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
Steering, Power train, Engine, Jun 29, 2023
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle engine stalled. I was unable to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts during rush hour traffic. The check engine light is now on and AC has failed as well, vehicle was limped to a dealership. There was a known recall that was repaired back in 2018 on this vehicle but it appears to have come back.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 26, 2023
2019 jeep Cherokee- check engine light came on at 62,000 miles - reading said it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' - long story short, I need a whole new engine. Coolant is leaking into the cylinder and throughout the engine with scoring, etc.
Power train, Jun 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign with her foot off the accelerator pedal and slightly depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred every day since. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V739000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,500.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2023
The issue is prevalent in previous model years as well, PTU failure with associated SVC 4WD light, 4wd unavailable message, and grinding sound as the PTU splines self destruct. At the time of incident, was doing approximately 30 mph, rpms revved up, but felt powertrain lose power, rpms lowerd, transmission made a thud noise, vehicle lost power, then regained power with grinding noise. Took vehicle to local auto shop, ptu is not accepting commands, and is faulted.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2023
I came to a major intersection and the SUV shut completely down. Would not start up. Steering wheel was stuck. Then voltage dropped to 11.7 volts. The battery always reads 13.7 and higher usually. Afttercharge back to 13.7. I was driving for 45 minutes continuously before incident happened.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2023
As I was turning at an intersection, my battery light quickly flashed and the car stalled. This has happened 3 times in the past week. This is an obvious safety risk as the car would not move until I restarted it. I have read multiple issues of this occurring recently to other models of Jeep Cherokees
Power train, Jun 4, 2023
I have have a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk with the V6 Engine, On Sunday May 28th I was driving home and started to notice a burning rubber smell and when I got home I started to look at the Engine to see if a belt or something else was causing the smell then I noticed a oil leak. I called the local Jeep dealership on Monday the 29th and they couldn't get me in until Thursday June 1st. After they looked it over they called me to tell me The PTU P/N 68333255AE was leaking and also shows signs on Metal in the oil. They said it needed to be replaced. The service Rep said they couldn't order the part because they are on back order with no date of availability. The service Manager said they are well over 500 of them on back order. I'm still waiting on my extended warranty to approve the repairs and the dealer then to try and locate a Part. This problem had a recall on older models but this year was not included in the recall.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2023
Failure Date: 03/06/2023 and before this date. The stereo was replaced and it had two recalls and my car vin was one recalled the recall was fixed but it’s been two years so the warranty out but same issue that was never fixed. I purchased my Jeep in 10/2018 and I have reported numerous times that my car stalls while driving on freeway or street I was told it was because it’s low on oil But all my warning lights come on and then the emergency brake comes on the the jeep stops and car won’t start. I took it to the local dealership in March and the technician did not find anything wrong. They replaced battery and the same day I got it back the car died.The problem still persists they had my car for two weeks, I got the car back on April 11, 2023 and April 12,2023 stalled again and lights come on and off. My lights or windshield wipers turns off and on by itself while parked, the techs say they can’t find anything wrong.Most recently since my vehicle has been stalling out while driving and the sterring wheel is locking up and the battery light comes on. This issue is now becoming very consistent and happening every day. The vehicle has stalled out on me in the past week numerous times in traffic. My engine light is on, auto start and stop system is unavailable and electronic stability control system is offline. I have report the development to my local dealership and they cannot correct the problem.This is a major problem and based on the research that I have done, alot of the Jeep Cherokees have this issue. This jeep is VERY UNSAFE AND IM AFRAID I WILL GET HIT IN THE BACK. Please explain to me how a jeep dealership can’t fix my car? My car is a lemon that I paid 26,000 dollars for
Power train, Apr 2, 2023
The PTU on my 2019 jeep Cherokee trailhawk failed at 53k miles. That is absolutely ridiculous. I’ve never even used 4 low or the locking rear differential before. The trailhawks have had these ptu issues for quite some time. You would think Jeep would have come up with a way to make the ptu stronger and more durable so owners aren’t having these issues. I’m glad mine was covered under warranty. If it wasn’t I would’ve paid around $4500 out of pocket to get it fixed. Jeep needs to issue an extended warranty on the whole powertrain system for the 2019 trailhawks or newer. They already issued a recall on previous years for the ptu.
Power train, Mar 24, 2023
When shifting from Park to Drive the transmission hesitates longer than expected before engaging. I have had many encounters after shifting to D and pressing on the gas pedal that the engine will rev up and then the transmission will engage.
Power train, Engine, Mar 8, 2023
Vehicle stalls while driving. Check oil light not alerting driver of low oil resulting in frequent stalls while driving or idle.
