2019 Jeep Cherokee

Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues

Power train is the leading concern among 1,643 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.

Complaints by model year
  1. 1,643

Of the 2019 reports, 40 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.

Primary concernPower train804 reports · 49% of complaints
Owner complaints1,643Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship11 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Power train804
  2. Engine457
  3. Electrical system340
  4. Other or unspecified257
  5. Steering120
  6. Service brakes107
  7. Vehicle speed control82
  8. Air bags42

Recalls and investigations

  1. Power trainMay 7, 2026

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

    A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

    Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

    Campaign 26V290000 on NHTSA.gov

  2. Power trainApr 29, 2025

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.

    A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

    Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.

    Campaign 25V011000 on NHTSA.gov

  3. Steering, rack and pinion, rackAug 29, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.

    A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.

    Campaign 19V637000 on NHTSA.gov

  4. Air bagsJun 13, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.

    In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.

    Campaign 19V449000 on NHTSA.gov

  5. SeatsMar 28, 2019

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.

    In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.

    Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.

    Campaign 19V248000 on NHTSA.gov

  6. Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelDec 20, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.

    Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

    Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.

    Campaign 18V917000 on NHTSA.gov

  7. Power train, automatic transmissionOct 19, 2018

    Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.

    A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.

    Campaign 18V739000 on NHTSA.gov

  8. Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

    A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

    Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov

  9. Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 9, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

    A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

    Campaign 18V523000 on NHTSA.gov

  10. Power train, automatic transmissionJul 26, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.

    If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.

    Campaign 18V492000 on NHTSA.gov

  11. Engine and engine cooling, engineMay 25, 2018

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.

    Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.

    Campaign 18V344000 on NHTSA.gov

Representative owner complaints: power train

804 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Power train, Sep 29, 2025

    Component / System Failure: The transmission system of my 2019 Jeep failed while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled twice during operation and has now completely lost transmission functionality. The issue has only been inspected by independent mechanics and not by the manufacturer or other official entities. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Both stalling incidents occurred while driving at highway speeds, placing me and other motorists at serious risk. Sudden loss of power in high- speed traffic created a hazardous situation with potential for collision or injury. Problem Confirmation: The vehicle was repaired after the first incident at a cost of $400. Despite the repair, the problem recurred, ultimately resulting in complete transmission failure. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer, only by independent mechanics. No inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only independent mechanics have evaluated the vehicle. here were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to either stalling incident. The failures occurred without any advance indication.

  2. Power train, Sep 29, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact spoke with an individual with the same model vehicle who had experienced the same failure with their vehicle. The person had taken their vehicle to an independent mechanic who related the failure to the power transfer unit(PTU). The contact was then informed that there was a recall for the issue, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

  3. Power train, Sep 27, 2025

    “4 wheel drive service is unavailable and needs to be serviced” message appeared in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee in August 2025. Wouldn’t stay consistently on, but warning would pop up at least once every time I drove. Warning became more consistent, and in September 2025 I took my car to the dealership for my state inspection, where they investigated this indicator light concern. Diagnosis was “Found obstructed shift fork in PTU, recommend replacing” but the part is currently on back order. I learned that there is a recent recall on 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees for a PTU issue, however my VIN is not currently included in this recall. I’m concerned that this issue is affecting my jeep since I’m getting a warning and need my PTU replaced, and I’m even more concerned because I can’t get it repaired due to back order.

  4. Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2025

    My Service AWD light came on. I had the system checked in February of 2025. I was informed it was a bad PTU system. My car makes a clunking then whining noise when driving. It cannot go over 55 mph before losing power. My VIN doesn’t come up in the recall list but it has the same diagnostic issues The issue was diagnosed at Heritage Jeep in Harrisburg on 2/15/2025 Receipt order # 218197. Customer number 42k8761762

  5. Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2025

    When driving the Jeep Cherokee (51,000 miles), I experienced numerous incidents where the car experienced sudden power loss climbing a grade followed almost immediately by numerous warning lights and a message that "4WD System Unavailable" as well as a message that the forward warning system had failed. Under these conditions, the car struggled to make even 50 mph and would only do so in a much lower gear at 4000+ rpm. Prior to each incident, the car had been driving smoothly at 70 mph at approx 2200 rpm. Both the Jeep dealer and the local repair obtained the same error code (DTC C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component) indicating internal failure of the PTU (transfer case). When the repair shop removed the transfer case they found metal shavings in the PTU lubricant. With no PTUs available from the Jeep dealership for months it was necessary to purchase a salvaged PTU at near-new pricing. I note that there is a similar recall but it does not cover my vehicle. I also note there are numerous NHTSA complaints for identical problems being filed nearly daily for 2017-2021 Jeeps. This defect is a serious safety issue that can result in complete driveline failure or an inability to maintain speed with traffic. It also results in approx $5000-7000 in repair costs for each PTU replacement.

