Jeep – The Good the Bad and The Ugly

 

Jeep stands today as one of the most recognizable automotive brands worldwide. From its origins in World War II to its current position under Stellantis Group, Jeep has evolved from its military roots into a lifestyle brand appealing to off-road adventurers and suburban families alike. In this article we will delve deep into Jeep's pros and cons. We will review the brand’s recent reliability challenges, increasing ownership costs and the impact the Stellantis ownership had on the company as a whole.

 

jeep-pros-and-cons

 

 

Despite its rugged image, Jeep has faced significant reliability challenges. While Jeep struggles to maintain its "go-anywhere" heritage, the reality for new buyers is mixed and the overall reliability rating has decreased under Stellantis ownership. According to multiple automotive reliability surveys, Jeep consistently placed near the bottom among major automotive brands for reliability and cost of ownership.

 

Below Average Reliability

 

Many of the brand’s newer offerings have had poor reliability ratings, with numerous complaints filed by owners. In fact, consumer-reported issues rank Jeep near the bottom of the pack (26th of 32 brands) and long-term dependability studies. The reason for some of these issues can be attributed to some of these commonly reported issues:

 

• Electrical faults and gremlins – From minor UConnect issues to major electrical faults, all makes within the brand’s lineup suffer from various electrical issues.
• Hybrid Drivetrain Faults – While the 2.0L Turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine found in Jeep hybrid vehicles appears to be relatively reliable, when it is coupled with the hybrid electric system, it is known to have issues. Consumers have reported a wide range of faults with the Jeep’s "four-by-E" hybrid system, from jerky transitions between the gas and electric drivetrains to rough shifts and complete failures.
• Transmission complaints – While the modern version of the German-derived ZF 8-speed automatic transmission appears to be somewhat reliable, it is plagued with customer complaints of rough shifts. 
• Premature water pump failure – It is not uncommon to see a water pump fail on the Jeep 3.7 Pentastar engine below 100,000 miles.
• Engine Head Gasket Issue – While the head gasket issue tends to affect vehicles with prolonged service intervals and mechanical neglect, it is not uncommon throughout the range of engines.
• Hemi Tick – This is a common phrase that refers to the ticking noise created most commonly due to a broken manifold bolt or failing lifters and it serves as a clear indication of an internal engine failure most commonly found in Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep V8 Hemi engines.
• Oil Pump Issues: While this problem is most commonly found in Jeep vehicles with deferred maintenance and lack of timely oil changes, it can cause an extensive amount of damage to the engine when not rectified immediately.
• Fluid Leaks – From valve covers to oil filter housings to gaskets, fluid leaks are somewhat common across all Jeep models. They are more commonly observed affecting vehicles with deferred maintenance, off road or frequent towing use.
• Suspension Issues - Most common suspension faults revolve around vehicles equipped with air suspension, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trail hawk.
• Death Wobble – A death wobble is a term given to a violent steering-wheel shimmy that plagues the Wrangler and Gladiator. It is most commonly attributed to suspension and steering failures and poor maintenance.
• Frequent Recalls – From issues related to a TIP chip (tiny) to recent transmission issues, Jeep recalls are quite common and while we are glad that the brand is attempting to address the problems, it should be noted that frequently bringing your car to the dealership to address faults and recalls can be somewhat of a nuisance and a waste of your valuable time. 

 

Despite its reputation, Jeep has made strides to address these concerns through extended warranties. Jeep introduced comprehensive coverage and quality improvement initiatives. However, these issues persist across multiple models.

 

Higher Cost of Ownership Than the Competition

 

Due to more frequent repairs, Jeeps and most other brands under the Stellantis umbrella tend to have higher costs of ownership. Some high-priced parts provided by German and Italian manufacturers also add to the vehicle complexity and ownership cost. This issue is further compounded by cost-cutting engineering methods that prioritize packaging and cost-cutting over serviceability and access. Jeeps, as well as many other Stellantis vehicles, require additional billable labor to disassemble and reassemble components that may not be directly related to the original issue but are necessary to access the affected system. 

 

Positives

 

As a Jeep owner and enthusiast, there is something magical about owning a Jeep, whether it is a Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee or the new Cherokee; they all have a certain something not found in generic everyday SUVs and crossovers. That “go anywhere” rugged image is not just skin deep it is very real. While we can whine and moan about what the brand got wrong, it is just as equally important to mention what the brand got right. Here are just a few positives of Jeep ownership:

 

• Trail-rated badge – this badge still means something. It is not some watered-down sales gimmick; Jeeps can go places where others can’t. 
• Iconic Design – This may be a bit more on the subjective side, but that 7 slot grill and the brand’s rugged and solid lines serve as a symbol of rugged and elegant design.
• Extended Driving Range – In response to customer feedback about older Jeep models having smaller fuel tanks and poor fuel economy that required frequent stops on long trips, Jeep made improvements to increase fuel efficiency while also expanding fuel tank capacity. In fact, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee shocked the market as it advertised over 500 miles of range on a single tank.
• Wide range of unique vehicles – Whether you are into off-roading or want a car for occasional track use, Jeep has got you covered. The brand has a wide range of purpose-built vehicles, from the off-road capable, such as the Jeep Wrangler, to the insanely powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and SRT models.
• Cool Cabin tech – While the UConnect system may have some technical flaws, it is a very capable and clever system that seamlessly integrates various entertainment, safety and convenience features. 
• Improved PMG through electrification - 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrains are now in every lineup.
• Off-road capability – Jeep offers a multitude of models that still feature the solid front axle suspension, which is the preferred suspension for most off-road enthusiasts. 

 

Potential Buyer Take-Away

 

Jeep is a lifestyle icon and while it has had many reported issues with proper and regular maintenance, it is possible to steer clear of some of those issues. The key thing you must ask yourself is what is the most important thing you need in a car. If reliability and cost of ownership are among the top 2 things you look for in a car, it may be best for you to look at other brands like Toyota and Honda. However, if you crave adventure and live an active lifestyle, maybe a Jeep is the right car for you.