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, Dec 20, 2024
I'm the single owner of the jeep with roughly 50,000 miles on it. It has not been abused nor been in an accident. I took the jeep in for a brake job (by an ASE certified mechanic) and during the service they noted that the casting of the rear differential had failed in what appears to be a bad casting/manufacturing defect. The part that failed is what retains the seal for the differential. Had it completely let go, the fluid could have drained out causing a complete failure of the differential. Of course, depending upon when the failure were to occur, the severity risk is vast. I had it replaced to the tune of over $3,000. On-line searches indicated that this is a known issue yet I was not able to find any sign of a recall to inspect or repair. My next step is co contact Stellantis to seek restitution although I suspect that since the failure was found beyond the warranty period, that I will be unsuccessful....fingers crossed.
Suspension, Power train, Nov 26, 2024
Hello, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee that I have has a cracked rear differential and no accident that the vehicle was in could’ve caused. I also know another person personally that has the same year make, and model as me that has the exact same problem of a cracked rear differential. Also, after talking to a mechanic in our local area, who stated he sees cracked rear differentials in Jeep Cherokees A lot more than he thinks he should and is surprised there’s no recalls on it. The safety concern has led me to decide to get rid of the car since I am concerned there should be a recall on this part of the Jeep Cherokee, but there is not, and I feel other recalls could be overlooked as well. Also, after some research online, I see there are many cases of the same cracked rear differential in the jeep Cherokee, especially in and around the year of 2019. There was no specific incident that happened to report on. I could hear a noise so we’ve had three mechanics/appraisers people look at it. All quote around $3,000 to repair. Also, all say this kind of crack is unsafe to drive.
Power train, Nov 23, 2024
While unloading groceries from the rear of the vehicle that was in park and turned off the vehicle started rolling backwards down the gradual slope of our driveway. Thankfully it was rolling slowly enough that I was able to grab my spouse and pull her to a safe position while we watched the vehicle roll into the street. Since then we have set the auto parking brake to engage whenever the vehicle is turned off. Recently the service 4wd light has come on. The vehicle just passed 60k miles and it appears that Jeep Cherokees have had a history of issues with their PTUs and it appears they continue to with the model we have as well.
Power train, Nov 13, 2024
SVC 4WD driver light came on - error code c1415-92. Needs PTU replaced at cost of almost $4000.00. Only 37400 miles on the vehicle. No recall for the 2019 model.
Power train, Nov 7, 2024
At 66,000 miles my 2019 Jeep Cherokee gave me a service 4WD light. The error code is related to needing to replace the PTU. This causes a huge safety issue as to when the car decides to be in 4WD or front wheel drive. I have experienced loss of directional control in light rain with normal acceleration due to this fault. I was told that this will cost around $4,000 to replace and the wait time on the manufacture part is 4-5 months out.
Power train, Oct 31, 2024
PTU failed causing 4WD to be disabled.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH at night, the headlights turned off momentarily. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen display turned on after 15 seconds. The contact also stated that the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen display were turning off intermittently while driving. The contact stated that the forward collision system chime failed to engage while there was another vehicle in the rear proximity of the vehicle; however, the forward collision avoidance system chime engaged while driving by another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting into 2nd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 350.
Power train, Oct 14, 2024
PTU first stopped allowing the vehicle to shift into 4 wheel drive, now it is showing a warning (while driving) on the instrument cluster that says "4WD Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move Even in Park". This notice pops up when driving or cruising at highway speed. Automatic transmission, no shift attempted at time warning appears.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 7, 2024
4wd indicator light is on - PTU MOTOR OR SYSTEM BLOCKED, FOLLOWED TROUBLESHOOTING PER WSM, TRACED TO FAULTY ELECTRONICS IN POWER TAKE OFF UNIT, NEED TO REPLACE
Power train, Oct 3, 2024
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the PTU warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU sensor unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Sep 16, 2024
4wd service light on, faulty power transfer unit. Known issue in Jeep Cherokees, many 2016-2017 vehicles were recalled for the same exact issue
Power train, Aug 26, 2024
Transmission needs to be replaced at 33,000 miles on the vehicle. While driving on a major expressway I experienced harsh up shifts from gears 1-2 & 2-3. It felt like the vehicle was being rear-ended. The vehicle died out and check engine light went on. Vehicle restarted and seemed to go back to normal for the rest of the drive. Vehicle was inspected at 2 Jeep dealers recommending new transmission and all related gaskets & Hardware. No warmings of any kind happened prior to this incident. Apparently there was a recall for this exact problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee yet my VIN number is not included. Recall: 2019 model year (KL) Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 948TE 9-speed transmission. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V-492
Power train, Aug 12, 2024
Keep getting 4WD is disabled indication and service 4WD indicator. The error code starts after starting the car and stays on continually Took it to the dealer and got Diagnostic Trouble Code C14A7-97. The transmission has been not shifting as usual and some time the wheels squeel when making a turn from the stop position.
