How Long Do Jeeps Last? 8 Models Compared (Miles & Years)

If you’re using your Jeep as an everyday commuter to work, you might be worried if it will leave you by the side of the road.

This is a common concern with Jeep drivers who commute long distances every day, racking up miles on the vehicle.

Let’s take a closer look to see if Jeeps are some of the most durable vehicles out there.

How Many Years Do Jeeps Generally Last?

Jeeps are durable vehicles and will easily surpass the 5-year mark, while most cars start to have problems at this point.

While a Jeep can last up to 15 years, with great care and maintenance they could even last up to 20 years. You should expect the engine to run well over 150,000 miles.

Let’s start with the numbers.

Here’s how each Jeep model typically lasts on average:

Check this also: Most common problems with the Jeep Commander.

As you can see from the list, Jeeps have excellent durability and are among the few that can go well over 10 years and 200,000 miles.

In fact, Repairpal has given Jeep an above-average overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 for 2023. 

That’s quite significant seeing as most Jeeps can do off-roading so well.

So, with all that abuse they endure, how long can you really expect them to last? Whether you’ll be using your Jeep for off-roading or as an everyday driver, you need it to last as long as possible.

The Jeep Wrangler and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited have been known to be the most reliable and long-lasting Jeep models.

On the other hand, if you need a compact SUV, the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk boasts off-road prowess while being reliable.

Because the Jeeps are generally built for the outdoors, they can survive rough terrain.

So, with good maintenance, your Jeep can last well over 15 years.

Overall, Jeep owners are very proud of their cars, and make sure to take care of them as best as they can. They know that, with a Jeep, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last you.

The thing is, nowadays super-old but great-performing cars are not so common. When was the last time you heard someone say “It was my grandpa’s first car, and now it’s mine”?

This is rare since most cars aren’t built to last that long. But Jeeps on the other hand, if well taken care of, can last you a pretty long time.

4X4 and Off-Road Capabilities

Jeeps are more than what some other car brands offer; they are a combination of engineering genius and adaptability.

They are designed to perform well in the most difficult, untamed terrains while also seamlessly transitioning into sophisticated, daily road companions.

This means you no longer have to choose between buying a car for your everyday commute and for your adventurous outdoor pastimes.

Jeeps provide a solution that smoothly merges both worlds, allowing you to have the best of both without sacrificing quality.

Consider the scenario of being a passionate outdoor enthusiast but also working a corporate, 9-to-5 office job. The dilemma is whether you should buy a second car for the dull daily commute or adopt the Jeep way of life.

Choosing two different vehicles might be costly in terms of money, not to mention the difficulty of managing two individual cars. But, if you have a Jeep in your driveway, you have the ideal solution.

However, the simplicity of driving your Jeep as a daily commuter comes with a catch: you may rack up a lot of miles.

How Many Miles Do Jeeps Generally Last?

Jeep vehicles are known for their exceptional lifespan, sometimes topping 100,000 miles with ease. 

In fact, a well-maintained Jeep Wrangler may astonishingly push the boundaries and last for up to 400,000 miles, a record that many conventional cars still struggle to achieve.

Other vehicles frequently have major problems when they approach 100,000 miles. The problem here is that the majority of cars are not designed for the rigors of uneven terrain, making them less adept.

Even if you use your Jeep as a daily commuter, the miles will add up, but it will still keep its strong performance considerably better than most standard cars.

Surpassing 100,000 miles on a Jeep without requiring major maintenance should come as no surprise. Thanks to periodic maintenance visits, models such as the Jeep Liberty have been known to cross the 150,000-mile mark.

A Jeep, like every other area of life, rewards the time and effort put into its upkeep. Neglecting regular repair appointments and normal maintenance will lead to stressful malfunctions on the road.

Failure to maintain your Jeep might result in issues occurring much before the 100,000-mile mark.

What Electrical Problems Occur In Jeeps?

Jeeps are more susceptible to electrical issues because they are mostly used as rugged 4x4s. 

For instance, if your Jeep is submerged in water, exposed wires will likely lead to electrical problems.

Over the years, numerous Jeep models have been recalled for issues with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).

The TIPM functions much like a command center for the Jeep. If anything is wrong with the electrical system in the Jeep, it’s likely due to something wrong with the TIPM.

Most TIPM problems can be fixed by taking the car to a trusted mechanic since this is typically a software problem.

The most common electrical issues Jeep owners have experienced are:

• Power windows not working
• Loss of lights
• Gauges malfunction
• Hard starting
• The horn not functioning correctly
• Engine stalls while driving
• Airbags not deploying
• Brakes locking up
  
• Doors locking and unlocking themselves

It’s worth noting that if your Jeep shows signs of electrical failure, it’s best to take it in for a checkup immediately.

This is because, while problems like faulty lights and a malfunctioning horn don’t pose a huge danger, there might be some underlying problems that can cause an accident.

We can all agree that if an airbag deploys out of the blue or fails to deploy after an incident, this can lead to serious injury or much worse. The same goes for an engine that stalls while you’re doing 60mph on the highway.

These are life-threatening scenarios.

Although these don’t occur in every Jeep out there, minor electrical problems must be checked immediately.

The most affected models seem to be:

• The Jeep Liberty,
• Jeep Grand Cherokee,
• Jeep Wrangler
• Jeep Gladiator

We also have an article on Jeep Wrangler Issues across the models.

10 Most Common Problems With Jeeps

Jeep has battled a number of recalls ranging from electrical or TIPM issues to faulty welding in various models. The most recent of these is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee recall and the 2018 and 2019 Jeep Wrangler JL recalls.

The Jeep Cherokee SUV recall was due to faulty software that caused the car to stall. Over 85,000 of the models were recalled and the software was updated at no charge to the owner.

The Jeep Wrangler 2018 and 2019 recall was due to a faulty weld that could lead to steering problems.

Recalls affect 4% of the models and haven’t resulted in injuries or crashes as yet.

These are the most common problems in Jeeps:

You can read more about Jeep Cherokee problems here. 

Why Do Some Jeeps Last Long While Others Don’t?

A well-kept Jeep is a Jeep that will last.

It all comes down to routine maintenance and checks when it comes to Jeep’s lifetime.

Using a Jeep as a daily commuter from Monday to Friday and pushing it to the max on off-road excursions every weekend isn’t the best way to ensure its longevity.

Even the tough Jeep Liberty, noted for its robustness, can give way to serious misuse. In situations like the one described above, problems are more likely to occur sooner rather than later.

As a result, a balanced approach to operating and maintaining your Jeep is critical to ensuring its long-term performance.

5 Tips To Make Your Jeep Last Longer

If you own a Jeep, you understand that it is more than simply a vehicle; it is a symbol of adventure, durability, and the open road.

However, taking excellent care of your Jeep will guarantee that it will continue to serve you dutifully for many years to come.

Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your Jeep’s longevity:

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