Jeep’s famous motto, “Go anywhere. Do anything.” is known around the world. Who doesn’t want to have that kind of mobility and freedom? Just how long do these rugged jeeps “Go anywhere” and “Do Anything”, though?
The average life expectancy of a jeep varies from model to model, but on average, a jeep should last for 200,000-300,000 miles, or 13-20 years, based on a yearly average of about 15,000 miles. There are reports of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the classic Jeep Wrangler lasting up to 300,000-400,000 miles with careful driving, and proper care and maintenance.
Table of Contents
How Many Miles Do Jeeps Last?
A properly maintained jeep can last for an impressive 200,000-300,000 miles. On average, vehicles have an expected lifespan of 150,000-200,000 miles. The sturdy jeep typically has a longer than average lifespan.
How Many Years Do Jeeps Last?
Average yearly mileage is around 15,000 miles. If we do the math, a jeep should last anywhere from 13 to up to 20 years or more. This is longer than the average vehicle, which lasts around 10-13 years.
How Reliable are Jeeps?
Jeeps may last a while, but how often do they need to get repaired? No one wants to be in and out of the shop with their vehicle! Here’s what you need to know about jeeps’ reliability.
Reliability Ratings
According to Repair Pal, Jeeps have above-average reliability scores. Jeep scores a 3.5 out of 5 for reliability. This places it solidly in the middle at 15th out of 32 car brands. The rating is based on an average across 345 car models.
This reliability rating takes repair cost, repair severity, and repair frequency into account. Repair Pal reviews thousands of vehicle records from 2010-2019.
Consumer Reports also reviews vehicle reliability. According to their reports, the 2021 line of jeeps had disappointing reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. The only 2021 jeep to earn five stars for reliability was the Jeep Gladiator. They reported better reliability and customer satisfaction in jeeps’ previous years’ models.
Repair Costs
According to Repair Pal, Jeeps are slightly less expensive than average to maintain. Jeep owners spent an average of $634 per year at the mechanic, including scheduled maintenance, and unscheduled repairs. The national average across all car brands for yearly repairs is $652.
Repair Frequency
Just how often is your jeep going to go to the shop? Turns out that jeeps are repaired less frequently than the average vehicle, according to the same Repair Pal study. Jeeps visit the repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.3 times per year, as compared to 0.4 times a year across all car models.
However, 13 percent of repairs on jeeps are considered to be severe. An issue is considered severe if it is a major repair that costs three times or more than the average annual repair cost. On average, the probability of a severe issue across all cars is 12%.
What Are Common Issues with Jeeps?
There are some common issues across the jeep brand. Be on the watch for the following problems in your jeep.
Jeep Death Wobble
The jeep death wobble is the most infamous issue reported with the jeep brand. At high speeds, the steering column starts to shake, making the vehicle difficult to handle. This can be frightening.
The wobble is due to a solid front axle. When one front wheel starts to wobble, it transfers the motion to the other front wheel, then the movement continues back and forth, causing the wobble.
Prevent death wobble by keeping your steering and suspension from getting loose. Make sure that the steering components are not worn, including the wheels and tie rods. Improper alignment could also cause wobbling.
Exhaust Leaks
A leaky exhaust system is another common problem across certain models and years of jeeps. These issues are most common in Jeep Grand Cherokees manufactured from 1987-2009, and the Jeep Wrangler manufactured from 1991-2006, though other models have reports of exhaust leaks, as well.
Over time, the manifold can creak and start to leak exhaust. This is due to repeated heating and cooling. A replacement manifold will solve the problem.
Clogged Fuel Injectors
The 4.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine in many Jeep Wranglers and Jeep Grand Cherokees can develop clogged fuel injectors. The injectors get clogged with deposits, which cause rough idling and misfires.
Some fuel additives may help clean the fuel injectors while the engine is running. If this doesn’t work, the fuel injectors may need to be replaced.
Failed Throttle Position Sensor
Owners of the Jeep Grand Cherokees and Jeep Wranglers manufactured from 1990-2002 have reported failing throttle position sensors. Deposits get caught in the throttle body, which prevents the sensor from working.
A failing throttle position sensor will affect the fuel to air ratio, and the vehicle may have difficulty starting or stall once it is started. This is an easy issue to fix. Remove and clean the throttle body, then clean it periodically in order to prevent the problem in the future. If you clean it every time the air filter is replaced, that should be often enough.
Leaky and Noisy Cabins
Jeep models, such as the Wrangler, with removable tops can develop leaks into the cabin. The door and window seals can wear out over time, or not be properly aligned. This results in openings for rain. Wind noise is also a problem.
