Back by popular demand, the fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee returned for 2014. Unfortunately, the compact SUV stumbled out of the gate with costly powertrain problems, making earlier years some of the worst.
Key Points
- Jeep brought the compact Cherokee SUV back for 2014. Owner reviews on Vehicle History give the model anywhere from 4.2 to 5.0/5.0 stars.
- Cherokees from 2014 and 2015 are the vehicle’s worst years. These have many recalls and complaints, most regarding critical powertrain components.
- The best years for the Jeep Cherokee include those from 2018 and 2020. These have fewer problems and have the highest owner ratings.
- Be wary of Cherokees from 2016 and 2017, as well as post-refresh models from 2019 over a few hiccups concerning a new engine option.
- The Cherokee is not as reliable as many rival offerings. But, the model’s best years should make for a dependable SUV that will last for years to come.
Owners Give the Jeep Cherokee Anywhere from 4.2 to 5.0/5.0 Stars on Vehicle History, with Later Years Being the Best of the Bunch
After a 13-year hiatus, Jeep brought the compact Cherokee SUV back for 2014, slotted between the smaller Compass/Patriot and the full-size Grand Cherokee. The model did enjoy a mid-cycle refresh in 2019, but much of the vehicle has remained unchanged since returning to the market.
In general, the fifth-generation Cherokee has been well received. Vehicle History owner reviews show the 2014 model has the lowest rating, at 4.2-stars, while the 2021 Cherokee holds a perfect score of 5.0.
Choose one of the best years of the Jeep Cherokee, and you’ll have yourself a dependable SUV capable of lasting 150,000 miles or more. Yet, land on one of the worst years, and you may spend more time driving a loaner than you do your Jeep.
What are the Worst Years for the Jeep Cherokee? Models from 2014 and 2015 May Need a New Transmission Before 100,000 Miles, Costing $3,500 on Average
Looking at reports from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2014 Jeep Cherokee has 12 recalls issued, two investigations (one still open), and over 2,100 complaints registered. In comparison, those from 2015 have 10 recalls, three investigations, and around 1,400 complaints.
By the 2018 Cherokee, complaints dropped to less than 400, and by 2020, not even 50.
For 2014 and 2015 Cherokees, most complaints fall into critical categories like powertrain and engine. Automotive research site Car Complaints shows many owners mentioning transmission failure between 20,000 and 75,000 miles. Most share the same symptoms: rough shifting, engine stall, the parking brake indicator lighting up, and the unit failing.
The fix involves replacing the entire unit for an average cost of around $3,500. Considering the high number of reports, and that a 2014 Cherokee’s Blue Book value starts at only $10,000, you’re likely better off avoiding models from 2014 and 2015.
The silver lining is that several transmission-related recalls were issued on earlier models that may fix some problems, which we’ve covered in detail previously.
What are the Best Years for the Jeep Cherokee? Vehicle History Owner Reviews and NHTSA Reports Show Models from 2018 and 2020 Have Fewer Problems, Better Reliability Ratings
Unfortunately for the Jeep Cherokee, almost every year has an above-average number of recalls up until the 2020 model. However, Jeep handles recalls free of charge, so even if one year has a higher count, it’s not necessarily a model to avoid.
With the above in mind, the 2018 Jeep Cherokee is surely one of the SUV’s best years, even with six recalls. Registered complaints to the NHTSA sit at just 389, most about the engine stalling or burning oil excessively. While there are reports of the transmission shifting roughly or leaking fluid, mentions of outright failure are scarce.
Jeep gave the Cherokee a mid-cycle makeover for 2019, including adding a third engine option. While engine-related complaints spiked, few actually mention any of the three motors failing. Ultimately, the 2019 Cherokee isn’t one of the best years, but it also isn’t one of the worst.
The best year for the Jeep Cherokee is the 2020 model, which has just two recalls and 37 complaints. Considering the 2019 Cherokee has nine recalls and over 600 complaints, the 2020 model looks to be the winner.
Looking at owner rankings on Vehicle History, the 2018 model holds 4.5 stars out of five across more than 500 reviews. Even better, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee sports a 4.6-star rating from over 200 owners.
Jeeps Cherokee SUV has More Issues than Most Rivals, but Opting for a Best Year Over a Worst Should Yield a Good Experience
The Jeep Cherokee struggled in its early years, racking up more recalls and complaints than most competing models. While the 2014 Cherokee has 12 recalls and over 2,100 complaints, same-year rivals like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V have just three recalls and 620 complaints combined.
Your best bet, avoid earlier models from 2014 and 2015 and be cautious of those from 2016, 2017, and 2019. For the best experience, stick with the final year before the facelift, 2018, or the second year after, 2020. Regardless of the year, be sure to check the VIN to ensure all recalls have been performed.
Photos: Jeep
