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, Jul 12, 2026
Ptu going out. Service 4 wheel drive light on. Car wasn’t in an accident. Four-wheel-drive will not activate any longer. Very costly Repair for a part that just went out with not even being used.
Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 10, 2026
Had cruise control on set on 64 up and down hills and around curves it just started going faster & faster I had to stomp the brakes 3 times to get it to quit afterwards the power train is now not shifting right it still was at times going to shop staying at 27 to 35 rpm’s, made it to shop
Power train, Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the power take-off unit experienced internal damage and the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Jul 6, 2026
Took to dealer they informed us the put motor needs to be replaced. There have been recalls for this however ours has not been recalled.
Power train, Jul 3, 2026
The “service four-wheel drive” warning light started coming on. I took it in to an independent, very reputable mechanic and he did a diagnostic on it. The diagnosis that came up says “Has C14A7-97 indicates issue with transfer case. Transfer case would have to be removed and inspected.” The mechanic told me that Jeeps are being recalled because of this and that I should take it into a Jeep dealership. I took it in and although other 2019 Jeep Cherokees with the same issue are being recalled for this issue, my VIN number is not on the recall list for some reason. They told me to contact Jeep customer care which I did and they said they couldn’t help me at all so I am filing a complaint and would like an investigation into this. When this issue is googled there are a lot of people that I have had this problem and it’s a very expensive repair. What’s going on with Jeep and why aren’t they all recalled a lot of their products are having the issue. I also called to voice this complaint and an investigation was started at that time, but when I just looked on the website today it says there are zero investigations for my car/VIN, WHY???
Power train, Jul 2, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service 4WD" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to another local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jun 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife driving 25 MPH, the 4-WD warning light illuminated, with an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V302000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, Jun 28, 2026
The power transfer unit (PTU) has failed at 68,000 miles. "Service FWD" light is illuminated on the dash. Review/inspection of vehicle by original car dealer could not resolve the issue. Provided a quotation for $3,640.70 to repair. Although the part did not completely fail, it is uncertain how it might fail and in what condition the failure will leave the vehicle but could lose power or motion as a result.
Power train, Jun 26, 2026
My rear differential, transfer case, and PTU all went out. There were no warning signals. This is after I had the rear differential serviced in 2024. My particular VIN does not qualify for a recall, but other similar makes and model of cars have qualified for a recall. I feel like this is unfair and unsafe.
Power train, Jun 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal became inoperable while depressed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was shifted into park, however, the vehicle failed to turn off. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The ignition coil was disconnected, the gearbox removed, and then shifted to neutral(N) to tow the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
Power train, Jun 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the message “Service 4WD” was displayed. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate in 2WD. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on back order. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) and 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was contacted and stated there was no recall or warranty coverage on the VIN and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Power train, Jun 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the driver was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced at the owner's expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN); however, a second dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Jun 18, 2026
4WD service light turning on and off intermittently, one incident where a grinding noise was noted, car was parked and when looked into further the noise was gone. Contined driving, but 4WD service light stayed on. Took to dealer and they informed me the PTU requires replacement due to failure, diagnostic code shared was C14A797. After further research I discovered safety recall 40D / 26V290000 for 2019 - 2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles, both dealer and Stellantis/Jeep customer service have stated the vehicle is not included in the recall.
