Jeep Grand Cherokee research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

Generation 4 (2011–2021)

The WK2 Grand Cherokee (2011-2021) introduced the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (290 hp), independent rear suspension and available Quadra-Lift air suspension, with the 360-hp 5.7L Hemi and, from 2012, the 6.4L SRT8. The 2014 refresh brought an 8-speed automatic for all engines, new styling, the Summit trim and a 240-hp EcoDiesel (2014-2016). The Trailhawk returned for 2017 and the 707-hp Trackhawk arrived for 2018. The design continued as the 2022 'Grand Cherokee WK'.

Buyer takeaway: 2018-2021 V6 models with Uconnect 4 are the best value of this generation; choose the Hemi for towing, a Trailhawk for trails, and confirm shifter and diesel-emissions recalls on 2014-2016s.

Generation 5 (2021–present)

The WL Grand Cherokee launched as the three-row Grand Cherokee L for 2021 and the two-row for 2022, with a much more upscale cabin, Uconnect 5 and broader standard safety tech. Engines are the 290-hp 3.6L V6, the 5.7L V8 in early years, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid (375 hp, 470 lb-ft, about 25 miles electric); a 2.0L Hurricane turbo four arrives for 2026. All use an 8-speed automatic.

Buyer takeaway: Choose the L for a third row, the 4xe for short electric commutes (confirm battery recalls), and the V6 for simplicity. Verify 2026 engine and trim details against current Jeep data.

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2026 Jeep added a new 2.0L Hurricane turbo four-cylinder to the Grand Cherokee lineup, alongside the 290-hp 3.6L V6 and the 4xe plug-in hybrid, with an 8-speed automatic. Because 2026 trims, outputs and package content are still settling, verify the exact engine and specs against current Jeep data and the window sticker.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 257 lb ft; 2.0 liter hurricane 4 evo turbo I4 new for 2026; 2.0 liter turbo I4 plug in hybrid 4xe 375 hp 470 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV two row; 5 door SUV three row l

What changed:

• New 2.0 liter hurricane turbo four cylinder added
• Verify 2026 trims and outputs against jeep data

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; 4xe high voltage battery recall status and charging; 4xe hybrid system warnings; Turbo engine warranty and software updates; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Uconnect 5 screens and software; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Grand Cherokee continues with the 290-hp 3.6L V6 and 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid with the 8-speed automatic, in two-row and three-row L forms. Trims and packages were shuffled, so confirm features against the window sticker. A late-model WL may still be within factory warranty; check 4xe recall status by VIN.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 257 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 plug in hybrid 4xe 375 hp 470 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV two row; 5 door SUV three row l

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Trim and package updates verify with window sticker
• V8 availability verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; 4xe high voltage battery recall status and charging; 4xe hybrid system warnings; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Uconnect 5 screens and software; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2024 Grand Cherokee carries over the WL design with the 290-hp V6 and the 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid (about 25 miles electric range), and the 5.7L V8 in limited availability, all with the 8-speed automatic. Two-row and three-row L versions are offered. 4xe models should have high-voltage battery recall status confirmed.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 257 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 plug in hybrid 4xe 375 hp 470 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft limited availability verify by VIN
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV two row; 5 door SUV three row l

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Trim and package shuffles

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; 4xe high voltage battery recall status and charging; 4xe hybrid system warnings; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Uconnect 5 screens and software; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2023 Grand Cherokee continues with the 290-hp 3.6L V6, the 375-hp 4xe plug-in hybrid and, on fewer versions, the 5.7L V8, all with the 8-speed automatic. The off-road Trailhawk became 4xe-only. The three-row Grand Cherokee L continues alongside the two-row model. Confirm the engine and any 4xe battery recall status by VIN.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 257 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 plug in hybrid 4xe 375 hp 470 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV two row; 5 door SUV three row l

What changed:

• Trailhawk becomes 4xe only
• V8 availability narrowed verify by VIN

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; 4xe high voltage battery recall status and charging; 4xe hybrid system warnings; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Uconnect 5 screens and software; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The all-new 2022 Grand Cherokee pairs a 290-hp V6 or 360-hp 5.7L V8 with an 8-speed automatic, and adds the 4xe plug-in hybrid (375 hp, 470 lb-ft, about 25 miles of electric range). The cabin is far more upscale, with Uconnect 5 and more standard safety tech. Jeep also sold the old design as the 2022 'Grand Cherokee WK' (V6 only), so check the VIN.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 257 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 plug in hybrid 4xe 375 hp 470 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV two row; 5 door SUV three row l

What changed:

• All new two row wl generation
• First 4xe plug in hybrid with about 25 miles electric range
• New interior with up to 10 1 inch screens and available passenger display
• Summit reserve luxury trim
• Previous design also sold as 2022 grand cherokee wk

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; 4xe high voltage battery recall status and charging; 4xe hybrid system warnings; Confirm new wl or carryover wk by VIN; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Driver assistance sensors and cameras; Uconnect 5 screens and software; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

2021 is the last full year of the WK2 two-row Grand Cherokee, still offered with the 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi, 475-hp SRT and 707-hp Trackhawk and the 8-speed. Separately, the all-new three-row Grand Cherokee L launched as a 2021 model on the next-generation platform, so check the VIN to know which vehicle you are looking at.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 trackhawk 707 hp 645 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Last full year of the wk2 two row
• 80th anniversary edition
• New three row grand cherokee l launched as a 2021 model

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Confirm two row wk2 or three row l by VIN; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Grand Cherokee continues the late WK2 formula with the 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi, 475-hp SRT and 707-hp Trackhawk and the 8-speed automatic. Available driver aids such as adaptive cruise and blind-spot monitoring vary by trim and package, so confirm equipment. A mature, well-sorted year for this generation.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 trackhawk 707 hp 645 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Trim and package shuffles

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Driver assistance features by package; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Grand Cherokee largely carries over: 290-hp 3.6L V6, 360-hp 5.7L Hemi, 475-hp SRT and 707-hp Trackhawk, all with the 8-speed automatic and Uconnect 4 smartphone integration. A V6 Laredo or Limited with Quadra-Trac II is the mainstream choice; the Hemi adds towing muscle (up to about 7,200 lb when properly equipped).

