Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Nissan Xterra
For 2005–2015 models, the Nissan Xterra has 62.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 82.8 for the Jeep Grand 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 (2005–2015), 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.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
82.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
1.3× the Nissan Xterra’s rate
- Complaints
- 12,684
- Sold
- 1,531,531
- Recall campaigns
- 32
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014. Fewest: 2010. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 83,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 79,750 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 81,350 mi
Nissan Xterra
62.0 complaints per 10,000 sold
25% fewer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Complaints
- 2,106
- Sold
- 339,527
- Recall campaigns
- 8
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005–2008. Fewest: 2012–2015. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Fuel pump and sending unit
Typically around 67,630 mi · repair $630–$1,700
-
Transmission cooler and fluid overheating
Typically around 108,630 mi · repair $200–$600
-
Cooling system: radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan
Typically around 105,000 mi · repair $260–$1,910
-
Automatic transmission internals
Typically around 111,200 mi · repair $2,910–$5,410
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 109,574 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Nissan Xterra?
For 2005–2015 models, the Nissan Xterra has 62.0 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Grand Cherokee has 82.8, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most-reported problem on the Jeep Grand Cherokee is body control and other modules, typically around 70,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Xterra?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Xterra is fuel pump and sending unit, typically around 67,630 miles; the repair typically runs $630–$1,700.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Xterra years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014; Nissan Xterra: 2005–2008.
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.