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, Oct 22, 2025
4WD Service Light stays on and Dealership says PTU Actuator box needs replaced @ nearly $4,000 It's a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 70 miles on it. The part is on a high alert back order and may take a very long time to come in. I am really pissed because I have only owned it for 10 months and if I keep driving it, it could destroy the transmission.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 22, 2025
When driving I experienced the loss of power when trying to accelerate. My Jeep began to exhibit a loud noise and vibration which sounded like a "Jack Hammer" being used. There was a smell like something was burning, there was jerking, grinding, making clunking noises and happened each time I was making a turn or trying to accelerate. This put my safety and other drivers safety at risk because it could have caused an accident especially with the loss of power. My wheels can lock up and this will cause me not be able to steer or have control over my vehicle. This can cause harm to myself and others which can include death of either party. I do have fluid that leaks from under the vehicle and the burning smell comes through the car vents. The problem has been reported to a confirmed Jeep dealership, Fred Frederick with no resolution because they are still unable to obtain the parts. I contacted them as soon as I was notified of the recall which was January 23, 2025. My AWD light does come on and off but I am uncertain of the dates. My Jeep Cherokee has the 2.4L Turbo engine. I also notice that the FCW does not operate properly as before and since this incident, I am not able to drive my vehicle due the unexpected loss of motion/power while driving and to prevent further damage.
Power train, Oct 22, 2025
Jeep has issued a recall notice for this make/model on the power train unit. My car is experiencing the exact same issue however my VIN# is not included in the database for this recall. As a result, Jeep is saying that they will not cover the expense of the repair. This is a known issue and my car falls under the guidelines of make, model and year of this recall. Why is this not covered under the standard recall practices?
Power train, Oct 21, 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 20, 2025
First brake switch stopped working. I could not move vehicle and had to have it towed to dealer where the brake switch was replaced. Now less than year later I get a SVC 4WD notice.this happened right after I had my vehicles oil changed and tires rotated. I am told I now have a faulty PTU actuator that must be replaced for almost $2k. I have a 2019 Cherokee L with 88,500 miles.
Power train, Oct 20, 2025
The "SVC 4WD" indication light comes on and off over that last 3 weeks. At times on the hightway I hear a loud noise with vibration, and loss of powe when driving. I took my 2019 Jeep Cherokee to Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat of Morgantown on 10/13/2025 for diagnostic inspection for this issue. The dealership advised that I needed to replace PTU assembly. There is currently a recall NHTSA 25V-011 (OEM 01C) of which Jeep Cherokee's built between 10/11/2016 and 02/20/2019 were affected. Recall cites this issue may cause vehicle to crash or injure others outside the vehicle. My vehicle was built 03/18 (within the timeframe), however, my VIN number does not return as having any recall notices, even though I am experiencing the exact issues described in the recall. I would request an investigation into whether my vehicle should be included for this issue. My vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2025
The rear differential is separating. If it fails, the car will suddenly cease operation, which may result in a collision. The part was inspected and the defect confirmed by the dealer. No warning lights are active yet.
Power train, Oct 17, 2025
I have a jeep cherokee 2019. A lot on people including myself have reported online that the PTU and it's wiring of the above-mentioned VIN has a problem of failing and start to flash message to service 4wheel drive system. This should be rectified with no fault of myself and others customers.
Other or unspecified, Oct 15, 2025
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is currently inoperable due to a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The local authorized Jeep dealership confirmed that the PTU has failed and that the replacement part is no longer being manufactured or available anywhere in the U.S. This is a well known defect for this type of vehicle. The dealership informed me that there is no repair option at this time and that there is no timeline for when my vehicle may eventually be added to the recall batch list. Stellantis Customer Care has acknowledged the problem but denied my request for a buyback, citing vehicle mileage and age, even though the defect renders the car unsafe and undrivable. The PTU failure can cause a sudden and total loss of power to the wheels while driving, which poses a significant safety risk to the driver and others on the road. Before the complete failure, I noticed grinding noises, steering wheel jerking during acceleration, and the vehicle would not shift gears. The failure was confirmed by the dealer, and the vehicle remains at their facility. I am requesting that Jeep or Stellantis provide a dealer-assisted trade credit (trade assist or goodwill adjustment) to help me transition into a functional vehicle. I continue to make loan payments on a vehicle that cannot be driven or repaired through no fault of my own. This situation leaves me stranded with a financed vehicle that is unsafe, unrepairable, and unsupported by the manufacturer.
