2020 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 304 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 9 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 9 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
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 10, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Campaign 20V191000 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
Representative owner complaints: power train
175 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 7, 2025
I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited which has now been undrivable for over 3 months due to a part that is on national backorder. The issue began in May 2025 when I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealership for repairs related to the Power Control Unit (PCU). Since then, the part has not been available, and the car has remained at the dealership with no clear repair timeline. I have been told by Jeep corporate that I am only eligible for rental coverage and nothing more. This delay has left me without a working vehicle for over 90 days, and I am concerned that this issue may involve a defect or systemic parts shortage that is affecting multiple vehicles. I also believe this is a safety-related issue, as a failure of the power control unit could result in sudden loss of power or drivability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate: Whether this part shortage is linked to a wider defect or recall Whether Jeep (Stellantis) should be required to take further action If any safety recalls should be issued for this model and issue I have already filed a complaint with the New York Attorney General. Jeep is not a participant in BBB Auto Line, and I am left without a reliable resolution while still paying for a vehicle I cannot use. Please let me know what further information is needed.
Power train, Aug 3, 2025
PTU failure. Car was manufactured in 08/2019, Mopar recalled Jeep’s manufactured until 02/2019. Please extend recall.
Power train, Jul 30, 2025
Component: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) The power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. Left me stranded in traffic.
Power train, Jul 26, 2025
PTU/Transmission failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. Traveling 70mph on a local highway when the vehicle gave two large jolts/shutters and loud bangs. Lost all power to the vehicle while on the highway and had trouble safely exiting the highway with other vehicles passing by and having no power to the vehicle. Transmission/gear fluid from the ptu/Transmission completely emptied itself onto the road after the failure. The Jeep brand is well aware of these issues plaguing the 2015- present Jeep cherokee 4x4 models. However, only the 2015-2019 are currently recalled. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or service center but is able to be.
Power train, Jul 21, 2025
Ptu failure at 75,325 miles as well as active grill shutter at same time. Was told the ptu is on back order and last person it took 6 months to get it. We have had vehicle since new and always dealer serviced. Super disappointed on time to fix it, meaning there is obviously a problem.
Power train, Jul 19, 2025
Service 4wd light is on, diagnostic is reading code for transfer case
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 18, 2025
The SVC 4WD light came on in my 2020 Jeep Cherokee at 59000 miles. This indicated a problem with the PTU, the transfer case actuator. The warranty expired 1.5 months ago, and Jeep is denying to fix it under warranty. This has been a recall for over 60,000 Jeep Cherokees, yet it has not been a recall for my vehicle. This clearly needs to be recalled for my specific vehicle, yet Jeep has failed to acknowledge this. The risks for the PTU failing are scary, including sudden loss of power and slipping out of park ,or drive, including while in motion.
Power train, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "4WD Unavailable" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transfer case unit was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, there were no parts available for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Jul 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "4WD Unavailable" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that that the transfer case unit was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 13, 2025
My Jeep keeps going into Limp Mode and not will completely shut off while I come to a complete stop at a stop light. And while I’m driving the engine light comes on. I can cycle it through to get the engine light off. Then it runs fine. This has been happening since after I bought it. I’ve taken back to the dealership I got it from and they couldn’t find anything wrong with it, so they took it to a Jeep dealership and got the same answer. Clearly there is something wrong with it. And could cause me to get into an accident. This is my only vehicle for transportation. The code that shows up is P0934
Power train, Jul 8, 2025
PTU Failed. 4x4 service light came on weeks after warranty ended. I called jeep and was told if it is not driving bad I can take my time in repair. My car ended up not working on Jericho Tpke., Commack a few days before Christmas. I was not provided a loaner due to the holiday week.
Power train, Jul 7, 2025
No injury or incident yet. The PTU was diagnosed as failing at 46,500 miles on June 30, 2025. The vehicle is still being driven because the driver has no alternative, but no dealership has been able to confirm whether it is safe to operate in this condition. A failing PTU can result in sudden power loss, drivetrain lockup, or loss of park function—especially in AWD vehicles. These symptoms match those described in NHTSA Recall 25V011000 affecting Jeep Cherokees. The lack of clear safety guidance and the delay in repair have created a potentially hazardous situation. This should be investigated as part of the broader PTU defect pattern.
Power train, Jun 3, 2025
Replaced transmission at 20,000 miles. Now at 55,000 miles it is going again. Powertrain warranty expired by 6 months.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, May 27, 2025
Hard shift 70-80 mph, lost drive power output. No response to gas pedal while engine remained on. I turned on hazards and moved to the emergency lane as the car was coasting to a stop. I caught a glimpse of 4WD or AWD something and it disappeared before I could read it all. I was about to approach an off ramp from the highway emergency when at a slow speed perhaps 30 mph or so output returned and I was able to complete driving home. This is the first time it was more than just jerky clunky shifting. Vehicle has 69,858 miles.
