The Worst Problems for Every Jeep Model and Generation

A large pile of crushed cars

Car problems happen. But there's something we can do about it.

By matching owner complaints with recall, investigation and technical service bulletin data we've come up with a list of the most common Jeep problems for every model and generation. We've even ranked vehicles by their reliability.

Trending Problems

A few problems that keep popping up. There's plenty more where that came from.

  1. 2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption

    A serious defect in the 2.4L Tigershark engine causes an excessive amount of oil to be burned during normal operation. Owners must constantly top off the oil and have consumption tests run at the dealership, or risk the engine seizing up an…

    Continue reading article "2.4L Tigershark Oil Consumption" Tigershark engine

  2. Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect

    Make room, death wobble. You're not the only terrible Jeep suspension problem out there. Consider the electronic sway bar disconnect system that's great until you drive through a puddle and fry the system's electronics. …

    Continue reading article "Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect" A red circle highlights the sway bar disconnect system on the bottom front of a Jeep hoisted up on lifts.

All Problems

What Owners Complain About the Most

Sorting out which topics, problems, and model years have the most overall complaints from owners on CarComplaints.com.

Worst Issues view all problems

What Breaks the Most view all topics

Years to Avoid view all years

The Least Reliable Jeep Models

Some models just can't seem to get out of their own way. We've created a list of the least reliable GMC models using data such as complaint volume, average cost of repairs, age of the car when it breaks down, and recall frequency.

All Models

Key Numbers

  1. 10 models

    Each with their own trim levels, bodystyles, and special blend of headaches.

  2. 21 generations

    A group of years for a specific model with the same design, features, and problems.

  3. 31 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  4. 10,936 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  5. 3,195 service bulletins

    Documenting the process of troubleshooting common problems.

  6. 330 recall campaigns

    Time-sensitive, free repairs for widespread safety problems.

Worst Generations

A generation is a group of model years where little, if any, changes were made. They tend to have the same problems and some generations have horrible reputations for reliability. Here's a handful you should avoid.

See All Generations

Recent Jeep News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. Over 34,000 of 4th generation Grand Cherokee SUVs are being recalled because their EcoDiesel's EGR coolers are cracking

    , allowing coolant to leak and greatly increasing the chances of an engine fire.

    Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) systems trap exhaust gases and, as the name implies, recirculate them back into the engine. This helps cut down on Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) being released into the environment. The EGR cooler makes sure those hot exhuast gasses won't melt the engine's air intake by exchanging heat with engine coolant.…

    keep reading article "Grand Cherokee Recalled to Prevent EGR Cooler Leaks From Starting Engine Fires"

  3. The 2010-2013 Grand Cherokee's air suspension doesn't work when it's cold outside

    and that's a big problem for owners who (checks notes) .... live in places where winter happens.

    Take Canada, for example, where a new class-action has been filed asking Jeep's parent company to reimburse owners because they overpaid for their SUVs. And that's not hyperbole considering the suspension might not work for half of the year.…

    keep reading article "Cold Weather Residents Aren't Happy Their Air Suspensions Don't Work in Cold Weather"

  5. Fiat-Chrysler has been accused of calling the 2.4L Tigershark engine's agressive oil consumption "normal" in order to avoid having to recall millions of vehicles.

    A new lawsuit says a defect in that engine's piston rings allows oil to enter the combustion chamber. That leads to roughly a quart of oil burning off every 1,000 miles. If an owner follows the recommended 4,000 mile oil change interval, it puts them at extreme risk of permanently damaging the engine.…

    keep reading article "Lawsuit Says a Piston Ring Defect Burns Through Oil in the Tigershark Engine"

  6. Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) owners are worried that their vehicles may not pass the next state inspection. And for good reason.

    Last month, FCA announced that nearly 900,000 vehicles fail to meet emissions standards and will need new catalytic converters. That’s a lot of parts to come up with all at once, so FCA’s plan is to split the recall into stages with older vehicles getting repaired first. Some owners have filed a lawsuit because they will could fail their next state inspection before parts are available.

    …

    keep reading article "Some Jeep Vehicles May Not Pass Inspection As Owners Wait for Replacement Catalytic Converters"

See More News

Have a complaint about your vehicle?

The best way to find out what's wrong with a vehicle is from the people who drive them. Not only do owner complaints help us rank vehicles by reliability, but they're often used to spark class-action lawsuits and warranty extensions. Plus, they're a great way to vent.

Add a complaint