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: steering
22 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2026
Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter
Steering, Jul 20, 2026
Pulling into gas station and power steering went out when pulling in, almost hit pump. Not only did it now need a new power steering rack but the clock spring had to be replaced to program it
Steering, Jul 16, 2026
I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed. Which includes What the Dealer’s Reprogramming Usually Covers (Standard & Expected) • SCCM (Steering Column Module)programming/configuration — Loads the correct software and vehicle-specific data into the new module.• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration — Teaches the system the straight-ahead wheel position (critical for fixing hard steering and related codes).• Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) relearn — Calibrates the new sensor so the vehicle accurately monitors battery voltage/charging (helps with electrical gremlins and odometer issues). • Instrument cluster synchronization/reset — Clears the blinking odometer light and syncs the cluster with the new module. • Clearing all DTCs and running a full system scan (before/after reports). • Basic test drive/verification to confirm power steering feel, turn signals, and no lights.These are normal “post-repair setup” steps. Labor time is usually 0.5–2 hours total. I was quoted 200 dollars for this specific work to be done. They came back with codes C0051-04, C0051-64, U0420-00 which they said were codes that heavily recommended the rack and pinion to be changed but the codes that recommend that to be changed are C1592, C2217, or U0131. None of them showed. Then with the codes that they showed me they showed a low battery voltage even though I changed the battery recently, the smart battery sensor as well recently which they even said they reprogrammed for free which apparently they didn’t. They never showed me any reports of the steering control module programmed with all the parameters showing it passed or failed. They just immediately recommended the rack and pinion with the wrong codes. Go figure. Someone please help the service writer Jorge Rocha to better explain things with proper codes and the mechanic who should also be looked into for rights of worked done improperly.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jun 4, 2026
4wd and power steering is off due to some recall issue that affects my make/model/year but for some reason my vin# wasn’t able to be repaired. Alignment is off and I constantly buy used tires
Steering, Electrical system, May 19, 2026
2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, Auto Start/Stop, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Park Brake, ABS, traction control, check engine, and Blind Spot Alerts Unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, May 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the vehicle began to decelerate. The Service 4-Wheel Drive warning was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road where smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle near the power steering unit. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Steering, May 13, 2026
2020 Cherokee owner from dealer purchased as CPO w/23k miles in 2023. Shortly after purchase rear differential failed and was replaced under warranty at 25k miles. At 42k full Steering Rack failure. Daughter on 5 hour drive home from college experienced a completely random failure at highway speeds. Failure occurred with zero warning. It was a dangerous situation. Dealer quoting $3600 to repair. Original warranty has expired and CPO warranty does not cover. The company issued a recall on about 5,000 vehicles for faulty steering racks. My VIN was not included, though I have a hard time believing a full failure at 42k miles is simply a coincidence. Steering Racks should last 100-150k. This vehicle is well services and driven lightly. Pleaded with the dealer for help and contacted customer care. Was denied coverage and offered zero cost assistance. Dealer hourly rates in my area are $250 for some context on the quote and a 10 hour job apparently. The part costs $1100. Further, a quick perusal of reviews for other common issues with this vehicle unfortunately lists many. I would NOT recommend this vehicle!
Steering, Nov 18, 2025
There have not been any warning signals. We have had the car aligned and tires balanced. The steering wheel jerks slightly to the right. The vehicle started doing this soon after we purchased it but has steadily gotten worse.
Steering, Sep 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the "Steering Wheel with an Exclamation Mark" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact pulled over and turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however the steering function failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic went to the vehicle; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code with a handheld scanner. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a recall associated with the steering for the make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V637000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called a local dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,088.
Steering, Mar 27, 2025
While driving the Jeep at any speeds, or while parked and not running, the steering has a sticking or notchy feel when the steering wheel is turned. While driving staraight, any adjustment to the steering wheel cause the vehicle to jerk/pull to one side or another. Had vehicle evaluated at repair shop where the complaint was dulicated. All electrical functions passed inspection. The shop concluded that the malfunction would be a mechanical failure in the steering gears.
