Used Car Checklists

2023 Jeep Cherokee: What to check before buying

Owners have filed 396 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, suspension, and steering. The 10 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.

Jeep Cherokee2023
Owner complaints
396
Recalls
18
1 urgent
Crashes reported
16
19 injuries
Reliability
Good
66/100 on Auto Reliability Index

One recall on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.

Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing it was completed for this VIN.

Run the VIN before you go

A history report shows accidents, title brands, odometer readings, and open recalls for this 2023 Jeep Cherokee. Ask the seller for the VIN; it is also on the dash at the base of the windshield.

Your inspection sheet

Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.

These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.

Which Cherokee is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Jeep Cherokee. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.

VersionDriveEPA rating
2.0L 4-cylAWD22 mpg
2.4L 4-cylAWD24 mpg
  • The 2023 Jeep Cherokee was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Cherokee that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Check the odometer against these mileages

Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.

  • Early electrical and warning faults

    12–1,000 miles

  • Sudden power loss while driving

    13,000–14,000 miles

0 mi25k50k

Why these checks: what owners reported

NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.

  • Electrical1463 crashes

    Sudden electrical failures across the whole vehicle dominate. The dash fills with warnings, screens go black, and the car can lose all power at highway speed, shift itself into park while moving, or refuse to restart. Many reports involve the plug-in hybrid, with repeated "Service Hybrid System" messages and power stutters. Owners also report false automatic braking, seats moving on their own, dead heat and defrost, and drained batteries. Trouble often starts within the first few hundred miles. Dealers often cannot reproduce the faults, and some cars spend months in the shop. Three complaints involve crashes and one involves fire.

  • Suspension53No crashes

    Rear coil springs coming loose are the main failure. The spring pops out while the car is parked, backing up or moving at highway speed. The rear corner drops, and in some cases the spring jams against the tire, creating a real risk of losing control. Several owners say it happened again after a dealer inspection or repair. Other reports describe the air suspension failing at under 1,000 miles, a bolt shearing off a rear link, and tires worn to zero tread on the inside edge at 15,000 miles despite a correct alignment.

  • Steering442 crashes

    Sudden loss of power steering is the leading pattern. The wheel goes stiff, a red steering icon appears, and driver-assist features drop out at the same time. It can happen at 70 mph or right at startup. Restarting does not always bring the assist back, and one dealer's fix was a software update. Other complaints cover a failing steering column control module that disables the wipers, lights and turn signals, a detached control arm, repeated alignment problems, and clicking over bumps. Two complaints involve crashes, including a rollover.

  • Transmission271 crash

    Harsh or stuck shifting and loss of power lead this category. Transmissions slam down several gears at speed, stay stuck in first with the engine revving high, or drop from reverse into neutral. Hybrids stall, go into limp mode, or shut off at highway speed after a "Service Hybrid System" warning. A few owners say the car moved the wrong way or surged while parking. Grinding under load and shaking also appear. Dealers often cannot reproduce the faults and fall back on software updates. One complaint describes the airbags going off in a garage, followed by a crash that caused an injury.

  • Brakes152 crashes

    The brakes either stop working or apply themselves. Some owners say the pedal went to the floor while ABS, stability control and parking brake warnings lit up together, sometimes at highway speed. Others describe automatic emergency braking or the parking brake engaging with nothing ahead, which risks a rear-end collision. Dealers have replaced ABS and booster modules and updated software, but the failures came back. One report describes flames coming from a front brake caliper. Two complaints involve crashes, including a slide on snow after brake assist locked the wheels.

  • Engine14No crashes

    Stalling and power loss at highway speed are the most common engine reports, often paired with a brief hybrid system warning. Rough running and weak acceleration also come up repeatedly, sometimes right after refueling, and dealers often cannot reproduce them. Engine mounts wear out early: one owner replaced them twice within 7,000 miles, and another needed them before 50k miles. An AC compressor failed at 37k miles and damaged the drive belt. Hybrid owners report waiting on a replacement battery. One complaint describes a parked vehicle catching fire and destroying a home.

  • Automatic emergency braking92 crashes

    The system fails in both directions. Some owners say it never warns or brakes, including a low-speed crash into a pole and a crash that hit a pedestrian, where the front radar sensor was found not tracking. Others report hard, unprompted stops during left turns or on the highway with nothing ahead. One owner counts about 10 such stops. Dealers often find no error codes. Some cars report a collision at startup and will not release the parking brake. Two complaints involve crashes with two injuries.

  • Acceleration and cruise control82 crashes

    Unintended acceleration and a throttle that does not respond are the pattern. Owners describe the engine surging in stop-and-go traffic, cruise control climbing past its set speed and ignoring the brake, and revs spiking with a light touch of the pedal. The opposite also happens: no response to the gas while merging, then a sudden surge. Some drivers had to shift out of drive or turn the engine off to regain control. Two complaints involve crashes, one at 11,000 miles.

In owners' own words

Excerpts from complaints Cherokee owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.

Electrical
Starting at around 12k miles, my odometer started flashing and backup cameras completely stopped working, unable to see while backing up, at the same time the active lane management and auto emergency braking went out as well, took my car into the dealership and was told pam module was not good and covered under manufacturer warranty, even after pam module was replaced, the active lane management and auto emergency braking is still not working

Filed with NHTSA, April 2025

Electrical
Had 60 miles to empty of gas and slowed down while entering a turn lane. All the electronics flashed a few times, forced the car into park (while moving) and then would not turn on to drive. Music continued to play, car would not turn off or restart, AC stopped working, and was unable to shift into neutral to get out of the road. Was almost hit by multiple cars getting into the turning lane expecting me to drive like everyone in front of me.

