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.
Of the 2019 reports, 40 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Power train, Feb 11, 2025, crash
PTU component failure. A loss of drive power increased severity of a crash and injuries. The problem has been confirmed by Jeep dealership service center. The vehicle/component has not yet been inspected. Mechanical grinding noise and loss of drive power, vehicle would continue to stay in motion and brakes would not work effectively.
Power train, Electrical system, Feb 10, 2025
While Driving the vehicle shut off all lights went off on dashboard . Vehicle also jerks forward at stop lights transmission issues. There was no warning light or codes when checked with OBD
Power train, Feb 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 76 MPH and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact merged into the slow lane, pulled over to the right side of the road, shifted the vehicle to park, and heard an abnormal grinding noise coming from the transmission. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer refused to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to Mopar to obtain a rental vehicle. The failure mileage was 102,555.
Steering, Power train, Feb 6, 2025, crash
My SVC4wheel is unavailable temporarily service needed is on been on since I got jeep recently I was thrown into a ditch and wasn't able to control the jeep due to no 4 wheel drive but my stability control is tied to that. And I believe it is part of the recent ptu recall jeep just had from 2017-2019 jeep Cherokee. I have exact same issue. My jeep acts like it wants to always stall which is part of the recent recall lose of power to the power transfer unit b could become damage band stall . My jeep has exactly same issues as that recall and I was out in a ditch due to lack of power to put it in 4 wheel drive.
Power train, Feb 6, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the Service 4WD warning light was flashing and had become constant. The contact stated that while accelerating to make a right turn from a stop light at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were clicking and popping sounds coming from the transmission. The failure was brief before the vehicle self-corrected, and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that while in a School's pick-up line with stop-and-go traffic, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle lost power. The contact shifted to park, restarted the vehicle, and continued driving. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (PTU) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired due to the replacement part being on backorder. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 3, 2025
4×4 temporary unavailable service required. Light has been on since I bought it on November told dealer , and this is connected to my stability control andy rear all over road it acts like it wants to stall and I already went on to ditch 4 days ago due to ice and snow and not being Able control car fully
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Feb 2, 2025, crash
ChatGPT You said: My jeep 2019 is losing power and steering which lead em.to.collide with a pole to stop the vehicle in was going around 30 mph and the brakes also stopped working write me a complaint answering these questions with my story What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Complaint Regarding Vehicle Malfunction – 2019 Jeep To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2019 Jeep, which resulted in a dangerous loss of control while driving. Component/System Failure: While driving at approximately 30 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing both the steering and braking systems to fail simultaneously. This forced me to collide with a pole in order to stop the vehicle. I believe this may be related to the electrical system, power steering, or braking system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction put both my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. Losing power, steering, and braking capabilities made it impossible to control the vehicle, which could have led to a severe accident involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Reproduction/Confirmation: At this time, I have not had the issue formally reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but I am seeking an inspection to determine the cause. Inspections: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but I am in the process of reporting this incident to all relevant s
Power train, Wheels, Jan 31, 2025
Had to have the PTU replaced in May of 2023 due to the sv 4wd light that came on. Now fast forward to January of 2025 I needed to replace the rear differential. Also new tires once again! Correlation? Who knows. I keep hearing from dealerships I’ve dealt with this is a common issue for the 2019 Jeep Cherokees. I’m hoping enough customers put in complaints so we can get compensated. It makes me want to tell everyone to avoid purchasing Jeeps. ( At least 2019) This has been expensive and frustrating and worrisome about my family and I safety. I do have pictures upon request from the dealership(s) that have worked on my vehicle.
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the 4-WD warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
Power transfer failed while going through and intersection resulted in the vehicle being stranded in the travel lane of the highway I was crossing. Vehicle was towed to the closest transmission shop after jeep informed me there is currently no fix for the situation and they could not help with warranty service due to no repair has been found
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
The 4WD service light came on but the transmission has been having problems while shifting. It seems like it really struggles to change gears. This could be a huge problem if it doesn’t shift. When I went to the mechanic they said it was a PTU issue and they have been seeing a bunch of Jeep Cherokees with this issue.
Power train, Jan 30, 2025
PTU/rear differential failure The car began to act weird making some popping and banging noises on a two separate occasions, after that there began to be a rattling noise the car then during acceleration just lurched and almost locked up to a complete stop. Luckily this happened on a city street and a non busy hour of traffic with no one following. Other than the two sounds that were sporadic and far in-between not pinpointing anything seriously wrong initially there was no indication of serious issues, no warning lights or dash lights indicated an issue eventually there was a slight rattling then the lock up, even after the lurching incident there was no warning or dash lights that signified and issue. Dealership confirmed it's the rear differential/PTU wants $6,000 to repair the damage seems to indicate it's an occurrence due to pothole damage
Power train, Engine, Jan 30, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate above 15 MPH. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the Power Transfer Unit. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before surging forward and accelerating. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed. The power transfer unit was replaced. The contact stated that after the vehicle was repaired, the contact learned online that there was a recall related to the failure under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000.