Steering, Feb 18, 2025
Steering feels shaky or loose in the rack and pinion and I saw this was a problem with this vehicle year
Steering, Jan 20, 2025
The steering rack and pinion system failed, which caused a loss of power steering while driving. The failure of the steering rack and pinion system resulted in a complete loss of steering control while I was driving on the highway at high speeds. This sudden and unexpected malfunction left me unable to steer the vehicle, putting both my safety and the safety of others on the road at immediate and extreme risk. The inability to control the vehicle could have led to a catastrophic accident, endangering not only myself but also other drivers and passengers in close proximity. This failure posed a significant threat to life and property. Yes, the problem was confirmed by an independent service center. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure.
Steering, Jan 3, 2025, crash
The contact's mother owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at unknown speeds, the steering wheel stiffened and was difficult to maneuver. The failure would occur intermittently. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby tree where it came to a stop. No air bags deployed. The driver sustained bruising to the chest, and back injuries, and hit their head against the steering wheel. Medical attention was required. A police report was failed. The police department towed the vehicle. The vehicle's front end was severely damaged causing the radiator to leak. It was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Steering, Apr 18, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked the driver attempted to accelerate forward and the vehicle erroneously made a sharp left turn and crashed into a construction zone causing damage to the vehicle and the construction site materials. No further information was available. During the incident, no injuries were reported and no police report was filed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack gear had fractured. The steering rack gear was replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was later informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V637000(Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 22,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2024
On Feb. 9th I was driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee when the steering locked,I was unable to control the Jeep. Warning lights popped on the dash. Service power steering, four-wheel-drive system temporarily unavailable, Blindspot alert temporary unavailable, Service electric stability Control, stop start not ready. By the grace of God, somehow I was able to stop the car. I called AAA to have me towed to the dealership Autoland Springfield New Jersey. My car was in the service department from From February 9 to March 1 After checking my Jeep they called in a master mechanic and it was determined that the rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced.
Steering, Oct 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle steering wheel had become firm. The power steering lock warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by a dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Steering, Jun 22, 2023
The Power Steering Control Module adn the Rack & Pinion Assembly had to be replaced.
Steering, May 15, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly jerked two feet to the right and two feet to the left. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the electronic steering power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The electronic steering power transfer unit was replaced, and the vehicle was fixed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Steering, Jan 6, 2023
Jeep has 36,000 miles, it has a very knotty feeling in the steering wheel when trying drive straight. It feels like the steering wheel gets hung up when trying to slightly turn left/right. Constantly having to chase the road. No wrecks, or accidents on our jeep. It happens at highway speeds and normal city driving as well. I read of a recall for steering gear in 2019-2020 jeep but our jeep is not showing a recall for this problem.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jan 17, 2021
IN THE AM, THE MONITOR WENT OUT AND CAME ON AT A LATER TIME THAT DAY; WHEN DRIVING AT 70 MILES PER HOUR THE FRONT END WAS VIBRATING; AND WHEN RETURNING HOME, WITHIN THREE SECONDS I LOST STEERING, IT ENGAGED, WENT OUT AND ENGAGED AGAIN. I PARKED THE JEEP, HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TWO DAYS LATER. WENT THRU ARBITRATION AND LOST.
Steering, Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 10, 2020
ON AND OFF THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING STICKS WHEN TRYING TO STAY IN THE LANE WHICH LEADS TO OVERSTEERING AND CONSTANT WEAVING IN THE LANE AND SOMETIMES GOING OVER THE LINES. THE TRANSMISSION ALSO SHIFT VERY HARD AND AT TIMES WILL NOT SHIFT WHEN IT SHOULD. I WAS TOLD THESE ARE NORMAL IN THIS VEHICLE.... IT IS NOT NORMAL!
Steering, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Aug 27, 2020
WHEN TURNING IT MAKES A SOUND. WHEN BRAKING IT MAKES A SOUND. WHILE IDLING FAN GET VERY LOAD. WHEN SPEED INCREASES MAKES A SOUND.