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 trackhawk 707 hp 645 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Trim and package shuffles

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Towing equipment and hitch wear if V8; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2018 Grand Cherokee got a freshened face and Uconnect 4 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Jeep added the Trackhawk, a 707-hp supercharged 6.2L Hemi SUV. Other engines continue: 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi and 475-hp SRT, all with the 8-speed automatic. For most buyers, 2018-2021 is the sweet spot of this generation.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 6.2 liter supercharged hemi V8 trackhawk 707 hp 645 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• 707 hp supercharged trackhawk introduced
• Updated front fascia and grille
• Uconnect 4 with apple carplay and android auto

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Supercharger brakes tires and driveline if trackhawk; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2017 the off-road Trailhawk returned with Quadra-Drive II, air suspension and skid plates, and the Summit and SRT were updated. Engines are the 290-hp V6, 360-hp 5.7L Hemi and 475-hp 6.4L SRT, all with the 8-speed automatic; the EcoDiesel was not offered. Newer Uconnect systems with smartphone integration were phasing in, so confirm the radio.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Trailhawk returns with quadra drive ii and air suspension
• Summit and srt updates
• Ecodiesel not offered

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Trail use and underbody damage if trailhawk; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2016 Grand Cherokee continues with the 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi, 475-hp SRT and 240-hp EcoDiesel and the 8-speed. It uses a revised gear selector instead of the recalled 2014-2015 design, and a 75th Anniversary edition was offered. It is the last year of the first EcoDiesel run; diesel models are part of the 2014-2016 emissions settlement.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Revised shifter design
• 75th anniversary edition
• Last ecodiesel year before a multi year absence

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Ecodiesel emissions update status if diesel; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2015 Grand Cherokee carries over the 2014 refresh: 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi, 475-hp SRT and 240-hp EcoDiesel, all with the 8-speed automatic. Like 2014, it uses the monostable shifter covered by a 2016 rollaway-prevention recall, and 8.4-inch Uconnect models received a 2015 cybersecurity software recall. Confirm both by VIN.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Uconnect 8 4 security update recall on affected models

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Shifter recall completion; Ecodiesel emissions update status if diesel; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2014 refresh brought an 8-speed automatic for every engine, sleeker headlights and taillights, a nicer cabin with an 8.4-inch Uconnect screen, and the luxury Summit trim. A new 240-hp, 420 lb-ft 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 joined the 290-hp V6, 360-hp Hemi and 475-hp SRT. 2014-2015 models were recalled for a confusing monostable shifter, and EcoDiesels need their emissions-settlement update.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt 475 hp 470 lb ft; 3.0 liter ecodiesel V6 240 hp 420 lb ft
• Transmissions: 8 speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• 8 speed automatic on every engine
• New 3.0 liter ecodiesel V6
• Refreshed front and rear styling
• New summit luxury trim
• Monostable electronic shifter later recalled

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Shifter recall completion; Ecodiesel emissions update status if diesel; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2013 Grand Cherokee carries over the 290-hp V6, 360-hp 5.7L Hemi and 470-hp SRT8 with 5- and 6-speed automatics. It is the last year before the 2014 refresh brought the 8-speed automatic, a diesel and updated styling, so a 2013 should be priced below a 2014.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt8 470 hp
• Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi models verify by VIN
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Largely carryover
• Last year before the 8 speed refresh

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Pentastar valvetrain tick on early V6; Srt brakes and tires if srt8; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For 2012 Jeep added the SRT8, a 470-hp 6.4L Hemi performance model, alongside the 290-hp 3.6L V6 and 360-hp 5.7L Hemi. Transmissions are still 5-speed (and some 6-speed) automatics. Laredo, Limited and Overland trims cover most of the market; the SRT8 needs extra brake, tire and drivetrain inspection.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft; 6.4 liter hemi V8 srt8 470 hp
• Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi models verify by VIN
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• Srt8 high performance model with 6.4 liter hemi
• Adaptive damping on srt8

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Pentastar valvetrain tick on early V6; Srt brakes and tires if srt8; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The redesigned 2011 Grand Cherokee was a big step up, with a far better interior, independent rear suspension and available Quadra-Lift air suspension. Engines are a new 290-hp 3.6L Pentastar V6 or a 360-hp 5.7L Hemi V8, with a 5-speed automatic (some Hemi models use a 6-speed; verify by VIN). Rear-drive or three 4x4 systems were offered. First-year electrical issues were reported, so check warning lights closely.

• Engines: 3.6 liter pentastar V6 290 hp 260 lb ft; 5.7 liter hemi V8 360 hp 390 lb ft
• Transmissions: 5 speed automatic; 6 speed automatic on some hemi models verify by VIN
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive; Quadra trac i 4x4; Quadra trac ii 4x4 with low range; Quadra drive ii 4x4 with rear locking differential
• Body style: 5 door SUV

What changed:

• All new wk2 generation on a platform shared with the mercedes benz m class
• New 3.6 liter pentastar V6
• Independent rear suspension
• Available quadra lift air suspension
• Much improved interior

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact engine and 4x4 system by VIN; Pentastar valvetrain tick on early V6; Air suspension quadra lift if equipped; Transfer case and 4x4 operation; Electrical modules and warning lights; Uconnect screen and software; Cooling system and oil leaks; Suspension tires and brakes; Maintenance history.