MODEL
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
NHTSA safety across every Jeep Grand Cherokee L model year we cover.
Across the 6 model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L we cover (2021 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 96 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2022 at 79. 18 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L is a three-row midsize SUV aimed squarely at families who want genuine off-road credibility alongside everyday practicality. Introduced for 2021 as a stretched companion to the two-row Grand Cherokee, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in America. Its buyers typically want space, capability, and the Jeep nameplate, but safety deserves a close look before signing.
At MotorCaliber we track safety across model years 2021 through 2025, and the Grand Cherokee L tells a story that improves meaningfully over time. The best NHTSA Safety Index we have recorded for this vehicle is 92 out of 100, earned on the 2025 model, which places it in Exceptional territory. Earlier years have landed in Strong and Average bands, so the generation started with room to grow and has largely grown into it. Crash-test hardware backs that up: the best-year results show a perfect five stars in both frontal and side disciplines, with four stars in rollover, a number that is common for tall-riding SUVs of this size and is worth keeping in mind if you frequently carry a full load of passengers. The recall picture is harder to dismiss. Eighteen recalls across five model years is a substantial count for a single nameplate, and shoppers should verify that any used or new example has all outstanding campaigns completed before taking delivery. Owner complaints number 403 across the covered span, including 22 reported crashes and 12 reported injuries. NHTSA stresses these are unverified allegations, but the volume signals that real-world issues have prompted real-world filings. The honest bottom line: the Grand Cherokee L has become a genuinely strong performer on the crash-test stage, but its recall history demands diligence.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Grand Cherokee L for its upscale interior presentation, composed on-road manners, and the added practicality of the third row. Most note that the driving experience feels more refined than the rugged Jeep image might suggest. Criticisms tend to center on the complexity of its infotainment system and third-row access, rather than any fundamental concerns about the vehicle's structure or road behavior.
- The 2025 model year earns the segment's top Safety Index score of 92 out of 100, rated Exceptional by NHTSA, but earlier 2021 to 2023 examples scored in lower bands, so model year matters when shopping used.
- Eighteen recalls across 2021 to 2025 is a high count. Before purchasing any trim or year, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database and confirm every open recall has been remedied at a dealership.
- The four-star rollover rating is the one area where this SUV falls short of a perfect crash-test sweep. The tall ride height and substantial curb weight are contributing factors, and drivers carrying maximum passenger loads should keep that dynamic in mind.
- Owner complaints total 403 across the covered years, with 22 alleged crashes and 12 alleged injuries on record. These are unverified filings, but the volume is high enough that prospective buyers should review the specific complaint categories on NHTSA's site to understand which systems are generating the most concern.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with 6 recalls.