Jeep Maintenance Cost
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Last Updated: December 28, 2022
Jeep has become an all-American classic brand due to its luxurious and reliable vehicles. The slogan of this vehicle brand is "Go Anywhere, Do Anything." Car lovers prefer buying jeeps due to their aesthetic look and outstanding performance. But despite all the hype, do jeeps live up to the buyers' expectations?
When purchasing a new jeep vehicle, most people ask, are jeeps expensive to maintain? Some customer reviews highlight that jeeps are more spontaneous to mechanical breakdowns and electrical issues than average vehicles. On average, a jeep owner may need up to $634 to maintain their cars' optimal condition and performance compared to the $397 Americans spend on maintaining their vehicles.
If you're interested in buying a new or used jeep vehicle, understanding its average maintenance cost is vital. To help you avoid sudden financial burdens, here we will cover the average annual cost of jeep maintenance and the car's overall reliability.
Jeep Maintenance Cost
Jeeps are famous worldwide due to their dependability and effectiveness. The brand also has a robust reliability rating from RepairPal. Compared to some other similar brands, jeeps cost more than the industry average to maintain their performance and reliability. Jeep owners may need to pay up to $634 to keep their off-road monsters running well on the road, which is slightly higher than the industry average.
If you consider becoming an owner of a new or used Jeep, you might want to consider getting an aftermarket car warranty since repairs for Jeeps can get pricey. The below-given table will help you understand how jeeps rank in maintenance cost compared to the industry average.
| Reliability Category | Acura | Industry Average |
|---|---|---|
| The severity of auto repairs | 13% of the repairs are considered severe | 12% of the repairs are considered severe |
| Frequency of repair shop visit | 0.3 visits per year | 0.4 visits per year |
| Annual repair cost | $634 | $652 |
Average Maintenance Cost of Jeeps
The new jeep vehicles perform well for the first couple of years and then require more and more repairs to perform well. For example, in the first year, on average, jeeps need $394 in maintenance costs, $560 in three years, and the price may spike up to $2,445 by 12 years.
In addition to regular maintenance, a third of jeeps require at least one major repair in their lifetime. The major jeep repairs may cost between $500 and $1500. Jeeps have more advanced and complicated components, that's why they have become notorious for costlier maintenance costs.
The following handy table will help you understand how the average maintenance cost of a jeep may vary depending on its age.
| Year Since Purchase | Avg Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 | $394 |
| 3 | $568 |
| 6 | $1,102 |
| 9 | $1,900 |
| 12 | $2,445 |
The average annual maintenance cost of jeeps also depends on the model of the car you drive and how hard you push it. Below we have compared the average maintenance cost of three different jeep models.
| Model | Reliability | Repair Frequency | Annual Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compass | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 0.2 per year | $430 |
| Cherokee | 4.0 out of 5 stars | 0.3 per year | $516 |
| Wrangler | 3.5 out of 5 stars | 0.3 per year | $784 |
The above data-driven information highlights that jeep wrangler maintenance costs more than other models.
Some Common Repairs of Jeeps
Jeeps may have to encounter a variety of mechanical repairs, resulting in higher maintenance costs. The most common mechanical and electrical repairs experienced by jeeps include:
- Window failure
- Fuel overflow
- Clogged fuel injections
- Water leaks
- A damaged throttle position sensor
- Electronic malfunctions
- The death wobbles
- Exhaust leaks
Jeeps require more frequent repairs than average cars, which is a significant drawback for a reputable brand. But it is not only the jeeps' fault, for their vehicles need frequent maintenance. Unlike other brands, jeep drivers are less gentle with their cars. They need to ensure the proper care of their vehicles, which can develop more significant mechanical problems.
Most jeep owners take their vehicles through slippery mud and deep snow. Unfortunately, the slips and bumps associated with off-roading can make jeeps less reliable. They can also make your Jeep vehicles less adaptable to general wear and tear.
