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
1,643 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Dec 30, 2025
What happened : The vehicle experienced a sudden electrical failure and loss of normal shutdown control. The vehicle would not start or turn over. After repeated attempts, it eventually started, at which point all dashboard lights began flashing uncontrollably. The engine continued running even after the ignition was turned off and the key was removed. The only way to shut the vehicle down was to disconnect the battery. This created a safety concern due to the inability to control the vehicle’s electrical systems or safely shut off the engine. The failure occurred without prior warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership for inspection. Diagnostics confirmed a failure of the Body Control Module (BCM). The Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) was also found to be non-functional and may have been affected by the BCM failure. The vehicle remains inoperable and is awaiting replacement of the BCM, which is currently on backorder with no estimated availability. The failed components are available for inspection upon request. The issue has been confirmed by the dealership. No crash occurred, but the malfunction posed a potential safety risk due to uncontrolled electrical behavior and inability to shut down the vehicle normally.
Power train, Dec 29, 2025
We have been advised by a Jeep Dealer that this vehicle's PTU is failing and needs to be replaced immediately before the car can be driven again. There is a current recall on other 2019 Jeep Cherokees with the same issue, "Loss of Drive Power from Damaged PTU", but our Jeep is not covered under this recall although it exhibits the same symptoms and is diagnosed with a failed/damaged PTU that needs to be replace. From everything that was reviewed and reviewing the recall it is the same problem that is reflected in the recalls that Jeep made on other 2019 Jeep Cherokees. We have been quoted by the dealership that this is a $3000 fix and when we contact Chrsyler/Jeep, FCA Stellantis customer service, they are not willing to assist with getting this fixed on the vehicle. There appears to be a significant amount of information in the public that this is a known issue for these vehicles. We would like to issue a complaint regarding the matter. I am [XXX] old and have had this car serviced at all recommended intervals. I can be reached at [XXX] . Thank you. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Dec 28, 2025
Current mileage 120,287 have owned since purchased in 2019. On 12/28/2025 experienced a loud pop and an apparent disconnect of power to drive wheels, place car in neutral and back into drive seemed to drive normal. After driving another 12 miles and turning onto a side road experienced the occurrence again. We began having pops and vibrations as early as 2023 predominantly during an acceleration following a turn. On 10/19/2024, mileage 98,975, I requested maintenance as “developed slack in the drive train. When slowing down it bumps, when accelerating, mostly from a stop, it bangs and slips when shifting”, however despite having a tech drive with me only the hesitation was noticed. The concluded “trans no problem found at this time.” The bangs have intermittently continued but I had never experienced the loss of power like occurred on 12/28/2025.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 27, 2025
The vehicle experienced a sudden and catastrophic failure of the powertrain/engine system. Based on dealer inspection, the failure requires complete replacement of the engine long block assembly, indicating an internal engine failure rather than a minor or maintenance-related issue. The vehicle and failed components are available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were placed at significant risk. The vehicle first shut off completely while I was proceeding through a four-way stop intersection, forcing me to restart the vehicle while stopped in the middle of the intersection. Later, while driving on a very busy highway, the vehicle again lost power and became completely inoperable. I was barely able to maneuver the vehicle onto the shoulder, narrowly avoiding a collision. The vehicle then would not fully shut off despite multiple attempts, further indicating a serious malfunction. The problem has been confirmed by an authorized dealer, Krebs Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Gibsonia, PA. After diagnostics, the dealer issued a repair estimate calling for full engine long block replacement with an estimated total cost of approximately $13,900, confirming the severity of the failure. The vehicle has been inspected by the authorized Jeep dealership listed above. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer directly, police, or insurance representatives to my knowledge. There were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to the failure. The shutdowns occurred suddenly and without advance notice.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 20, 2025
I'm pretty sure it's the ptu . I was driving up a hilly road and my jeep had no power all of a sudden. Then the service 4wheel drive light came on in the cluster,/ dash. Then when I stopped the tires would not quit spinning. But I could tell only one at a time was rolling. But it would switch to a different tire .each time it switched it would almost catapult me of to the side or towards the middle of the road..I finally just shut the engine off . Because it seemed as though it had a mind of its own ...thank God the plow truck came up this road I was on . Because I was afraid to start it again due to the fact I did not want to go off in a trench . I had no traction when the wheels kept kicking in and out of 4 wheel drive . That to me is a big safety concern. I took it to a mechanic shop the following day and he put a scan tool on it and it came back, ptu .and he told me that this year model has a recall for the same problem .
