Are Jeeps Expensive to Maintain?
Jeeps rank in the middle-of-the-pack for reliability amongst major vehicle brands.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Reviewed by Carrie Adkins
Despite its rough-and-tumble image, Jeeps are known as a relatively reliable brand, and the average Jeep will cost you about $634 per year to maintain, slightly more than average for a major brand.
When you’re hunting for a rugged new vehicle, you’re bound to have more expenses than just paying the manufacturer’s suggested retail price over a Jeep’s lifespan. Maintaining your Jeep will cost some money, but it is essential to ensure it runs well. Keep it mind, some Jeeps will cost more than others on a yearly basis.
To help you stay on top of it all with your new (or new-to-you) Jeep, the
car insurance
broker and comparison shopping app Jerry
has put together everything you need to know about how much Jeeps cost to maintain over their lifespan.How much maintenance does my Jeep need?
Despite the poundings its vehicles often take, Jeep boasts solid reliability rating, but it will cost slightly more than average to keep these off-roading monsters running well and on the road (or off-, if you get what we mean).
RepairPal notes that, on average, a Jeep will need unscheduled maintenance roughly 0.3 times per year, below the rate of 0.4 for the average car. However, 13% of those unplanned Jeep visits to the mechanic will be termed severe—higher than the average rate of 12% for other major brands.
How much does maintenance for a Jeep cost?
On average, a Jeep will cost about $634 every year for regular service.
Remember, service costs will depend on the type of Jeep you drive, and how hard you push it. Below you’ll find the average annual maintenance costs for three of the most popular Jeep models.
Budget: Compass
- Reliability: 4/5 (average)
- Annual maintenance cost: $430 (average)
- Repair frequency: 0.2/year
Mid-range: Cherokee
- Reliability: 4/5 (average)
- Annual maintenance cost: $516 (average)
- Repair frequency: 0.3/year
Splurge: Wrangler
- Reliability: 3.5/5 (average)
- Annual maintenance cost: $784 (average)
- Repair frequency: 0.3/year
Why you should maintain your Jeep
Why should you check your Jeep into the shop for regularly-scheduled maintenance? Here’s why:
- Keep your Jeep operating in off-road-conquering condition
- Ensure your safety while on (or off) the road
- Keep the value of your Jeep high
- Save money by preventing costly issues or breakdowns from taking your Jeep off the road in the future
If your Jeep isn’t taken care of, you’re gambling on your vehicle’s health—not to mention your own safety—by not ensuring it remains in good condition throughout its lifespan
Key Takeaway The pricier your Jeep, the more likely you are to face higher service bills and more frequent repairs.
How often does a Jeep require maintenance?
Mileage | Service | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
Every 10,000 miles | Minor maintenance: visual inspection of brakes, belts and hoses; tire rotation; oil and filter change; inspection for any fluid leaks | $276 to $305 |
Every 20,000 miles | Minor maintenance service: visual inspection of belts, hoses and brakes; potential brake pad replacement; inspection for any fluid leaks; any recall service | $354 to $396 |
Every 30,000 miles | Fluid replacements (differential fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant); replace fuel filter and air filter, spark plugs; potential brake pad and tire replacements; visual safety check | $608 to $700 |
Every 50,000 miles | Oil and filter change, tire rotation; inspection for oil leaks; replace engine filter; inspect motor mounts, drive belts and hoses, suspension bushings for wear and tear | $276 to $305 |
Oil changes
- When: Usually recommended between 5,000 and 7,500 miles
- Cost: $136 to $145
- Why: To remove extraneous dirt and grime from engine to ensure peak performance
- DIY?: Yes—if you know how and have the proper equipment
Tire replacement
- When: NHTSA strongly recommends replacing your tires every six years or so, no matter how many miles driven
- Cost: $150 to $500
- Why: Worn tires will lower the quality of your drive, and they can be dangerous in wet weather
- DIY?: No—let the professionals swap out your tires to ensure a balanced ride and even wear on your tires
Engine replacement
- When: If your engine is damaged in a collision, your Jeep’s engine block is cracked, or it simply has worn out due to overuse
- Cost: $1,000 to $10,000
- Why: A correctly functioning engine is essential to prolonging your Jeep’s lifespan
- DIY?: No—take your Jeep to a reputable mechanic
Windshield replacement
- When: If your windshield has a large crack, if a crack has made its way deep into the glass, or a crack extends to the outer edges of the windshield
- Cost: $300 to $600
- Why: Your vision can be seriously reduced when driving with a cracked windshield
- DIY?: No—installing a new windshield yourself isn’t recommended
Paint
- When: If the car has peeling or visible discoloration
- Cost: $3,000 to $5,000
- Why: Your paint job helps maintain your car’s structural integrity, wards off corrosion, and improves resale value
- DIY?: Maybe—but a professional-looking paint job requires specialized tools and lots of time and patience
Finding cheap car insurance
Making sure your Jeep is in top-rumbling shape means more than just taking it in for routine service! Buying a great car insurance policy will keep your Jeep protected even in the most unexpected circumstances.
If you want to save money on your next insurance policy, the insurance comparison app
Jerry
is the only place to start. As a licensed broker, Jerry handles all the boring work of policy shopping—from comparing quotes to handling the paperwork when you decide to switch plans.And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry automatically searches for cheaper rates before every renewal period, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price.
This level of service is why Jerry is rated 4.6/5 in the App Store and is the top insurance app in the country.
“This was so easy! Signing up withJerrysaved me $499 on my semi-annual car insurance—as if it was nothing!” —Kache P.
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