How Long Do Jeeps Last? What To Know About Lifespan
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Jeep is an iconic American brand that made some of the most popular off-roading vehicles, including the legendary Wrangler. With the slogan “Go Anywhere, Do Anything,” Jeep continues its legacy of off-roading excellence with no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re a current Jeep owner or a potential buyer of a new or used off-road Jeep, one of the many questions you have is likely: How long do Jeeps last?
Jeeps are designed for rugged performance and traversing the most challenging terrains, so it’s easy to think it’s durable enough to last a long while. But is that the case with the venerable Jeep?
Today’s post will highlight the reliability and longevity of Jeep. Just how many miles can you squeeze out of your Jeep? Is Jeep a reliable brand? Which Jeep models should you buy if you’re searching for longevity? We’ll answer these questions and more.
How Far and Long Can You Drive a Jeep?
How long do Jeeps last? In general, a Jeep’s longevity depends on numerous factors. Having said that, the more reliable Jeeps can easily reach 200,000 miles with reasonable care and maintenance. Many Jeep owners claimed they could put north of 300,000 miles on their vehicles. However, the keyword here is “reliable” because not all Jeeps can be counted on to reach such high mileage.
According to a new study of iSeeCars.com, the Jeep brand doesn’t even make it into the top 15 longest-lasting cars, SUVs, and trucks – these are models capable of hitting 200,000 miles. As you might expect, the top 15 are populated by vehicles from Toyota, Honda, GMC, Ford, etc.
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However, that doesn’t mean that Jeeps won’t last you a long while. One of the most reliable Jeep models out there is the legendary Wrangler. Although most vehicles will have troubles within five years, and that’s when most warranties expire, the Wrangler generally breezes through the dreaded 5-year mark. According to many Wrangler enthusiasts, it typically reaches 280,000 miles, with a few models reaching up to 400,000 miles and 20 years of service.
Off-road junkies expect their Wranglers to take a beating and still work, allowing them to rack up more miles than most off-road vehicles. However, ultra-high mileage is only possible with responsible ownership, which means staying on top of maintenance and repairs.
Jeep Reliability Ratings
How long do Jeeps last? If you want to squeeze more miles out of your Jeep, you need to look at reliability. A reliable vehicle means less likely to have significant problems and rack up more miles on the road.
So, is Jeep a reliable car brand? It’s a mixed bag.
Jeep has a reliability rating that’s slightly ahead of the pack. According to RepairPal, Jeep has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a 15th ranking out of 32 car brands. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports listed Jeep as one of the most unreliable brands in the market. One particular model dragged Jeep to the bottom – the Jeep Wrangler. According to Consumer Reports, the Jeep Wrangler SUV earned an overall score of 28 out of 100.
Jeep performed better in the frequency of repairs, scoring an average of 0.3 shop visits annually. Also, 13% of Jeep repairs are considered severe, slightly higher than 12% for all car models. In addition, Jeep owners can expect to pay an average of $634 per year for unscheduled repairs.
Common Issues With Jeep Vehicles
No make or model is without its issues, and Jeeps are no exception. Below are some of the most common problems with Jeep vehicles:
- Death wobble: The “death wobble” is perhaps the most infamous problem in the Jeep community. It’s a body integrity issue where the Jeep’s steering wheel will shake and vibrate violently while driving at high speeds, especially when hitting a bump. Despite the ominous name, there were no reported deaths from this issue.
- Exhaust leaks: Certain model years of the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler suffered from exhaust leaks. Apparently, the exhaust manifold was prone to developing cracks after many cycles of heating and cooling. Replacement manifolds were installed to prevent these leaks.
- Clogged fuel injectors: Many Jeep owners complained about clogged fuel injectors, which can disrupt fuel flow and lead to misfires and engine “stumble.” A standard solution is to use fuel additives to clean the injectors.
- Transfer case failure: The Jeep uses the transfer case when shifting between 4WD and 2WD. The transfer case was reportedly prone to leaks due to wear and tear. This issue prevents drivers from engaging the 4WD, which defeats the purpose of owning a Jeep.
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Which Jeep Models are the Most Reliable?
As mentioned, reliability and longevity go hand in hand. If you want to buy a new or used Jeep model that will last, consider the following models:
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is an American icon and is one of the more reliable Jeeps you can buy. With the new 2022 version, the Grand Cherokee comes in a new grown-up, elegant design, all the latest tech features, an upscale interior, and the option of a hybrid model. Moreover, the Grand Cherokee consistently scores higher on the reliability scale.
The Grand Cherokee was built with durability and longevity in mind. Earlier Grand Cherokees have lasted more than 200,000 miles and up to 20 years in service. Some reports indicated that the 2011 Grand Cherokee managed to hit more than 300,000 miles.
Jeep Gladiator
Commonly referred to as the pickup version of the Wrangler, the Jeep Gladiator is a relatively new vehicle but has found a niche. As expected, the Gladiator excels in off-roading but has surprising on-road driving dynamics. While it doesn’t exactly add anything new to the table, the Gladiator is a fun option in the midsize pickup truck segment.
Like most modern vehicles, the Gladiator can reach up to 200,000 miles and 14 years with proper care and maintenance.
Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler is available in many iterations; unfortunately, many of them are not known for reliability. Some of the newer Wranglers have decent reliability ratings. In combination with its strong off-road performance and iconic styling, the Wrangler presents a solid choice in terms of reliability.
According to Motor and Wheels, the Jeep Wrangler has an average lifespan of 10-15 years and between 100,000-280,000 of mileage. However, several Wrangler owners boast that their SUV has reached 400,000, which is impressive. A good candidate for a reliable Wrangler is the 2018 model year.
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Improving Your Jeep’s Longevity
How long do Jeeps last? The longevity of your Jeep largely rests in your hands as the owner. Jeeps aren’t the most reliable vehicles out there, so they need all the help to stay on the road. This means staying on top of your vehicle repairs and maintenance services, including oil changes, tire rotations, fluid exchanges, and more.
The Jeep’s longevity depends on your style of driving as well. Being a more conservative driver can extend your car’s lifespan. This doesn’t mean you should drive ultra meticulously, but gentle driving and consideration can go a long way.
FAQs: Jeep Lifespan
Q: On average, how many miles can a Jeep last?
A: Jeep longevity depends on various factors, but more reliable models can easily surpass 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. Some Jeep owners have even reported driving their vehicles for over 300,000 miles.
Q: Does Jeep rank among the longest-lasting vehicle brands?
A: According to a study by iSeeCars.com, Jeep does not rank among the top 15 longest-lasting cars, SUVs, and trucks capable of reaching 200,000 miles. However, Jeeps can still provide a long service life, as some models, like the Wrangler, have been known to reach impressive mileage with proper care.
Q: What are some common issues that Jeep owners face?
A: Some of the most common problems reported by Jeep owners include the “death wobble” (violent shaking and vibration of the steering wheel at high speeds), exhaust leaks due to cracked manifolds, clogged fuel injectors causing engine misfires, and transfer case failure that prevents engagement of the 4WD system.
Q: Which Jeep models are considered the most reliable?
A: Among the most reliable Jeep models are the Grand Cherokee, which has been known to last over 200,000 miles and up to 20 years with proper maintenance; the relatively new Gladiator, which is expected to reach 200,000 miles and 14 years of service; and specific model years of the Wrangler, such as the 2018 version.
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