2019 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 1,643 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 40 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 37 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power trainMay 7, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Campaign 26V290000 on NHTSA.gov
Power trainApr 29, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Campaign 25V011000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, rack and pinion, rackAug 29, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
Campaign 19V637000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 13, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.
In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.
Campaign 19V449000 on NHTSA.gov
SeatsMar 28, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.
Campaign 19V248000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, instrument cluster/panelDec 20, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
Campaign 18V917000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionOct 19, 2018
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Campaign 18V739000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiring, front underhoodAug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Campaign 18V524000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperAug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Campaign 18V523000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionJul 26, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
Campaign 18V492000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMay 25, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.
Campaign 18V344000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
804 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Engine, May 1, 2026
while driving ,the vehicle just shuts off while in motion, then dashboard lights come and message says if you want to start vehicle step on brake and push button , but once I push the button it struggles to start. Mechanic ran a diagnostic test and said its the power train control module that is under a recall on other jeeps but not mine.
Power train, Service brakes, May 1, 2026
My vehicle has an open PTU recall and when driving down the road my vehicle completely lost power was unable to drive or put vehicle in park in the middle of a turn which resulted in on coming traffic coming towards my vehicle. There were no injuries thankfully. My car was towed to the Jeep dealership in Anchorage, AK to have the PTU recall done as that was the suspected reasoning of the failure. After weeks of back and forth I was told the transmission was damaged and needed replaced and the PTU recall was not able to be done due to the recall instructions. I was quoted 8-12 thousand dollars in repairs which was unrealistic to me. I then had vehicle towed to an auto body shop that could replace the transmission for a lesser price. Once at the auto shop they discovered there was a complete PTU failure which caused the transmission damage and told me to take it back to the dealership for repairs to be covered under the recall. The dealership submitted the information and I was denied the recall and repairs. The dealership informed me I would have to pay for a new transmission out of pocket. However once I had the new transmission testing the PTU recall could damage and that I also need to pay out of pocket for the PTU. This has been extremely frustrating and given the pictures and evidence submitted for PTU failure causing the transmission failure and still being denied I find it absolutely appropriate to submit a claim
Power train, Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed, immediately followed by the message "4WD System Unavailable". The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the Power Transfer Unit(PTU) was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Apr 27, 2026
I received a safety recall for the PTU unit on my 2019 jeep cherokee, the service 4x4 system light was on. I took it to the dealership where they said they cleared the recall but the light was still on and the 4x4 system still did not work. They told me they did what they were supposed to…period. Now when i look up for recalls nothing comes up, but they light is still on and the system doesn’t work. I just received a letter from FCA US that states the warranty has been extended to “unlimited years/unlimited miles from the date of completion of Safety Recall 01C “. I called again about the extended warranty and now i am told that because the recall was cleared there is no warranty, i don’t understand because the PTU system does not work yet there is an unlimited warranty on it that they say is no good ????
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2026
I brought the vehicle in November 2023 and the vehicle has been taken back to the dealership on numerous occasions due to the vehicle jumping/launching forward at low speeds, the power decreasing and then launching, the wheels for front end feels and sounds like something is breaking and the rear feels like something is broken and none of this has been addressed. I’ve been complaining some the end of November 2023. Vehicle also hesitate when pulling off. The electrical system in the car keeps overheating and then resetting. The screen gets hot to touch and freezes as wells as freezing when it very cold outside. At any temperature the screen goes black and will not comeback on for hours.
Power train, Apr 21, 2026
While driving my car will some time cut off by itself or it seems like it is shifting gears while I am driving and make this jerk while driving.I have not had any accidents and the dealership says everything looks fine.
Power train, Apr 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact became aware of a fluid leak on the driveway. The contact inspected the rear of the vehicle and discovered that the fluid leak was coming from the transmission case. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Apr 19, 2026
rear differential casting deuterated. Retainer ring gone-snap ring land eroded. RDM clip is missing. in need of right rear suspension knuckle and bearing parts. diagnosed by Friendly of Rome New York 7/30/2025. Found during annual inspection. No warning messages or failure prior to this date. New rear differential due to arrive 4/2/2026, Friendly Jeep Rome NY at my expense. Risks: catastrophic failure rear wheel lockup, loss of vehicle control and drive shaft breakage.