Power train, May 24, 2025
I bought my vehicle in summer of 2020 brand new. It currently has 66k miles on it. A week ago the 4 WD service light came on. I took it in for diagnostic and it came back with code C14A7-97 PTO motor operation. The motor is functioning obviously, but the trasfer case is not engaging. There is currently a recall on vehicles similar to 2020, on the same issue but none have been issued on mine yet. The PTU should be good for 100k miles but not even close to that & it’s a super pricey fix on a vehicle I still pay on monthly. PTU input spline is the power transfer unit, so basically my 4 wheeled drive vehicle is not gonna function in 4 wheeled drive. I am hopeful as I saw similar complaints to mine here, that this is the next batch of recalls for Jeep, as I doubt I am alone.
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, May 22, 2025
The power transfer unit, differential, spark plugs, and air induction failed. The vehicle is still having bad vibration problems at speeds above 50 mph despite $7,000 in repairs.
Power train, May 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the message "4-Wheel Drive Unavailable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The PTU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 21,794.
Power train, Other or unspecified, May 6, 2025
I RECENTLY HAD A SVC 4WD LIGHT COME ON IN MY 2020 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH HAS 75,750 MILES. THEN WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON TELLING ME THAT THE 4WD SERVICE IS UNAVAILABLE AND TO SERVICE 4WD. WELL - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PTU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL BECAUSE IT ONLY COVERED THE YEARS 2017 - 2019 AND SOME 2020 CHEROKEES. I FEEL THAT THIS PTU THAT IS DEFECTIVE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2020 YEAR AS WELL SINCE IT'S UNREALISTIC TO THINK THAT THE PTU WOULD FAIL ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS ONLY HAD THE 4WD EVEN USED MAYBE FIVE TIMES IN A 4 1/2 YEAR SPAN. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE THAT I FEEL SHOULD BE A RECALL AND WOULD/COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, OR ABILITY TO MOVE VEHICLE DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURES. I FEEL THAT JEEP/CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAVE BEEN SLOWLY ISSUING RECALLS, BEGINNING FROM 2014, THEN 2016 AND THEN 2017-2019 AND NOW I FEEL THE 2020 AND POSSIBLY LATER YEARS SHOULD BE COVERED. I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP 4/30/25. AT THIS TIME I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS PTU ISSUE AND AM TAKING A CHANCE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE SINCE MECHANICALLY IT IS WORKING RIGHT NOW - JUST PROVIDING ME WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS/BEEPS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND ADVISE.
Power train, May 6, 2025
Vehicle jerked and lost power to the gas pedal while accelerating. After about 20 seconds the gas pedal reingaged again. The vehicle coasted until that point. The service department of the dealership stated that they will not be able to diagnose the problem unless a code shows up that they can read, which none did. It appears that the issue is similar to the PTU issue of the 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was purchased in 2019 even though the model is 2020.
Power train, May 4, 2025
The PTU for 4wd going bad before 60k miles
Power train, May 3, 2025
Our 2020 Jeep has the same failing power transfer unit problems of previous Jeep Trailhawk recalls that had been issued for 2014-2017. Chrysler has had this vehicle in the shop now for over 60 days with no idea when they can even get parts because we are told there are several hundred of their vehicles with the same issue. They obviously have done nothing to address the failures of their power transfer units from the previous recalls and continuing to stick owners with that problem. They should also be responsible for providing a vehicle when they can't even provide parts for repair.
Power train, May 1, 2025
I was traveling down Elm Street and had just gone through the railroad under-pass when I pushed on the accelerator and heard something like the grinding, spinning, sound under the front passenger side of the vehicle. Additionally I noticed that I had lost all propulsion. I moved out of traffic and glided to a stop on a slight hill. This is when I found out that some how the whole drive train was disconnected, because I placed the gear selector into Park and let my foot off the brake and began to roll backwards down the hill. I quickly reapplied the emergency brake, and turned on my hazards.i turned the Jeep off hoping that it would re-set, and the transmission would re-engage. After waving a few cars passed, I restarted the vehicle, and the power train did re-engaged and I was able to disengage the emergency brake and remove my foot from the brake pedal. The vehicle was flat bed towed to a mechanic. He informed me of that this year and make of Jeep had a transmission recall but the VIN on my vehicle but was not included on that recall. He verbalized I needed to report this because my Jeep is doing the exact same thing as those involved in the recall. He verbalized that a clip was not postioned correctly and that is causing the transmission to completely disengage internally. He suggested I report this as Jeep may have overlooked the Trailhawk models in that recall.
Power train, Engine, Apr 29, 2025
The message/warning light keeps coming on: Stop/start Unavailable - Service stop/start system. This feature is suppose to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air! Some times this causes the engine/transmission to clunk. Seems to maybe a common issue with the Jeeps. Save fuel from burning while the car is stationary. Such a great feature and is doesn't work!
Power train, Apr 23, 2025
Was driving vehicle, started making grinding noise and would not move. After a couple restarts it moved, but was locked in 4x4 snow mode and would not change. Limped pinhole and had tow truck take to dealership. Diagnosis PTU is bad and needs to be replaced. Estimated cost is about $4000. Replacement PTU is on back order for at least 30 days.
Power train, Apr 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into two-wheel drive (2WD). The contact turned off the vehicle and, after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The "Service All-Wheel Drive" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) was damaged and disengaged the transmission and differential. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to Jeep Recall: 01C. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.