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Even though modern SUVs have more creatures comforts, not all are created equal. Some sport utility vehicles are cheap to maintain, and some can cost thousands before even hitting the 100,000-mile mark. Here are three used Jeep SUVs that can have expensive problems at or before 100,000 miles, so maybe skip these specific makes and models. Jeep makes plenty of reliable SUVs, so don’t worry too much.

The 2015 Grand Cherokee is a used Jeep SUV that can have expensive problems

Even though the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a lot going for it, it also has the potential to cost drivers a lot. According to Car Complaints, the 2015 Grand Cherokee is one of the worst vehicles overall. It can suffer from expensive and annoying transmission problems early in its life.

The three biggest problems noted are that electronic shifting is unreliable, the transmission doesn’t shift properly, and the dashboard can crack and break early. Unfortunately, the electronic shifting issues can cost an average of $7,500 out of pocket. Some drivers even reported that this could happen as early as 12,000 miles.

Looking at the NHTSA website for the vehicle, there are 1,025 complaints from drivers and nine recalls. Many of the complaints also pinpoint the transmission, electrical system, and airbags as significant issues. While some problems resulted in a recall, not all impacted Grand Cherokees received a fix. It might be a good idea to skip the 2015 Grand Cherokee for a newer model year with fewer problems.

The 2012 Wrangler is another used Jeep SUV that can have expensive problems

Even though the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is 10 years old, it is a used Jeep SUV that can have expensive problems before 100,000 miles. Drivers report the most issues with electrical and engine problems. The worst Jeep Wrangler problem for 2012 is the potential replacement of the cylinder heads. This can cost $5,100 or more and can happen as early as 43,000 miles.

Another common issue is the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) needs replacement. Many drivers report that this happened to the 2012 Wrangler as early as 53,000 miles. TIPM complaints, stalled engines, and flickering lights are some of the main electrical complaints from drivers.

The NHTSA lists 779 complaints, and 10 recalls, along with no overall safety rating. The airbags have 113 complaints alone, which have been addressed with multiple recalls over the year. From the frontal passenger airbag potentially rupturing and the inflator having the potential to explode, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler might be more of a headache than it is worth.

Skip the 2014 Jeep Cherokee and all of its problems

This Cherokee is one of the used Jeep SUVs that can have expensive problems
A 2014 Jeep Cherokee undergoes assembly | Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Car Complaints listed the 2014 Jeep Cherokee as one of the worst used vehicles to buy, with over 4,000 complaints for this year alone. Many drivers of the 2014 Cherokee list expensive problems as early as 40,000 miles. The transmission is the most common problem, with more than 500 instances. It shifts roughly or not well; sometimes, it just goes out altogether, and stalling/check engine lights are common.

If the transmission goes out, this can run drivers $3,500 or more. If the Cherokee loses power for one reason or another, it can be up to $7,000 for repairs. There are so many potential problems with the 2014 SUV transmission without even going into the engine, but that has racked up plenty of complaints. The engine stalling, throwing a check engine light, and even leaking oil are commonplace.

For reference, the NHTSA lists 2,060 complaints and 18 recalls. The airbags are another common problem with the engine and transmission. Recalls range from the high-pressure fuel pump failing, the crank position sensor causing the engine to stall, and even complaints that cruise control cannot be canceled. This is a scary issue that can increase the risk of a crash.

These three used Jeep SUVs that can have expensive problems early might be worth avoiding, but there are plenty of more reliable years. Usually, finding a newer version or the next generation offers a fix and a more stress-free ownership experience.

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