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, Jun 1, 2026
The car will randomly display that the start/stop function is disabled. It will also just randomly stall out for no reason. Sometimes multiple times in a row. Restarting the car may cause it to stop. Have had it looked at many time and because the start/stop error may not be happening at the time or the engine will not stall all of the shops have stated there is nothing wrong with the car. It seems to do it more when the temperature outside is above 80 degrees. This happened for many months. It will typically stall out while at stop lights, to date it has not stopped while actively moving.
Power train, May 29, 2026
The power transfer unit (PTU) failed at approximately 53,000 miles, which is a premature failure for a major drivetrain component. The issue was confirmed upon inspection. The “Service 4WD” warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard. Additionally, the vehicle pulls slightly to the left while driving. A failure of the PTU affects the all-wheel-drive system and can lead to improper power distribution, loss of traction, or driveline binding. The pulling condition and drivetrain issues create a safety concern during normal driving. Similar PTU failures have been reported in other 2019 Jeep Cherokees and have resulted in recalls and technical service bulletins for similar components, although this specific vehicle was not included. This suggests a broader pattern of premature PTU failure.
Steering, Power train, Wheels, May 28, 2026
NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the Mopar Two-Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. On May 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized FCA dealership, St. Helens Auto Center (Repair Order #XXX). The certified technician, Don Stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the PTU feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around.” Despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, Service Manager April McCall formally refused to submit a corporate Goodwill or Warranty Extension claim to FCA unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three CV axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry." To verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (Dr. Auto LLC, Invoice #XXX) on May 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All CV axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. The dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central PTU to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee PTU failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, May 26, 2026
Power train (PTU) failed on the highway huge crash sound and then no power to wheels, transfer case visably broke due to catastrophic failure shockwave cracked housing of my rear difrential too. It is available for inspection. Safety reason is the same as recall 01C / 40D. Sudden loss of automotive power due to sudden blow up of transfer case, causing danger to everybody on the road. not sure if there is loss of metal but im sure it was violent enough to blow some fragments of metal around. Problem cant be reproduced since its visably broken due to sudden blowing up of the PTU. No official inspection but I'll do a teardown soon. My own diagnoses as I'm good with cars is sudden PTU failure. Reasoning is that my engine still starts and my transmition works since it still audibly shifts between park and neutral. havnt tested drive or reverse yet since everything is still connected but will do that soon and write another report as an update to this one. No warning lights at all ever and nothing that i or my wife noticed before, just a sudden bang and no power doing 55 miles an hour. Then it automatically put the handbrake on while im trying to pull to the side of the highway. Im requesting my vehicle to be added to the list of recalls under recall 01C / 40D. For sudden catastrophic PTU failure. My car was build during the period on the recall at 10/2018. for more questions i can be called or emailed
Power train, May 23, 2026
Front transfercase blew on the highway. It just happened randomly with no warning.we were stuck with barely amy signal at 2:30am on the side of the highway in the dark. Rear tires also locked up when we were almost stopped. Were able to push it off the road more with 3 people. Thats why the puddle of oil is behind the car. I know its broken because the housing is split open. didnt hit anything road was clear not even a pothole was hit, it has no scuff marks either. It just blew on its own. No warning lights or codes showed up. Im consistent with looking at the temps from the board computer and nothing was weird. Oil, coolant and transmition was all looking good. It is available for review or for pictures to be sent. So far only self diagnose from looking under the car (but its pretty clear). Will tow tomorrow to a car lift and take further pictures with the plastic tray off.
Power train, May 23, 2026
Car loses power and made a loud clunk noise. Warning light said service 4wd. Problem Transfer case needs to be replaced. Happened at 62,000 miles. 2019 Jeep Cherokee ltd with 4x4 and 6 cyl.
Power train, May 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the service four-wheel drive warning light illuminated and then the day after the four-wheel drive is no longer working warning message illuminated as well. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN), however the VIN is not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Suspension, Power train, May 22, 2026
6 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP HOME AND MY SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. THE JEEP WAS RUNNING ROUGH BUT MADE IT HOME. HAD JEEP DEALER DO DIAGNOSIC AND IT SAID IT NEEDED TRANSFER CASE HE SAID THE PART WAS APPROXIMATELY $1600 BUT WOULD CONSIDERABLY MORE WITH LABOR. I CONSULTED MY WARRANTY COMPANY AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT THEY SAID ITVWAS A BAD PART BEFORE TJE WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED. (ENDURANCE) THE JEEP HAS BEENSITTING TILL I CAN FIGURE OUT IF I CAN TRADE IT IN OR JUST SURRENDER IT NO USE KEEPING A CAR I CANT FIX OR DRIVE. THIS RECALL IS THE EXACT PART JEEPS ARE BEING RECALLED FOR WHY IS MY JEEP NOT INCLUDED THE JEEP WAS ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK AND GROCERY STORE.
