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: other or unspecified
257 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 28, 2026
Took my 2019 jeep Cherokee for ptu safety recall repair to which I was told they cleared the codes. I experienced further problems related to the recall and brought it back to be told a faulty tire. This past Friday my transmission gave out on the highway with my baby in the car at 76mph. I lost the ability to accelerate but I could reverse and put it in other gears.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 15, 2026
On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues. In May 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component/System Blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed PTU configuration and was excluded from Equipment Safety Recall 02C (Two Speed PTU Failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The PTU and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into Park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 25, 2026
An NHSTA #26V290000 report received on 07/05/2026-Power Train from AAA, NHSTA Campaign #25V011000- Power Train, and NHSTA #18V523000- Service brakes, hydraulic foundation and components disc caliper. On July 9th, 2026, I was driving on the highway and about to approach the Delaware Memorial Bridge. All the lights on the dashboard started flashing: temperature, engine, coolant, etc. I lost braking performance and the car's ability to use it because the entire electronic system locked. I could not put the car in neutral, nor could the truck drivers move it. I was in a dangerous location. Both repair shops also impacted the powertrain and differential; during the test drive, they noted noise from the rear differential when turning and a sense of locking up. These are symptoms of early differential failure. The initial gauge fluctuated, and due to the high temperature, it burned out the engine and radiator; the car smoked heavily inside and out. I have had to pay more than $ 3,500 in repairs for two recalls that were indicated to me when I called about them; they were for 2019 Jeeps, but not my vehicle. It appears as though the recall should be for all 2019 Jeep Cherokees. This is my 4th Jeep, and I have driven each one well over 140,000 miles before getting another vehicle. Before that, any recalls were for all Jeep makes and models that carried those parts or were manufactured with a possibility of failure. I want a refund for what I have had to put into the vehicle. If I had not pulled off the highway at the last exit as was laid on my mind by a higher power, I would have been a fatality due to not being able to move the car off the highway.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2026
My driver side seat belt will not stay latched. The screen on my dashboard will freeze up and not turn on or off
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 10, 2026
The vehicle just shut off. There are 23 alerts codes.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2026
Power Transfer Unit failure failed. Warning light of "4WD SERVICE" came up. Part is not available anywhere, and is on backorder until at least September.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2026
Has been in shop since I have owed it replaced axles (rear) rear differential(1 time), and transfer case(3 times) still slipping and dragging at take off and speed over 55 grinding and bumping sounds , mechanics can’t figure it out no lights on dash and diagonist still shows rear differential and transfer case
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2026
Service 4WD light appeared on dashboard. Vehicle will shake while braking- I am told brakes are sounds. Struts, rotors, and sway links replaced this year. Vehicle has been experiencing a loss of power. Start/Stop system will sometimes initiate loss of power. Battery light comes on- car stalls- break pedal locks. Stereo and lights remain in tact. Results from 2 credited garages that I’m dealing with a failed PTU. Software update was done on the vehicle February of 2026. Problems persist.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2026
The vehicle was found to have severe, pre-existing structural and frame damage that compromises its overall crashworthiness and structural integrity. This includes improper prior repairs that mask structural deficiencies. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Operating a vehicle with unaddressed structural frame damage and substandard prior repairs poses an immediate safety risk. In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s crumple zones and structural pillars may fail to protect the cabin as originally engineered, severely increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death to myself and my passengers. Yes. The structural damage and improper prior bodywork were formally identified and documented during an automotive inspection. The vehicle's structural integrity and repair defects have been documented via a professional inspection. Despite these documented findings, the dealership (Carvana) and the warranty administrator (SilverRock) are currently refusing to properly address or resolve the structural safety failures. There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or messages, as this is a physical, structural safety defect stemming from undisclosed prior damage and inadequate repairs rather than an electronic system failure.