Power train, Dec 19, 2025
The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has failed for the SECOND TIME in this vehicles history. This problem disables the four wheel drive feature of the vehicle, causing a dashboard warning light to illuminate, and may lead to other serious drivetrain safety issues. According to the dealer service technician, the splines on the unit are wearing out and causing disengagement of the rear drive wheels. This unit was replaced two years ago, and is a known issue with the manufacturer according to my dealer service department.
Power train, Dec 18, 2025
The PTU has went out, as confirmed by the dealership. The 4 wheel drive on the vehicle stopped working in August of 2025. The lack of engagement of the 4 wheel drive has left me with little to no traction. The vehicle slips on wet pavement.
Power train, Engine, Dec 16, 2025
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee service light for 4wd came on. After having the car into a Jeep dealership for diagnostic/service I was told it was the PTU and no replace/fix is available. There is a recall for this year, make, model for this exact problem ( PTU ) however , my VIN# is not included under this recall. They need to widen the recall to ALL affected by this problem. clearly , my car has a PTU issue confirmed by the dealership, is the same year, make and model as the recalled cars with EXACT same problem.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2025
Two speed power transfer unit failure. It's been since July 1, 2025 y car has been unable to drive. The PTU unit went out on the highway going 65 MPH and immediately lost control of having power to the gas pedal and had to pull over quickly on the highway. They still have not developed the remedy, and are withholding money from rental reimbursement.
Power train, Dec 15, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the 4WD warning light was illuminated, turned on and off, and then remained illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound while driving at 15 MPH and accelerating. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a PTU internal shift fork binding that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Dec 15, 2025
Recall was done for this and my jeep has this issue I currently have a power train controller that is out I have no power from controller to rear. Currently now my all wheel drive doesn't work at all .
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 15, 2025
Jeep will stall/ or stop completely while driving randomly. Loses power in gas pedal. Electric throttle control light comes on.
Power train, Dec 12, 2025
I began hearing an intermittent moderate grinding sound seeming to come from the center of the vehicle just below my console while driving for about the last month's time. On some days, I would not hear the noise at all. On [XXX] I pulled onto a road and when on the road heard a loud clunk then head continuous grinding sounds. I believe it to be a failure of the PTU. I had an issue of a more constant grinding sound while driving eminating from the same area when the Jeep was at 63000 miles and still under warranty. I took it to the seller dealership, (Solomon Jeep in Brownsville, PA). They told me that the fault was with the PTU. Kept the Jeep for one month waiting for a replacement PTU. Now my Jeep is unable to be driven. I intend to explore the Lemon Law. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2025
Power Transfer Unit is showing error codes as my Service 4WD has been activated for warning light. Research shows many Jeep Cherokees from 2014-2019 were recalled for same issue. My Jeep Cherokee was not and now I have the PTU issue. My vehicle is 4WD and it cannot be used, long term effects can cause problems for my vehicle.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Dec 10, 2025
My vehicle is under an open safety recall 01C involving the PTU system, and there has been no remedy available for nearly a year. This defect caused a dangerous and sudden loss of acceleration while I was driving, and the manufacturer has still provided no fix, and no support through the dealership. The incident occurred when I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green,I pressed the gas and the vehicle immediately made a loud grinding/shaking noise, shuddered violently, and lost all propulsion. The car would barely move. I was extremely lucky that there was a parking lot directly next to the intersection, and with the tiny amount of movement left,I was able to coast into it. If this failure had happened anywhere else—on a highway, in the middle of an intersection, or without a place to pull off—I could have been rear-ended or caused a collision. My safety was put at immediate risk due to this recall defect. I contacted the dealership, but they stated they could not repair the vehicle because Jeep/Stellantis had not released a remedy, parts, or service procedure for the recall. I was told multiple times that there was nothing they could do until Jeep provided a fix. After the breakdown, an independent shop confirmed the PTU failure, since the dealer still had no ability to repair it. All failed components and documentation are available for inspection. I lost use of my vehicle and was forced to take safety into my own hands. When I submitted reimbursement documentation to Jeep Customer Care, they denied it because the repair was not done at a certified dealer and did not use MOPAR parts—even though no certified repair or MOPAR parts exist for this recall. This leaves me without a safe vehicle, without a remedy, and without support. I am requesting NHTSA intervention due to the ongoing safety risk and the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely fix and proper reimbursement for their admitted issue with the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2025
There was a recall issued for the PTU on my vehicle that is a safety concern. I have went to the dealership where purchased and no parts or remedy available. At one point the dealership considered trading the vehicle. Then changed their mind and offered two financed vehicles for me to make payment and not wanting the vehicle. Then changed their vehicle jolts at times along with slowing and almost shutting down One experience with both of these issues. The display screen shuts off and on randomly. The vehicle was recently put in 4 wheel drive in weather conditions and shortly after use an oil leak started. The recall has yet to be satisfied with correction and safety. I’m paying constant repairs and rental expenses during these times. Yet the manufacturer is offering reimbursement for outside repairs with outside dealership service mechanics. How are they able to make repairs with parts? But, no repairs can be made by the manufacturer due to not having a remedy or parts to repair? Arbitration will not help with the situation either because it’s a manufacturer recall.
