Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Cherokee vs FORD F 150
How the JEEP Cherokee and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
JEEP Cherokee vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Cherokee averaged 739.7 complaints per year with 59 recalls, while the F-150 averaged 1,162.1 complaints per year with 151 recalls. Both show power train and electrical issues, but the F-150 has more crash-related reports. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Cherokee or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has averaged about 740 complaints per year over the past decade. The most common trouble spots are the power train, engine, and electrical system, with owners describing hard jolts, unexpected stops, and battery drain. With 59 recalls and 180 crash-related reports, it's a vehicle that demands careful inspection before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that has generated roughly 1,162 complaints per year over the same period. Power train and electrical issues dominate, including transmission limp mode and lead frame failures that can cause sudden downshifts. With 151 recalls and 330 crash-related reports, it's a high-volume truck with a long list of potential problems.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Cherokee | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 7,397 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 59 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 180 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 739.7 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 153 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
JEEP Cherokee
- 01POWER TRAIN3,688
- 02ENGINE1,629
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,563
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,408
- 05SERVICE BRAKES465
Owners report violent jolts during acceleration, as if hit from behind, and instances where the vehicle rolls backward after stopping. Some also describe the emergency braking system activating unexpectedly at highway speeds, which can be frightening and dangerous.
Complaints include a sudden drop in fuel economy and heavy soot buildup in the tailpipes and muffler, suggesting internal engine issues. These symptoms often require dealer diagnosis and can lead to costly repairs.
Drivers report the vehicle suddenly shutting off while driving, accompanied by alarms and error messages. Another common issue is the battery going dead after just a few days of being parked, even after replacement.
Some owners complain that the brake and gas pedals are placed so close together that it's easy to hit both at once, causing unintended acceleration or braking. This design flaw can make the vehicle feel unsafe to drive.
“on May 3 at approx. 4:00 pm I was sitting at a stop light and when it turned green I started to accelerate the jolt was so hard that I thought the car behind me had hit me.When I went to go again it started rolling backwards and I applied the brakes.I could n…”
“On [XXX], we were traveling from Seattle to Portland on [XXX] in my 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with the cruise control set at around 75 mph. Suddenly the emergency collision braking system applied and all of the lights on my vehicle lit up. While the brakin…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
A recurring 'lead frame' issue can cause the transmission to malfunction, leading to limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and sudden downshifts. Owners describe near-collisions and say the problem persists even after repairs.
The same lead frame problem often manifests as electrical faults, triggering limp mode and error codes like P0722. Additionally, a short in the rear window defroster has caused back windows to shatter unexpectedly.
Complaints include rear window defroster shorts that lead to exploding glass, which can happen without warning and create a safety hazard. This issue is not always covered by recalls.
While specific complaint details are limited, exterior lighting is a top component for complaints, suggesting issues with lights failing or malfunctioning. This can affect visibility and safety.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
JEEP Cherokee — 59 recalls
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The turn signal self-canceling feature may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equ…
The risk: Turn signals that do not function properly may fail to indicate the driver's intention to change vehicle direction, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recal…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The brake system control module may fail to operate properly, which can cause a loss of anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
The risk: A loss of anti-lock brakes or electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the brake system control module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 28, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 29D. Vehicle Id…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed Jun…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
JEEP Cherokee or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Jeep Cherokee has fewer complaints per year (about 740) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have significant power train and electrical problems. In practice, the Cherokee may have a lower overall complaint rate, but the severity of issues like sudden stops and transmission failures means both require thorough pre-purchase inspections.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has about 57% more complaints per year than the Jeep Cherokee, but both suffer from serious power train issues.
- Jeep Cherokee owners frequently report sudden engine shutdowns and battery drain, while F-150 owners describe transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- The F-150 has more than double the recalls (151 vs. 59) and nearly double the crash-related reports (330 vs. 180).
- The Jeep Cherokee has a unique complaint about pedals being too close together, a design issue not highlighted in the F-150 data.
- During a test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop to check for harsh jolts or hesitation, which could indicate power train problems.
- Inspect the battery and charging system; ask if the battery has been replaced, as dead batteries after short parking periods are a common complaint.
- Test the transmission at various speeds, especially during downshifts, to detect any limp mode or rough shifting linked to lead frame issues.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and look for any cracks or signs of shattering, as this is a reported safety concern.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on both models, especially power train and electrical recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the transmission and electrical system, focusing on the Jeep's sudden stop issue and the F-150's lead frame.
- Test drive on highways and in stop-and-go traffic to replicate conditions where failures are reported.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any transmission or battery repairs.
- For the F-150, verify if the lead frame has been replaced and if the latest software updates have been applied.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | JEEP Cherokee | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 | 35 |
| 2023 | 3 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 51 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 166 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 309 | 44 |
| 2019 | 1648 | 52 |
| 2018 | 686 | 79 |
| 2017 | 1335 | 59 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific JEEP Cherokee or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Cherokee vs FORD F 150
- JEEP Cherokee total complaints
- 7,397
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- JEEP Cherokee total recalls
- 59
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- JEEP Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 739.7
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Cherokee
- JEEP Cherokee top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN