Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Subaru Forester
For 2005–2022 models, the Subaru Forester has 24.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 49.3 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 (2005–2022), 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.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
49.3 complaints per 10,000 sold
2.0× the Subaru Forester’s rate
- Complaints
- 15,472
- Sold
- 3,140,383
- Recall campaigns
- 65
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 3
Most complaints: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014. Fewest: 2010, 2016, 2020 and 2022. 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
Subaru Forester
24.4 complaints per 10,000 sold
51% fewer than the Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Complaints
- 5,219
- Sold
- 2,141,990
- Recall campaigns
- 30
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020. Fewest: 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2022. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 39,634 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 16,850 mi
-
Water leaks and seals
Typically around 9,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 30,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 38,530 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Jeep Grand Cherokee or the Subaru Forester?
For 2005–2022 models, the Subaru Forester has 24.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Jeep Grand Cherokee has 49.3, 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 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported problem on the Subaru Forester is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 39,634 miles.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee and Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2008, 2011–2012 and 2014; Subaru Forester: 2015, 2017 and 2019–2020.
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.