: 2010, 2011, 2018, 2020, and 2021.

Our analysis of the reliability rating, problem counts, consumer reviews, and recall numbers by year has provided more details about the worst and best years for Jeep Cherokees.

Our team of experts has compiled a list of the best and worst Jeep Cherokee years.

Here Are The Jeep Cherokee Years to Avoid

The best year for a particular model should be avoided before purchasing. Only a few brands can assure that all their models are manufactured without mechanical problems, faulty parts, or disturbing conditions.

Before purchasing, you should be aware of the avoidable model year of the brand you intend to buy. It is considered to be the latest version of Jeep Cherokee’s 4th generation SUVs, which were launched from 2014 to the present. Jeep Cherokee models from the following years are considerably worse:

2014 Jeep Cherokee

In 2014, Jeep Cherokees had some mechanical issues, making them one of the most problematic years of the Jeep Cherokee model. Even though it is powered by a V6 engine, which performs well, the transmission continues to experience problems. The 2014 Jeep Cherokee has some flaws due to its status as the first fourth generation SUV. These include engine failure, transmission problems, a smaller interior, faulty mechanisms, and other electrical malfunctions.

• KBB rating: 3.7 Out of 5
• U.S. News rating: 7.5 Out of 10
• Cars.com rating: 4.2 Out of 5

2015 Jeep Cherokee

Jeep Cherokee model year 2015 has electrical issues and battery draining issues that make it less reliable. If the vehicle is involved in an accident or a dangerous situation, there is a possibility that it might leak oil and have faulty parts. Unfortunately, repairing these damaged parts is very expensive. If the throttle position sensor is faulty, the engine cannot be started and speed cannot be increased.

• U.S. News rating: 7.2 Out of 10
• Cars.com rating: 4.4 Out of 5

2016 Jeep Cherokee

There are transmission problems associated with the Jeep Cherokee this year, including rough gear shifting, transmission failures, and trouble shifting. The 2014 and 2015 models have improved some features, but they still suffer from software and sensor failures. It is caused by these problems that the transmissions fail and trouble is experienced when shifting gears in driving mode or parking mode. In 2016, Jeep Cherokee owners often experience problems with their alternators, airbags, infotainment systems, and visibility.

• KBB rating: 3.6 Out of 5
• U.S. News rating: 7.4 Out of 10
• Cars.com: 4.5 Out of 5

2017 Jeep Cherokee

Almost all of the problems with the 2017 Jeep Cherokee are the same as those with the 2016 model year. There are many issues owners face when shifting transmissions, such as rough shifting, irregular shifting, and strange noises while shifting, and sometimes the engine does not start. Due to the SUV’s weight and size, the engine often can’t handle its size properly, so it has to work harder.

• KBB rating: 3.9 Out of 5
• U.S. News rating: 7.6 Out of 10
• Cars.com: 4.6 Out of 5

2019 Jeep Cherokee

There are many disturbances that may occur in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, such as problems with the gear-changing system, issues with the engine, suspension problems, strange noises coming from the engine, and software issues with the engine. It is not uncommon for the engine to suddenly turn off and be unable to be restarted. There may be severe expenses associated with the repair of these problematic modules due to these issues. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee is one of the model years you should avoid buying because of this.

• KBB rating: 3.9 Out of 5
• U.S. News rating: 7.3 Out of 10
• Cars.com: 4.6 Out of 5

Jeep Cherokee Reliability by Year

Jeep Cherokee SUVs are among the most reliable SUVs on the market. It is generally reliable for most of the years of the 4th generation, but there are some model years which are less reliable than others. Research and some factors influence the reliability ratings published by various sources.

Here is a table indicating Jeep Cherokee model year reliability ratings from registered sources including RepairPal, Edmunds, and J.D. Power:

According to these lists, the worst-year models of the Jeep Cherokee achieve the lowest reliability ratings, while the best-year models achieve the highest ratings.

Jeep Cherokee Problem Counts by Years

Model year problem counts are essential for clarity of performance status because they reveal the number of problems experienced during a model year. It is important to take a look at the problem counts of the Jeep Cherokee models to get a sense of the most frequent and frequent problems as well as the severity of the problems, just like the reliability ratings for the model years, if you want to know which years are the worst or avoidable.

Counting problems will also help you figure out which years will be less problematic and which will be more problematic. Below you’ll find a list of trusted sources publishing Jeep Cherokee problem count reports, including NHSTA and CarComplaints.

N.B.: The (*) marks indicate years with serious issues that need to be repaired at great expense.

There are several problematic years on the list, which should be avoided because of their severity and frequency. Furthermore, it provides a sense of the less problematic years without as many problems and with a smaller severity.

