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, Nov 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking, and the engine revved inadvertently. The contact also stated that when she applied the brakes, a loud abnormal noise was heard. After parking the vehicle, the parking brake engaged independently. Additionally, the contact also stated that she needed to refill the engine oil on a weekly basis. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on two different occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (8811 Interstate 35 Access Rd, San Antonio, TX 78211) where various unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she was offered to trade in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Nov 2, 2022
My car shifted into neutral while driving and flashed "park to shift to drive" on the dash. I had to park, turn the car off, then turn it back on in order to drive. This happened 7 times trying to get home. The next day it just shut off while driving and the check engine light came on. I could have been rear-ended or caused an accident. My car would not accelerate until it was turned off and back on. I had people blaring their horns and swerving around me. The dealer told me the codes were an evaporative pressure switch and CAN bus code. They diagnosed the CAN bus issue as the PTU and replaced it. When I picked up the car, I had a rattling noise under the hood. I took it back to the dealer. When they fixed it, the ESS (Engine Stop/Start) was no longer working. A few weeks later, the jeep won't start and can't be jumped by other vehicles. Roadside assistance could get it started, but as soon as they disconnected their commercial jumper, it died. Had to tow back to dealer. Now I am told it is the alternator and battery.
Power train, Oct 23, 2022
The alarm of "4WD system not available. Service required" is shown in the panel. Went to my Jeep dealer and check the issue. After revision they said that the problem is with the PTU that needs to be replaced. Checking in Internet, found that problems with the PTU is a recurring issue with the jeep cherokee. I found a recall for this problem and my VIN is not included, but the safety problem is there. I would really appreciate if you can help with this matter. Thank you.
Power train, Oct 10, 2022
While driving, my car had a service light come on that said "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" meaning my 4WD randomly stopped working, my transmission has also randomly been slipping. My car was purchased from a dealer, brand new, with 16 miles on it- several which I put on it while test driving. I have had nothing but trouble with it since purchasing and now at 74,3XX miles on it, I am yet again having issues. When codes were ran, it came up as a Drive Train Control Module code and says PTU- Motor- Component or System Obstructed or Blocked. The dealership told me the cost would be at least $2,200 to fix the issue and the part is backordered which makes me think I'm not the only one having this issue. I cannot afford to keep fixing the random things that happen to my car that should not be happening to a vehicle that was purchased brand new and has been gently used. There are recalls for this same issue on other VIN numbers of this vehicle, I feel like there should be more recalls issued.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 6, 2022
I bought this car end of July 2022, around 31,000 miles from a Jeep dealer. Within weeks I began receiving alerts on my dash that the 4WD needed to be serviced as well as the start/stop function. Dealer had my car in Sept for almost two weeks. Today, something flashed on my screen stating electric failure and it completely shut down. Nothing will turn on. It had to be drug up onto the tow truck as it could not be placed into neutral. Upon reviewing online resources, this appears to be an issue with this year/model, often happening while the car is in motion. This is terrifying! I have owned two Dodge Journeys and am currently leasing a wrangler. I have been a long time Dodge/Jeep customer and am terrified to drive this vehicle! If I could hand the keys back I would. The service center at the dealership said that they “should” be able to look at my car next week- just to look at it!
Power train, Sep 20, 2022
Problem with Transfer Case, Transmission, code C14A7 PTU, I had my engine replaced a couple of years ago due to excessive oil consumption. I am currently going through oil checks again due to excessive oil consumption.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2022
Every time I come to a red light or a stop sign and apply pressure to the break the voltage of the battery goes down. The vehicle cuts off and it will not start back up. I can be in a traffic jam and apply pressure to the brake and the vehicle will cut off leaving me in the middle of traffic. It will not start back up.
Power train, Aug 24, 2022
At @45,000 miles the 4WD system unavailable service required message and svc 4WD message came on, then every time the Jeep was driven messages would come on. Dealer replaced the PTU. NHTSA has already had a recall on Jeep Cherokee PTU's, but only to model years 2017. I believe Jeep still has a problem with the PTU and the recall should be reexamined to include years to at least 2020.
Power train, Aug 24, 2022
Service 4wd light came on. PTU needs to be replaced. No dealer within a 20 mile radius had loaners and only 1 had an appointment before October. This is the same issue that was covered in 14-17 jeep recall 20V343 and is now happening in later models. Dealer has had car for 2 WEEKS while i pay out of pocket for a rental. Warranty will only offer $40 per day reimbursement. I am in NY there are exactly 0 rentals for that price. I should not be paying out of pocket for something that should clearly have a recall... AGAIN. On top of all this i have not spoken to my case agent once. Always "on phone" when i call. This is absolutely ridiculous.
Power train, Aug 23, 2022
This Jeep is going to kill myself and or my family. 1st I have already have had the tranny recalibrated less then a year ago and once again it's shifting rough around the same spread 47-53 miles per hour. 2nd. Since the day this was purchased in Dec of 2019 with 10 miles on it. There are dead spots in the acceleration. We have almost been hit a few times as the vehicle will not react to pushing on the accelerator. The recalibration of the transmission does not affect the dead spots that are in the acceleration either. They continued to be there. I cannot afford to keep taking this vehicle into the the shop to have it recalibrated 2x a year. Theese deaths trap should be recalled or removed from being driven as they are going to kill someone. There is no approximate days as it is a daily occurance since purchased.
