Jeep known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 38 Jeep problems and 32 NHTSA safety recalls across 5 models — Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, Cherokee and Compass — organized by generation and engine. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Wrangler problems | JK (2007–2018), JL (2018–present) | 9 | 7 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee problems | WK2 (2011–2021), WL (2021–present) | 9 | 8 |
| Jeep Gladiator problems | JT (2020–present) | 6 | 6 |
| Jeep Cherokee problems | KL (2014–2023) | 8 | 6 |
| Jeep Compass problems | MP (2017–present) | 6 | 5 |
Jeep Wrangler problems
The best-known Wrangler problem is “death wobble,” a violent front-end shake on solid-axle Jeeps; FCA replaced steering dampers on 2018–2019 JL models under service campaign V41. Other documented issues include the 18V-675 track bar weld recall, manual-clutch overheating recalls on 2018–2023 models and a 4xe battery fire recall covering 2020–2025.
Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Grand Cherokee problems split by generation. WK2 models (2011–2021) carry the 2014–2015 monostable shifter rollaway recall (16V-240), TIPM fuel-pump-relay stalling on 2011–2013 models, alternator failures and Quadra-Lift air suspension leaks. The WL (2021–present) has rear coil spring and ball joint recalls, and 4xe models a 2022–2026 battery fire recall.
Jeep Gladiator problems
The Gladiator (JT, 2020–present) shares much of the Wrangler JL’s hardware and recalls. Key campaigns: an ungreased rear driveshaft joint on early 2020 trucks (19V-636), clutch overheating on 2020–2023 manuals (23V-116), EcoDiesel fuel pump failures, a 2021–2025 power steering pump wiring fire recall and thin-walled 2026 steel wheels.
Jeep Cherokee problems
The 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee’s main problems are the ZF-designed 9-speed automatic (repeated software reflashes and a 16V-529 recall), power transfer unit failures recalled four times between 2020 and 2026, and oil consumption on the 2.4L Tigershark, settled in 2022 with a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty extension.
Jeep Compass problems
The second-generation Jeep Compass (MP, 2017–present) is best known for oil consumption on the 2.4L Tigershark, covered for 2017–2018 models by a 2022 settlement extending the powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles. Recalls include a cracked 2.4L oil pump housing and mis-welded front lower control arms on 2018 models.
Confirm how a used Jeep was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Jeep build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Jeep problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 5 Jeep models covered here, the most documented items are “death wobble” front-end oscillation (steering damper campaign v41) on the Wrangler; tipm fuel pump relay stalling recall on the Grand Cherokee; rear driveshaft assembled without grease on the Gladiator. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Jeep for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or Jeep’s owner site, or ask a dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years by owner-complaint volume reported to NHTSA, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Stellantis North America media — Stellantis
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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Stellantis or Cummins Inc. Ram, Jeep, Dodge, HEMI, SRT, Hellcat, Hurricane and the model names are trademarks of their owners.