Power train, Aug 7, 2024
On 7.27.24, at 30,800 miles, my 2019 Jeep Cherokee displayed a warning light on the dashboard to service 4WD, stating that 4WD is unavailable. A trip to the dealer on 8.2.24 for diagnosis states the PTU has an internal fault and needs to be replaced. The vehicle is out of warranty. The replacement PTU part is on back order with no ETA. Dealer advised that driving with this warning light may or may not result in further damage. It could lead to damage of an axle or worse. Upon further research online, the PTU failure appears to be a known issue for many Jeep Cherokee owners.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2024
while driving the car at 40 mph it just quit running! engine completely out causing driver to swerve. Vehicle behind had to swerve around to avoid collision. There was no accident and nobody was injured but a close call! Two different shops (one being the certified Jeep/Chrysler mechanic) confirmed total engine faulure! The first shop told me that the turbo fatally failed and sent metal shrapnel through the air intake ports and scored and scratched the inside of the cylinder walls. Then oil passed through the motor and through the entire exhaust system ruining the catalytic converter and all sensors in the motor and exhaust system. There were no warning lamps or warnings of any kind. The car is less than 5 years old and has approx 76,000 miles. Cost to repair: $17,260
Power train, Jul 15, 2024
The contact's daughter owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the high air flow vacuum was leaking, and a smoke test was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced, and an oil consumption test needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V739000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,504.
Power train, Jul 10, 2024
Service 4 wheel drive light came on. Went to dealership and after diagnostics was told that PTU was bad. Vehicle had always had jerking acceleration. Told dealership several times but was told that was normal.
Power train, Jul 4, 2024
While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power to the wheels although the engine continued to run. This caused me to coast to a safe area to await a tow. The PTU was replaced under the Jeep recall in 2020. Recently the service 4WD light came on and I took it to a dealer for diagnosis. I was advised that there was an issue with the replacement PTU. As this is a drive line component, I believe it was a defective replacement part. I contacted Jeep about this issue and was told the part would not be replaced by the OEM because it had previously been replaced under recall. I was also assured the vehicle was safe to drive and the part would only impede the use of 4WD. This proved not to be true, and the sudden catastrophic failure of the part caused a very unsafe event in my case. If the replacement PTUs are defective in some portion of Jeeps repaired under this recall, then there may be many Jeep drivers suddenly losing power on the highway as those parts begin to fail prematurely. I believe this issue is worthy of your agency's attention for that reason, especially if the manufacturer believes the vehicles are safe to drive with a failed PTU and advises customers based on that understanding.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 3, 2024
This is the second time that the PTU has failed. Svc 4wd and ACC not available again. Radio is malfunctioning.
Steering, Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 3, 2024
PTU blew out on the highway at 68mph. Loss of steering. PTU was replaced at a Jeep dealership and has also failed. I’m now having svc 4wd and ACC unavailable. This is unacceptable
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 25, 2024
PCM fails intermittently. Dealership is replacing it and has the defective one. Safety is definitely an issue because the vehicle stalls without adequate time to pull off of the road. Unable to move it off the road because it does not engage the transmission. Dealer has been able to replicate and confirmed the problem. Component has not been inspected by anyone other than the mechanic at the dealership. Several warning lights go off just as the problem occurs but not in time to get out of unsafe situations. Recall #18V524000 on 8/8/2018 covers the problem I am experiencing but my vehicle is not in the VIN series covered by the recall. I strongly believe the series my car belongs to should be included. This is a safety issue.
Power train, Jun 24, 2024
After starting vehicle, was running very rough - engine light came on flashing and Electronic Throttle Control light. Towed vehicle to dealership and was told "Dead miss on cylinder #2, plug and coil fouled, no compression on cylinder #2 - needs motor replacement". Dealer was not returning calls, called Jeep and currently waiting to hear how they will handle. Warranty expired 11/23 but vehicle only has 48,000 miles. Internet search indicates this is a common problem with this vehicle (4 cyl turbo) - should be recalled as obvious defect. Vehicle has been at dealer over a week and no one is willing to help with loaner or rental car.
Power train, Jun 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD inoperable warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power transfer unit (PTU). The contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 10, 2024
Driving at night with headlights on: got warning “license plate light out.” Needed to reverse shortly after and the car immediately applied the brakes because it said the backup camera was unusable without the license plate light. Shut the car off for a while and when I tried to start it again, it three the following codes in sequence. Park Sense Unavailable Service Electronic Stability Control Service Electronic Throttle Control License Plate Light Out Service Park Brake Then the start screen appears. Brake + Push Button to Start Doing that brings up “Service Transmission Restart in Park With Vehicle at Zero Speed. So again I pressed the brake and start Button. It then started, repeated all previous error codes leaving warning icons active for all related systems and rendered them all inop. The last screen says “Service Transmission.” From there all ability to check the status of any other system on the vehicle is inhibited. The transmission slams into gear. And then works in the first two gears normally. Also notable is that 4x4 is inhibited and the AC will not work. Prior to the License Plate Light Out warning, everything worked normally. Now every system on the car has gone haywire. And I am pretty sure the Jeep folks will gladly overbill me for their defective design. I think some logic module or whatever name Jeep uses for it is somehow the culprit, and the car is doing exactly what it was programmed to do under the current conditions.
Power train, May 12, 2024
The car stalls when idling and the transmission seems to be stuck in one gear making it difficult to accelerate