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, Engine, May 11, 2024
On multiple separate occasions, the engine and transmission have failed catastrophically leaving the vehicle without power and unable to perform emergency maneuvers. After only months of owning the vehicle, the engine block cracked and was misdiagnosed by dealer 2 times. I was forced to drive the faulty and dangerous vehicle 1.5hrs back to the dealer on a busy interstate and vehicle was improperly repaired with very little actual diagnosis. AUL warranty covered engine replacement and I was unable to drive the vehicle for up to 4 months as a result. I finally got my vehicle back and drove it for approximately 4 months, and now the PTU has failed totally, causing me to lose control while cornering due to loss of power to the wheels, transmission began to grind badly and the vehicle rolled freely for a long distance before stopping via brake pedal. I was then stranded on a very remote gravel road for hours in the middle of the night waiting for assistance and unable to call for help or drive the vehicle. Dealer states PTU failed and entire transmission and transfer case will be replaced under AUL warranty. No warning lamps were illuminated before, during, or after the malfunction despite the obviously failed PTU. Many other Jeep Cherokee KL 2019 owners have reported similar failures at as low as 60k miles. The cost of repair has nearly surpassed the price I paid for the vehicle. I have lost 2000+ paying car payments on a vehicle that is unsafe and unreliable. No recalls or service bulletins related to either issue have been made available. This model and year of vehicle is extremely dangerous and an overpriced ripoff as well.
Power train, May 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and stopping at traffic lights, the vehicle lost motive power and started to reverse unintendedly. The vehicle was restarted each time. Additionally, on several occasions, while driving at various speeds the vehicle downshifted inadvertently. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that the Auto START/STOP warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
Power train, Apr 30, 2024
Received a 'Service 4WD' message this week. Shortly after, the car would not accelerate in coordination with the accelerator. ODB-II code shows that the PTU unit needs to be replaced. I am unsure as to why the vehicle date of manufacture limits my vehicle from participating in recall 23V302. Please expand or add a new recall to cover all affected vehicles?
Power train, Apr 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission was skipping gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the vehicle decelerated unintendedly and failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact attempted to resume normal driving, but the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was diagnosed by a nearby transmission mechanic, who determined that the transfer case had failed, and the failure was related to an unknown recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and several cases were opened. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Power train, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed with power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Power train, Apr 4, 2024
Rear differential cracked and ring falling off. It was noticed when vehicle was receiving a wheel alignment. My safety was put at risk because if ring fell off while driving my car would not move. Issue was confirmed by Goodyear and Burritt Motor Jeep dealer. Differential was replaced today 4/4/24. Was told by both establishments that this is an issue with the vehicles and have repaired several.
Power train, Apr 2, 2024
On the date of 4/1/ 20 24 While driving the vehicle in normal conditions it lost power and the steering would not work correctly making a loud noise coming from the front end in addition to that an indicator light came on the dash SVC 4WD. I pulled to the side of the road and shut off the engine To look under the Vehicle I did not see any damage I got back in the vehicle and started it and drove fine for a few more Miles The same indicator light SVC4 wheel drive kept coming On and off So I pulled in to the nearest Auto-repair garage they could not look at it that day they said they would check it first and then in the morning. 8 AM the next morning on 4/2/2024 they put it up on the left and diagnosed That the PTU had failed I needed to be replaced This is the code number he gave me for the fault....1.C14A7-97:97PTU MOTOR COMPONENT OR SYSTEM OPERATION OBSTRUCTED OR BLOCKED
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 27, 2024
I took my vehicle to a local dealership to have the "auto stop start" system checked. I had a dashboard warning light indicating the system was not working correctly. No other warnings signals were displayed. The dealership performed a diagnostic check but found no problems with the "auto start stop system". The day after I picked up my car, I drove for ten miles and the car overheated. I contacted the dealership and was told to check radiator fluid and drive the car back if possible. I found no radiator fluid in the car. My car required a full engine replacement and several subsequent repairs to exhaust system and driveshaft. An engine can overheat and seize which can cause drivers to lose control and crash. Please note: The original engine was part of recall for oil consumption. Prior to the recall update, I experienced stalling in traffic without warning due to the engine recall.
Power train, Mar 25, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. In addition, the fuel economy mileage decreased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power train unit. The contact was informed that the power train unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,790.