Maintenance Schedule of Jeeps
See the following table to learn how often your jeep requires routine maintenance.
| Mileage Interval | Required Service | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Every 10,000 miles | Inspection of any fluid leak, oil and filter change, a review of hoses and belts, tire rotation, and other minor maintenance | $276 to $305 |
| Every 20,000 miles | Brake pad replacement, visual inspection of hoses and belts, any recall services, and assessment of fluid leak | $354 to $396 |
| Every 30,000 miles | Replacement of air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs, visual safety check, and potential tire and brake pad replacement | $608 to $700 |
| Every 50,000 miles | Suspension bushings for general wear and tear, an inspection of hoses, drive belts, and motor mounts, replacement of engine filter, check for oil leaks, tire rotation, and oil and filter change | $276 to $305 |
Common Jeep Repairs
Your jeep may encounter the following common repairs:
- Oil Change: An oil change is required to ensure the peak performance of your car's engine by removing extraneous dirt and debris from it. This jeep repair is usually recommended between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, which may cost up to $145.
- Tire Replacement: Tire replacement is another common repair faced by jeep vehicles. Jeep tires are strongly recommended to replace every six years, no matter how many miles your car has covered. Damaged and worn-out tires may affect the performance of your jeeps. On average, replacing your jeep tires may cost between $150 and $500.
- Windshield Replacement: A cracked windshield can significantly reduce your vision while driving. Therefore, replacing your jeep windshield is recommended if it has a large crack. However, it is a significant repair that may cost between $300 and $600.
- Engine Replacement: A well-maintained engine is essential to extend the lifespan of your jeeps. In addition, you must replace your jeep's engine if it is cracked or damaged in a collision. Replacing your jeep engine may cost between $1,000 and $10,000.
- Paint: If you want to improve the market value of your jeep, prevent it from corrosion, or maintain its structural integrity, a pian job can help achieve these goals. However, after some time, your jeep may have visible discoloration. Changing your jeep paint may range between $3,000 and $5,000.
Factors That Influence the Jeep Maintenance Cost
Trim level: The type of trim level you drive significantly influences the jeep maintenance cost. Your vehicle condition and mileage also affect the frequency of services for your jeeps. New jeeps can go longer between repair services, while the older ones need more frequent repairs.
Engine Configuration: The engine options and configurations will also influence the ultimate maintenance cost of your jeeps. The cost of your vehicle's tune-ups and oil changes also depends on your engine configuration. In addition, after covering some mileage, your car needs to change its air filter. You can perform this simpler repair at your home to lower your jeep maintenance costs.
Finding an Extended Warranty for Jeeps
Ensuring the top-rumbling shape of your jeeps require more than routine maintenance. Undoubtedly, jeeps need more mechanical repairs than other similar brands. But you can make these costlier repairs more affordable by purchasing an extended car warranty for your jeeps.
An extended car warranty will cover all the sudden repairs that your vehicle may encounter. The extended warranties include additional perks, such as roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, and fuel delivery. You can get these warranties from independent warranty providers. Our top recommendations for purchasing an extended warranty for your vehicles include the following:
These independent warranty providers are ready to help jeep owners avoid expensive repair bills. With an extended warranty, you only have to pay for the cost of the contract and deductibles.
Jeep Maintenance Cost Bottom Line
Jeeps are well-known all over the world due to their solidity and dependability. But, unfortunately, Jeeps' annual maintenance cost is slightly higher than the national average. As a result, the jeep owners may have to pay up to $630 to keep their off-road monsters running on the roads.
Compared to other brands, jeep require more frequent repairs. This situation occurs when jeep owners take their vehicles through slippery mud and deep snow.
The Car Data Review Methodology
Our expert review team is committed to providing honest and objective information. Based on consumer data, we identified the following rating categories and did extensive research to determine the top extended auto warranty providers.
- Affordable: Many factors influence the cost of a service, making it difficult to compare prices between providers. Our secret shopper team analyzes different vehicles, mileages, and warranty plans to give you this rating.
- Coverage - Each consumer has different needs. Every car warranty company must offer a variety of coverage options. We consider the number of plans available, terms limits, exclusions, and additional benefits.
- Industry Standing: Our team considers Better Business Bureau (BBB), ratings, availability, years in business, and other factors when determining this score.
- Customer Services: Trusted extended car warranty companies provide a level of customer care. We consider customer reviews, BBB complaints, and responsiveness to customer service.
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Steven Dillon
Author
Steven is the founder and product tested for The Car Data, that has extensive knowledge in automotive industry. While most of his free time he participates in typical "car guy" activities, his passion for cars, data analytics, and tech, always has his looking for the next cool tool, software, trend, etc. to share with his audience on The Car Data or on his Instagram.
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