While the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a good choice for many, owners have complained of the infotainment system and transmission issues. Some Jeep Grand Cherokee issues are also related to safety and the steering system. In terms of 2020 Grand Cherokee reliability, it received a score of 82/100 in the J.D. Power Consumer Rating. The overall J.D. Power Consumer Rating score of 80/100 is quite decent as well.
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls are three in total, and 97 complaints are registered under its name with the NHTSA. Also, it scored a four-star safety rating in the NHTSA crash tests. It starts at $33,645 and goes against the Ford Explorer, the GMC Acadia, and the Volkswagen Atlas.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems and User Complaints
Electrical Issues:
- HVAC issues: New units of the Grand Cherokee with less than 300 miles are reported to have HVAC issues when standing still. The owners have complained of the unit blowing hot air for 10 to 15 minutes after starting up. Dealers diagnosed an unknown electrical code and resolved the issue with a software update.
- UConnect issues: The UConnect system in the Grand Cherokee, and other Jeep vehicles in general, gives out a lot of issues. The system freezes and causes a lot of distraction while driving. Such freezing issues also render the whole unit inoperable and require the vehicle to be restarted.
- Backup camera issues: Many owners have complained about the backup camera freezing and affecting rearward visibility. People have reported collisions with objects in proximity. Many complainants have also termed this issue a distraction while driving.
Mechanical Issues:
- Engine stalling: People have reported the engine on the 2020 Grand Cherokee stalling when moving from a standstill. The complainants say that the engine starts up fine but cuts off in between and needs the car to be restarted.
- Transmission error: People have complained about the transmission slipping gears and moving unintentionally. There have been numerous complaints stating issues with the transmission jerking at lower RPMs, stalling the vehicle in the process. The disturbing fact is that the issue has popped up in new units with as little as 500 miles.
- Steering issues: Some people have reported the SUV not maintaining a straight line and swerving. This is dangerous at highway speeds, where people prefer driving on cruise control.
Safety Issues:
- ABS failures: Some complainants state that the ABS failed in their cars during emergency braking. The people said that the wheels locked up and made steering difficult. In some cases, the SUV collided and caused damage to the objects in its surroundings.
- Vehicle Speed Control (VSC) issue: The VSC in the Grand Cherokee is reported to go off while in cruise control. This causes the SUV to accelerate unintentionally. The system has also given out this issue while driving at lower speeds as well.
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recalls
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | June 8, 2023 | 23V411000 | Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure | 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. | Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. |
2. | June 9, 2022 | 22V406000 | High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure | 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. | 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. |
3. |
April 2, 2020 |
20V191000 |
Back Over Prevention |
A software error with the backup camera may not shift the view when put in gear, affecting rearward visibility. This increases the risk of a crash and makes the affected units fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS Number 111, “Rearview Mirrors”. |
The recall began on May 1, 2020. The dealers will update the radio display software. . |
Should you buy the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a very good bet that comes with a lot of bells and whistles right from the base trim. The SUV gets a good customer response right from the get-go but has seen some issues with its infotainment system and its transmission. Also, there is one open investigation related to the high-pressure fuel pump that needs to be sorted out. Overall, the Jeep Grand Cherokee problems can be rectified, but if you are planning to buy a used one, then a proper investigation is recommended.
So, what year Jeep Grand Cherokee to avoid?
Considering the 2011–2023 model years and their user feedback, complaints, number of recalls, and reliability score, we would suggest staying away from the 2011–2014 and 2015 model years.