Ford Explorer vs Jeep Cherokee
For 2013–2022 models, the Ford Explorer has 55.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 66.8 for the Jeep Cherokee. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2013–2022), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Ford Explorer
55.9 complaints per 10,000 sold
16% fewer than the Jeep Cherokee
- Complaints
- 12,713
- Sold
- 2,273,761
- Recall campaigns
- 70
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2013–2014 and 2016. Fewest: 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 82,000 mi
-
Electric power steering motor and module
Typically around 78,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Power steering pump, rack and lines
Typically around 77,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 88,300 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 60,000 mi
Jeep Cherokee
66.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.2× the Ford Explorer’s rate
- Complaints
- 9,972
- Sold
- 1,491,893
- Recall campaigns
- 39
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2014–2015, 2017 and 2019. Fewest: 2013 and 2020–2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 22,600 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 35,785 mi
-
Transmission control module and sensors
Typically around 42,000 mi
-
Transfer case
Typically around 91,000 mi · repair $2,280–$4,240
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 31,300 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Ford Explorer or the Jeep Cherokee?
For 2013–2022 models, the Ford Explorer has 55.9 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Cherokee has 66.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Ford Explorer?
The most-reported problem on the Ford Explorer is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 82,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Cherokee?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Cherokee is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 22,600 miles.
Which Ford Explorer and Jeep Cherokee years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Ford Explorer: 2013–2014 and 2016; Jeep Cherokee: 2014–2015, 2017 and 2019.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.