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With a reputation of being an “indestructible” vehicle and gaining America’s “most patriotic brand” for the year 2021 and years before that, Jeeps still couldn’t gain a position at the top most reliable cars list.
Jeeps were ranked 15 out of 32 according to Repair Pal. Based on their data the Jeep also has a higher than normal cost of ownership due to the repairs that are needed
Jeeps are not a very reliable vehicle (as evidenced by their ranking by Repair Pal). Many consumers have had problems with their Jeeps even just a few years after purchase.
My brother and his wife purchased a new Jeep just last year because they loved the updated design. However they have had all sorts of transmission issues with their Jeep even though it is just a year old!
They have taken it to the dealer repeatedly and so far the dealer has not fixed the issue for them!
Although this is only one case where the Jeep brand hasn’t been very reliable (even when new) there are many other examples of this found on consumer forums throughout the internet.
For example, this thread on jeepgarage.org talks about how one person has owned four different Jeeps of four different years and 3 of the 4 have had major issues with them!
That’s far from reliable in my opinion!
Reports regarding Jeep reliability of course will be mixed as some people have no issues and others have all kinds of issues.
However, with issues in dashboard displays, windshield wipers, tire-pressure sensors, transmissions, and more, Jeep’s reliability has certainly come into question.
Nevertheless, Jeeps remain popular among many car enthusiasts and are still one of the most sold vehicles all around the world.
Factors Impacting Jeep Reliability
Jeeps were meant to be military vehicles originally. But after Fiat took over, their reliability has been questioned by many customers.
Experts have cited the following reasons why Jeep might not be the most reliable car.
• Manufacturing
Jeep is manufactured by FCA, also known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. They do not have a good history of creating reliable vehicles, leaving doubts in the mind of Jeep enthusiasts.
• Transmission, Axle, and Suspension
The problems with Jeep transmissions lies in poor engine performance compared to the once 4.0L engine. Oil leaks, accelerating difficulties, overheating, stalling, delayed gear engagement, and poor response are some of the problems associated with the newer versions of Jeep.
Some of the recent models show complications in their axle and suspension as well.
• Playing Hard
A very common mistake that customers make after buying a Jeep. is that they play too hard with it. This interferes with the normal system of a Jeep vehicle and finally has a hand in damaging or destroying the vehicle.
Although the Jeeps’s transmission models are sensitive to heat and torque capacity, there are ways to increase the lifespan of transmission of a Jeep. By not accelerating the vehicle too hard and installing an external transmission oil cooler with Chrysler 4 sp or 5 sp automatic and with fair regular maintenance, the transmissions usually last longer.
• Electrical Issues
Whenever there are problems with Jeeps it always seems to be either transmission or electrical problems.
Some of the problems include power windows not working, the horn not functioning properly, and unlocking and locking of doors not working are recurrent in these vehicles.
There might be certain severe electrical problems occurring in Jeeps too.
For example, some people have reported that the engine stalled while driving, airbags were not getting deployed or even the brakes locking up.
Obviously all of these possible issues make the Jeep seem less and less like a reliable vehicle.
Factors Supporting Jeep Reliability
Of course not everyone has had problems with their Jeeps (or Jeep wouldn’t sell any).
Some of the factors that keep people coming back for another Jeep are:
• Long Durability On Rough Roads
Jeep is designed to handle fairly rough use and is best for mountain trails or desert adventures. For any off-road experiences, Jeeps are undoubtedly the best choice.
Their construction supports all types of weather conditions as well.
• Looks and Body Style
Jeeps have kept a classic look since the beginning of its production. They have small and compact frames which allow better handling on rough and rocky regions.
Moreover, Jeeps can be customized according to the buyers own choices. They are spacious and can act as an adventure buddy as well as an everyday car.
• Fuel Economy
Jeep’s fuel consumption capacity is getting better with time. The newer models have better gas mileage than their predecessors and often the mileage is pretty close to what you would get on a full size car.
• Maintenance
Jeeps are manufactured keeping harsh conditions in mind. They can survive rough terrains, but for a longer lifespan, Jeep needs regular maintenance.
So, the question of maintenance cost automatically arises.
Well, Jeeps are not at all expensive to maintain (unless you start having electrical or transmission problems as mentioned above). The service charges are on par with the national average costs for maintaining vehicles.
Comparing the price of the highest standard parts used in a Jeep to face the harshest conditions, their maintenance costs are quite cheap.
Are Jeeps Long Lasting Cars?
All cars nowadays are designed to last longer and longer with many vehicles easily surpassing the 200,000 mile mark on the odometer.
Can you expect your Jeep to last that long though?
• Longevity
If Jeeps are maintained well, they can last up to 20 years. These vehicles are made for outdoors and rough terrains and with the proper care and regular service, Jeeps can last for a long time.
Although some of the models might show some issues sooner rather than later (as evidenced by the issues I mentioned above) if you are lucky enough to not have those main issues with your Jeep you can expect it to last a good long time.
Even if you have issues with your Jeep parts and accessories are widely available and relatively cheap, so the problems can be solved very easily.
• Use
Switching over from rough terrains to normal driving terrains is very simple in a Jeep. Hence, a Jeep can be used from going to the office for work and also for an off-road rough adventure on the weekend.
• Mileage
Jeeps easily run up to 100,000 miles and can even last till 400,000 miles. But after the 150,000 mark, most models start showing issues, but can be fixed by taking it to timely servicing.
Most Jeeps will run up to the 100,000 mark without needing any major service but again some people have problems with their Jeeps almost immediately.
• Some Jeeps Last Longer Than Other Jeeps
The models might vary but Jeeps are rugged by nature. The better the maintenance of the vehicle, the longer it will last.
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes every 5000 miles or 6 months, worn out tire replacement, and cleaning/servicing it often increases the lifespan of Jeep by a large amount.
All of these factors affect the reliability factors of Jeep as well.
Conclusion: Are Jeeps Reliable?
Although Jeep’s reliability overall is slightly less than average, Jeeps are a great vehicle for an off-road experience.
There are many unreliability factors, as discussed above, but owing to their excellent customer service, Jeeps are still one of the most popular brands.
With the love of the looks of them, their historical relevance, and their off and on-road capabilities, many people still choose to buy a Jeep even knowing the possible reliability issues.
Some of the major feedback issues might lie with the fact that consumers have huge expectations for Jeep and all of its models.
Although Jeeps are popular because of their design and off road/ on road use capabilities I personally would not buy one for my family simply because of the experience of my brother (mentioned earlier) and also the many reliability issues that other consumers have had with them.