Power train, Engine, Mar 22, 2024
While driving along, my jeep will suddenly lose all power, making it necessary to stop, place it in park, press my foot on the brake and re-start. There is absolutely no warning, no chugging or hesitation, it just dies. This is random and has occurred 4 times now. There has not seemed to be a pattern. The first time, I left my dooryard and within a couple hundred feet, it happend. The second time, I had been driving about a mile and it happened, the third time I had driven about 3 miles and it happend and this last time (this morning)my vehicle had been running idle for about 15 min, I drove about 5 miles and it just suddenly died. All of these events occurred without any kind of warning.
Power train, Mar 20, 2024
Received a “4WD System Unavailable” error on dash. Vehicle got stuck in 4WD. Vehicle has been at dealership since 1/13/2024. Apparently part is on back order.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 15, 2024
The 4WD service light is on. It isn’t driving right. The internet says thousands of people have similar issues- all reporting the same thing. And defective PTU units are listed as the cause.
Power train, Mar 15, 2024
I would like to report an issue regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus, Vin No. [XXX] . This morning (on [XXX]), I was leaving a gas station, pulled away, was in drive when I stopped to pause for traffic and while attempting to merge into traffic, suddenly without warning my Jeep wouldn't move- it was revving when I pressed the gas but didn't move at all. Acting quickly, I put my foot on the brake, put the vehicle in reverse and then shifted back to drive. The vehicle began driving as it normally would. It felt like the vehicle shifted into Neutral without warning. I made sure the vehicle wasn't in fact in neutral when this happened as sometimes the shifter can accidently fall into neutral if bumped. It was in fact in drive. I am bringing this to your attention as I have noticed similar recalls for this particular vehicle and I wonder if my vehicle is in fact one of them that are affected but not yet discovered. Also, it should be noted that the incorrect vehicle is associated with my vin number on the NHTSA website. it shows up as a "2019 Jeep Cherokee Altitude 4x4" the vehicle is a "2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus". It also says no open recalls, and I fear that I am not receiving these notifications because of this error. And I am also afraid of my vehicle suddenly shifting into Neutral while I am driving on the highway. I do travel frequently and long distances almost daily. I have contacted Jeep Customer service and have made them aware of this issue. They suggested that I bring the vehicle in for service, and that there were no open recalls at this time. I am scheduling an appointment with my local dealership in HUDSON, NY and will also make them aware of what happened and who I have contacted regarding same. I would like to make the NHTSA aware of this issue, as I am certain there should be a recall as it is a dangerous defect that happens without warning and can lead to a crash, personal injury and/or potentially death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 1, 2024
Sudden PTU problem at 70,000, gathering repair quotes
Power train, Feb 29, 2024
The sevice 4wheel drive light is on I had a problem with this 2 years ago and now again the ptu system needs replace this is the second time in 2 years and this time it’s not under warranty
Power train, Feb 27, 2024
The rear differential housing completely cracked open and all the fluids leaked out. This seems to be a common issue with 2019 Jeep Cherokees. I keep extremely well care of my vehicle and it has mostly highway miles and this issue should of never occurred. Not only could of the entire transmission been destroyed but there is no warning signal. The only reason I noticed anything was because there were oil spots in the garage towards the rear of the vehicle. This issue seems to be a manufacturer error through Mopar.
Power train, Feb 22, 2024
the rear differential housing started leaking and upon inspection it was found to be cracked along the bottom middle area. the part was replaced by an independent auto repair shop at considerable expense due to the cost of the part. the faulty part was not retained. if it had not been noticed it could have resulted in a catastrophic failure resulting in loss of control of the vehicle and potentially a crash could have occurred involving one or more vehicles. the part was confirmed to be defective by the independent mechanic after a thorough inspection and consequent diagnosis. there were no warnings of the situation other than the gear oil leak which started 10/16/1923. the repair was completed 10/26/23 due to having to order the replacement part. this repair should be covered by Jeep and as a long time Jeep owner i am disappointed in the lack of attention to this matter and am registering this complaint in hopes that it can be addressed. thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Feb 9, 2024
68,000 miles on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee. steering wheel started wobbling, hearing weird noises from the rear of the vehicle. took it in to get looked at (thankfully), rear differential and PTU is shot. mechanic was absolutely baffled and insisted I contact Jeep about this issue, as it shouldn't be my responsibility to fix their faulty parts. I honestly do not understand how there isn't at least an extended powertrain warranty on these vehicles by now, especially seeing MULTIPLE complaints about the SAME ISSUES every month on the NHTSA website. have to pay upwards of $4k now to make my jeep drivable again because I am out of warranty by 8k. seems to be a little convenient that these failures happen between 65 and 78k, when the vehicles are just out of warranty. but what angers me more than the money is what potentially could have happened had I not taken it in to get looked at - especially since this vehicle is my daily driver, which includes driving my 2 year old to and from daycare every day. Is it going to take someone to die for this issue to be resolved?!?! unbelievable.