Power train, Jun 15, 2026
Manufacturer Evading Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA 26V290) Despite Official Dealer Confirmation of Identical PTU Failure. What Happened: I am filing a formal non-compliance complaint against Stellantis/FCA US LLC regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (VIN: [XXX]). On XXXX, my vehicle exhibited severe mechanical grinding/clicking noises from the chassis during acceleration and turning, with a permanent "Service 4WD" lamp. On June 8, 2026, an authorized dealership, Burlington CDJR (RO [XXX]), officially diagnosed the vehicle with Fault Code 14A7-97 and explicitly documented: "stuck shifter forks. needs transfer case/ptu" on the invoice. Safety Risk: The official diagnosis—stuck shifter forks requiring full PTU replacement—is the exact catastrophic mechanical failure addressed in Jeep's Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA 26V290) issued in May 2026. This defect causes an unexpected loss of motive power while driving and disables the 'Park' lock, creating an imminent risk of high-speed highway crashes and vehicle rollaway. Manufacturer Evaded Duty: The dealer submitted this diagnostic report to Jeep Corporate under my Ref#XXX (Case #XXX). However, Jeep Corporate flatly denied recall coverage, claiming my specific VIN is "not showing an open recall." My vehicle carries the identical component failure, identical trouble code, and identical safety risk as recalled units. Jeep is narrowing the VIN scope by arbitrary production dates to evade financial liability for early 2019 models, knowingly forcing a dangerous vehicle back onto public roads. I urgently request NHTSA to investigate Stellantis/FCA and legally compel them to expand Recall 40D to include my VIN. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 14, 2026
1.First PTU Recall Repair (February 27 – March 3, 2026) Jeep to dealership for Recall 01C PTU replacement. I reported no drivability concerns, brake noises, vibrations, or drivetrain issues. The repair order contains no documentation of any problems with the driveshaft, CV axle, brakes, or related drivetrain components. 2.PTU Failure and Second PTU Replacement (May 1 – May 25, 2026) After recall repair, PTU failed, multiple warning lights appeared. Returned vehicle to dealership. I again did not report any squeaking brakes, vibrations, clunking noises, or drivetrain symptoms. Second PTU replacement done. The technician documented on the repair order: “Vehicle is now working as design.” 3.New Symptoms Immediately Following Second PTU Replacement (June 4 – June 13, 2026). Immediately after picking up the vehicle on May 25, 2026, I noticed several new symptoms that had not existed before the PTU replacement: • Clicking noises • Clunking noises when applying the brakes • Vibrations throughout the vehicle while in reverse with the brake pedal applied • Abnormal driveline behavior. Returned vehicle to the dealership on June 4, 2026 for evaluation. I was informed that the vehicle required: • Front brake replacement • Rear driveshaft replacement. Repair order : “Upon inspection, the technician found excessive play in the drive shaft. Also noticed front brakes squeaking.” No explanation was provided as to how these conditions developed immediately after the PTU replacement or why no such conditions had been documented during either prior repair. 4. Immediately took car to independent mechanic for evaluation. Report: "Right front axle inner joint not completely installed into the transmission/PTU assembly • Hanger cut and missing • Rear driveshaft not fully seated, with splines visibly exposed • PTU replacement unit marked “LKG” • All brake components inspected and found to be operating normally". 5. The vehicle is now mechanically compromised and unsafe to drive
Power train, Electrical system, Lane departure, Jun 14, 2026
Cherokee. Purchased XXX from RightDrive Muncie / AGWB Investors LLC, [XXX]. I am filing this complaint to document: (1) the sale of this vehicle with multiple pre-existing electrical defects and open safety recalls not disclosed at sale; and (2) a pre-existing mechanical defect preventing routine engine maintenance. DIAGNOSTIC EVIDENCE — OBD REPORT #108 (XXX) — 8 FAULT CODES, 6 MODULES U0010-00 (IPC) — CAN Interior Bus Communication Failure — root cause of all electronic system failures U11FA-00 (IPC) — Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor — stored in Instrument Panel Cluster U11FA-00 (PDM) — Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor — same fault independently stored in Passenger Door Module (multi-module storage confirms pre-existing systemic fault) B2861-15 (PDM) — Mirror Approach Light Control — Circuit Short to Battery or Open (physical wiring defect, pre-existing) B2309-64 (BCM) — Rear Wiper Switch Signal Plausibility Failure C1078-00 (DTCM) — Tire Revolutions Range Performance — Drive Train Control Module fault consistent with open PTU recall condition P1483 (PCM) — Starter Relay 2 Stuck Off — Engine Control Module starting reliability fault, present since initial scan March 2026 RFH — Radio Frequency Hub fault — explains remote start failures ESCALATION: March 2026 scan showed 5 codes/3 modules. June 2026 shows 8 codes/6 