If your jeep has a soft top, it is important to maintain it to prevent leaks and wind noise. Be gentle with removal and storage. Replace the soft top as needed.
Jeeps with removable hard tops also may experience issues with the seals. Make sure the top is properly aligned every time and replace the seals as needed.
Failed Transfer Case
The transfer case has gears that allow you to switch between two wheel drive and four wheel drive. It is full of grease to keep everything moving smoothly as you shift driving modes. The seals on the transfer case can wear out and the grease can leak. As a result, the gears make contact with each other and wear down. The transfer case can be replaced.
A transfer case may also fail due to the shifter rod moving out of alignment. If this is the case, the Jeep will not be able to shift into 4WD. The rod is fairly simple to realign.
Recalled Ignition Switch
2006 and 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokees and Jeep Commanders had an ignition switch recall. The faulty ignition switch could lead to the vehicles turning off while running. Visit a jeep dealer to have the ignition switch replaced.
Electronic Issues
Newer jeeps use Chrysler’s Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM). The TIPM controls all the electronic components in the vehicle, like the power windows, the horn, the door locks, and more. When it malfunctions, it seems like the vehicle takes on a mind of its own!
The windows may go up and down, or the horn will beep randomly. If this happens to your jeep, take it into the dealer to have the TIPM replaced. There is a partial recall of the TIPM in the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
How Long do Different Jeep Models Last?
Jeep has been around for a while, and has many popular models. The jeep ranges in size from compact SUV to a full-sized SUV.
| Jeep Model | Average Miles | Average Lifespan in Years |
| Jeep Wrangler | 100,000-280,000 miles | 10-15 years |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 200,000-400,000 miles | 15-20+ years |
| Jeep Patriot | 100,000-200,000 miles | 10-15 years |
| Jeep Compass | 200,000 miles | 15 years |
| Jeep Renegade | 100,000-150,000 miles | 7-10 years |
| Jeep Liberty | 150,000-300,000 miles | 10-20 years |
| Jeep Commanders | 150,000-200,000 miles | 10-15 years |
How Long Do Jeep Wranglers Last?
The Wrangler is a midsize, 4×4 SUV. It’s known for its off-road capabilities. A Jeep Wrangler will last anywhere from 100,000-280,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. This means your Jeep Wrangler should last 10-15 years.
How Long Do Jeep Grand Cherokees Last?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a slightly larger SUV that can seat up to eight people, but still has that rugged, 4×4 capability. A Grand Cherokee’s lifespan is estimated at 200,000 miles, up to an impressive 400,000 miles! They can last anywhere from 15-20 years or more.
How Long Do Jeep Patriots Last?
The Jeep Patriot is a compact, crossover SUV that is no longer manufactured. When you’re shopping for a used Jeep Patriot, keep in mind that they typically last 100,000-200,000 miles, or 10-15 years.
How Long Does the Jeep Compass Last?
The Jeep Compass is another compact, crossover SUV that was redesigned in 2022. If properly cared for, the Compass will last up to 200,000 miles, or around 15 years.
How Long Do Jeep Renegades Last?
The Jeep Renegade is known as the “gateway jeep”, since it is the most affordable vehicle in the jeep family. This subcompact SUV lasts 100,000-150,000 miles, or around 7-10 years.
How Long Does the Jeep Liberty Last?
The compact Jeep Liberty was manufactured from 2002-2012. If you can find a used Jeep Liberty, it could last anywhere from 150,000 miles all the way up to 300,000 miles, or 10-20 years. When purchasing a used vehicle, make sure to check repair records in order to get as long of a life as possible out of your jeep purchase.
How Long Do Jeep Commanders Last?
The Jeep Commander was only manufactured from 2005-2010, and wasn’t very popular due to quality issues. However, this powerful, 7-passenger SUV still has a loyal following.
The Commander usually lasts 150,000-200,000 miles. That means it has about 10-15 driving years. This is important to remember, if you are shopping for a used Jeep Commander.
Do Jeeps Hold Their Value?
Not only do jeeps have a long lifespan, but they have better than average depreciation rates. In fact, Jeeps typically sell for 80% of their original price after three years. In comparison, the average resale value across all vehicle makes and models is 58%.
Generally, the more desirable the vehicle, the better the resale value. Jeeps are considered to be a desirable vehicle due to their rugged design, and superior off road capability. They are also often considered to be a style or status statement vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Sturdy, capable jeeps also have a longer-than-average lifespan! Jeeps can last for 200,000-300,000 miles or up to 20 years. Enjoy the ability to “Go anywhere. Do anything.” for many years with the proper care and maintenance of your jeep.
