Jeep Cherokee Reliability: How Long Do Jeep Cherokees Last?

Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:04 am

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a series of SUVs marketed and manufactured by Jeep for over five generations. The Cherokee has changed from a full-sized SUV to a compact SUV and then into a crossover SUV for its current age. 

Cherokee is famous for its lifestyle branding and off-roading skills. It has a 4500-pound max towing capacity which means it can pull more than its peers. 

Jeep Cherokee is a luxury SUV and lasts long to match its value but is it reliable? Go through the article to learn more about Jeep Cherokee Reliability. 

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Specifications of a Jeep Cherokee

The Cherokee has a gas-type engine and provides a horsepower of 271 hp at 6500 RPM. Valve timing is variable and uses 24 valves.

This vehicle offers a combined MPG of 22 mpg and can withhold 15.8 gallons of regular unleaded fuel. Within the city, you can take the car up to 19 mpg, and on the highway, it can go up to 27 mpg. 

Like any regular Jeep model, the Cherokee can seat five passengers in total. It has a maximum cargo space of 68.2 cubic feet. 

A basic warranty of 3 years or 36,000 miles is offered to any new purchases of a Jeep Cherokee.

How Long Do Jeep Cherokees Last?

Some previous Jeep Cherokee models last well beyond 200,000 miles while the others meet their markers at around 150,000 miles. 

The Cherokee is a well-built model with longevity as a quality, much unlike sports cars which quickly run out of style. 

Newer models of the Cherokee can last up to 300,000 miles, and on average, a vehicle is a durable option for about 20 years.

Jeep Cherokee Reliability: Are Jeep Cherokees reliable?

The Cherokee is one of Jeep’s best-selling vehicles on the market. Even though the Cherokee has a good reputation, it was not entirely reliable for the past couple of years.

2019 model year of the Cherokee received a reliability rating of only 2 out of 5 as reported by Consumer Reports.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee got a reliability score of 3 out of 5, and the 2020 Cherokee got 2 out of 5, proving that newer models are more reliable. 

Reliability Scores of the Jeep Cherokee and Other Vehicles

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How Long Does the Jeep Cherokee Last Compared to Other Vehicles?

In this section, we will compare the Jeep Cherokee with similar vehicles. 

Jeep Cherokee vs. Toyota RAV4

The Toyota RAV4 is a well-known compact SUV that is affordable and offers plenty of features that buyers will appreciate.

When it comes to mileage, the Toyota RAV4 takes the lead with lasting up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles, and the Jeep Cherokee stays behind with 200,000 miles. 

Annual maintenance and service cost for a RAV4 is $429 on average, and the Cherokee requires $520 for servicing. 

Regarding reliability, the score is 4 out of 5 for Cherokee and RAV4, as reported by RepairPal. This proves that both cars are pretty reliable.

J.D. Power rated the cars in terms of quality and reliability, where RAV4 receives 79 out of 100, and so does the Cherokee. 

The Cherokee boasts higher tow ratings, but cargo space in the RAV4 is more spacious. 

Jeep Cherokee vs. Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a versatile SUV with advanced technology, safety, and a roomy interior. 

A well-maintained Subaru Forester will not face any problem lasting up to 300,000 miles, whereas a Jeep Cherokee can only go for 200,000 miles. 

Subaru Forester’s maintenance cost can go as high as $632 per year, and for the Cherokee, only $520 annually will do. 

When Subaru Forester comes to being judged by RepairPal for its reliability, Forester gets 3.5 out of 5, and Cherokee receives 4 out of 5. 

According to J.D. Power, Forester gets an impressive score of 82 out of 100, and Cherokee scores 79 out of 100 in terms of quality and reliability. 

The Forester comes with a standard all-wheel drive while cheaper than the Cherokee.

Jeep Cherokee vs. Ford Escape

The Ford Escape is a crossover SUV produced by Ford since 2000 and has produced over four generations.

A Ford Escape is expected to last for about 150,000 to 200,000 miles, on par with the Jeep Cherokee. 

The annual maintenance cost for a Ford Escape is $600, and for the Cherokee, you have to pay $520. 

RepairPal rates both Escape and Cherokee 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability.

As for J.D. Power, the Ford Escape manages to get a 77 out of 100, which is close to the score of Jeep Cherokee, 79 out of 100 for quality and reliability. 

The Cherokee is better for pulling heavy loads, but for a spacious interior, the Escape wins.

Comparison Chart

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Best and Worst Years for the Jeep Cherokee

In this part, we will talk about the model years of Jeep Cherokee to buy and which to avoid.

Best Years

As reported by Hot Cars, the 2010 Jeep Cherokee is a great option. It has the 3.7-liter Powertech V6 engine, which is excellent and reliable. 

The third generation of Cherokee, from 2002 to 2013, was the first to use a rack and pinion steering system. 

The 2018 model of Cherokee is cheaper than other options but does not skimp on quality. It is a durable car which lives up to the reputation. 

Worst Years

The 2011 Cherokee received 752 complaints and serves as the worst model year. It has 281 reports about electrical issues, 136 complaints on the engine, and 39 suspension complaints. 

The last generation of the third generation came with many transmissions, suspension, and fuel economy issues. Avoid the 2012 Jeep Cherokee models.

2014 Cherokee received 482 complaints, mostly about transmission issues. It also had interior accessory issues and also engine trouble. 

 Jeep Cherokee Model Years and Reliability Ratings 

 Is the Jeep Cherokee Expensive to Maintain?

When talking about maintaining a Jeep, the expense is one of the more significant issues as Jeeps usually have a higher maintenance cost. The Cherokee has an expense of $520 annually for maintenance which is not high-cost.

Below is listed some of the Jeep Cherokee repair and replacement parts and their estimated cost. 

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How Long Does the Jeep Cherokee Tires Last? 

A set of good quality tires, also known as highway tires, will last between 40,000 to 60,000 miles or up to 6 years of usage. Off-road tires last for about 50,000 miles or five years. 

Keep the tire pressure in the recommended range and check it often. Get the leaks repaired soon and replace the valve caps now and then.

How Long Do the Jeep Cherokee Batteries Last?

The battery life of a Jeep Cherokee will last for 3 to 5 years but varies depending on driving habits, weather conditions, type of battery, and battery size. 

Getting a battery replaced will cost about $110 to $140 and labor would add some extra cost. 

How Long Does the Jeep Cherokee Engines Last?

V6 engines in the Cherokee are pretty weak and only supports average performance. Jeep engines last for about 150,000 miles before needing extensive repairs. 

Simple maintenance tasks such as replacing the engine oil can make your vehicle’s engine last much longer than anticipated. 

Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Jeep Cherokee

• Store your vehicle under a shade to protect it from unknown elements. 
• Have a mechanic inspect your car regularly to look for any damages. 
• Wash the vehicle often to get rid of dirt and grime. 
• Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles. 
• Limit short trips which do not let the engine cool down completely. 
• Look for signs of rust and corrosion. 
• Take your car for maintenance as scheduled.

We hope you have learned about a Jeep Cherokee from this article. 

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