  6. Power train, Sep 25, 2025

    Subject: Formal Complaint – Unresolved Safety Recall for 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my vehicle: •Make: Jeep •Model: Cherokee Limited 4x4 •Year: 2019 •VIN: [XXX] •Recall Date: January 16, 2020 In mid-January 2026, my vehicle experienced a transmission failure and became inoperable. It was towed to Jeep Erin Park for inspection. The dealership determined that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) assembly had suffered internal damage. They removed the PTU, inspected the shift actuator and gears (which were found to be intact), replaced the actuator, and reinstalled the PTU. The repairs were completed on February 12, 2026. I was charged CAD 3,371.46 for the service — an expense I incurred personally, despite the issue being directly related to the outstanding recall. As of today, nearly seven years since the recall was issued, Jeep has yet to provide a remedy or resolution. This prolonged delay is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about the manufacturer’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. I have contacted Jeep on multiple occasions, but have received no definitive timeline or actionable response. The continued lack of resolution leaves my vehicle potentially unsafe and undermines public confidence in the recall process. I respectfully request that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigate this matter and take appropriate action to ensure Jeep fulfills its obligation to address and remedy this safety defect without further delay. Thank you for your attention to this urgent concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

  7. Power train, Exterior lighting, Sep 25, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure was intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was a large oil stain on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact called a mobile mechanic to the scene since there was no oil in the engine and the vehicle could not be driven. However, no cause for the failure was found. The mobile mechanic placed seals on the gaskets. Most recently, while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the instrument panel failed to illuminate, and the screen remained black. The contact stated that the hazard lights turned on independently and several attempts to deactivate the hazard lights was needed. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

  8. Power train, Sep 25, 2025

    PTU is failing, car is having trouble going and stopping. Will not go into 4WD.

  9. Power train, Sep 22, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

  10. Power train, Sep 19, 2025

    The rear differential is suffering from corrosion, which caused a slight leak. If it fails, the car will suddenly cease operation, which could result in a collision. The part was inspected by the dealer, and said it could take up to 3 months to get a replacement. As of yet, no warning lights are active.

  11. Engine and engine cooling, Power train, Sep 18, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine sputtered. While driving and attempting to stop the vehicle, the vehicle occasionally lost automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery, the front and rear brake pads and rotors, the water pump, and the harmonic balancer were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, two days later, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed a second time, and the contact was informed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced, and an alignment was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also became aware of a coolant leak underneath the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

  12. Power train, Sep 18, 2025

    Rear Differential transfer case on passenger side eroding. O-ring partially exposed.

  13. Power train, Electrical system, Sep 18, 2025

    1. Vehicle dash lights go out intermittently without warning. 2. Vehicle 4wheel system inoperable at times. Warning lights are present

  14. Power train, Sep 17, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and was unable to accelerate as intended. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and shifted the vehicle into park; however, upon releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle began to roll away. Furthermore, after continued troubleshooting, the contact observed that the vehicle failed to move when shifted into drive(D) or reverse(R) but could roll away when shifted into park(P). No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Transfer Unit (PTU); and advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was later offered per diem reimbursement for expenses incurred for renting a vehicle. The failure mileage was 114,000. The VIN was not available.

  15. Power train, Sep 15, 2025

    PTU Failure, Service 4WD light is on

  16. Power train, Sep 15, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, and the traction control warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message "4WD Unavailable" was displayed, and the 4WD became inoperable, causing the rear wheels to spin out of control. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced, but the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

  17. Power train, Sep 14, 2025

    My service four-wheel-drive light came on when I had the code read. It was obstructed and or blocked the dealership informed me I needed to have a new transfer case and I see all the existing recalls on my exact vehicle and they’re having the same problems and the part that I need for my car is backordered for a long time. I paid for a new transfer case with no time frame as to when they are getting them in

  18. Steering, Power train, Sep 13, 2025

    Vehicle is hard to turn since it is locked in to all wheel drive . I had Northtown Jeep ( dealership) look at it and they knew what it was just after one quick ride around the building. The car has 28543 miles on it and is out of warranty. They told me that the PTU was faulty and that also caused damage to the rear differential. This vehicle from day one sounded and felt a bit (odd) but I just figured that this was normal but it wasn't until this year when leaving the driveway that it got to the point that we could not even drive the car.The dealership said it would cost roughly 6800.00 to repair both the ptu and the differential, which I can not afford.

  19. Power train, Sep 12, 2025

    Complete PTU failure confirmed by dealership.

  20. Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 11, 2025

    My 2019 Jeep completely lost ALL power while driving. There is a clanking sound that no one can locate. There is a change in the way the care is driving as far as power and engine sounds louder than usual. On 9.8.25 my sev 4WD indicator light appeared. I have seen the recalls for ALL these issues I am having but, My VIN # is showing that my care is NOT on the recall list. WHY??? I have had every single problem on the list related to this recall.

  21. Power train, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about parts availability. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of automotive power, with the Auto START warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

  22. Power train, Electrical system, Sep 11, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the middle digital screen independently turned on the heat, radio, navigation system, A/C, and glitched. The Service 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and an unknown failure code was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

  23. Power train, Sep 10, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

  24. Power train, Sep 10, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the "Service 4WD" message was displayed. While attempting to accelerate after idling, the vehicle hesitated and then surged forward before accelerating. The failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order for approximately 2-3 months. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

  25. Power train, Sep 10, 2025

    The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the "service" four wheel drive warning message remained displayed and a cluncking and gear grinding noise was present coming from the under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that metal shavings were present inside the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the PTU was previously replaced for the same failure. The failure mileage was 30,000