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, Engine, Feb 19, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where the contact purchased a new battery and had the battery replaced. After the battery replacement, the failure recurred with the messages "Service Stop/Start System" and "Check Engine" displayed. The failure persisted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The mechanic also replaced the transfer case and the rear differential. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
Last year my vehicle started making noises. I took it to the mechanic, and they informed me it needs a new rear differential unit. I called the dealer Brigham-Gill Village Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and they told me the vehicle was out of warranty, however i noticed A 2025 recall affects 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees, including the Limited trim, due to a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that can disengage the transmission and rear differential.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
See attached document for complaint.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while attempting to shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM, TCM, and DTCM software had failed and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2026
Vehicle was stopped at a light. When I let go of the break the car turned on the parking break. After I turned off the parking break it asked to shift into neutral or park and press the break button the break was locked. I tried to turn the car off but it wouldn’t shut all the way off. It unlocked everything after I turned the engine off and back on.
Power train, Feb 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature failed to operate with the “Service 4WD” message displayed with an audible chime. The vehicle was initially taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with a defective PTU. The contact was provided an estimate for the repair, but the contact declined to repair the vehicle. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided with a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
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, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2026
Upon driving car about a month after purchase the transmission hesitated, with jerking and a Loud hard clunk sound. Took vehicle to dealer and dealership stated none of the mentioned malfunctions noticed. They updated some software. Continued driving vehicle and malfunctions started again. Looked online for similar issues and found quite a few similar comments.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
incidental to nys inspection it was found that rear differential was severely "decayed." the case was fractured and retaining ring on passenger side was broken or out of place. took to Jeep dealer and it was confirmed that the differential was trashed, had to be replaced, and that vehicle unsafe to operate. No warning signs or symptoms (ie, no noise, no handling issues, no dashboard warning lights.) vehicle has only 63,000 miles. it is my understanding that this is not isolated situation, and "it just happens." dealer contacted Jeep warranty office and they agreed to "good will" partial contribution to repair, but leaving over $2,000 not covered. I know that just recently announced (2/2026) recall of grand cherokees for internal snap ring problem. this was external snap ring (see photos) but wonder if related.
Power train, Feb 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed on the instrument panel, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who confirmed the failure and associated the failure with the recall. The contact was informed that there was a failure with the driveshaft and the PTU. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000.
Power train, Feb 14, 2026
Transmission is slipping bad, I am told that it is nothing of my doing, but I cannot get it replaced with the powertrain warranty that I have because I was over 1000 miles on my oil change
Power train, Feb 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the recall status. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Power train, Feb 13, 2026
Went to Greenwood and dealer said you need that recalled PTU. Said, “ it is unsafe to drive Jeep with bad PTU and is leaking transmission fluid! Had to park it and bought different car! Still have and transmission is not smooth or sealed! This is a very long not solved jeep issue. Send me or my dealer the recalled PTU part already! Rediculous bad stellaris MOPAR company. Am very very angry. Speed it the heck up !!!!
Steering, Power train, Feb 12, 2026
While driving the car, the shifting mechanisms are not working correctly. Stalling, hard shift etc. Causing jolts, and sudden stop/start movements. I was driving in the snow when my car jolted and was unable to stop on the ice leaving me in the snow bank. Went to put it in 4wd and the 4wd wouldn’t work. Brought it to the dealer repair shop where the recall was determined as the culprit. I have waited a year for the recall with no news, updates and being unable to drive my car.
Power train, Feb 11, 2026
Safety Risk is 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. Loaner refused to be given.
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, Feb 9, 2026
Rear differential lock rings broke and caused leaking fluid, as reported to me by a dealer service department. This could lead to handling problems and even total system failure. No warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms. Upon an internet search, I found that this seems to be a COMMON issue with Jeep Cherokee's - therefore, I'm not sure why it isn't already a recall.
Power train, Feb 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, with a loud clunking sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle jerked, hesitated, and bucked while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Feb 9, 2026
The vehicle is subject to an active safety recall involving the two-speed power transfer unit (PTU), which can cause loss of motive power and/or loss of PARK function. The vehicle displayed a “Service 4WD” message and all-wheel drive functionality is disabled. The issue has been confirmed by a Jeep dealership, which stated that the recall repair cannot be performed because the manufacturer has not released the remedy under the recall. The dealership also stated the replacement PTU part is available for retail purchase but is not authorized for recall installation. The vehicle is being operated in winter conditions without all-wheel drive, increasing the risk of loss of control. The manufacturer has provided conflicting information, with the recall assistance center stating the recall was resolved, while the dealership and VIN recall system continue to show the recall as incomplete. Warning messages related to the drivetrain appeared prior to this complaint. The vehicle has not been repaired, and the recall remains open with no timeline for remedy.
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.
Power train, Feb 7, 2026
The rear differential went out on it on Nov 27th, I had it towed back to the dealer and they kept it until Jan 5th and said they had fixed it. I have a hand written receipt from them but it's not very detailed. It does seem better but I can still hear a small noise that concerns me because it sounds and feels just like it did before. I just started financing this vehicle so im not sure what to do and I cant get any help with it. Its scary to drive sometimes but it's my only transportation and I have 3 small children. The check engine light is on but it didn't come up until after they worked on it the first time.
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.
Power train, Feb 5, 2026
It has been over a year since I got my notice of recall. Still no fix for this according to the dealer. It is completely unacceptable that I have a vehicle that is not really usable without risk while they sit around and dont get a fix. It can not be that complicated. Replace the ptu if they have to. I know it sucks but if its a safety thing then it needs to be done.
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.