Jeep’s SUV models have exploded in popularity since it updated the Wrangler for its third generation in 2007. However, the rugged vehicle manufacturer also has more purpose-built SUVs in its repertoire, like the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee lineup. Still, owners have complained about enough problems to land the 2011, 2014, and 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees on a list of the most problematic vehicles. Check out the historic automaker’s vehicles with the most significant number of worrisome owner complaints.

What are the Jeep models with the most problems?

Unfortunately for fans of the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, these Jeep model years made it onto the Car Complaints list of the vehicles with the most significant owner-reported problems:

• 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2014 Jeep Cherokee
• 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
• 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee leads the automaker’s offerings on the problem-laden list, with frequent owner complaints regarding electrical issues. Further, the only Cherokee on the list is the 2014 model year, but its larger sibling from the same model year also snagged a spot. Finally, the newest Jeep Grand Cherokee on the list is the 2015 model, which has reports of transmission issues like poor shifting performance. 

Do 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokees have transmission problems?

The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has very few reports of transmission problems compared to its other issues. For instance, seven owners have complained about improper operation in their automatic transmissions. However, just one of those instances warranted an expensive replacement.  

Instead, the overwhelming majority of issues with the Grand Cherokee model involve electrical problems. Specifically, over 200 owners have complained about their totally integrated power module (TIPM) failing at an average of 52,050 miles. Unfortunately, the most common remedy is a replacement, which could cost over $1,000. 

What issues does the 2014 Jeep Cherokee model have?

The most common and severe owner complaint with the 2014 Jeep Cherokee is transmission problems. However, most of the reports regard rough or improper shifting rather than a complete failure. Still, the issue affects SUVs at an average of just 17,200 miles. 

However, the 2014 Cherokee isn’t problem free beyond its automatic transmission; RepairPal reports that the Jeep SUV has an ignition issue that could lead to improper operation. Specifically, 2014 models could have ignition wire failures, causing rough idle or misfires.

What problems does the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s most common problems are transmission and interior accessory-related. For instance, over 150 owners have complained about the dash panel’s propensity to “bubble up.” Moreover, some examples might have shifting problems at as little as 10,200 miles.  

Do 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokees have problems?

The 2015 Grand Cherokee, the newest Jeep model on the owner-reported list, has 81 complaints related to transmission issues. Specifically, the Grand Cherokee models could exhibit poor shifting performance, including remaining stuck in gear or slipping out of gear. 

Should you avoid these Jeep models? 

Car Complaints labels these Jeep models with badges that read “avoid-it-like-the-plague” and “beware-of-the-clunker.” Moreover, J.D. Power gives vehicles like the 2014 Jeep Cherokee a 71 out of 100 regarding reliability. As a result, fans might be better off with a different model year, like the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, which out-scored its older sibling by 10 points.