Jeep is not a manufacturer you would generally link with reliable cars. One undeniable thing is that their vehicles provide almost unrivaled off-road ability. Jeeps are capable of navigating some of the most challenging environments on earth, often with ease. However, when it comes to reliability, their record is slightly harder to praise. Many of the models produced by Jeep over the years have had frustrating mechanical and electrical issues.
Despite this, the brand has a die-hard fan base who worship Jeep and the cars it produces. Many people would never consider driving anything else, and accept the potential issues as part of the ownership experience. There are many forums and owners clubs, where like-minded owners can get together and work through any difficulties. There is a genuine social aspect, and while most would wish for a trouble-free vehicle, an engaging hobby can develop.
For those less mechanically minded, it makes sense to stick to those models which fare more favorably in terms of reliability. This is especially true for those buying used cars, without the backup of a manufacturer's warranty. Here are 10 of the most reliable Jeeps on the used market.
We used top sites like J.D. Power, RepairPal, and CarEdge to find some of the most reliable Jeep models on the used market.
10 2018 Jeep Cherokee
Reliability Score: 84/100
The practical and capable Cherokee was first introduced back in 1974. A thoroughly updated second-generation model came to market in 1984, and it was so good that many consider it to be one of the main reasons why SUVs became so popular. The car was not only a big seller for Jeep, but it also arguably paved the way for modern SUVs as we know them. No longer were such vehicles seen as utilitarian trucks, but as desirable road cars as well.
The Cherokee has stuck around since then and is now in its fifth generation. Although the Cherokee is not as popular as it used to be, it's still among the best compact crossover SUVs on the market. It has a nice design, a well-appointed interior, and a wide range of reliable and fuel-efficient engines.
2018 Jeep Cherokee Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $376 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,244 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 6
Worst Jeep Cherokee Year To Buy Used: 2014 Jeep Cherokee (Transmission problems, engine problems)
9 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score: 80/100
The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee made its debut in 2011. One big improvement the model brought over its predecessors was the use of a four-wheel independent suspension system. Driving dynamics were much improved, with good levels of grip and enhanced on and off-road handling. The Grand Cherokee is an all-rounder that can be perfect for a trip to the grocery store, a snowy school run, or a trip to the trails.
The fourth-generation Grand Cherokee was so good that it stayed in production for more than a decade. The final years make great purchases as Jeep had already worked on the issues that had plagued earlier model years. We particularly recommend the 2017 Grand Cherokee as it had excellent reliability ratings on J.D. Power.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $517 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,484 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 3
Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Year To Buy Used: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Electrical problems, engine problems, interior accessories problems)
8 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Reliability Score: 86/100
When it comes to off-road SUVs, it rarely gets better than a Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler's iconic design, off-road prowess, and customizability have kept it on top of Jeep's sales charts for years. The Jeep Wrangler has never been among the best SUVs to pick if reliability is your top priority. The car was never designed to be a daily driver, and as a consequence, issues can occur. From electrical gremlins to self-destructing soft tops and even a "death wobble," there are many potential pitfalls.
However, Jeep knows that the Wrangler's popularity has made it an option for gearheads who want a reliable daily driver that can go for the occasional off-road trip. As such, Jeep has been improving the Wrangler every year, and modern models have had major improvements aimed at improving reliability. The 2022 model is a perfect example, having received a J.D. Power reliability score of 86.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $694 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 0
Worst Jeep Wrangler Year To Buy Used: 2012 Jeep Wrangler (AC/Heater problems, electrical problems, engine problems)
7 2020 Jeep Compass
Reliability Score: 82/100
The compact Jeep Compass debuted in 2007 and was one of the brand's first crossover SUVs. The car's styling was fairly divisive, forcing Jeep to give it a major facelift in 2011. The updated design was far more desirable, and the second generation builds on this even further.
One of the most attractive aspects of the second-generation Compass is that it's among the most affordable SUVs with a starting price of under $30,000. Powering the car is a 180-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, which doesn't provide thrilling performance but is still good enough for normal use. Where the Compass shines is in the reliability department, with the 2020 model receiving an excellent reliability score on J.D. Power.
2020 Jeep Compass Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $526 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,031 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 0
Worst Jeep Compass Year To Buy Used: 2018 Jeep Compass (Engine problems, brakes problems, 64/100 reliability rating on J.D. Power)
6 2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition
Reliability Score: 74/100
The heritage-inspired Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition gave buyers the opportunity to own a modern Wrangler with a connection to the past. Under the hood, the Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition sports a powerful 3.6-liter V6 generating a decent 285 hp, giving it great performance. The two-door model attracted a $26,790 list price, making the car over $3000 more than the regular Wrangler Sport it was based on.