Power train, Mar 2, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while at a complete stop. The battery warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to respond while accelerating. The traction control and check engine warning lights were illuminated. An unknown message was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the vehicle was hesitating while starting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V739000 (Power Train) because the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised as the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 28, 2023
When vehicle is in idle mode it completely shuts off causing risk of a accident
Power train, Feb 27, 2023
4*4 SVC WARNING, Many JEEP CHEROKEE 2019 have this problem (Power Trans Unit problem). Please check this problem. We need RECALL.
Power train, Feb 15, 2023
PTU went bad. Going to cost $3000+ to repair. Can’t use 4x4 until it is which is why I bought the Jeep. Seems like this is a common issue with the vehicle and wanted to report it.
Power train, Feb 14, 2023
Our dashboard displayed "CK 4WD " this morning. After checking the Jeep Cherokee manual we followed its urgent advice and immediately drove to a Jeep dealership fortunately nearby. While waiting, wanting to get a handle on what expense ws at hand I checked various YouTube and other internet posts, and became aware for the first time of recalls on previous years' Cherokee power case ( PTU's) . I asked for new part replacemet but the dealership parts manager said new parts were on "back order, "and could not say when the replacement could even be obtained. He said a "rebuilt" could be shipped from Florida and work completed by next Wedsday, a full week from today, 2-14-23. My car passed out of warranty a month ago, now at 61080. We are camping and home is about 900 miles from home now. Estimate on the job was $2397.03, but I believe the final bill will be a few hundred less because of the cheaper rebuilt part. The dealership gave us a ride back to the state park 8 miles away, where our camper is parked. The mechanic at the dealership said we shouldn't have pulled our 2500 lb camper trailer with the car, though Jeep had promoted the Cherokee with towing package we bought as rated good for 4500 lb., pretty far below the weight of a packed trailer. I'm only aware of a safety issue now described in the existing recall of where the tow vehicle could suddenly go into neutral and lose all power, meaning to me that our brakes and brake lights might suddenly not function which could be catastrophic even under light traffic, and unthinkable on any big city throughway. The dealership said they made several calls on our behalf to try to expedite getting a new part but only could get the rebuilt PTU. We really had few options.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Engine, Feb 10, 2023
The vehicle would overcharge in which made the vehicle loss all power,lighting, and steering control. U had to come to a complete stop and restart the vehicle which would put it into limp mode and not handle properly
Power train, Feb 5, 2023
The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries. I was informed by the dealership that the part is on an undermined backorder due to this being a common issue. Fortunately the failure occurred just prior to the expiration of the powertrain warranty.
Power train, Feb 1, 2023
Power Transfer Unit Failure. Grinding and slipping. PTU accuator motor failure first, then slipping occured. Leaking oil from unit
Power train, Jan 24, 2023
A SVC4WD light started intermittently coming on. A message would follow on the dash that 4wd was unavailable. The diagnostic error code was C14A7-97 for the PTU. This vehicle has 90,000 miles and most of them highway. No off road or aggressive driving. Very concerned that PTU will fail at high rate of speed. Dealership will not acknowledge known PTU issues with model despite having 3 vehicles in for same repair. Extensive cost and part unavailable makes repair prohibitive immediately so very dangerous.
Power train, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that he observed a puddle of fluid on his driveway. The contact checked and found that there was a crack around the rear differential housing. The contact stated that the fluid was coming from the crack. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that there had been an impact that had caused the crack. The contact stated that neither he nor his wife had driven the vehicle and made any type of impact to cause a crack to the differential housing. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,100.
Power train, Dec 9, 2022
Service 4WD light keeps coming on.Took it to auto center for check. C14A7-97 error showing up. There is a problem with the Power Transfer Unit on 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 3.2 V6 with 80,000 miles when first star. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries.
Power train, Air bags, Dec 2, 2022
My air bag light keeps coming on staying the air bag sensor is off.Thst could cause a major problem if I were to be involved in an accident.My transmission is jarring bad feeling like I've been hit.This scares me every time it jars.This could cause problems in any situation involving me mashing the gas because there is a delay in aerating.have spoken to my dealership about these problems.
Power train, Engine, Nov 26, 2022
When stopped at multiple ref lights having my foot on the break pedal the car suddenly accelerates on its own and stays at 2000 rpms. This does not go away and the car must be put in park and turned off for the issue to stop.
Power train, Nov 25, 2022
The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries. Yes - currently at Lithia Jeep in Bend, OR where another Jeep is in for the same safety issue and has been deemed unsafe to drive while waiting for a new PTU to come in. 4WD Service light was on.