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, Mar 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a mechanical clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the 4WD failed to engage as needed. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,000.
Power train, Mar 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Not Available" displayed, and the 4WD warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) was damaged 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 made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Power train, Mar 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit and the shift actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the contact’s grandson disassembled the transmission and concluded that the shift actuator did not need to be replaced, but the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping sound coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and parked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,885.
Power train, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while accelerating, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Engine, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact inspected the vehicle and observed that the PTU seal was damaged. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Power train, Mar 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 4 MPH into a parking lot, the “Service 4WD” light illuminated and turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and a code for the PTU was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The “Service 4WD” light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving, accelerating, or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined the failure was associated with the PTU. The dealer determined that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for a Goodwill repair. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Power train, Mar 3, 2026
On March 1, 2026, while traveling south on Colonel Rodman Highway, I heard a sudden explosive noise and the Jeep bucked and jerked violently, nearly causing an accident. We were able to reach the breakdown lane, but the situation created a highly hazardous driving condition. My research identified a significant PTU recall and TSB 9004402, which acknowledges complexities and compatibility issues between 20-plate and 24-plate RDM designs for this model year. This confirms the component is not a standard wear-and-tear part, but a specialized system with known engineering concerns. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Jeep and was advised that the rear differential failed and the PTU blew apart, with an estimated repair cost of $9,637. It is unacceptable for owners to bear the cost of what appears to be a known safety-related defect. This is not an inconvenience — it is a serious safety issue. I am requesting a full investigation and written clarification as to why no recall or broader corrective action has been issued. There were no lights or warnings on the dash, no indication this could/would happen. I look forward to your prompt response.
Power train, Mar 2, 2026
Service 4WD/AWD light appears every time I drive the car. Similar to a recent recall that was issued on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee for the PTU problems. Brought to dealership to diagnose the service light and the dealership confirmed the problem, which was similar to the recent recall.
Power train, Feb 28, 2026
I was driving the vehicle under normal road conditions, started to hear a whine from under the vehicle, then felt an explosion from under the vehicle. A lot of lights came in on the dash, and I could barely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and turn it off. I had the vehicle towed to my garage, and they said the PTU had exploded, and my transfer case has a hole in it now. There is an active recall on certain models, but mine is not included
Power train, Feb 28, 2026
Driving at intestate speed when vehicle started to make noise and started jerking. Stopped to see what was happening and found that it was trying to bind up or lock up in transmission area. Trailered vehicle to jeep dealer there diagnosed answer was the ptu is bad. And none available do to recall of which my vehicle is not part of? They say part needed is 68333254ai Can you help?
Power train, Feb 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who declined to complete the recall repair, and stated that the tires installed on the vehicle were incorrect. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Feb 24, 2026
I was driving on the highway and experienced what felt like a brief power outage where my vehicle instantly dropped speed. I estimate it was approximately 10-15 mph. Everything appeared to return to normal at the time until approximately 5 minutes later when I exited the highway and it began making a loud noise. I drove a couple miles before getting concerned and thinking I don't want to risk breaking down on the side of the highway going home or doing further damage to an expensive component such as engine or transmission. I used roadside assistance to tow my vehicle to my nearest dealership. The tow driver confirmed he heard the noise inside the vehicle while I stood outside and could not hear it. The dealership called me to approve the diagnostic fee and also asked questions about what happened. In hindsight, they had asked a very specific question regarding the noise sound and location which, in my opinion, shows they instantly suspected the issue that they would later report. After approving the fee, they sent a quote focused primarily around the rear differential housing being cracked for an estimate of $5221.85. I asked how this would happen and the service representative explained that the choke inside the differential broke and a piece of metal inside it cracked the housing. I began researching differentials in vehicles and specifically in Jeep Cherokees, I learned very quickly that this is a very common problem which explains how a representative was able to tell me the cause without seeing it. No warnings were ever issued on the dashboard and no symptoms were present prior to the sudden deceleration. There are no warnings on the dash after the event and the only symptom other than the noise while in motion is the acceleration/deceleration feels slightly less sensitive. Every potential cause stated by mechanics who have looked at this points to a manufacturing issue or quality issue. A complete failure could cause an accident harming people.
Power train, Feb 24, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: C14A7-97 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the code indicated that the transfer case range position sensor was obstructed or blocked. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The second diagnostic code was U0010-00, which involved the Instrumental Panel Cluster (IPC) and the Controller Area Network (CAN) interior box. The third code was U0140, which involved the "Lost Communication with Body Control Module (BCM)”. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where the DTC codes were confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic codes were confirmed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
Power train, Feb 19, 2026
The power transfer unit in my Jeep Cherokee 2019 Latitude failed and required a replacement, at significant cost (over $2000). It is my belief that Jeep’s recall campaign (ID - O1C) was too narrow and ought to have included my vehicle. I have called Jeep three times without a proper answer to my concern. The failure of the power transfer unit was publicly described as a safety issue and I was unable to drive the vehicle for nearly two months.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
Last year my vehicle started making noises. I took it to the mechanic, and they informed me it needs a new rear differential unit. I called the dealer Brigham-Gill Village Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and they told me the vehicle was out of warranty, however i noticed A 2025 recall affects 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees, including the Limited trim, due to a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that can disengage the transmission and rear differential.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while attempting to shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM, TCM, and DTCM software had failed and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature failed to operate with the “Service 4WD” message displayed with an audible chime. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective PTU. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but the contact declined to repair the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
Upon driving car about a month after purchase the transmission hesitated, with jerking and a Loud hard clunk sound. Took vehicle to dealer and dealership stated none of the mentioned malfunctions noticed. They updated some software. Continued driving vehicle and malfunctions started again. Looked online for similar issues and found quite a few similar comments.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
incidental to nys inspection it was found that rear differential was severely "decayed." the case was fractured and retaining ring on passenger side was broken or out of place. took to Jeep dealer and it was confirmed that the differential was trashed, had to be replaced, and that vehicle unsafe to operate. No warning signs or symptoms (ie, no noise, no handling issues, no dashboard warning lights.) vehicle has only 63,000 miles. it is my understanding that this is not isolated situation, and "it just happens." dealer contacted Jeep warranty office and they agreed to "good will" partial contribution to repair, but leaving over $2,000 not covered. I know that just recently announced (2/2026) recall of grand cherokees for internal snap ring problem. this was external snap ring (see photos) but wonder if related.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure and associated the failure with the recall. The contact was informed that there was a failure with the driveshaft and the PTU. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Power train, Feb 14, 2026
Transmission is slipping bad, I am told that it is nothing of my doing, but I cannot get it replaced with the powertrain warranty that I have because I was over 1000 miles on my oil change
Power train, Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the recall status. The contact had not experienced a failure.