Used Car Checklists

2026 Jeep Cherokee: What to check before buying

Only 1 owner complaint is on file with NHTSA for this car, so this sheet is short. Problems reported on neighboring Cherokee years are listed below the checklist.

Jeep Cherokee2026
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
2
1 urgent
Crashes reported
0
Reliability
Good
76/100 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 2026 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.

Reported on neighboring Cherokee years

Few owners have reported problems with this year yet. Nearby years usually share most parts, so their problems are worth checking on this car too.

2025 Cherokee

64 owner complaints
  • Electrical 22
  • Transmission 10
  • Engine 4

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Run the VIN for open recalls and confirm with a dealer that every remedy has been completed, not just scheduled.
  • Request service records and look for repeat visits for shutdowns, battery drain, or no-problem-found results.
  • Pull away from a stop several times after automatic engine stops and watch for revving without movement.
Open the 2025 checklist

2024 Cherokee

232 owner complaints
  • Electrical 99
  • Transmission 27
  • Engine 21

Worth adding to your 2026 checks

  • Run the VIN for open recalls and confirm with a dealer that engine and hybrid battery repairs are available and completed.
  • Ask for service records and look for repeat visits for no-start, power loss, or a replaced transmission.
  • Start and shut off the car several times, confirming it leaves park and powers down normally each time.
Open the 2024 checklist

Which Cherokee is it?

EPA figures for each version of the 2026 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
1.6L 4-cylAWD37 mpg
  • On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
  • Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Cherokee that averages well under the EPA 37 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.

Recalls to confirm (2)

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. 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.

Also looking at these instead of a Cherokee?

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