Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2020 Jeep Grand CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 241 owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve electrical system (74) and engine (50). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Jun 2023
Owner complaints
241
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Engine and engine cooling

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jun 8, 2023NHTSA 23V411000

Fuel system

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.

Fuel system, dieselReported Jun 9, 2022NHTSA 22V406000

Back over prevention: camera

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Back over preventionReported Sep 10, 2020NHTSA 20V191000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 2, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

241 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system74
  2. Engine50
  3. Power train39
  4. Fuel/propulsion system17
  5. Air bags17
  6. Vehicle speed control15
  7. Service brakes13
  8. Steering13
  9. Forward collision avoidance9

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,342
19971,380
19981,429
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20021,476
2003761
20041,295
20052,051
20061,297
20071,109
2008734
2009138
2010118
20111,640
20121,644
2013805
20142,388
20151,369
2016312
2017364
2018855
2019370
2020241
2021410
2022377
2023408
2024254
202580
202632
Crashes reported
24
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
13
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 2, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

74 reports3 crashes
“This concerns the Auto Start Stop (ASS) battery installed at the factory that has the vent hole in the wrong place and was improperly installed so that the vent tube could be dislodged and allow hydrogen gas from charging into the cabin. Both the main battery and ASS battery are installed under the passenger seat and vent outside through a hose. I discovered this situation while replacing the main battery. I contacted Stellantis via email (with and explanation of the numbers in the photo) and they were not willing to address the issue. I have attached a copy of the email and also a photo of the battery compartment. Also, the new ASS battery has the vent hole in a new location. It is my opinion that this is a safety issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2026Electrical systemODI 11771723

Engine

50 reports3 fires
“I am submitting this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. At approximately 44,000–45,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. This was extremely alarming considering the relatively low mileage of the vehicle. The most serious concern occurred while I was attempting to drive the vehicle to the service center. The condition of the vehicle became so severe that I genuinely feared the vehicle could catch fire while I was still inside it. I was terrified for my personal safety and concerned that I could be seriously injured. This was not simply an inconvenience or an ordinary mechanical repair. In my opinion, the circumstances surrounding the engine failure created a potentially dangerous safety situation. The vehicle has subsequently remained at the dealership/service facility for an extended period while the engine issue has been addressed. I contacted Jeep/Stellantis regarding the engine failure. Stellantis offered approximately $13,000 in goodwill assistance toward the repair while requiring me to contribute approximately $3,200. However, my primary reason for reporting this matter to NHTSA is…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2026EngineODI 11755756

Power train

39 reports2 crashes2 fires
“On the 26th of April 2026, the transfer Case on my 2020 Grand Cherokee (with less 114,000 miles) failed during highway travel. This resulted in a sudden downshift and temporary deceleration followed by illumination of “Service 4wd” display. A short time after, the “Service Electronic Stability Control” indicator displayed followed by another downshift and the unattended transition of the 'Select_Terrain' from 'Auto' to 'Snow'. We were unable to turn off these settings. On the next day, we returned the Jeep to our CDJR dealer for repair. After inspection, the service agent reported that the Jeep experienced a “Transfer Case failure” and further recommended that I consider [purchasing] a new vehicle as these issues seem to be piling up. Failure of this nature is not normal wear. I have purchased 5 Jeep vehicles over the past 40 years and 4 of our Jeeps had over 250,000 miles of service without dangerous, catastrophic engine or drive-train failure such as this. This situation should remediated by the manufacturer and any affected components repaired or replaced. Finally, it should be noted that 3-days prior to the failure, the same CDJR dealer provided a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 9, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11755784
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 2, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 2, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050414
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050427
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
142217$4,350533
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 2, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 2, 2026Vehicle 14275Vehicle 14245
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Grand Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 2, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 241 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (74), engine (50), power train (39). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 2, 2026