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.
Power train, Engine, May 18, 2026
I was slowing down coming to a stop in a left turn lane. I went to give the car gas to make the turn and for 4 seconds I had no power. My car was stuck in The middle of the intersection. When the vehicle regained power it slammed forward really hard.
Power train, May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after driving in reverse and shifting back into the drive position, the vehicle did not immediately drive forward. Also, while exiting the fuel stating and attempting to drive into traffic the vehicle did not immediately accelerate while pressing the fuel pedal. During the failures no warning lights or warning messages had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no trouble was found. The failures continued to occur and the vehicle was later taken to a local mechanic who replaced the crankshaft position sensor. The indicated that the failure eventually reoccurred. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
Power train, May 15, 2026
My vehicle began having gear grinding noise when turning at slow speeds. I brought it to the dealer in January 2023 and they confirmed a PTU failure. The PTU was subsequently replaced under warranty in March 2023. There were no vehicle diagnostic codes related to the faulty PTU. Had it failed while driving, I could have crashed. I am an OEM automotive manufacturing engineer. Feel free to contact me for more information.
Air bags, May 15, 2026, crash
Air bags did not deploy during my recent car accident, even thought the front end took significant impact.
Power train, May 15, 2026
10/29/2018 - I had completed safety recall to reprogram powertrain control module. 4/2/2026 - I had PTU unit replaced due to service 4wd light came on So not sure why my 2019 Jeep Cherokee is not under this recall because I'm having to call dealer back today because light came on again yesterday 5/14/2026 after being replaced! Thank You
Power train, May 14, 2026
In January of 2026 the vehicle had a 4WD system unavailable/ Service required message pop up. It would come on and go back off. At the time there was also a whining/ grinding noise present especially at high speeds on the highway along with vibrations. We had the vehicle checked with. Code reader and was told it was sending a false code, and that a fuse probably needed replaced for it to go off. The whining and grinding we thought could be wheel bearings or breaks. Both have been replaced and still have all of the same symptoms. The 4WD service light goes off but comes back on and stays on anytime a bump in the road is hit.
Power train, May 14, 2026
The vehicle was making a vibration in the center of the car. I took it to the dealership and they said it was the ptu but that it's not part of the recall.
Power train, Engine, May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving check engine light had suddenly illuminated and the message "unspecified service unavailable" had displayed along with the 4 wheel drive warning light had illuminated. During the failure the vehicle did not properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed the PTU had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000(POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 81,000.
Power train, May 13, 2026
Jeep has loud clicking and grinding noise to back end and associated vibration. Two independent service mechanics have diagnosed it to be related to faulty power transfer unit.
Power train, May 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing out the driveway at 5 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact indicated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was due to the rear differential. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power train, May 12, 2026
See attached letter for complaint
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.
Power train, May 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was at the dealer for a service appointment, the vehicle was diagnosed with a failed rear differential. The contact was informed that the snap ring was detached from the housing unit. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,600.
Power train, May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the FWD warning light illuminated sporadically and then disappeared. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that something in the transmission had failed and needed to be repaired or replaced. The mechanic notified the contact of a possible recall associated with the failure. The contact believes the failure is related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.
Power train, May 6, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the 4WD drive light illuminated. There was oil leaking. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTO had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, who confirmed there was no recall coverage and referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 103,231. Car Shield declined the repairs due to Carfax's previous report indicating the failure had already been addressed.
Power train, Electrical system, May 5, 2026
Service four-wheel-drive warning light comes on – intermittently and randomly car still drives but vibrates just a little started at 36,000 miles and continues at 39,000 miles.
Engine, May 3, 2026
I was on a highway in the Middle Lane to accelerate, and after that the car started to lose power and acceleration and the engine started to make noise and I saw smoke behind me. It was only at this point that an engine light came on and then it went off and did not return. It was a safety hazard and dangerous because it lost power on a highway And there were cars around me doing 60 to 80 mph and I had to navigate and then quickly to exit. I exited the highway and pulled off as soon as it was safe, Although I had very little power to do so., The car was towed to a mechanic who said there was a cylinder 1 scoring and cracking of piston. The car was towed to a Jeep dealership who told me it just needed a cylinder pack and it was only $1,000. They kept the car for a week and didn't answer calls until we went over there. The service manager told us we did in fact need a new engine. This is where I bought the car and I still owe $6,000 on it and now I'm looking at a $8,000 job. I have contacted Stellaris and opened a case on April 23rd.