Power train, Feb 9, 2024
My jeep started smoking under the hood. No safety lights appeared on the dash. Confirmed by dealership the PTU needs replacement. I have 76,000 miles so no warranty even though I purchased it new. Estimate to fix is $3500. I have been without my Jeep for 2 months and still continue to wait for the parts to come in. Very disappointing in the cost and inconvenience this has caused me.
Power train, Jan 24, 2024
I know Chrysler is aware that this is a serious safety concern because you’re in the midst of traffic in a high-speed one way freeway, a traction light came on by itself, transmission and PTU failed then you lost power had to slowly pull over to the left-hand lane as you had no power improper because you’re supposed to be on the right hand shoulder And you had no ability to accelerate and when you stopped the vehicle and tried to put it in the park, it rolled away when you went to reverse it you had a bit of reverse, but you had grinding so clearly something inside the transmission prematurely failed, causing the safety concern lucky Somebody wasn’t killed or an accident caused. Towed to dealer Then the dealership work order say tranny and power transfer unit needed to be replaced at a cost of $20,300. 5 mth past 5 yr warranty
Power train, Jan 18, 2024
While driving the vehicle, the rpm’s suddenly shot up and the vehicle lost power, I was able to safely pull over to the side of road where I tried to place the vehicle in park. There was a lot of revving and grinding and the vehicle would not go into park and was going to roll away if I had not placed the parking brake. The car had to be towed to a dealer where they discovered the Power Transfer Unit had failed and the loss of motive power I was experiencing was the PTU failing.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 18, 2024
While driving, car reved itsself up and when in neutral, sensor said 4wd Neutral Warning Vehicle May move even in park…..4wd System unavailable service required…Had a diagnostic done of the sensor light that came on. Diagnostic said codes u0403 for T-Case, C14A7 PTU motor. After much reading and research this same part was recalled in the years 2014-2017 Jeep Trailhawks. The PTU loss power and had me and my family on the side of the hwy! It made some jerking and clicking noise when attempting to switch the gears to drive. There is also an electrical issue where the heat will not stay on selected option. The radio flickers and will not stay on a station. The radio also was powered off and was still playing.
Power train, Engine, Jan 7, 2024
Engine oil leaks. VVT solenoid seal in the rear valve cover is leaking oil. That seal is integrated with the valve cover. Replace valve cover at 66,000 miles. I am excellent about my Jeep/vehicle maintenance. Warranty ended at 65,000 miles.
Power train, Jan 4, 2024
While driving the vehicle, it started to make a muffled whining sound then as you slowed down you would feel a thud then the whine would stop. This would repeat itself. This happened [XXX]. I brought it to my mechanic- First Class Alignment and Repair in Port Jervis, NY 12771. They informed me the vehicle should not be driven due to the vehicle could fail to operate while driving. They discovered a cracked Rear Differential. They had no explanation for this- they have never seen this before. I would say it is a manufacturers defect. I have pictures of the defect. I was unable to upload the pictures for some reason. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 22, 2023
During highway speeds upon strong acceleration up an incline, the car’s transmission suddenly shifted into neutral with no warning, the car still in drive and no lights on dash. There was a loss of power and I had to quickly merge over in traffic to safely come to a stop. After coming to a stop, the car resumed driving normally with another incident down the road at cruising speed. This has happed about 6 times, another accelerating from a stop. So far the diagnosis is unknown, with the car scheduled for service in the next week. This is a well documented and persistent problem with these vehicles equipped with this transmission.