Power train, Dec 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, the engine started revving, and the RPM was redlined. The vehicle then lost power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and shifted into park(P), but the vehicle continued to coast. The contact turned off the vehicle and activated the parking brake. The vehicle was restarted after the tow truck arrived, and the contact observed the "Service Transmission" message being displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Dec 8, 2025
While driving my 2019 Jeep Cherokee, the engine randomly shuts off without warning. This has happened multiple times at different speeds. The vehicle suddenly loses all power, and I have to coast to the side of the road. There are no warning lights, messages, or diagnostic codes before or after the stall. The specific component causing the failure is unknown, but it seems related to the electrical/engine/powertrain system. This failure puts my safety at serious risk because the engine dies unexpectedly in traffic, which could easily cause a rear-end collision or loss of control. I had a diagnostic scan done at AutoZone and no trouble codes were found. There were no symptoms or warning lamps prior to each incident ,the engine simply shuts off while the vehicle is in motion. This is a recurring safety hazard.
Power train, Dec 5, 2025
-There is a warning that pops up on the dash saying "4WD unavailable, needs service". It's winter and I can't use the "snow mode" or 4WD. -Potential for issues if I get stuck in the snow. -Took it to a repair shop to deal with the service light and they told me there was a recall. I was unaware until today. -Went to Jeep dealer and was informed there is no fix available at this time. It appears the recall was issued January 16, 2025.
Power train, Dec 5, 2025
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 contact stated that while driving 65-70 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact stated that upon shifting to Park(P), the RPMs continued to rev, and the grinding sound persisted. Additionally, the vehicle failed to respond upon shifting to drive(D) or reverse(R). The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence of the contact's friend. The vehicle was then driven to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was later towed to Liberty Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (1000 E Park Ave, Libertyville, IL 60048). 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 failure and provided reimbursement for vehicle rental, and the contact was informed that the vehicle might be repaired in January 2026. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Air bags, Dec 4, 2025, crash
Airbags did not deploy during MVA to passenger side front door that resulted in totaling of the vehicle
Other or unspecified, Dec 3, 2025
4 wheel drive system failure and dashboard warning light has been on since late 2024! Took it to a Jeep dealer. They specified a problem with the PTU upon inspection. The part was unavailable for repair. Through the Mopar website, my Jeep has been recalled for this problem since Jan 2025. There is still no fix as of 12/3/25!!!! I phoned dealer to see if it could be repaired as per the recall... they tell me they cannot help me and to call Chrysler. Ridiculous. Please advise!! I do not want to experience further damage to my car and unexpected motor loss as the recall states... and I want my 4WD working again as it greatly helps with car control in wet situations and I often travel through mountains (snow). Thank you for your time and assistance.
Power train, Dec 3, 2025
While driving 4WD warning light appeared on dash display. I pulled over shortly after and checked for obvious clues such as leaking oil, loose belts and burning smells, nothing to be found. Currently, I was advised not to drive this vehicle due to causing additional damage or breakdown. I am still waiting for the part to be delivered so this could be repaired.
Suspension, Power train, Dec 3, 2025
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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to another local dealer, Imlay City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2093 S Van Dyke Rd, Imlay City, MI 48444), where the sway bar links, front struts, 6 cylinders tune up, brake fluid flush, transmission service, fuel injector, and radiator replacement were repaired or replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for sway bar links, 2 lower control arms, 2 front steering knuckles, front wheel bearing replacement, and a 4-wheel alignment. The vehicle was repaired, but was taken back and was diagnosed and determined that two front struts and the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,952.
Power train, Dec 3, 2025
started squeaking, so we replaced brakes, control arms with bushings, then it started smelling really bad and losing power. When the engine starts, manual shift is not available. Extremely pungent toxic fumes released into the cabin requires recycled air to be on always or the car is not drivable. Oh, and loss of power, like dropping into a low gear when should be in a higher gear. Smell is noxious. Dealer reports Stellantis has not provided parts, updates or any further information. Don't drive much so didn't notice until Government Shutdown ended, I was asked to return to the NSF offices 40 miles from my home. Smell became really evident at that point.