5 Most Common Problems with Jeep Cherokee

It is not unusual for Jeep Cherokees to encounter some common and frequent problems and issues. In the Jeep Cherokee bad years, most of these complaints are evident. In most models, there are five common, more severe, and more frequent problems: 

1. Major Transmission Issues

A transmission problem is one of the most common and most expensive problems to fix. Most serious damage to a vehicle is caused by transmission failure, rough shifting, engine shut-downs, stalled engines and problems with software modules. CarComplaints.com reports that Jeep Cherokee owners complain about transmission problems most frequently.

2. Faulty Throttle Position Sensor

RepairPal reports that 50 users have complained about throttle position sensor issues. Drivability issues occur as a result of this problem, including difficulty starting and accelerating. The throttle position sensor may need to be replaced once it fails. It may also need to be replaced if the issues created by it need to be resolved.

3. Noises and Oil Leakage

The fuel system may cause strange noises from the engine sometimes. A leaking fuel tank can lead to unpleasant odors inside the vehicle, as well as a rough shift and engine troubles. It is also a problem to have transmission junk. A fuel tank can leak or be defective, resulting in noises from the engine when it can’t be filled properly. Vehicles are less durable and longer-lasting if they leak fluid.    

4. Electrical System Issues

In addition to suspension and alternator problems, ignition problems, wiring harness issues, control module malfunctions, and software problems, the electrical system can also malfunction. Among the models recalled for electrical system problems are the 2014 and 2019 models. The car’s operating systems sometimes shut down while it is in drive mode, making it impossible to operate properly.

5. Interior Accessories Issues

Drained batteries or faulty components cause GPS systems, radios, battery indicators, locking mechanisms, transmission lights, airbags, and other interior accessories systems to fail. Due to electrical issues, the heater and air conditioner also have problems. CarComplaints and NHTSA have received many complaints about these components. In order to fix these issues, a number of recalls have been conducted.

The drivetrain, battery, brakes, lights, exhaust system, and others, all of which may become severe at times through excessive use, can also occur. Jeep Cherokee’s most severe and frequent problems are transmission and engine issues, and these problems are also expensive to fix.

Jeep Cherokee Recalls by Year

There are times when NHTSA and vehicle manufacturer companies grant recalls for faulty components related to different issues. Some recalls were also issued for the Jeep Cherokee from manufacturers and other organizations, and most of them were issued during the worst year for the Jeep Cherokee.

Here is a list of the recall numbers and problematic components for model years recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

Best Years for Jeep Cherokee

The worst or avoidable years of the Jeep Cherokee have been discussed, so let’s talk about the best years that you should prioritize when purchasing. The most reliable and best years of the Jeep Cherokee are based on the reliability ratings, problem counts, consumer reviews, safety ratings, and expert ratings:

2010 Jeep Cherokee

There is no doubt that the 2010 Jeep Cherokee excels off-road and has excellent fuel economy. Due to its Hemi-V8 engine, this year was able to handle a good amount of horsepower. There are quite a few positive comments from owners about this model year when it comes to safety, reliability, and owner reviews.

2011 Jeep Cherokee

There is no doubt that the 2011 Jeep Cherokee provides a great deal of comfort and style. A new design and renovation have been made this year, which makes it very attractive and comfortable. It is an impressive driving machine, and this year’s model has improved owner reviews.

2018 Jeep Cherokee

The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a user-friendly interior system and offers an off-road performance that is unmatched by other models. The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has an Edmunds rating of 8 out of 10, indicating a positive expert assessment. In addition, the model’s driving, comfort, interior, and utility ratings are high enough to make it one of the best models.

2020 Jeep Cherokee

As far as reliability and ease of use go, this is the most reliable and least problematic model to choose from, along with great safety ratings. This lightweight vehicle is perfectly suited to its V6 engine for driving off-road. The device is versatile and user-friendly, which is why it has fewer recalls in NHTSA and other organizations. 

Compared with other models, the Jeep Cherokee has relatively low maintenance and repair costs, which has made it more appealing in recent years. There are few recalls for these years due to their versatile design and spacious interior, both of which are made with flawless finishes by the manufacturer. As with the previous model year, there are fewer 2020 Jeep Cherokee problems than in the past.

How Many Miles Can a Jeep Cherokee Last?

It is possible to cover 100,000 miles in the new Jeep Cherokee generation and go up to 175,000 miles in the latest model. Maintaining it well and following proper guidelines will help it reach its maximum limit. There are some recent models that have higher mileage limits than average.

A Jeep Cherokee with a V6 engine that has been well maintained and equipped should last 18 to 24 years without experiencing any major issues. Modern Jeep Cherokees have bad engine problems and rough usage, which can lead to them running out of gas faster than expected. Previous generations made so many model years that were conservatively used for such a long time.

Are Jeep Cherokee Reliable?

