The 2006 Grand Cherokee lasts around 200,000 miles but has engine and transmission failures. At $5,108 to $17,318, it’s a lot of money for an SUV with this many problems.
Is the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee a Good Used SUV?
- No, 2006 is a bad year. Owners complain about wiring issues, maintenance costs, and worn-out sensors.
- Reliability ratings are below average. Models from 2007–2010 had fewer complaints with a spike in issues for 2011.
- Performance is average from the V6 engine, but the largest V8 offers excellent power.
- The Grand Cherokee is reasonably safe, earning a 4-star rating in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is poor at up to 17 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Grand Cherokee?
- Consumer Reports says the Grand Cherokee scores lower than other midsize competitors with poor owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Grand Cherokee a 4.2/5 liking the strong engines, but disliking the cheap interior.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Grand Cherokee 4.2/5 and enjoy the off-road performance but don’t like the expensive upkeep costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Have?
Common problems found on the 2006 Grand Cherokee include engine failures, broken transmissions and flickering lights.
Engine failures are a very serious problem showing up on a lot of Grand Cherokee models at around 75,000 miles. Components in the engine wear out and cause a complete failure, replacing the engine costs about $3,500.
Broken transmissions are another issue showing up at around 105,000 miles. Some owners have rebuilt the transmission costing about $1,800, and others replace it for around $2,800.
Flickering lights happen on many Grand Cherokee models at around 65,000 miles. The main source is a worn-out alternator which cannot provide enough power for the lights. Replacing the alternator is about $600.
There are 6 recalls, with the most serious being for the transmission shift selector, which can lead to the SUV rolling away by falling into neutral.
How Long Will the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Last?
A well-maintained 2006 Grand Cherokee can last around 200,000 miles, which is about 150,000 less than top competitors like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs, according to Repair Pal, at roughly $425 per year.
Most 2006 Grand Cherokees will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the A/C Condenser for $350, brake booster costing $250, and the axle shaft seal which costs $200.
It is reliable. Although as you get higher in miles the more problems start to grow. But overall it is reliable.
The only problem that I have encountered with this vehicle is the window washer squirters do not work very well do to the plastic squirters have dry rotted and crumbled.
Door handles broke (all 4). Chrysler/jeep knew of this problem in certain jeeps and did not recall. So far it is mechanically reliable, although a/c only works on high.
No problems only needed new rear brake pads that was a cheap fix that my husband was able to do just had to pay for parts.
No problems. Very reliable and mechanically sound. I would trust it toy kids. Put 150 thousand miles on
Very reliable, I have only had to replace the battery and replace brake pads in the five years I have owned the vehicle. Just recently replaced all 4 tires that I put 60,000 miles on.
Very reliable. I have had no problems. I have had 2 replace 2 sensors, tires, and the battery (twice) in 13+ plus years.
There are no problems just put zone brand new tires and fresh tint windows. It is strong and reliable.
How Much Is the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,108 to $17,318, making the Grand Cherokee around $1,000 less than a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot. When new, the price range was $27,415 to $39,700. Depreciation is a bit worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Grand Cherokee?
There are four models of the Grand Cherokee available. The SUV was last redesigned in 2005, with a new infotainment system added in 2008. The higher end Limited model has a nice interior for the price, but the entry-level models are average compared to other midsize SUVs.
Laredo is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Power Windows & Locks
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With CD Changer
Limited is a step up adding:
- 2-Tone Leather Seating
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- Power Adjustable Pedals
- Leather Steering Wheel
- Boston Acoustics 6-Speaker Stereo With MP3 Playback
Overland has more features including:
- 17-Inch Chrome Wheels
- Premium Leather & Suede Seating
- Wood Trim Interior
- Navigation System With Satellite Radio
SRT-8 is a performance model and has:
- 20-Inch Aluminum Wheels
- Unique Suede & Leather Interior
- Carbon Fiber Trim Pieces
- Sport Suspension
What Engines Come In the Grand Cherokee?
- The base engine is an average 3.7L V6 which makes 210 horsepower while getting up to 17 MPG combined.
- A step up is the better 4.7L V8 which makes 235 horsepower and gets up to 15 MPG combined.
- Next in the lineup is the strong 5.7L V8, which offers 330 horsepower while getting a combined fuel rating of up to 15 MPG.
- The flagship engine is the extremely powerful 6.1L V8 which makes 420 horsepower and gets up to 12 MPG combined. Performance is great, taking only 4.8 seconds to go 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Grand Cherokee Come In?
How Big Is the Grand Cherokee?
The 2006 Grand Cherokee is a midsize SUV similar in size to rivals including the Nissan Pathfinder and Honda Pilot. Passenger room is good throughout the cabin, but it does not have a third row like some other SUVs in the same price range.
Cargo space is average for the size of the SUV, with 34.5 cubic feet of room behind the seats and 67.4 when they’re folded flat.
How Does the Grand Cherokee Compare to the Competition?
The Toyota 4Runner is a popular competitor costing about $5,000 more. Off-road performance and fuel economy are better in the 4Runner, but the Grand Cherokee has a more luxurious interior. We recommend the 4Runner since they last much longer and hold their value better.
The Ford Explorer is another competitor in the same price range. Passenger space is a bit better in the Explorer, but the Grand Cherokee offers more powerful engines. We don’t recommend either for the 2006 model year, since they both have a lot of problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes it is. It is very reliable. It has great mileage. The only thing that is not good is the gas mileage.
Yes I love it. I drive it approximately 100 miles a day. It get very good gas mileage. It is very durable, rough and tuff vehicle. I would definitely consider buying another one.
Not as good as my 2003 grand Cherokee was. Door (interior) handles began breaking day after I bought it. Both my 2003 and 2006 models are 6 cyl. The 2003 got better gas mileage even with 250k miles on it. Seats in the 2006 are very cheap and uncomfortable.
Great sport utility vehicle I have owned two jeep grand Cherokees and love them very comfortable and reliable good gas mileage.
Yes very dependable, reliable, mechanically sound vehicle. Spacious for travel or family. Four wheel drive is a plus in the winter
Yes, very reliable. I enjoy the availability of the vehicle to travel through extreme weather conditions-especially rain and snow.
Impossibly perfect jeep. Limited edition loaded with every option. Regular maintenance performed in a timely manner. Aside from tire/battery/sensor replacement, zero problems in the 13+ years since I purchased new.
Yes it is a good vehicle and is reliable. I had it for 3 years and some months. Brakes good oil change is a1