2022 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report

The 2022 Jeep Cherokee presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a 4-star rating for frontal crash, a 5-star rating for side crash, and a 4-star rating for rollover. This indicates solid protection in most collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 37 total complaints, including 2 crashes and 4 injuries, which is a concern for a relatively new model year. A significant pattern in these complaints points to issues with the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 13 of the complaints, often related to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transmission failures, leading to loss of power or unexpected stalling. Recall history for the 2022 Jeep Cherokee includes two significant safety-related recalls. One recall addresses an improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag, which could prevent deployment and increase injury risk in a crash. The other recall concerns the turn signal self-canceling feature, which may not function properly, potentially increasing the risk of a crash by failing to indicate the driver's intention. These recalls highlight specific manufacturing defects that could compromise safety. Despite the good crash test ratings, the high volume of powertrain complaints, including instances of vehicles stalling at intersections or losing power while driving, raises significant reliability and safety concerns. The fact that some PTU issues mirror those in earlier models that were subject to recalls suggests a persistent design or manufacturing flaw. The reported air bag non-deployment in one crash incident, coupled with the air bag recall, further underscores potential safety system vulnerabilities beyond the crash test environment. Buyers should be aware of these recurring mechanical and system issues.

Our recommendation: Despite good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be cautious due to numerous powertrain complaints, particularly PTU failures and stalling, and ensure all recalls (air bag, turn signal) have been addressed before purchase.