Head-to-head reliability
JEEP Grand Cherokee vs FORD F 150
How the JEEP Grand 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 Grand Cherokee vs FORD F 150: Over 10 years, the Jeep averaged 338 complaints per year, while the Ford averaged 1,162. The Jeep had 99 recalls and 2 deaths; the Ford had 151 recalls and 1 death. Both show electrical and power train issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the JEEP Grand Cherokee or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
JEEP Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV that, over the past decade, has generated an average of 338 complaints per year. The most common trouble spots are the electrical system and engine, with many owners reporting hybrid system malfunctions, sudden loss of power, and repeated warning lights. These issues can leave you stranded and facing costly repairs, so a thorough pre-purchase inspection is essential.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a best-selling pickup that has averaged 1,162 complaints per year over the last decade. Power train and electrical problems dominate, with owners frequently describing transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window explosions. The high complaint volume means you should be especially diligent about checking for these known faults before buying.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | JEEP Grand Cherokee | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 3,384 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 99 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 176 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 338.4 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 122 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 2 | 1 Better |
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 Grand Cherokee
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,185
- 02ENGINE730
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER700
- 04POWER TRAIN463
- 05SERVICE BRAKES325
Owners report serious malfunctions between the hybrid and electric systems, including loud engine noises, failure of hybrid/electric modes, and persistent fuel and oil refresh warnings. These electrical gremlins can disable the vehicle and are often difficult to diagnose.
Complaints include sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds and catastrophic internal engine failure, such as a 2025 model with a knock sensor code. Such failures can be dangerous and lead to expensive engine replacements.
The hybrid system is a common source of power train complaints, with owners experiencing the same hybrid/electric malfunctions that affect the electrical system. This can result in reduced performance and unexpected breakdowns.
Although less frequent, brake-related complaints appear in the data. Owners should have the braking system inspected, as issues here directly impact safety.
“See attached document for complaint. This letter is to fo rmally notify you of my vehicle's fai lure to conform to the express warranties under the Ill inois Lemon Law, and to demand compensation. The vehicle had a significant defect that was not, and r bel i…”
“There is a serious malfunction between the hybrid and electric systems. The engine is making a loud noise, and neither the hybrid nor electric mode functions properly. In addition, the fuel and oil refresh warning remains on, even after refueling. These issue…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
The most complained-about area, with owners reporting recurring transmission problems like limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause near-collisions. These issues often require costly repairs and can compromise safety.
Electrical faults include the notorious lead frame issue and rear window defroster shorts that can cause the back window to shatter. These problems can be unpredictable and expensive to fix.
With 1,224 complaints, exterior lighting issues are common. While not always safety-critical, malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and lead to tickets or accidents.
Engine complaints, though fewer than power train issues, still number 880. Owners may face problems that affect performance and reliability, so a mechanical inspection is wise.
“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 Grand Cherokee — 99 recalls
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
The 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. Veh…
The defect: 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.
The risk: A vehicle fire can increase the risk of injury.
The 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…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A software error in the occupant restraint controller module may cause the delayed deployment of the side air bags during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
The risk: Delayed air bag deployment during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will update the occupant restraint controller module software, free of charge. Some owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 18, 2026. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number…
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Jeep Wagoneer, 2024-2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, 2025 Jeep Wagoneer L, 2025-2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to a software error, the tire pressure…
The risk: A TPMS warning light that fails to notify the driver of low tire pressure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the radio frequency hub software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this rec…
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 Grand Cherokee or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has far fewer complaints per year (338 vs. 1,162 for the Ford F-150), suggesting it may have fewer reported issues overall. However, the F-150's higher volume could reflect its much larger sales numbers, so the rate per vehicle might be similar. In practice, both vehicles have notable problem areas that require careful inspection.
Key differences
- The Ford F-150 has over three times as many complaints per year as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but this may be due to higher sales volume.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints often center on hybrid system failures and sudden loss of power, while Ford F-150 complaints frequently involve transmission limp mode and lead frame issues.
- The Ford F-150 has more crash-related complaints (330 vs. 176) and injuries (297 vs. 122), though these numbers don't account for vehicle population.
- Both vehicles have electrical system problems, but the F-150's lead frame issue is a recurring, well-known defect that can cause dangerous situations.
- Check for any signs of hybrid system malfunction, such as warning lights, unusual noises, or failure to switch between electric and gas modes.
- Test drive at highway speeds to ensure there is no sudden loss of propulsion or engine knocking, which owners have reported.
- Look for transmission issues like harsh shifting, getting stuck in gear, or limp mode during a test drive.
- Inspect the rear window for any cracks or signs of shattering, and test the defroster to ensure it doesn't short out.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report to see if any recalls or major repairs have been performed.
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the hybrid system (Jeep) or transmission and lead frame (Ford) before purchase.
- Test drive the vehicle under various conditions, including highway speeds and stop-and-go traffic, to replicate potential issues.
- Check for open recalls by using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool and ensure all safety recalls have been addressed.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission fluid changes (Ford) or hybrid system checks (Jeep).
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 Grand Cherokee | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77 | 35 |
| 2025 | 76 | 345 |
| 2024 | 242 | 638 |
| 2023 | 388 | 1527 |
| 2022 | 370 | 3493 |
| 2021 | 406 | 5349 |
| 2020 | 239 | 44 |
| 2019 | 368 | 52 |
| 2018 | 854 | 79 |
| 2017 | 364 | 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 Grand Cherokee or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- JEEP Grand Cherokee vs FORD F 150
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total complaints
- 3,384
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- JEEP Grand Cherokee total recalls
- 99
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- JEEP Grand Cherokee avg complaints/year
- 338.4
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- JEEP Grand Cherokee
- JEEP Grand Cherokee top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN