Jeep Cherokee: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Jeep Cherokee years to approach with the most caution are 2014 and 2015. Below is every model year we cover (2014–2023), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Jeep Cherokee year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2023 Caution 6 Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.; The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.; The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks. Full report ↗
2019 Caution 5 Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.; The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.; The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.; The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.; The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks. Full report ↗
2015 Avoid 4 Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.; The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.; The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 4 Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.; The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.; The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks. Full report ↗

Jeep Cherokee problems by year

2023 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Final model year with very few complaints, but a short track record and the carried-over PTU and 2.4L oil-consumption risks keep it at caution. Verify the AWD power-transfer unit and oil consumption before buying.

  • Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
  • Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.

2022 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Late-run Cherokee with few reported problems and a mature powertrain, though the model carries the same PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption legacy. Limited remaining production; a sound pick with records and a driveline check.

  • Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
  • Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Among the better KL years with low complaint volume and average reliability; strong owner reviews. Powertrain history (PTU, 2.4L oil use) keeps it at caution, but a solid used choice when serviced and inspected.

  • Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
  • Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.

2020 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Widely cited as the Cherokee to buy: the fewest complaints and recalls of any year and average reliability ratings. The PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption risks still cap it short of a clean buy, but the strongest year of the run.

  • Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
  • Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Mid-cycle refresh, but the weakest of the updated years: a spike in powertrain complaints, a wiring-harness sudden-shutdown defect and lingering PTU failures. Prefer a 2020 or 2021 if shopping the refreshed Cherokee.

  • Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
  • Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Best of the pre-refresh KL years: complaint volume well down and strong owner satisfaction, though PTU and 2.4L oil-consumption risks still apply. Off-road-capable Trailhawk and available V6 are draws; verify the driveline.

  • Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.
  • The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Consumer Reports calls this year average for reliability and complaints keep falling, yet the PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption risks persist. A reasonable used pick if inspected, but powertrain history warrants caution.

  • Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.
  • The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Caution

Powertrain complaints ease versus 2014-15 but the PTU failures, nine-speed quirks and 2.4L Tigershark oil consumption remain. Rated below average for reliability; buy only with maintenance records and an extended warranty.

  • Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.
  • The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks.

2015 Jeep Cherokee Avoid

Second year still carries the heavy nine-speed and PTU powertrain problems and stalling reports that define the worst Cherokee years; software reflashes help shifting but do not cure it. Avoid for dependability.

  • Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.
  • The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Avoid

Launch-year KL with the worst track record: ZF nine-speed automatic and Active Drive power-transfer-unit failures plus engine-stalling reports drove the most complaints and 13 recalls of any Cherokee year. Capable off-road but avoid for reliability.

  • Active Drive 4WD power-transfer-unit (PTU) failures: "Service 4WD" warnings, grinding and loss of drive, often needing replacement. A recurring driveline weak point across the pre-refresh years, subject of recalls and extended coverage.
  • The ZF nine-speed automatic shifts roughly or erratically, hesitates, lurches and can drop into neutral; worst on 2014-2015 cars. Multiple software reflashes and recalls improve but do not fully cure the behavior.
  • The 2.4L Tigershark engine is prone to excessive oil consumption, with reports of cracked plastic oil-filter housings leaking and, in some cases, cylinder-wall scoring. Check oil level frequently and inspect for leaks.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Jeep models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.