You’re already likely exploring which Jeep model is the perfect fit f you have an overwhelming sense of wanderlust. After all, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of the wilderness in an off-road capable Jeep. You can also get stuck in one, and that’s the last thing you want to happen during your adventure.

Some Jeep models have common problems that creep up around 100,000 miles. Thankfully, you don’t have to blindly purchase your next SUV or truck and end up with buyer’s remorse. We’re here to help you find one that can take on rugged terrain and tack on a ton of mileage. First, you’ll want to consider removing the most unreliable Jeeps from your wishlist.

Jeep’s toughness is only skin deep

Some vehicles can take plenty of exterior abuse after kicking up rocks and blasting through the mud. However, these rugged models often fail to rack up as many miles as less-capable cars, such as the Honda Civic.

Jeeps have a reputation for making frequent trips to the mechanic. J.D. Power’s 2021 vehicle dependability study lists Jeep near the bottom quarter of all manufacturers. The publication found that the automaker’s models experience 141 problems per 100 vehicles. The industry average is 121 problems per 100 units.

In fairness, those who own a Jeep are more likely to put it through off-road abuse rather than use it as a daily driver. But this statistic should alarm anyone who wants a reliable vehicle for the long haul.

Don’t roll the dice with these Jeep models

The brand as a whole isn’t one of the most reliable manufacturers in the industry. However, a few bad apples bring the entire crop down. So, you shouldn’t necessarily avoid all Jeeps. Instead, let’s into the data to pick out the worst offenders to make a smarter buying decision.

According to Consumer Reports, the Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Wrangler are Jeep’s most unreliable models. The publication stuck the Renegade subcompact SUV with the worst predicted reliability rating of the bunch at 1/5. Meanwhile, it gave the other three vehicles a score of 2/5.

The predicted reliability of new 2021 vehicles is finicky. However, Consumer Reports’ data is one of the most trusted in the automotive world. It collects information on a vast array of cars spanning many model years from its subscribers. The publication then uses its research to identify the likeliness that an automobile will experience issues in 17 potential trouble spots.

Common problems your Jeep can experience

Newer cars are lasting longer and longer. Even less-dependable Jeeps may accumulate more miles than you’d think. However, the 100,000-mile mark is still a crucial milestone. That’s because your vehicle will be out of warranty and have suffered wear and tear on mechanical parts.

Proper maintenance helps prevent some crucial problems, but it’s challenging to avoid mechanical flaws. For example, Consumer Reports’ data reveals that transmission problems are common among several Jeep models. 

One 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited 3.2-liter V6 owner told the publication, “(The Cherokee) could not be shifted into gear. When the tow truck operator arrived and was able to put it into gear, the shift mechanism broke and had to be replaced entirely.”

Meanwhile, Car Complaints lists the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) as a frequent high-mileage issue on Jeeps. The website included this malfunction as top problems for the 2011 Grand Cherokee (avg. 51,000 miles), 2007 Compass (avg. 110,000 miles), and 2012 Wrangler (avg. 52,000 miles) – among others. This system contains an internal fuel pump relay. And your car can stall when the TIPM fails.

Explore these more reliable alternatives

An abundance of adventurous trucks and SUVs are more trustworthy than the lackluster options listed above. For example, Consumer Reports gave the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a 3/5 predicted reliability rating. Additionally, it named the Jeep Gladiator one of the most dependable models it ever tested.
Your options open up even more if you’re not beholden to Jeep. It pays to guide your attention toward brands known for manufacturing long-lasting vehicles, such as Toyota and Subaru. For instance, the Toyota Land Cruiser is an SUV that frequently lasts 200,000+ miles. Other reliable off-road-capable models include the Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Subaru Outback, Honda Ridgeline, and more.