MODEL
Jeep Cherokee
NHTSA safety across every Jeep Cherokee model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Jeep Cherokee we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2023 at 89 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 70. 24 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that slots between the subcompact Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee in Stellantis's Jeep lineup. Aimed at buyers who want trail-capable credentials alongside everyday practicality, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. The Cherokee carries a distinct identity as a more rugged alternative to mainstream crossovers, appealing to active families and adventure-minded commuters alike.
For model years 2019 through 2023, the Jeep Cherokee presents a mixed but ultimately cautious safety picture that shoppers deserve to examine closely before signing on the dotted line. The best NHTSA Safety Index across our covered window reaches 89 out of 100 in the 2023 model year, a genuinely solid score that reflects meaningful improvement over the span. Crash-test results in peak form show a strong 5-star side rating and respectable 4-star frontal and rollover scores, placing the Cherokee in broadly acceptable but not class-leading territory on structural protection. The recall count, however, commands attention. Twenty-two recalls across five model years is a notably high figure for a single nameplate, suggesting persistent engineering and supplier challenges that Stellantis has had to address repeatedly. Owners have filed 2,010 complaints in our covered window, with 62 alleged crashes, 28 fire-related allegations, and 58 reported injuries embedded in that total. These are unverified allegations, but the volume and the fire-incident count in particular are worth flagging. The Cherokee earns an Average safety band in some years and a Strong band in others, so year selection genuinely matters here. If safety is your priority, the 2023 model year represents the most favorable data point in this range. Shoppers should check the NHTSA recall database before purchase and confirm any open recalls are resolved.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Jeep Cherokee as a capable and characterful compact SUV with genuine off-road credibility that sets it apart from more road-focused rivals. Most acknowledge that its interior and feature set have improved over the years, though many note that the segment has become intensely competitive and that the Cherokee faces strong pressure from newer, more polished alternatives.
- The 2023 Cherokee achieves the highest NHTSA Safety Index in our covered window at 89 out of 100, making model-year selection a meaningful safety decision rather than a cosmetic one.
- Twenty-two recalls across the 2019 to 2023 model years is a high count for a single model in a five-year window. Always run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database and confirm all open recalls are addressed before purchase.
- Owner complaints include 28 fire-related allegations and 58 reported injuries across the covered years. While these are unverified, the fire-incident volume warrants extra scrutiny, particularly around any recall notices tied to electrical or fuel system components.
- Side-impact protection is the Cherokee's strongest crash-test result at 5 stars in its best year, while frontal and rollover ratings hold at 4 stars, meaning the vehicle is not uniformly rated across all crash modes and buyers should weigh that balance against their own risk priorities.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Jeep Cherokee with 11 recalls.