Power train, Apr 16, 2026
The failure involves the drivetrain system, specifically the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear differential. The PTU is under Safety Recall 01C. The differential damage is present and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue creates a safety risk due to potential loss of drive power and malfunction within the 4WD system, which could affect vehicle control, especially during normal driving conditions. The problem has been evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealership confirmed drivetrain-related issues and stated they cannot rule out that the unresolved recall condition contributed to damage within the drivetrain system. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. The manufacturer has been contacted and a case was opened and denied without conclusive proof that the failure is unrelated to the recall. Prior to failure, the vehicle displayed an active “Service 4WD” warning message, indicating a fault in the drivetrain system. This warning has been present and is ongoing. This vehicle had an unresolved safety recall (01C) due to no remedy being available at the time. The vehicle continued operating with a known defect and is now experiencing failure within the same system. The manufacturer has denied responsibility despite the dealership being unable to rule out a connection.
Power train, Apr 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start occasionally. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N) while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Steering, Power train, Wheels, Apr 5, 2026
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through Dr. Auto LLC, in Warren, OR. That it is in fact PTU unit attached to the propeller shaft. Plan to go through a dealership soon. This failure mirrors the symptoms described in NHTSA Recall 23V-302 (FCA Recall 01C). Although my specific VIN is currently not included in this recall, the mechanical symptoms—specifically vibration and grinding at the PTU output—indicate a premature failure of the input shaft splines. This presents a significant safety risk, as the failure of these splines can lead to an abrupt loss of motive power while in motion and a loss of the "Park" function, which could lead to an unintended vehicle rollaway. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether the current recall scope should be expanded to include additional 2019 Jeep Cherokee units, such as mine, that were manufactured with the same defective PTU components. Im afraid to lose power to my wheels while im driving with young kids in my vehicle and I am afraid to lose parking function that could injure someone or cause property damage.
Power train, Mar 31, 2026
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 25V011000 PTU RECALL has been addressed by local dealership 2xs. They have ran the update and receive no errors however they continue to experience loss of power when excelerating and loud grinding noises as described. Currently the dealership still has my keep until there is a fix. I’ve contacted the manufacturer whom said there is nothing they will do if there is no error after the software update. I’m out of factory warranty and there is no reason I should be held responsible financially to fix a recall. I’ve read many other threads online that this has happened to others. I’m looking for some guidance as my Jeep Cherokee 2019 is unsafe and is going to cause an accident. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Air bags, Mar 31, 2026
Power Train- error message stating 4x4 is unavailable, message will appear anytime between when first starting the car to active on the road. While active, there sounds like there’s some sounds coming from the rear tires before message appears. This issue has been consistent since purchasing the car at 76k mileage. Airbag- at random and then noticeably when hitting some bumps, dash light stating “Service airbag system”
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 30, 2026
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it takes about 30seconds and it comes back on and stays on until the vehicle is shut off. There has been a couple times the vehicle has hesitated to go forward when the gas was pressed. I have taken it to an auto shop and they found code: C14A7-97 for PTU failure. They recommended to contact Jeep since there is a recall for that year. When the dealer checked my VIN it does not fall under the recall. I am afraid of driving it as I don't want it to stall on me or cause an accident as I usually have my young child with me. The shop said it would be around $6000 to repair. If not under the recall.
Power train, Mar 30, 2026
About a year ago (2025 at about 65,000 miles) the first warning light that came on was the check engine light, but it only came on once,then went out. The next time we drove the car, the indicator light was the 4 wheel drive was unavailable/needed servicing. We took it to a very respected mechanic who gave us the bad news that it was the Power Transfer Unit, the cost would be upwards of $3,500 and that the part would take at least 6 months due to a backlog. WE NEVER, EVER USED THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE! How does a part we never used go bad? The vehicle has started to occasionally act like it doesn't want to shift but eventually does with a jerk forward. Now we hear there is still no recall for our vin. Why would anyone buy a vehicle with 4 wheel drive if we're not going to be able to depend on it being available. I have always loved Jeeps but the type of responses (or lack thereof) we have received from several CJP dealerships will cause us to shop anywhere but a Jeep dealership. "You didn't buy it here .Why would we help you with anything? Not our problem." The Lithia dealership in Eugene, Oregon doesn't even have a real person answer the phone and has never returned one of our many phone calls. Same with computer generated requests. Complete radio silence. We live over an hour away from the dealership where we bought this piece of crap. We paid this expensive vehicle off early and this is how we should expect to be treated by the cheats who sold it to us? If this vehicle is not recalled/repaired for free, we will never own another and we will make sure we warn others of what they can expect if they do. Shame on all of you for not making this right for so many that depend on their vehicles to get them safely to their destinations.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Mar 29, 2026
While driving home from Church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The rear differential completely froze, forcing the vehicle to skid recklessly without operator control or ability to brake. Steering was near impossible as the car veered first to the guard-rail on the median, and then across 2 lanes of traffic towards the guardrail on the shoulder. A terrible accident was avoided by an alert and skillful driver who was behind me. After what i later came to find out from the dealer (having the vehicle towed) was the rear drive train gears sheered, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder.
