FAQ: Concerns About the 2026 Jeep Cherokee's Reliability and Performance

What are the main reliability issues with the Jeep Cherokee?

The Cherokee has frequent problems with its 9-speed automatic transmission, including jerking, delays, and premature failures, along with unreliable electrical and electronic systems, as reported by Consumer Reports and JD Power.

How does the Cherokee’s maintenance cost compare to its competitors?

Repair costs are higher than rivals; RepairPal notes annual averages of $520 for the Cherokee versus $429 for the Toyota RAV4 and $407 for the Honda CR-V, reflecting poorer durability and higher operational expenses.

Why is the Cherokee’s resale value lower than other SUVs?

Jeep models generally do not maintain good resale value compared to more reliable brands, and the Cherokee depreciates faster than competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V due to its history of mechanical issues.

What safety concerns have been associated with the Cherokee?

The Cherokee has had multiple recalls in recent years for issues with brakes, transmission, software, and even fire risks, which, despite good safety equipment, reduce buyer confidence due to mechanical failures.

How does the Cherokee’s fuel efficiency compare to other compact SUVs?

Its engines are less efficient, with below-average city performance even with small or turbo options, making it inferior to competitors in fuel consumption.

Which SUVs are recommended as more reliable alternatives to the Cherokee?

More reliable options include the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, and Kia Sportage, which offer better quality, lower consumption, higher reliability, and better resale value.

What specific transmission problems have users reported?

Users have reported issues with the 9-speed automatic transmission, such as abrupt shifts and questionable reliability, dating back to the 2014-2015 models, as noted in forums like Reddit.

How does the Cherokee’s reliability rating compare to the Honda CR-V?

iSeeCars rates the Honda CR-V at 9.0/10 for reliability, significantly higher than the Cherokee’s 7.7/10, highlighting the latter’s inferior performance and dependability.