How Long Do Jeeps Last?
If properly cared for, a Jeep can take you up to 300,000 miles in its lifetime—and the Jeep Grand Cherokee is the most reliable Jeep there is.
Written by Jessie Devine
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Table of Contents
- Are Jeeps reliable?
- The most reliable Jeep models
- The least reliable Jeep models
- How to make your Jeep last longer
- How to find affordable Jeep insurance
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Jeep sports the slogan “Go Anywhere, Do Anything.” Designed for hard work and rugged terrain, the most reliable Jeeps last at least 200,000 miles and 13 years. Other models are less dependable.
Although it has some of the most reliable individual models, Jeep consistently earns middle-of-the-road reliability scores from J.D. Power and other evaluators due to some failings of certain models.
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Are Jeeps reliable?
The short answer: it depends.
While Jeep has some of the most loyal customers in the market, the brand doesn’t consistently provide reliable vehicles. The Gladiator and Cherokee earn “great” reliability scores from J.D. Power, but the Jeep Compass comes in dead last in reliability rankings of all models—not just Jeep models.
Of course, no car is reliable if it isn’t maintained properly. Jeep has a lower-than-average annual cost of maintenance, coming in at $634 per year. No matter which model you choose, maintaining it properly will maximize its lifespan.
How many miles can a Jeep last?
The average Jeep will go at least 200,000 miles, with higher-reliability models going further. That said, Jeeps can last up to 300,000 miles with routine care and maintenance.
How many years can a Jeep last?
Most people keep a Jeep between 13 and 20 years. These numbers soar above the average of 10 to 12 years for most SUVs—but this could be due to high brand loyalty among Jeep owners.
The lifespan of your Jeep in years will depend on what you use it for, how many miles you drive it, and of course, how well you maintain it. Since many people use Jeeps exclusively for off-roading and have other, fuel-economy cars for the day-to-day, lifespan data measured in years may be skewed for this brand.
Key Takeaway Depending on your Jeep’s use, model, and maintenance, it could last as long as 300,000 miles or 20 years.
MORE:
The most reliable Jeep models
Jeep earns an above-average reliability score of 3.5 out of 5.0 from Repair Pal, but as we’ve seen, some Jeeps are far more reliable than others.
A car’s reliability depends on its:
- Rate of recalls
- Frequency and severity of mechanical issues
- Maintenance costs
Using those criteria, our evaluations are based on
J.D. Power’s
Quality & Reliability ratings and Edmunds.com’s
True Cost to Own® estimates.Gladiator
2021 starting price: $36,555
True cost to own (5 years): $45,075
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 85/100
The
Gladiator
is Jeep’s pickup and most reliable vehicle. It comes off the lot ready to off-road, with the added benefits of a highly-rated towing package and a bed for cargo. In 2021, the Gladiator won J.D. Power’s Highest Quality Midsize Pickup award and was on
Car and Driver's 2021 Editor's Choice list
. Grand Cherokee
2021 starting price: $37,330
True cost to own (5 years): $53,810
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 84/100
The
Grand Cherokee
is Jeep’s next-most reliable vehicle. The crossover SUV received a 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and won Newsweek’s Best Family SUV award.MORE: The Top 10 Best Family Cars
The least reliable Jeep models
Jeep’s brand reliability is a range, and the Compass and Renegade are on the wrong end of it.
Compass
2021 starting price: $25,990
True cost to own (5 years): $41,427
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 81/100
While the Compass received a good rating from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports data tells a different story. The Compass only earned a 2.5 out of 5.0—and if you look over the last few years, this model consistently struggles with reliability.
The
Compass
’s biggest problems are no-start issues due to faulty batteries, grinding and noisy brakes, and an overheating CVT transmission. This last issue is the biggest because it’s very expensive and also a potential safety hazard.Renegade
2021 starting price: $24,445
True cost to own (5 years): $43,253
2021 J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score: 80/100
While the
Renegade
is an affordable and sporty-looking entry point to the Jeep lifestyle, it doesn’t rank high with its reliability ratings. Most consumer complaints relate to serious defects in the Renegade’s 2.4L Tigershark engine that cause it to consume an excessive amount of oil and produce an excessive amount of emissions.Key Takeaways The most reliable Jeep is the Gladiator, while the brand’s least reliable models are the Compass and the Renegade.
How to make your Jeep last longer
No matter what model Jeep you have, you can extend its lifespan by investing in it and caring for it. To help your Jeep endure, follow these tips:
- Only use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts
- Schedule inspections in between services to catch any unexpected issues
- Keep the vehicle clean to decrease cosmetic damage—especially if you use your Jeep to go off-road
- Drive carefully to avoid accidents
MORE: How to make your car last longer
How to find affordable Jeep insurance
If your main concern is extending your Jeep’s longevity, you should invest in a good insurance policy. While great coverage often comes with a big price tag, it doesn’t have to. Car insurance comparison app
Jerry
can quickly help you locate the best coverage for the lowest price. Sign up in under a minute, and let Jerry take it from there! As a
licensed broker
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What is a high mileage for a Jeep?
Though Jeeps can last up to 300,000 miles with proper care, a Jeep with mileage between 100,000 and 150,000 is considered “high-mileage.”
Are Jeeps expensive to maintain?
Jeeps have a slightly lower-than-average cost of maintenance. On average, Jeeps cost $634 per year to maintain, compared to a $652 average across all car brands.
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