Power train, Oct 14, 2025
PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failure has been diagnosed by the dealership on 10/4/2025 my make model and year fall under the existing recall but my vin is not covered. I’ve brought the issue up with the manufacturer and they’ve stated nothing can be done. I’m experiencing a "Service 4WD" warning light and occasionally loud noises, and vibrations while driving with occasional temporary loss of power.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 8, 2025
1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed, which also caused damage to the transmission and rear drive system. The PTU is part of Recall 25V-011 / Jeep Campaign 01C. The failed components and all related service documentation are available for inspection upon request from Boone Jeep (July 8, 2025) and Randy Marion Jeep (September 10, 2025). No, PTU part was available. 2. While driving on the highway, the vehicle suddenly jerked hard, lost all power, and became inoperable, putting me and other motorists at immediate risk of collision. The vehicle also would not go into Park, creating a rollaway hazard once stopped. These incidents occurred with my grandchildren in the vehicle, making it a severe safety concern. Despite confirming the PTU recall diagnosis, Jeep returned the vehicle to me with no repair available or timeline for a fix, forcing me to continue driving an unsafe vehicle. 3. Yes. Boone Jeep confirmed the PTU failure on July 8, 2025, after diagnosing major jerking, grinding, and loss of power. Later, Randy Marion Jeep also confirmed on September 10, 2025, that the PTU had failed again and that the rear drive and transmission were also damaged due to the same issue. The September 10th one was after I had the transmission replaced. 4. Yes. The vehicle has been inspected by two authorized Jeep dealerships (Boone Jeep and Randy Marion Jeep), acting as manufacturer representatives. Both confirmed the PTU failure and associated damage. No police or insurance inspections have been conducted. 5. Yes, warning light Service 4WD first appeared around springtime this year. This PTU defect has now caused multiple drivetrain failures, including the transmission and rear drive, and continues to pose a serious safety risk. The vehicle remains unsafe to drive, and Jeep has no available remedy for Recall 25V-011 / 01C. Immediate manufacturer action is needed to provide a repair or reimbursement.
Power train, Oct 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) and referred the contact to a dealer for further assistance. The contact also verified through Carfax that the vehicle was included in the recall; however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet 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 failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,693. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Engine, Oct 6, 2025
In March 2025 I experience shaking while driving every time I stopped. Took to Dearlership and Power Transfer Unit was replaced. Now September 2025, I experience shaking while accelerating. No clear answer on what is causing this.
Power train, Oct 3, 2025
There is a safety recall on this year and model for software reprograming of transmission controller where the vehicles shuts off in traffic causing a stop and restart. This VIN does not make the recall but has the exact problem described.
Power train, Oct 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic which was a Jeep dealer mechanic, for a second opinion. The second independent mechanic confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2025
Driving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, then To DC, then VA, power steering service show up and caused my jeep hard to turning. Completely unexpected. I just got them 2 month ago.
Power train, Oct 2, 2025
Rear Differential is cracked and vehicle had 38,569 miles.