Power train, May 21, 2026
I went to pepboys for a diagnostic test to see what is going on with my car. They informed me that my casing on my rear differential is cracked. I bought my car 2.5 months ago. Also another mechanic told me that Jeep frequently has differential problems. These problems should be handled by the dealership before they sell any car to prevent the new owner having to pay for it if it they have a warranty for 30 days or 1500 miles
Power train, May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a grinding/humming noise would come from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that both the front and rear Power Transfer Units failed, causing additional damage to the bearings. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact about NHTSA Campaign Number 26V290000 (Power Train), which covers the same failure. The mechanic referred them to the manufacturer. The contact spoke with the dealer, who informed them that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and they too confirmed the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 20, 2026
When accelerating, the RPMs surge unusually high before the transmission shifts. After the delayed shift, the vehicle jerks hard forward and feels like it is being hit from behind. The shifting feels aggressive and inconsistent, especially during acceleration. In addition, the A/C system was completely rebuilt but continues to intermittently shut off and stop blowing cold air. The infotainment/information center screen also stops functioning in hot weather, especially when outside temperatures are above 90 degrees.
Power train, Engine, May 18, 2026
I was slowing down coming to a stop in a left turn lane. I went to give the car gas to make the turn and for 4 seconds I had no power. My car was stuck in The middle of the intersection. When the vehicle regained power it slammed forward really hard.
Power train, May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after driving in reverse and shifting back into the drive position, the vehicle did not immediately drive forward. Also, while exiting the fuel stating and attempting to drive into traffic the vehicle did not immediately accelerate while pressing the fuel pedal. During the failures no warning lights or warning messages had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no trouble was found. The failures continued to occur and the vehicle was later taken to a local mechanic who replaced the crankshaft position sensor. The indicated that the failure eventually reoccurred. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Power train, May 15, 2026
My vehicle began having gear grinding noise when turning at slow speeds. I brought it to the dealer in January 2023 and they confirmed a PTU failure. The PTU was subsequently replaced under warranty in March 2023. There were no vehicle diagnostic codes related to the faulty PTU. Had it failed while driving, I could have crashed. I am an OEM automotive manufacturing engineer. Feel free to contact me for more information.
Power train, May 15, 2026
10/29/2018 - I had completed safety recall to reprogram powertrain control module. 4/2/2026 - I had PTU unit replaced due to service 4wd light came on So not sure why my 2019 Jeep Cherokee is not under this recall because I'm having to call dealer back today because light came on again yesterday 5/14/2026 after being replaced! Thank You
Power train, May 14, 2026
In January of 2026 the vehicle had a 4WD system unavailable/ Service required message pop up. It would come on and go back off. At the time there was also a whining/ grinding noise present especially at high speeds on the highway along with vibrations. We had the vehicle checked with. Code reader and was told it was sending a false code, and that a fuse probably needed replaced for it to go off. The whining and grinding we thought could be wheel bearings or breaks. Both have been replaced and still have all of the same symptoms. The 4WD service light goes off but comes back on and stays on anytime a bump in the road is hit.
Power train, May 14, 2026
The vehicle was making a vibration in the center of the car. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the ptu but that it's not part of the recall.
Power train, Engine, May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving check engine light had suddenly illuminated and the message "unspecified service unavailable" had displayed along with the 4 wheel drive warning light had illuminated. During the failure the vehicle did not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the PTU had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, May 13, 2026
Jeep has loud clicking and grinding noise to back end and associated vibration. Two independent service mechanics have diagnosed it to be related to faulty power transfer unit.
Power train, May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing out the driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the rear differential. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, May 12, 2026
See attached letter for complaint
Power train, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that the snap ring was detached from the housing unit. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,600.
Power train, May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the FWD warning light illuminated sporadically and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that something in the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of a possible recall associated with the failure. The contact believes the failure is related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the 4WD drive light illuminated. There was oil leaking. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTO had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall coverage and referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,231. Car Shield declined the repairs due to Carfax's previous report indicating the failure had already been addressed.
Power train, Electrical system, May 5, 2026
Service four-wheel-drive warning light comes on – intermittently and randomly car still drives but vibrates just a little started at 36,000 miles and continues at 39,000 miles.