modules. The vehicle's condition is worsening. CONFIRMED DASHBOARD WARNINGS (PHOTOGRAPHICALLY DOCUMENTED): Blind Spot Alert Unavailable — Service Required (persistent) Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset Stop/Start Unavailable — Service Stop/Start System Multiple simultaneous safety system warnings 10 OPEN SAFETY RECALLS CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND SALE This vehicle had 8-10 open NHTSA safety recalls at the time of sale on XXX, including recalls affecting the instrument cluster (directly corresponding to the IPC faults above), PTU drivetrain (directly corres INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Jun 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact stated that during routine maintenance, information pertaining to a "Do Not Drive" recall, and diagnostic trouble codes: C1417-97 and C1494-07 were retrieved. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a dealer, the contact noticed clunking sounds coming from the infotainment system surrounding area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced, but the parts were not available. The vehicle was then taken to the residence of the contact's sister and was parked. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.
Power train, Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the Four-Wheel Drive Service light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who retrieved diagnostic trouble code: C1417/97, indicating a transfer case failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact completed some research online and found information about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train), which explained the same failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty or recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to file a safety complaint. The failure mileage was 45,756.
Power train, Jun 6, 2026
My vehicle has 81000 miles and the PTU/transmission went out. After doing some research about this issue I discovered that it is a very common problem with jeeps from 2014 to 2024. To get it repaired is $3,000. Seems like Jeep was installing bad transmissions. They should recall these and cover the coast for repair.
Power train, Jun 6, 2026
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited has a diagnosed failure of the two speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is the exact subject of active NHTSA Campaign 26V290000/Jeep Recall 40D. Ed Martin Jeep in Anderson, Indiana provided me with written diagnostics confirming the failure. However, they stated “the part is on back order for 4-6 months” and even explicitly told me “the Jeep is fine to drive, nothing should happen to it”. The official NHTSA Safety reports warns this failure causes an unrecoverable loss of motive power at any speed and severe park rollaway risks. Driving this vehicle for half a year presents an extreme, life threatening safety hazard, and the manufacturer/dealer is failing to provide me with alternate safe transportation while the part is on backorder.
Power train, Jun 4, 2026
Delayed response to gas pedal, stalling, delayed shifting. Stalling when suppose to accelerate. No response from transmission for a few seconds when accelerating.
Power train, Jun 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at 10 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal loud clicking sound. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the transmission was in the lower gear. In addition, the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slanted hill surface, the vehicle rolled backwards significantly. The contact stated that the emergency brake was enabled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed PTU. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing at the dealer within the next couple of days. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure.The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.
Power train, Jun 3, 2026
Vehicle began shaking and stuttering while driving. "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" Message appeared. Local mechanic stated there is an issue with the PTU. Checked the VIN and no recall has been issued for this vehicle but a recall was recently announced for Jeep Cherokees 2019-2023
Power train, Jun 1, 2026
A few weeks ago, on several separate occasions while I was driving, the engine suddenly lost power; power was restored only after I restarted the engine. Subsequently, the yellow PTU warning light illuminated—a situation that is extremely dangerous. I contacted Jeep’s manufacturer for assistance, but they merely deflected the issue, directing me to visit an authorized dealership. When I went to the dealership, however, they in turn referred me back to the manufacturer. They are simply passing the buck between one another. The sudden loss of power in a Jeep while in motion constitutes an extreme safety hazard, yet the manufacturer is shirking its responsibility.
Power train, Jun 1, 2026
The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle experienced a loss of power. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where diagnostic code read C14A7-97. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 154,000.