Jeep Cherokees are usually reliable since their annual maintenance costs are not much higher than their annual ownership costs.  Some Jeep Cherokee model years do not have too much recurring maintenance costs, regardless of their model year.

The most reliable SUVs are often the ones with engine problems and mechanical problems, as indicated by the reliability ratings. Some of the model years, however, perform incredibly well and have fewer issues, are more durable, and have a high performance standard.

The Cherokee is ranked 9th out of 26 models in terms of reliability, which shows how reliable this SUV is. Due to the Jeep Cherokee’s reliability, problems and issues are not very frequent, which makes it one of the Jeep brand’s most reliable SUVs.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Review

There is no driving situation where the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk won’t be ideal. A key feature of the model is its rugged look and off road capabilities. With its powerful engine, better AWD, and suspension designed for off-road use, this vehicle is a great choice. The interior is as comfortable as the outside, despite how it looks from the outside.

With the vehicle, you’ll find comfortable seating, an easy-to-use infotainment system, and many safety features. Compared to Trailhawk, Trailhawk has a smaller fuel tank, which makes it noisy when driving on rough terrain. The bike is a good choice for adventurers and off-road lovers, but not for regular users.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Common Problems

It has been known for many years that Cherokee Trailhawk models have a few problems. There have been many problems related to transmissions, electrical, PTUs, oil leaks, and thermostats during the problematic years. An overview of these problems can be found in the chart below:

A number of problems are related to transmissions, electrical systems, and power transfer units. There have not been any other problems with all model years.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Reliability

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawks have a long history of being rugged off-roaders. However, reliability must be considered based on problems, ratings, and recalls. The 2014 to 2017 model years have a few problems.

In problematic years, there are issues with PTUs, transmissions, and electrical systems. While older models had problems, newer models have shown promise. In comparison to older Trailhawks, the newer vehicles offer more power and reliability. In this case, it is better to do your research well before purchasing and to avoid the problematic years.

Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Years to Avoid

Trailhawk models have been inspected for all years and the worst years have been determined. Model years 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 of the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk shouldn’t be considered. The reliability rating for these years is lower, with the most complaints.

In addition, the user ratings and recalls indicate that these years are not so great. Although, there is a noticeable improvement in performance and reliability with newer model years. Hence, it is advisable to steer clear of these models and instead focus on those that are newer.

Jeep Cherokee Latitude Review

Jeep Cherokee Latitude is an all-round compact SUV that features a multidimensional design. If you want comfort when driving, this is the vehicle for you. There is a 2.4L i4 engine under the hood, which delivers good performance. It is fuel-efficient and quiet powerful as a smaller engine.

With a spacious interior, comfortable seating, a powerful safety system, and an advanced infotainment system, this car offers a great driving experience. There are two safety features on the vehicle: blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning.

Cherokee trims with this trim do not have the best off-road performance, but they do perform well on and off-road. Latitude is a good choice for those who are looking for a family vehicle with comfortable commuting features.

Jeep Cherokee Latitude Common Problems

The Cherokee Latitude’s Trailhawk and Limited trims suffer from the same problems. Vehicles with Latitude models have transmission faulty, thermostat faulty, PTU faulty, oil leak faulty, and electrical faults faulty. In detail, let’s look at these problems:

There is no doubt that the 9-speed automatic transmission is the most problematic of all these problems. It is most common to see these issues in older problematic years. Some vehicles are only affected by other problems.

Jeep Cherokee Latitude Reliability

In spite of its incapacity for off-roading, this vehicle is an excellent choice for a family vehicle. Vehicles manufactured from 2014 to 2016 have a number of problems that hinder their reliability. Most transmission problems occur in the transmission system. However, the newer models are considered very reliable and have fewer issues.

A Jeep Cherokee Latitude model year 2018 and later would be a good choice if you are looking for one. Whether you are commuting on a daily basis or taking minimal off-road excursions, this vehicle can fulfill your needs.

Jeep Cherokee Latitude Years to Avoid

From 2014 to 2016, Cherokee Latitude received the most complaints, reliability ratings, and user reviews. In addition to CarComplaints and NHTSA complaints, we also examine reliability reports from J.D. Power and KBB.

There have been the most complaints and bad reviews for Latitude models from 2014 to 2016. The transmissions of these model years have been plagued with problems. There are also electrical problems and oil leaks. It is still advisable to avoid these models, even though most of these issues were resolved in the later years.

Jeep Cherokee Limited Review

There is a strong combination of power and style in Jeep Cherokee Limited trim. A V6 engine provides great performance for the SUV. There are a number of premium features available on the Limited trim, including leather seats, more space inside, the latest infotainment system, and advanced safety features.

