Jeep has produced some incredible attractions. Some reliable Jeeps are known for their low running costs. On the other hand, other Jeep models should be avoided. After all, the cost of maintaining and repairing these less reliable model years can be very expensive for owners. You can find great deals on Jeeps at the used car market At the same time, you can also find some money traps.
Some Jeep model years have a higher risk of major repairs. Some of them are noted for a problem. For example, steering problems are the main complaint of the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. On the other hand, others have a problematic recall history. For example, the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was recalled 18 times. NHTSA recorded more than 2,000 complaints. Let’s take a look at some of the used Jeeps that everyone regrets buying.
10 Jeep Wrangler 2008
Some great Jeep Wrangler models have been produced. However, the 2008 Jeep Wrangler is one of those money traps to avoid. The 2008 Jeep Wrangler came with a 202-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine. The Wrangler Unlimited model was also available. Embellishments included the X, Sahara and Rubicon. Kelley Blue Book suggests that some of the most common areas of service are the engine air filter, engine diagnostics, and wheel alignment.
Car complaints include electrical problems and suspension problems as the most common complaints. The worst problems for this model year included TIPM (‘Totally Integrated Power Module’) failure, fatal hesitation and excessive oil consumption. Nine memories were made. Some of the issues include air bags and service brakes. NHTSA records 1,492 complaints. JD Power gives a score of 63/100 in quality and reliability.
9 Jeep Cherokee 2015
The 2023 Jeep Cherokee may be better than many mid-size SUVs today. However, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee is a different story. This SUV offered the 184-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. There was also the 271-horsepower 3.2-liter V6. However, the 2015 Jeep Cherokee is one of those fifth-generation Jeep Cherokee models to stay away from when buying used.
JD Power gives a score of 63/100 in quality and reliability with an overall score of 70/100. Car complaints include transmission problems and engine problems with the most complaints. The worst problems for the 2015 Jeep Cherokee are reported as lagging shifts during acceleration, transmission failures, and jerky shifts. 10 withdrawals were made. Some of the issues include the electrical system and an unexpected shift into neutral.
8 Jeep Liberty 2006
The 2006 Jeep Liberty comes equipped with the 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine. This ride offers three trims, including Sport, Renegade and Limited Edition. Two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options were available. However, we do not miss the 2006 Jeep Liberty. For example, there were 10 recalls. Some of the suspension related issues and electrical issues. NHTSA reported 1,354 complaints.
Car Complaints cites window/windshield issues as the main area of complaint. The same website cites broken window regulators, falling windows and engine failure as the worst problems. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave a marginal overall rating for the moderate overlap frontal crash tests and a poor overall rating for the head restraints and seats. Kelley Blue Book cites engine diagnostics and oil changes as among the most common areas of service. Today, a used 2006 Jeep Liberty costs about $4,500 on average.
7 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2014
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 290-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine. The most powerful option is the 360 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine. Or you can experience the 470-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI V8 in the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. However, this isn’t the most reliable Jeep Grand Cherokee year to buy used. JD Power gave a score of 72/100 in quality and reliability with an overall score of 77/100.
Car complaints cite transmission failure and shifting problems as one of the worst problems with this vehicle. NHTSA records 2,066 complaints. 18 withdrawals were made. Problems include electrical system and braking problems. Kelley Blue Book rates the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee as having a medium risk of major repair. Some of the more common service areas included changing the oil, replacing the wipers, and changing the engine air filter.
6 Jeep Wrangler 2014
There are some great reasons to buy a 2024 Jeep Wrangler. However, before you buy a used Jeep Wrangler, you need to know about the 2014 Jeep Wrangler. There were only four recalls for the 2014 model year. of air, the seats and the tires. However, NHTSA recorded 562 complaints. As many as 303 of those complaints are about the engine.
Car Complaints lists engine problems as the main area of complaint. Leaking oil casings, brakes that don’t work properly, and engine won’t start are the worst problems. Kelley Blue Book suggests that the 2004 Jeep Wrangler has a medium risk of major repair. Engine air filter replacement and tire rotation are some of the common areas of service.
5 Jeep Commander 2006
The 2006 Jeep Commander is powered by the 210 horsepower 3.7-liter V6. The most powerful options are the 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 or the 330-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine. The Commander is offered in base and more expensive Limited trim. However, the 2006 Jeep Commander is one of those unreliable Jeeps we wouldn’t waste our money on.
Six withdrawals were made. Some of the issues include the electrical system and the risk of the vehicle rolling. NHTSA recorded 1,767 complaints. Car Complaints lists interior accessory issues and engine issues as top complaints. The main problems were the engine stalling, the door handle broken and the engine destroyed. Kelley Blue Book cites that engine diagnostics and oil changes were the most common services performed.
4 Jeep Compass 2007
We know that the 2023 Jeep Compass will increase performance. However, when shopping for a used model year, the 2007 Jeep Compass may not be your best choice. Only five withdrawals were made. However, NHTSA recorded 428 complaints. 163 of these complaints were for his suspension.
Car Complaints cites suspension problems and electrical problems as the main cause of complaints. The website lists control arm/cushion failure, TIPM failure, and rusted subframe and spring among the worst issues. On the other hand, the 2021 Jeep Compass has registered fewer complaints, compared to other model years, according to Car Complaints. At the end of the day, it pays to compare your options when buying a used Jeep model.
3 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011
Before you buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee, you might want to reconsider buying a 2011 model year. NHTSA recorded 1,570 complaints about the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. 745 of those complaints are about the electrical system. 322 of those complaints are about the engine. Six withdrawals were made. These recalls related to issues such as the electrical system and service brakes.
Car Complaints cites electrical problems and engine problems as some of the main sources of complaints. This website lists the worst problems with this model year as the TIPM going bad, a blistered leather dashboard, and the engine stalling. JD Power gives an overall score of 80/100, with a score of 74/100 for quality and reliability.
2 Jeep Gladiator 2020
There have been some amazing custom Jeep Gladiators, even a Hollywood star. However, compared to other Jeep models, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator is not the star. A 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 engine powers this Gladiator. It can tow up to 7,650 lbs. Kelley Blue Book lists some of the most common areas of service such as engine air filter, oil change and tire rotation.
Car Complaints lists steering problems and engine problems as the most common complaints. In 2020, Jeep shared a service bulletin focused on steering issues. NHTSA records 233 complaints. 146 of these complaints refer to steering problems. Six withdrawals were made. Some of the problems included overheating of the clutch pressure plate and seat belts. Wandering at highway speeds, coolant leaks and cylinder misfires are some of the worst problems. On the other hand, JD Power gives an overall score of 80/100 with a score of 72/100 for the driving experience.
1 Jeep Wrangler 2012
There are some great Jeep Wranglers you can buy used. However, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler may not be the best choice. NHTSA recorded 781 complaints. Car Complaints cites electrical issues and engine problems as the top complaints. Car complaints suggest the worst problems included head replacement, TIPM failure and heater not working.
Jeeps we really want to drive. These model years are reliable and run well. The million dollar garage may seem like a gearhead’s paradise. However, some Jeep model years should be avoided.