Other or unspecified, May 10, 2026
2019 Jeep Cherokee. In December 2023, when I took my foot off the brake at a light, the car stalled out and would not start afterward. I was using the auto start/stop feature. Of course it started when the tow arrived, but I took it to the dealer anyway for safety. I had a new starter put in under warranty by the dealer. Code was a faulty starter. In April 2026, the same thing happened and was not covered because the 2 year warranty expired. Stalled out, while taking my foot off the brake at a red light. I had forgotten to turn off the auto start/stop. Thankfully, I was in a safe area and people were able to go around me. Private mechanic said a wire was out of place and a battery cell was a little low. They fixed it, but 1 month later it happened again in May 2026. It was taking a split second longer to start and it did not feel very powerful in comparison (same thing in April). This time, I returned to it after work, and it simply would not start. I assume the starter had simply died due to hearing 1 "click". Not sure why another starter blew in 2.5 years! I am fortunate to not have been stalled on a major highway! They've been coded as faulty starters, but how long are these things actually supposed to last? 2.5 years is way too short. Currently waiting to get my second replacement starter since buying the car used in November 2020. Has over 155,000 miles. No complaints other than this. I do not use the auto start/stop.
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2026
The vehicle experienced a failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) associated with the 4WD system. Prior to the failure, the 4WD warning light illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction within the drivetrain. The condition progressed and was diagnosed as an internal PTU failure. The issue was confirmed by Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge, which determined that the PTU had failed internally and required full replacement. This failure could have affected the vehicle’s ability to properly transfer power to all four wheels, increasing the risk of loss of traction or control, particularly during wet or slippery road conditions. A sudden loss or reduction of 4WD capability presents a potential safety concern. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by the dealership during inspection. The PTU was replaced due to the internal failure. It is UNKNOWN if the failed component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives (UNKNOWN). The 4WD warning light appeared prior to the failure, indicating a developing issue before the component ultimately failed. Based on the nature of the failure and the need for full replacement of the PTU, this appears to be a significant drivetrain defect rather than normal wear. Similar failures may be occurring in other vehicles with the same system, which could indicate a broader issue affecting vehicle safety.
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2026
My 2019 jeep cherokee latitude 2019 has a failure in the power transfer unit ( PTU ) the dealership diagnosed code C14A7-97 and quoted $4600 for repair. My vehicle is included in recall 01C/NHTSA 25V-011, but the dealer stated the recall cannot be completed because the PTU has already failed. Chrysler has not covered the repair even though the failure appears directly related to the recall component.
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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2026
For over a year, my SVC 4Wdrive light continues to be on. I received a PTU recall notice a year ago with a recall with no fix at the time. I had the dealership look at the issue with he service light always turning on at random times. They informed it was related to the recall and the vehicle was still okay to drive. When I use 4W drive the SVC light comes in on addition to randomly coming on at all seasons of the year when I am driving. I recently received my recall fix notice and took the vehicle back to the dealership (3/4/26). After hooking it up, it was determined that my code was "close", but not an exact match. The PTU/SVC indicator light would still need to be taken care of, but now it would be at a cost to me. Please explain how this is acceptable when the issue still needs to be fixed but does not qualify under the Recall?
Other or unspecified, Mar 7, 2026
I took my vehicle to a dealership in response to the recent recall for the PTU unit. They simply "updated software" and claim the error code indicating ptu issues was not present and therefore are not required to replace the part. My vehicle has the textbook "symptoms" as directly outlined on the first recall notice (before a remedy was available) and the second notice; noise, service 4wd notification, and jolting while driving. I explained my car is still making a noise and that I do not understand how software can fix a mechanical issue. I then contacted FCA, they said they would escalate my concern and would get a response but I never heard back. Ive read multiple reports that Jeep always uses "software updates" as their fix, and that software updates can actually mask mechanical issues, which seems kind of sleazy that they will not replace the recalled part especially when relative issues are happening and if it does fail entirely while driving, it could be very dangerous. It was my understanding that manufacturers are required to replace anything recalled, regardless of whether its faulted. Im scared to drive my car, this feels like Jeep is being negligent.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 20, 2026
My svc 4wd light came on in November of 2024. Took it to the dealer same month, they said my ptu failed and they couldn't do anything for it bc the parts were jot available. They weren't available on back order even. I paid for $130 dollars just to be told that they couldn't do anything. While at the dealer after they told me this news I went and talked to a salesmen, they told me they couldn't take the jeep in on trade bc they don't know when they could get the part so they would loose money with it sitting. Recall came out on this in January 2025 and it now is February of 2026..I'm still waiting. The car is unstable and is basically worthless and a death trap in rain and is worse in snow. I got offered a rental out of my own pocket. I'm still making payments on this and I can't even fix it. The cars going to kill me and then what. Nothing. I was told in November of 2025 that they were hoping to have this fixed by the end of the year. Well it's February and nothing, I think they are just lieing. People are going to get hurt or killed bc of the stability.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2026
Bought car, got 4WD not available light on dash, got car "scanned" at multiple outlets and there is no "code". Took to local mechanic and he diagnosed it is the PTU (power transfer unit) and told me there was a factory recall. Contacted Jeep dealership, told them of the problem, they said my vehicle is not included in the warranty but they would diagnose for me. They did and told me it will be $3,000 to fix, but that is "if" they can get the part. Told me they located the part at 2 other dealerships, but those locations won't sell the part to them. They said they are trying to get the part, but it is on back order. When I called to check they said they still haven't been able to get the part, but won't give me any concrete information about when they can fix it.