Power train, Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal cranking and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who related the failure to the power transfer unit(PTU). The contact was then informed about NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) and provided paperwork. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Oct 1, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the “Service FWD” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that there were chunks of metal floating in the FWD system, and the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on back order. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Power train, Sep 30, 2025
Recall was in 1/2025 and there is no solution and parts in sight as of 10/1/2025. Factory and Dealers have no idea as to when a fix is coming. I think this should have been fixed by now. I can not drive my vehicle because the transmission may fail and maybe cause a wreck or leave me stranded. Selling it does me no good, I am selling a defective vehicle that could crash and possible kill someone and that is against the law. Even though auto dealers are selling these defective vehicles. They should recall them and pay the customer high retail market value, so consumer may purchase another vehicle with minimal cost to him. The problem listed below. Improperly seated input shaft snap ring in the two-speed PowerTransfer Unit ("PTU"). An input shaft snap ring that is not fully seated may allow uncontrolled movement of the input shaft inward. Uncontrolled movement leads to the potential for wear to the range shift sleeve, spline damage, and / or range fork damage which can cause an unexpected loss of motive power or loss of PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle. Repair Description FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to reprogram the Drivetrain Control Module ("DTCM") with new software to detect, and monitor for excessive wear within a PTU. If a PTU failure is confirmed by the software, FCA US will replace the PTU. FCA US will provide a Warranty Extension (FCA campaign ID #XX1) for all impacted customers experiencing messaging related to the defect to replace the PTU. Warranty Extension terms are unlimited years/unlimited mileage. Recall Status Incomplete but repair parts are not available
Power train, Sep 29, 2025
Component / System Failure: The transmission system of my 2019 Jeep failed while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled twice during operation and has now completely lost transmission functionality. The issue has only been inspected by independent mechanics and not by the manufacturer or other official entities. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Both stalling incidents occurred while driving at highway speeds, placing me and other motorists at serious risk. Sudden loss of power in high- speed traffic created a hazardous situation with potential for collision or injury. Problem Confirmation: The vehicle was repaired after the first incident at a cost of $400. Despite the repair, the problem recurred, ultimately resulting in complete transmission failure. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer, only by independent mechanics. No inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only independent mechanics have evaluated the vehicle. here were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to either stalling incident. The failures occurred without any advance indication.
Power train, Sep 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning the steering wheel, there was an abnormal cranking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact spoke with an individual with the same model vehicle who had experienced the same failure with their vehicle. The person had taken their vehicle to an independent mechanic who related the failure to the power transfer unit(PTU). The contact was then informed that there was a recall for the issue, NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Power train, Sep 27, 2025
“4 wheel drive service is unavailable and needs to be serviced” message appeared in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee in August 2025. Wouldn’t stay consistently on, but warning would pop up at least once every time I drove. Warning became more consistent, and in September 2025 I took my car to the dealership for my state inspection, where they investigated this indicator light concern. Diagnosis was “Found obstructed shift fork in PTU, recommend replacing” but the part is currently on back order. I learned that there is a recent recall on 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees for a PTU issue, however my VIN is not currently included in this recall. I’m concerned that this issue is affecting my jeep since I’m getting a warning and need my PTU replaced, and I’m even more concerned because I can’t get it repaired due to back order.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2025
My Service AWD light came on. I had the system checked in February of 2025. I was informed it was a bad PTU system. My car makes a clunking then whining noise when driving. It cannot go over 55 mph before losing power. My VIN doesn’t come up in the recall list but it has the same diagnostic issues The issue was diagnosed at Heritage Jeep in Harrisburg on 2/15/2025 Receipt order # 218197. Customer number 42k8761762
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 26, 2025
When driving the Jeep Cherokee (51,000 miles), I experienced numerous incidents where the car experienced sudden power loss climbing a grade followed almost immediately by numerous warning lights and a message that "4WD System Unavailable" as well as a message that the forward warning system had failed. Under these conditions, the car struggled to make even 50 mph and would only do so in a much lower gear at 4000+ rpm. Prior to each incident, the car had been driving smoothly at 70 mph at approx 2200 rpm. Both the Jeep dealer and the local repair obtained the same error code (DTC C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component) indicating internal failure of the PTU (transfer case). When the repair shop removed the transfer case they found metal shavings in the PTU lubricant. With no PTUs available from the Jeep dealership for months it was necessary to purchase a salvaged PTU at near-new pricing. I note that there is a similar recall but it does not cover my vehicle. I also note there are numerous NHTSA complaints for identical problems being filed nearly daily for 2017-2021 Jeeps. This defect is a serious safety issue that can result in complete driveline failure or an inability to maintain speed with traffic. It also results in approx $5000-7000 in repair costs for each PTU replacement.