The Jeep Grand Cherokee, introduced to the U.S. market in 1993, quickly became a household name in the midsize SUV segment. Combining rugged off-road capability with luxury features, it’s a favorite for families and adventurers alike. Since entering the market, drivers appreciate the Grand Cherokee‘s versatility, whether it’s tackling rocky trails or providing a comfortable daily commute. However, while many model years are celebrated, others are notorious for reliability issues and expensive repairs. Here are seven Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid and why.

1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee ushered in the WJ generation, bringing design updates and new features. Unfortunately, it was also riddled with issues. Electrical problems were common, with owners reporting non-functional power windows, faulty door locks, and dashboard warning lights that wouldn’t turn off.

The transmission was a major sore point, with reports of slipping, hard shifting, or complete failure. These problems often required costly replacements or rebuilds, with repair bills reaching into the thousands. For an SUV marketed for reliability and performance, these flaws led to significant dissatisfaction among owners.

Additionally, some drivers reported issues with the fuel system, which led to stalls while driving—an especially dangerous problem on highways. If you’re looking for a reliable Grand Cherokee, skip the 1999 model.

2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The issues from 1999 carried into the 2000 model year, compounding frustration among Jeep enthusiasts. The most infamous problem was the “death wobble,” where the vehicle would shake violently at certain speeds, usually triggered by suspension defects. This wasn’t just a nuisance—it posed a significant safety risk, particularly during high-speed driving.

Brake problems were another major issue. Owners frequently complained about warped rotors, which caused vibrations when braking and reduced stopping power. Replacing the rotors was a temporary fix, as the problem often reoccurred within months.

Engine complaints were also abundant. Many drivers reported overheating, stalling, or misfires. The combination of these issues made the 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee one of the least reliable vehicles in its class, according to user reviews and NHTSA complaints logs.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced the WK generation, bringing a fresh design and modernized features. However, it also introduced a slew of problems. Chief among them was the transmission, which frequently exhibited delayed gear engagement, rough shifting, or outright failure.

Electrical issues were widespread, with problems stemming from the ignition switch, which was the subject of multiple recalls. Owners reported sudden engine shutdowns while driving, leaving them stranded and often requiring towing. Dashboard electronics were also problematic, with gauges failing to work and warning lights flickering on without cause.

To make matters worse, the 2005 Grand Cherokee had suspension problems that resulted in a rough and uncomfortable ride. For drivers seeking a dependable SUV, these issues made this model year a costly gamble.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep aimed for sophistication with the 2013 Grand Cherokee, but reliability issues undermined the effort. Transmission problems were the most significant complaint, with drivers experiencing jerky shifting and abrupt failures. These issues were particularly frustrating because they often appeared early in the vehicle’s life.

Another notorious issue was the failure of the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), which controls various electronic functions. TIPM failures caused a host of problems, from engines that wouldn’t start to headlights and wipers that stopped working unexpectedly. This issue led to class-action lawsuits, forcing Jeep to address the defect but leaving many owners dissatisfied.

Suspension issues were also prevalent, leading to uneven tire wear and reduced handling capability. While the 2013 Grand Cherokee looked good on paper, these recurring problems made it one of the most problematic years.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2015 model year continued to struggle with reliability, especially regarding its transmission. Drivers often reported hesitation when shifting gears or delays in acceleration. This problem was particularly dangerous when merging onto highways or navigating heavy traffic.

The electrical system was another weak point. The Uconnect infotainment system, a selling feature for this model, frequently malfunctioned. Owners reported frozen screens, system crashes, and unresponsive touch controls. Additionally, exterior lighting issues were common, with taillights and headlights burning out prematurely.

Suspension and alignment problems led to uneven tire wear and a bumpy ride, further eroding owner confidence. These compounded issues land the 2015 on our list of Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid.

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Jeep attempted to address previous complaints with the 2016 model, but new problems emerged. Engine issues were particularly common, with drivers reporting stalls, rough idling, and even complete engine failure. These problems often stemmed from faulty sensors or fuel system defects, leaving drivers stranded and facing hefty repair bills.

Electrical glitches persisted, affecting everything from climate controls to backup cameras. The 2016 model also suffered from premature wear on interior components, such as peeling dashboard materials and sagging headliners.

Another complaint centered on the 9-speed automatic transmission, which was prone to rough shifting and lag during acceleration. These ongoing reliability problems led many drivers to steer clear of the 2016 Grand Cherokee.

2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduced advanced safety features and a refreshed design, but it didn’t fix the reliability woes of previous years. Engine stalls remained a common complaint, often attributed to faulty fuel pumps or software glitches.

The electronic gear shifter was another significant issue. Its design confused drivers, leading to rollaway incidents where vehicles moved unexpectedly when parked. This design flaw prompted recalls and numerous safety concerns.

Electrical system failures persisted, particularly with the infotainment system and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control. The cumulative effect of these issues made the 2017 Grand Cherokee a risky choice for used buyers.

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Jeep Grand Cherokees are loved for their off-road prowess and luxury features, but not all model years hit the mark for reliability. The seven years highlighted here—1999, 2000, 2005, 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017—are known for chronic issues that can lead to expensive repairs and frustrating ownership experiences.

If you’re in the market for a used Grand Cherokee, do your research. Check for recalls, review maintenance records, and consider having a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchasing. By staying away from our list of seven Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid, you’re more likely to enjoy the best of what the Jeep Grand Cherokee has to offer.