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 10, 2026
found rear axle assembly has locked up, terrible binding noise when trying to move. found rear axle to be low on fluid and burnt up. needs new rear axle assembly.... remove and replace rear axle assembly NOTE REAR AXLE ASSEMBLY IS ON BACK ORDER SINCE 8/2025. Unable to drive or get repaired. Making car payments without the ability to use. This vehicle has a "special gear ratio" that is not available. Due to the back order, price of replacement part continues to rise due to the lack of availability and demand. There has been no confirmation on when this part will be available.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2026
I previously reported a safety issue with my vehicle and have not received a response. My complaint number is 11709360. Issue still remains and no recall is associated to my vin number yet, even after locating a recall for my vehicle make, model and year when researching on line.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2026
Newnan Peachtree Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram: The dealership initially identified the recall-related failure but subsequently "deleted operations" from my service record. They replaced these with different labor codes and "tag numbers" to misclassify the repair. By deleting the recall codes, the dealer successfully billed my third-party extended warranty for a transmission replacement. This allowed the dealer to collect a higher labor rate while unnecessarily depleting my private warranty’s limit of liability. The dealer failed to address the root cause (the Power Transfer Unit/PTU). My vehicle was returned to me still exhibiting grinding noises, which is a known precursor to sudden power loss on the highway. During the unauthorized warranty work and a concurrent oil change, the engine oil cooler was damaged. Furthermore, the dealership failed to perform a mandatory cooling line flush, causing metallic debris to contaminate new components.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2026
I have a diagnosed PTU failure in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk it has 55k on the vehicle. The vehicle is not safe to drive in the michigan winter, and i have contacted my jeep dealer who said there is nothing they could do.
Other or unspecified, Jan 20, 2026
PTU failure. Causing vehicle to roll when placed in park. Service 4WD indicator light. Many other 2019 Cherokee models are part of a major recall. This one should be included.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 14, 2026
I was driving down the interstate in the mountainous region of Montana. While coming down the hill, I lost all power in my vehicle. My car continued to slow down, unable to accelerate. I had multiple warnings/things flash across my screen that identified that I no longer had access to them. After about 30 minute or more of driving slower and slower, able to initially go 30 mph, then it continued to decrease. I was maybe to go 10 mph up a hill to try to get to the next town. I inched my way to the dealership to drop my car off. I know there is a recall on my vehicle for something related to power however in the past year, every time I take it to dealer, they say there is nothing available to fix it. I now have no vehicle and I could have easily been hit from behind during the time where I continued to lose power in the vehicle. It was a terrifying feeling to know I could be stranded on a mountain road with no cell service, etc. If there is something wrong with a vehicle because of manufacture errors, then they need to do something ASAP or provide me a new car immediately for my safety and well being. If the whole 2019 model of Jeep is an issue, then provide me a new vehicle. This is not the first issue I had with this car. Early on after purchasing it, my dash lights would all disappear while driving down the road. No speedometer, nothing. The area where the radio and other communication is at, got so hot that one could not even touch it. They did eventually replace whatever caused that problem but that was a safety issue as well. Last year I was in a car accident because I stepped on the gas to go, and there was nothing and then all of a sudden it took off and by then the car in front of me stopped. This is when I realized there is a significant problem with the power of the car. The dealer said it was probably related to the recall but don't have a way to address it.