A smooth ride is provided by the Limited, both on and off road. A balanced fuel economy is one of the advantages of this engine, along with its strong performance off-road. When it comes to all-purpose SUVs with luxurious interiors and look, a Cherokee Limited is an excellent choice.

Jeep Cherokee Limited Common Problems

As with the Latitude and Trailhawk, the Jeep Cherokee Limited exhibits the same issues. There are problems with electrics, PTUs, and thermostats on problematic models of the vehicles that have a 9-speed transmission. We have not provided a chart here since the problems are similar. Those models with Limited transmissions from 2014-2016 have the most problems.

Vehicles with automatic transmissions are notorious for having transmission problems. It is common to experience rough shifting, hesitation, sudden jerking, etc., due to transmission issues. In electrical issues, intermittent power loss, bad sensors, and electrical wiring are common problems. The rest of the issues are minor and only appear after a couple of model years.

Jeep Cherokee Limited Reliability

There have been mixed reviews regarding different parts of Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. Reviewers complain about transmission problems, electrical problems, and problems with the PTU. Although users liked the V6 engine’s performance, comfort, off-roading, and safety features, it was the engine’s performance and comfort that caught their attention. Furthermore, most of the problems were resolved with the newer models.

The vehicle performs well under all conditions and with regular maintenance, according to user reports. Therefore, newer models are more reliable because of their improvements and positive feedback. Consequently, Limited trim is a good choice for Jeep Cherokee SUV buyers who desire luxurious features and good performance.

Jeep Cherokee Limited Years to Avoid

In order to determine which trim is most appropriate for different model years, we have conducted research. As a result of the data, the 2014, 2015, and 2016 model years of the Jeep Cherokee Limited are best avoided. There are the most complaints about these models and their reliability ratings are the lowest.

Moreover, the recall rate is higher for the model years due to the poor user experience. There are a number of avoidable years like the Cherokee Latitude trim levels. As well as the problematic years, they have similar ones. The Cherokee in these years is not reliable in any way, so you should avoid them at all costs.

Read: Best And Worst Jeep XJ Years
Read: Here Are The Dodge RAM 1500 Years To Avoid
Read: Here Are The Jeep Wrangler Years To Avoid
Read: Here Are The Dodge Durango Years To Avoid
Read: Here Are The Ford Edge Years To Avoid
Read: Here Are The Hyundai Elantra Years To Avoid
Read: The Toyota Sienna’s Best And Worst Model Years
Read: Best & Worst Acura MDX Years
Read: Best & Worst Honda Pilot Years
Read: Here Are The Honda CR-V Years To Avoid

FAQs

What are the worst years for the Jeep Cherokee to avoid?

There are four worst model years for the Jeep Cherokee: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. There are the lowest ratings from users and experts for these years. According to CarComplaints and NHTSA, complaints are higher. It is below average for these years in terms of reliability ratings, and there is a high recall rate. Newer models have solved most issues from these worst years, and most of these worst years are among the older models. As a result, you should avoid these models as there are more reliable and newer Cherokees to choose from.

What year of Jeep Cherokee should I avoid?

It is highly recommended that you avoid the 2014 Jeep Cherokee at all costs. In CarComplaints there are 735 complaints, and in NHTSA there are 2240 complaints. In addition to J.D Power’s reliability rating of 71 out of 100, Repairpal gives this model a reliability rating of 4 out of 5. There have been 13 recalls associated with this model year. It has a higher number of complaints and recalls than all the problematic years, and has a lower reliability rating than all of them. In other words, you should avoid the 2014 model year as much as possible.

Is a Jeep Cherokee a good car?

There is no doubt that Jeep Cherokee is a favorite among SUV enthusiasts. In addition to its off-roading capabilities, the vehicle has powerful engine options, luxurious modern features, and safety features. From a balanced Latitude model to an elegant Limited model, the vehicle is available in a wide range of trim levels. The majority of models except those from 2014-2017 have a good reliability rating. To answer your question, Jeep Cherokee is indeed a good vehicle.

What is the biggest problem with Jeep Cherokee?

In the Cherokee, the transmission is the most problematic component. There are a lot of transmission problems with 2014-2016 models. Many problems have been reported with the 9-speed automatic transmission in these model years. There are issues with the transmission reported by the owner, including rough shifting, hesitation, sudden jerking, power loss, and non-responsive behavior. Negative criticism regarding the SUV’s reliability has been caused by these transmission problems.

What are the most common problems with a 2017 Jeep Cherokee?

The 2017 Jeep Cherokee is most commonly affected by engine stalls, transmission problems, excessive oil consumption, electrical issues, airbag issues, etc. The most common of these problems include excessive oil consumption, transmission problems, and engine stalling. It is important to note that electrical and airbag problems occur only in a small number of vehicles and are not as severe as these major problems.