2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Report
2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Strong crash ratings, but notable engine, electrical, and recall-related issues.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Misfire/Failure Numerous complaints describe engine misfires, rough idle, valvetrain noise, and catastrophic failures like blown head gaskets or oil filter housing failures, sometimes leading to full engine replacement. |
High | Common | 40000-120000 miles |
| Uconnect Screen Delamination The infotainment touchscreen delaminates, causing phantom touches, unresponsiveness, and obscuring the display, including the rearview camera and navigation, posing a distraction and safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 30000-70000 miles |
| Starting Issues (Crank But No Start) Vehicle cranks for an extended period but fails to start, often requiring multiple attempts. This is a widespread, known problem according to consumer reports. |
Medium | Common | 30000-80000 miles |
| Diesel Engine Crankshaft Position Sensor/Hpfp Failure (Recall) Recalls address delamination of the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel or high-pressure fuel pump failure in 3.0L Diesel engines, both leading to potential engine stall or loss of drive power. |
High | Occasional | Varies miles |
| Steering System Malfunctions Complaints include the steering wheel pulling to one side requiring frequent alignments, and intermittent loss of electrical power steering, making the vehicle difficult to control. |
High | Occasional | 40000-90000 miles |
| Transmission/Power Train Issues Issues reported include inability to shift into or out of gear, vehicle shutting off while driving, and transfer case or PTU failures requiring replacement. |
High | Occasional | 50000-80000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
A significant portion of complaints (30 out of 212) are categorized as 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER,' indicating a variety of unspecified issues or issues not fitting standard categories, including dashboard delamination and sunroof shattering.
21 complaints directly relate to the engine, including misfires, rough idle, valvetrain noise, and catastrophic failures like blown head gaskets or oil filter housing issues.
19 complaints are for the electrical system, covering issues like infotainment screen delamination, non-functional key fobs, and general electrical malfunctions causing power loss or flickering lights.
14 complaints are related to the power train, including issues with shifting, unexpected vehicle shutdowns, and failures of components like the transfer case or PTU.
7 complaints are specifically about the air bag system, though details are not provided in the sample.
6 complaints concern the steering system, including issues with the vehicle pulling to one side and intermittent loss of power steering.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Is the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee safe?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with strong performance in crash tests (5-star side, 4-star frontal and rollover). However, it has 212 total complaints, 21 crashes, 5 fires, and 11 injuries reported to NHTSA. There are also three recalls addressing critical safety components like engine stall risks and rearview camera issues. While crash protection is good, the number of complaints and recalls suggest potential reliability and component failure concerns.
What are common problems with the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee include 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (30 complaints), 'ENGINE' (21 complaints), and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (19 complaints). Specific common problems highlighted in complaints are engine misfires and failures, Uconnect touchscreen delamination, and starting issues where the vehicle cranks but won't turn over.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes, there are three recalls for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These include recalls for 3.0L Diesel engines related to crankshaft position sensor tone wheel delamination (NHTSA ID 20V-191) and high-pressure fuel pump failure, both of which can cause an engine stall or loss of drive power. There is also a recall for the rearview camera system where the image can linger and distract the driver.
How does the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for side impact protection, and 4 stars for both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance.
Should I be concerned about the Uconnect screen delamination?
Yes, Uconnect screen delamination is a frequently reported issue for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While not directly a crash safety issue, it can lead to phantom touches, unresponsiveness, and obscure critical displays like the rearview camera and navigation, which can be a significant distraction and safety concern while driving.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Given the strong crash test ratings but numerous complaints regarding engine, electrical, and infotainment issues, potential buyers should prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially for 3.0L diesel models, and verify all recalls have been addressed.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The data includes 212 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 21 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 11 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.