NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Ratings
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 223 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, positioning it within the Average safety band. This assessment is largely driven by its robust performance in federal crash testing. However, a modest record of defects and the availability of advanced crash-avoidance technology solely as an option prevent it from attaining a higher safety distinction. Overall, it presents as a reasonable safety choice within its competitive class.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 82 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 223 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 82 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee represents a meaningful step forward in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising 8 points to 79/100 from the 2019 model year's 71/100, while both years remain in the Average band. That gain is driven primarily by the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, anchored by the 5-star overall and 5-star side NHTSA ratings. Where this specific model year loses ground is in crash-avoidance technology, scoring only 6 out of 10 because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional equipment rather than standard, meaning not every 2020 Grand Cherokee on the road carries them. The defect record sub-score of 11.5 out of 20 reflects three active recall campaigns, two of which are diesel-engine-specific and were issued years after the vehicle's production, a pattern worth noting for used-market shoppers. The 223 unverified owner complaints, led by alleged electrical system and engine issues, add texture to that defect picture without constituting confirmed findings. Taken together, this model year's safety profile is shaped by genuinely strong structural crash performance offset by gaps in active-safety technology and a multi-year recall tail.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee achieved an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a standout, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle exhibits a 17 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test concluding with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14275
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two target vehicles equipped with the 3.0L diesel engine, addressing engine and engine cooling concerns and a diesel fuel pump delivery issue. A third recall covers a backup camera sensing system and was remedied via an over-the-air software fix. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING23V411000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer
Reported 2023-06-08
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP22V406000
Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may c
Reported 2022-06-09
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has received 223 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System (67 reports), Unknown Or Other (56), and the Engine (47). Reported allegations also include 24 crash incidents and 5 fire-related claims, all unverified and not established as fact.
223 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Three recall campaigns impact the 2020 Grand Cherokee, a notable point for any prospective buyer. The presence of specific recalls targeting the 3.0L diesel engine and fuel pump assemblies underscores the importance of verifying completed remedies for these critical components. Checking a vehicle's VIN against NHTSA's recall database before purchase is a necessary safety precaution.
- The 2020 model year posted a Safety Index of 79/100, an 8-point improvement over the 2019 model year's 71/100, driven by strong NHTSA crash-test scores including a 5-star overall and 5-star side rating.
- Two of the three recalls affecting this model year are specific to the 3.0L diesel engine variant, covering engine cooling and fuel pump delivery concerns, both issued after the vehicle's production year.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year, which directly reduced the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a meaningful distinction from competitors that standardized these features.
- NHTSA has logged 223 unverified complaints for this model year, with the Electrical System (67 alleged reports) and Engine (47 alleged reports) as the top categories, and the complaint record extends through mid-2026, indicating ongoing owner reporting activity.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee places
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee safety questions
Was the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 223 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Grand Cherokee years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14275), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Grand Cherokee 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 82 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.