Power train, Mar 27, 2026
Sometimes after starting the vehicle, The transmission will not shift into reverse and the vehicle must be turned off and restarted. Occasionally when the vehicle is shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, it shifts very hard, like a kick.
Power train, Mar 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The contact pressed and held down the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle stopped, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the failure of the transfer case, rear differential, and the engine oil cooler. The contact was informed that the transfer case, rear differential and engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on March 4,2026, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected, and the recall repair was not performed; however, the recall was marked as completed by the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,465.
Power train, Mar 25, 2026
The ptu, rear differential and the sensor are no good. The dead spot in the pedal has been there since it was bought brand new. The ptu bucking and banging into gear and power loss got worse and I have complained for 5 years to you about this specific vehicle. The badPTU resulted in the rear differential cracking and sensor needing to be replaced. The Jeep has sat at the dealer for 49 weeks, 3rd week of April 2025 waiting for parts as they could not get these parts in due to them being on back order for the recalls on these parts. I cannot drive the vehicle as it is a death trap. The parts are insanely expensive, and this should be covered under the recall as there are 63,000 Jeeps made in 2019 that have been recalled. THIS JEEP NEEDS TO BE RECALLED!!! I am paying on a dead horse. $10,000 for a vehicle I CANNOT DRIVE and nor will be able to in the near future and another $10,000 left to pay on it.. Now my new battery is shot, my brakes and rotors that were done the first week of April 2025, just 2 weeks before leaving it at the dealer also have to be replaced according to the dealer. This is a bunch of [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 25, 2026
The service 4WD light came on and vehicle doesn’t have 4WD capabilities right now because the PTU is bad. They also can’t get the part because so many people are having the same issue. I have a Jeep for the 4WD capabilities and had difficulty driving to work during a winter snow storm because the dealer can’t fix it because too many people need the part. Other Jeeps are under recall for the same issue.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 24, 2026
I was driving on the highway going approximately 75mph, everything was 100% normal. All of a sudden, and at once, my steering wheel started to shake, the car lost power/acceleration and speed quickly dropped. The engine was making loud noises. We pulled over, called my mechanic I've had for 35yrs. We were able to get the car to the garage driving very slowly, it wouldn't go above maybe 30mph. My mechanic initially did a diagnostic test which indicated issues with coils??After further investigation he, and 2 of his fellow mechanics determined it was a much more serious issue that has resulted in a total malfunction of the motor. I bought my car in 2021 with 46,740 miles on it, it currently has 84,756 miles. I still owe $4349.63, 1yr left on my loan. My mechanic said he is aware of a number of recalls on jeeps . I looked up my VIN bought found nothing. Similar issues, but nothing with that VIN.
Power train, Mar 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and failed to drive forward. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000.
Power train, Mar 19, 2026
Warning light indicating "SVC 4WD" came on. Drive became erratic. Immediately took to Jeep dealer and found that PTU had failed though this VIN apparently not covered by ongoing recall (01C) of vehicles of the same year, make, and model. Parts to make repairs unavailable and on indefinite backorder. Seems clear that recall 01C should have been much broader and covered all vehicles with this well-known and frequent catastrophic failure. Vehicle essentially rendered inoperable and unusable and no projected date from manufacturer for receiving needed parts. Utter collapse of supply chain.
Power train, Mar 18, 2026
I have a 2019 jeep cherokee limited vin# [XXX] There is less than 65000 miles on it and the ptu has gone bad, I have been told by dealer its the same ptu with same issues that's apart of the factory recall for the 2017 - 2019 models jeeps however my specific model has not been recalled but its the same part INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Mar 17, 2026
The PTU assembly has failed internally. The repair shop has collected a DTC as well which is C14A7-97 "PTU obstructed." The vehicle is available for inspection, but the repair shop has not disassembled the unit as disassembly is not required based off the symptoms and trouble code populated, the only repair for this is PTU replacement. If the vehicle had continued to be driven, there is a possibility of the PTU assembly breaking internally to a degree to cause damage to itself and the transmission, POTENTIALLY, causing a sudden deceleration, loss of power or a jerking motion. Yes, the concern has been confirmed by the dealership and vehicle is still currently at the dealership. It has only been inspected by the dealership at this point in time. Yes, the "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated in the instrument cluster. The light is still on and it generated an active code of C14A7-97 indicating internal PTU failure. The shop/dealership has had our vehicle for going on 5 months (since November 13, 2025) with no date of repair in sight. This is our only car/transportation and so expenses on transportation and inconvenience has been high during this period of time. We need all repairs for the Jeep covered and we need a rental car covered by the Manufacturer of the Jeep.