Being a special edition model, a large proportion of examples are in the safe hands of enthusiasts. As a result of this, they are likely to have received better care than a standard Wrangler, so should make a safer bet as a used buy. Kelley Blue Book experts scored the 2014 model at 3.3/5 for reliability, while J.D. Power gave it a decent 74/100 reliability score.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $682 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,397 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 0
Worst Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler Edition Year To Buy Used:
5 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Reliability Score: 85/100
In 2020, Jeep felt that it needed to add a rugged off-road pickup truck to its lineup, so it built the Gladiator. The new Gladiator is something of a revival, with the original model having been in production from 1962 to 1988. The vehicle is heavily related to the Wrangler, something that is only too evident when viewed from the front. Under the hood, the Gladiator had a 3.6-liter V6. Generating 285 hp, the truck could haul itself from 0-60 mph in a fairly decent 7.2 seconds.
The 2021 model has been rated an impressive 4.6/5.0 for reliability based on Kelley Blue Book consumer reviews. Similarly, it receives 85/100 for "Quality and Reliability" in J.D. Power ratings. These enviable scores indicate the Gladiator could be a great option for those looking for a dependable Jeep pickup truck that eats off-road terrains for breakfast.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $634 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $11,803 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 0
Worst Jeep Gladiator Year To Buy Used: 2020 Jeep Gladiator (Steering problems, windows/windshield problems, engine problems)
4 2011 Jeep Patriot
Reliability Score: 79/100
Although the Patriot is no longer in production today, it was a superb SUV that offered an affordable but capable way for families to get around. The Patriot debuted in 2006 alongside the Compass and enjoyed a decade-long production run before Jeep pulled the plug in 2017.
If you're in the market for a Patriot, we recommend getting the 2011 model year as that's when Jeep gave it a face-lift. The 2011 Patriot is also the most reliable model year, having received a J.D. Power reliability score of 79.
2011 Jeep Patriot Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $616 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $6,240 (YourMechanic)
Recalls: 4
Worst Jeep Patriot Year To Buy Used: 2008 Jeep Patriot (Windows/windshield problems, body/paint problems, transmission problems)
3 2007 Jeep Commander
Reliability Score: 78/100
Another Jeep SUV that's no longer in production but can still be a great purchase today is the Jeep Commander. The Commander debuted in 2005 but didn't sell enough units to inspire Jeep to build a second-generation model. However, many gearheads loved the Commander's size, spacious interior that could sit up to seven, and power, particularly the one with a 360-hp Hemi V8 engine.
Another reason why the Commander was popular is that it was fairly reliable during an era when Jeeps were famous for breaking down. The 2007 Commander, for example, had a J.D. Power reliability score of 78.
2007 Jeep Commander Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $639 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $6,380 (YourMechanic)
Recalls: 5
Worst Jeep Commander Year To Buy Used: 2006 Jeep Commander (Interior accessories problems, engine problems, windows/windshield problems)
2 2020 Jeep Renegade
Reliability Score: 80/100
The subcompact SUV space is growing faster than ever before. Subcompact SUVs offer the off-road capabilities of larger SUVs but are smaller to make them affordable, fuel-efficient, and more suited to city life. The Renegade is Jeep's best subcompact SUV and the smallest vehicle the automaker sells.
The Renegade has been in production since 2015 and continues to be one of the few subcompact SUVs with serious off-road capabilities, particularly if you choose the Trailhawk version. It also makes a great daily driver as it offers enough space for young families, affordability, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
2020 Jeep Renegade Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $498 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $10,083 (CarEdge)
Recalls: 0
Worst Jeep Renegade Year To Buy Used: 2015 Jeep Renegade (electrical problems, transmission problems, interior accessories problems)
1 2012 Jeep Liberty
Reliability Score: 77/100
When the legendary Jeep Cherokee XJ generation went out of production at the turn of the century, Jeep had two options - to build a new Cherokee generation bearing the same name or introduce a new model to replace the Cherokee. Jeep chose the latter option, resulting in the Liberty. The Liberty debuted in 2001 with a unibody platform just like the Cherokee XJ and was the smallest SUV in Jeep's lineup until the Compass debuted in 2006.
The Liberty went on to enjoy two generations until 2012 when Jeep discontinued it in order to revive the Cherokee nameplate. The final year of the Lberty is the best to buy as it was the most refined and had great reliability ratings on J.D. Power.
2012 Jeep Liberty Reliability
Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $678 (RepairPal)
Est. Maintenance Costs During First X Years: $ (CarEdge)
Recalls: 2
Worst Jeep Liberty Year To Buy Used: 2006 Jeep Liberty (fuel system problems, AC/heater problems, windows/windshield problems)