Power train, Engine, May 1, 2026
while driving ,the vehicle just shuts off while in motion, then dashboard lights come and message says if you want to start vehicle step on brake and push button , but once I push the button it struggles to start. Mechanic ran a diagnostic test and said its the power train control module that is under a recall on other jeeps but not mine.
Power train, Service brakes, May 1, 2026
My vehicle has an open PTU recall and when driving down the road my vehicle completely lost power was unable to drive or put vehicle in park in the middle of a turn which resulted in on coming traffic coming towards my vehicle. There were no injuries thankfully. My car was towed to the Jeep dealership in Anchorage, AK to have the PTU recall done as that was the suspected reasoning of the failure. After weeks of back and forth I was told the transmission was damaged and needed replaced and the PTU recall was not able to be done due to the recall instructions. I was quoted 8-12 thousand dollars in repairs which was unrealistic to me. I then had vehicle towed to an auto body shop that could replace the transmission for a lesser price. Once at the auto shop they discovered there was a complete PTU failure which caused the transmission damage and told me to take it back to the dealership for repairs to be covered under the recall. The dealership submitted the information and I was denied the recall and repairs. The dealership informed me I would have to pay for a new transmission out of pocket. However once I had the new transmission testing the PTU recall could damage and that I also need to pay out of pocket for the PTU. This has been extremely frustrating and given the pictures and evidence submitted for PTU failure causing the transmission failure and still being denied I find it absolutely appropriate to submit a claim
Power train, Apr 30, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed, immediately followed by the message "4WD System Unavailable". The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that the Power Transfer Unit(PTU) was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Carry handle, Shell, Base, Apr 28, 2026
Have the seat installed using the lever lock system which chicco states is a lock off system and the seatbelt does not need to be locked off. After a few days the install becomes completely loose. I am also able to pull the top part of the seatbelt towards the buckle while it is installed
Power train, Apr 27, 2026
I received a safety recall for the PTU unit on my 2019 jeep cherokee, the service 4x4 system light was on. I took it to the dealership where they said they cleared the recall but the light was still on and the 4x4 system still did not work. They told me they did what they were supposed to…period. Now when i look up for recalls nothing comes up, but they light is still on and the system doesn’t work. I just received a letter from FCA US that states the warranty has been extended to “unlimited years/unlimited miles from the date of completion of Safety Recall 01C “. I called again about the extended warranty and now i am told that because the recall was cleared there is no warranty, i don’t understand because the PTU system does not work yet there is an unlimited warranty on it that they say is no good ????
Engine, Apr 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the RPM was unexpectedly elevated. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed from the scene. After the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the pistons and valves had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Apr 23, 2026
I brought the vehicle in November 2023 and the vehicle has been taken back to the dealership on numerous occasions due to the vehicle jumping/launching forward at low speeds, the power decreasing and then launching, the wheels for front end feels and sounds like something is breaking and the rear feels like something is broken and none of this has been addressed. I’ve been complaining some the end of November 2023. Vehicle also hesitate when pulling off. The electrical system in the car keeps overheating and then resetting. The screen gets hot to touch and freezes as wells as freezing when it very cold outside. At any temperature the screen goes black and will not comeback on for hours.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 21, 2026
Loss of driver power- while driving on the freeway/street at a speed car shut off. which it might have cause accident and injured myself and/or others No the problem has not been reproduced by manufacture No the vehicle has not been inspected by dealer. Took the car to an independent service center and unable to confirm defect. The incident been ongoing since yearly last year. It stops and comes back to shut off while driving. engine lights pop up and battery- I have taken care to check battery and is good. Noticed there was a recall for loss of driver power (Recall # 01c) which is what's happening with my car. But my vin num does not come up.. Please help