Power train, Wheels, Aug 7, 2022
DROVE VEHICLE AND VERIFIED NOISE. RACKED VEHICLE AND CHECKED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. FOUND THE PTU OUT PUT BROKEN INSIDE THE PTU, ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT. SMOKE IS FROM THE PTU FLUID LEAKING OUT ALL OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND Note BURNING OFF. NOTE CHECKED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE PTU FAILURE AND FOUND THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES DIFFERENT CIRCUMFERENCE. TIRES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE NEW PTU
Power train, Aug 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic updated the transmission control module however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Power train, Aug 1, 2022
This vehicle was making rubbing noise when cornering at 50-60 mph, and a clunk when accelerating after a coast. The service department found fluid in PTU and the RDM was black, burnt, and full of metal shavings. They recommended to replace PTU, RDM, and some sway bar links. My research online indicates there has been a lot of PTU failures on Cherokees. I was at 61698 miles, just over the 60000 mile warranty and they refused to allow me a good will warranty repair as I was a "second owner". Quoted ~$4000 for repairs. I am a senior citizen, and I don't drive the car aggressively or go 4-wheeling.
Steering, Power train, Jul 27, 2022
While attempting to accelerate from a stop on a slight incline the battery light came on and I was unable to move forward I was in drive pushing the accelerator but rolling backwards and the power steering stopped working. I put the Jeep in park turned it off and restarted but the same thing happened. After the third or fourth try the Jeep resumed normal operation.
Power train, Jul 18, 2022
Front End Differential/PTU. Recall on many Jeeps except this year for the PTU. If system was to fail, cause the transmission to lock up causing a possible accident. Confirmed through a dealership garage, report about it is not in hand yet. But I can get it. Only noticed habit of it was turning the wheel and it would jump trying to turn. Brought to the dealership and confirmed the PTU and Differential Shaft.
Power train, Jun 27, 2022
Svc 4wd light illuminated on instrument cluster. Brought the 2019 Jeep Cherokee in to the Jeep Dealership Service Department. I presented them with my extended warranty paperwork. Upon initial examination, the service department determined the PTU had a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced. The warranty company sent an investigator out to ensure the repair was needed only to determine that it needs a teardown with digital images for $500.00 customer pocket to be sent to the underwriters to make an accurate determination. Previous Cherokee model years faced the same PTU failures and were covered by a Jeep Recall for faulty manufacturing.
Power train, Jun 22, 2022
PTU failure just like 2014-2016 Cherokee Models
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 10, 2022
The engine and electrical system will completely shut down while in drive and will not restart right away. This happens in the middle of intersections most often when attempting to make a turn. This has happened up to ten times and in the most recent occurrence the car would not restart at all in the middle of an intersection with our baby in the back seat on a hot day. We were stuck with no A/C and no ability to get the car to start until help arrived. The car was towed to a local JEEP dealership and they said it was due to the thermostat and battery which we replace but it has since happened again. In all occurrences, there were no warning signs before, during or after the engine/electrical failure. Additionally, they stated the ar may be overheating but all occurrences have happened in the first few minutes of driving with no indication of the vehicle being over temperature.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 6, 2022
While driving at 55mph. The vehicle shutoff and would not restart. Very dangerous to lose power at that speed. Engine light came on and stayed on. Vehicle would not restart. Engine codes read high voltage on PCM modules, brake modules, automatic transmission modules.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 1, 2022
Vehicle will shutdown and stall with no warning primarily when coming to a stop. THE CONSUMER STATED THE 2019 JEEP CHEROKEE EQUIPPED WITH A 2.4L ENGINE HAS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH THE POWER TRAIN. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL UA9/18V-739.
Power train, May 31, 2022
Automatic transmission keeps stalling when coming to a stop or at a stop.
Power train, May 17, 2022
The power tansfer case went bad at 50,000 miles my friend had the same vehicle and same problem with hers
Power train, Electrical system, May 6, 2022
Whenever the oil level gets below 50%, the car stalls when the engine isn’t warm enough usually 5-10 minutes after turning on. If attempting to turn the car stalls and the engine shuts off and steering wheel locks up. Have happened to me 16 different times. The worst occasion is when I was on the high way going 80 MPH and there was a slight turn. While turning the car stalled and steering wheel locked up. I had to brake and went onto the shoulder and luckily stopped before hitting the guard rail. Took to Jeep dealership multiple times and they just said to get a quart of oil and put it in to avoid this. Apparently only for 2.4L engines. Have had only one option to fix the problem, get an entire new engine on my dime.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 11, 2022
The car shuts off while driving without any warning whatsoever.
Steering, Power train, Dec 27, 2021
The Power Transfer Unit is malfunctioning and steering wheel sometimes out of control.