MODEL
Jeep Grand Cherokee
NHTSA safety across every Jeep Grand Cherokee model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 90 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2021 at 70. 72 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a mid-size SUV that has anchored Jeep's lineup for decades, targeting families and adventure-minded buyers who want genuine off-road capability alongside everyday comfort. Now in its fifth generation for newer model years, it competes in one of the most contested segments in the American market, where safety performance is increasingly a deciding factor for shoppers.
The Grand Cherokee's safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 model years is genuinely mixed, and shoppers deserve a clear-eyed look at the full data set before signing. The headline numbers are encouraging: the best NHTSA Safety Index we recorded is 87 out of 100 for the 2025 model year, and peak crash-test results include a 5-out-of-5 in both frontal and side testing, with a 4-out-of-5 in rollover protection. That rollover score is worth noting for an SUV with a higher center of gravity, and it is consistent with what the physics of the segment typically produce. However, the recall count across these model years is a serious concern. Sixty-nine recalls is a substantial number for a six-year window, and four of those campaigns carried park-outside or do-not-drive designations, meaning federal regulators judged the risk serious enough to warn owners off driving the vehicle entirely until repairs were made. The owner complaint file adds further context: 1,986 total complaints, including 100 reported crashes, 19 fire-related allegations, 66 injury claims, and 2 reported deaths. These are unverified allegations, as NHTSA itself notes, but the volume and severity cannot be dismissed. The Grand Cherokee earns real credit for its crash-test ceiling, but the recall burden and complaint density mean prospective buyers should verify their specific VIN is recall-clear before purchase and stay current on any future campaigns.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Grand Cherokee for its refined interior, composed on-road ride, and strong off-road credentials relative to the segment. Most find the cabin materials and feature set competitive for the price, and driving dynamics are typically described as confident and planted. Some reviewers note that the model's complexity, particularly on higher trims, can make the ownership experience feel demanding.
- Four of the 69 recalls across 2019 to 2025 carried park-outside or do-not-drive warnings from NHTSA, indicating federally recognized risks serious enough to ground the vehicle until repaired. Always run your VIN through NHTSA's recall database before buying or driving.
- The best recorded NHTSA Safety Index is 87 out of 100 for the 2025 model year, but scores vary across the model year range. The 'Average' safety band appears in the data alongside 'Strong,' so year-specific scores matter when comparing used examples.
- Rollover protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars even in the Grand Cherokee's best crash-test year. This is common for mid-size SUVs but is a real trade-off buyers should weigh, particularly those prioritizing rollover safety for family use.
- The owner complaint file includes 1,986 total allegations across 2019 to 2025, with 19 fire-related reports and 2 reported deaths. These are unverified by NHTSA, but the volume of fire-related complaints in particular warrants attention to any active or future recall notices related to electrical or fuel systems.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 19 recalls.