Filed with NHTSA, June 2025

Suspension
The Quadra-Lift Air Suspension has failed twice while being driven and once during repairs. I have less than 1000 miles on the vehicle and it has spent more time in the shop than on the road. The system has been inspected and worked on by Covert Chrysler Dodge Jeep and Caliber Collision in Austin, TX. USAA Insurance inspected photos only. There was no prior warning light, only a warning notice light after the system failed.

Filed with NHTSA, February 2023

Suspension
There is extreme vibration in this vehicle and it gets worse daily. I believe there is something terribly wrong with this Jeep and it's not due to poor alignment. I also experience very hard / stiff bounce back when on bumpy roads. Something that should not be so bad with this type of Jeep. I recently met a woman with a 2022 Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve who said she is experiencing the same exact things. I don't think this is a coincidence.

Filed with NHTSA, September 2023

Steering
My wife was driving my kids to school and the jeep went into limp mode. This jeep relies too much on the battery to run everything and the batteries failed, at 39k and 2 years of ownership. It was showing steering, sos, brake, airbag, anti collision system failures with no prior warnings.

Filed with NHTSA, December 2024

Steering
The jeep will display “power steering unavailable” while driving, causing the steering wheel to lock up and be unable to turn while driving. Then the automatic braking, collision warning, and lane departure will all announce it is unavailable. This has caused us almost to crash multiple times. We took the vehicle to Jeep, they witnessed the power steering fail while driving, and told they can not find any remedy. This has been a daily occurrence since.

Filed with NHTSA, March 2025

Transmission
On 7/9/24 I was driving on the highway and jeep began to lose power and speed. I was unable to accelerate to maintain speed or safely pull to the shoulder. Jeep completely lost power and stopped in the middle of the highway and I had to wait with hazards until I could successfully turn on the car and drive again. This exact thing happened again today on 7/16/24 it was very dangerous and scary especially since I was almost rear ended.

Filed with NHTSA, July 2024

Transmission
While driving, the vehicle sends a message that the automatic cruise control has shut down, the car starts slowing down and doesn't respond to pressing on the gas. Only recourse is to move off to the side of the road, shut everything down and turn it back on. The batteries show two miles left on the electric system. This is the second occurrence. Both have occurred at highway speed.

Filed with NHTSA, July 2025

How the 2023 compares with other Cherokee years

Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.

The 2023 ranks fifth for owner complaints among 8 Cherokee years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.

2023 Average of other years
  • Electrical146145
  • Suspension537
  • Steering4447
  • Transmission27186
  • Brakes1534
  • Engine1460

Recalls to confirm (18)

Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.

  1. 25V741000ElectricalPark outsideOct 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2025 Jeep Wrangler 4Xe and 2022-2026 Grand Cherokee 4Xe vehicles. The high voltage battery may fail internally and lead to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.

    Risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures and not to charge their vehicles until the remedy is completed. Dealers will update the high voltage battery software, and replace the high voltage battery, as necessary, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed beginning December 17, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a later date. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 68C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning November 6, 2025. Vehicles that were previously recalled for the same issue under NHTSA Recalls 24V720 and 23V787 will need to have the new remedy performed.

  2. 26V051000SuspensionJan 2026

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.

    Risk: Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 12, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 20D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 30, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

  3. 25V576000ElectricalSep 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. A software error within the hybrid control processor may result in a loss of drive power.

    Risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the hybrid control processer software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 73C. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning September 11, 2025.

  4. 25V472000SeatsJul 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The second-row seat head restraints may not lock in the upright position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 202, "Head Restraints.".

    Risk: Head restraints that do not lock can result in an increased risk of injury to seat occupants during a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace both second-row seat head restraints, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 5, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 20C.

  5. 25V430000Wipers and visibilityJun 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The blower motor may fail, which can cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.".

    Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the blower motor, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 49C.

  6. 24V897000AirbagsNov 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection.".

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B3B.

  7. 24V436000Backup cameraJun 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.

  8. 24V434000Seat beltsJun 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A bolt for the second-row seat belt buckle may not be tightened properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.".

    Risk: An improperly secured seat belt buckle may not properly restrain occupants during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the second-row seat buckle bolt as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 70B.

  9. 24V289000Backup cameraApr 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly connected coaxial cable may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will secure the coaxial cable connection, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 40B.

  10. 24V291000Backup cameraApr 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L vehicles. Improperly fastened screen module connections may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".

    Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will secure the display screen module connections, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 44B.

  11. 24V199000AirbagsMar 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".

    Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.

  12. 24V130000Exterior lightsFeb 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. When the master headlight switch is set to the AUTO position, the driver may be unable to quickly activate the high beams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.".

    Risk: High beam headlights that do not activate as intended can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will reconfigure the vehicle high beam parameters, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 12B.

  13. 24V132000SuspensionFeb 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

    Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 2, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 10B.

  14. 24V111000Wipers and visibilityFeb 2024

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems.".

    Risk: An inoperative windshield defrosting and defogging system may decrease the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the HCP software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 29, 2024. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 04B.

  15. 23V577000Backup cameraAug 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".

    Risk: A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.

    Fix: Dealers will update the Central Vision Park Assist Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 56A.

  16. 23V413000SuspensionJun 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.

    Risk: Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and if necessary, repair the rear coil spring assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 64A. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall 26V051. All vehicles will need to have the new recall remedy performed.

  17. 23V352000SteeringMay 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.

    Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.

  18. 23V336000EquipmentMay 2023

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Grand Cherokee vehicles. The air bag warning label may be missing from the dashboard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirement Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".

    Risk: Without a label that shows the proper restraint usage guidelines, the occupants may have an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

    Fix: FCA US, LLC will mail owners the warning label information, free of charge. Dealers will inspect unsold vehicles and install the required label, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 25, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 52A.

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