Power train, Jan 27, 2025
Rear differential cracked at approximately 53,000 miles. The gear oil began leaking profusely. There were no warning lights so if I had continued to drive it, the rear could have locked up. My local shop (fox run automotive in Bear, Delaware) cannot find new dealer parts. A used differential sourced from a lot will be used at a cost of $3,400 to me.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
I noticed an oil leak in the rear of the car. I went underneath and noticed the casing of the rear differential is separating at the seam. This can cause the rear to lock up, which can cause a loss of control. The warranty is expired. After doing research, there are thousands of cases with the exact same problem. My mechanic even said he has seen this on a few different jeeps of the same model. This should be a recall.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
PTU (Power transfer unit) I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the ongoing lack of resolution regarding my Jeep's Power Transfer Unit (PTU) replacement. Since November 19, 2024, my vehicle has been in service at Larry H. Miller, located at 9733 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114. The dealership has informed me that the necessary part is on indefinite backorder, with no expected timeline for delivery. Despite my efforts, I have been unable to receive any assistance or timely resolution. The dealership is suggesting that I trade in my vehicle for a newer model, which I find completely unacceptable, especially since the part required for my vehicle’s repair is covered under my warranty. I have been working with Javiar Sanchez, the Service Manager, and have made multiple attempts to resolve this issue, but unfortunately, I have received no substantial help or updates. Additionally, I have contacted Jeep directly, with no progress made. This situation has left me in the unfortunate position of continuing to make payments on a vehicle that I am unable to drive. As my Jeep remains at the dealership without a resolution, I kindly request immediate assistance in facilitating the repair of my vehicle under warranty, or an alternative resolution to this issue.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
Rear differential is going dealership says it’s a common issue.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the power transfer unit resulting in damages to the 4WD actuator. The contact was informed that the 4WD actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that after stopping and restarting the vehicle, the failure self-corrected. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light and 4WD message was intermittently displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the power transfer unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 23, 2025
Hi, I am making this report because my jeep has a similar issue I've noticed has been recalled on earlier year jeep cherokees my service 4WD light has come on every time I drive including losing access to my 4WD in the vehicle. While stopped my jeep seems to stall out occasionally at stop lights or signs. Every mechanic we have seen said it could be a manufacture issue but it could also be the transfer case actuator. I just wanted to send this in because it is an issue that would cost my family financially to fix. If there is any way to look into this that would be great.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jan 16, 2025
During acceleration to pass another vehicle, my engine had lost all power and acceleration and I had to make a split decision to brake and maneuver my vehicle back into my lane behind multiple vehicles who were behind me before I attempted to pass. Had there have been oncoming traffic within that mentally unaccounted time that I was in the opposite lane, I could have been in a very large deadly accident. Cylinder 1 and 2 are testing at 0 compression, Oil is leaking into the turbo and out of the exhaust. I have had regular oil changes and a tune up with the mentioning of a low power and jolting issue during acceleration and the dealership did not look into my concerns other than their simple findings of one burnt spark plug, I had all 4 replaced at that appointment, the engine is broken about 6 months later.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2025
On 12/30/2024, I received a “4WD SVC” light on the dashboard of my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (odometer reading 61,000). Upon a quick Google search, this is a very common problem with the Jeep Cherokee’s Power Transfer Unit. I took my Jeep in to be diagnosed at an independent service center (1/3/2025), where it was confirmed that my vehicle was reading a code: C14A7-97 (PTU motor component, or system operation obstructed, or blocked). It has been noted that the PTU failure can result in a loss of power to the front wheels, potentially causing reduced traction, difficulty turning, and noticeable noises like grinding or knocking, especially when turning, due to the malfunctioning gears inside the unit; in severe cases, the front wheels might completely lock up depending on the nature of the failure. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative; however, a Google search indicates that there is an ongoing class action investigation (Saunder, Schelkopf - Attorneys at Law) for PTU failures in 2019-2022 Jeep Cherokee’s.
Power train, Jan 4, 2025
Power Transfer Unit failed at 79,100kms. Previous year models had a recall of PTU but my VIN is excluded. Common failure.
Power train, Dec 25, 2024
Last week, my wife was turning left at a busy intersection and her 2019 Jeep Cherokee suddenly wouldn't accelerate, and she had to coast across 4 lanes of traffic during evening rush hour. After placing in park and shutting off to refuel, she restarted and upon putting in drive, 4WD Srv light was still on, yet this time the vehicle was able to move again. So luckily she was able to get home. Next morning, I went to take the car to local mechanic. Sitting at the end of our street and ready to turn left onto a high-traffic main road, I experienced the same condition, with 4WD Srv light, also check engine symbol indicator, and also the same error message on info screen of: "4WD Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move Even in Park." And similarly, when I tried to start pulling out with cars approaching from both directions, when taking my foot off the brake and onto the accelerator, I felt no resistance at the pedal, as RPMs increased yet the vehicle didn't move an inch. I shifted into Park, and momentarily killed the engine. Then restarted it, and once back into drive—although 4WD indicator was still on—I was able to get power to the drive wheels and was able to pull out. Seeing as my [XXX] was also in the car with me, I'm very grateful that the failure to accelerate didn't occur at the moment I would've just pulled out in front of fast-approaching traffic. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic and explained the situation. A few hours later, they called me stating the Power Train Unit (PTU) was bad and would need to be replaced. They also informed me that the part, according to a local Jeep dealer they contacted was unavailable and "not even on the horizon." They said a used and remanufactured part could be used to make the repair, but that it would cost $600 more than if a new part were available. They also said that there were no aftermarket parts available, and that the part itself was not repairable, but had to be replaced. Quoted $3700. The Power Train Unit INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)