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
304 reports, newest first.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 22, 2023
I set my cruise control at a designated speed (70mph) and the vehicle accelerated well beyond…to 83mph before I realized it was still accelerating. I had to hit the cancel Button and turn off cruise control to get it to slow down. Then I set it and it didn’t “set” and kept decelerating.
Structure, Feb 23, 2023
The paint on the passenger door panel close to window is peeling off it should not be doing this with it being 3 years old
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 20, 2023
The PTU failed on a well maintained 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The SVC 4WD warning light came on my vehicle and the 4x4 system is not working. I took the vehicle to a Jeep dealership. The Jeep dealership looked at the issue and said I needed a new battery, which I paid a lot of money for then to install. They said the light would eventually go out. It did not. I had to bring it back and then they performed a diagnostic and inspection of the vehicle and determined that the vehicle has a bad PTU. This is a leased vehicle and I have been having to rent cars for the past month while we wait for a part for over a month. The dealership told me I could drive the car without a problem but it is such a terrible sound that I do not feel it is safe.
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.
Engine, Dec 29, 2022
This 2020 jeep cherokee altitude burns close to 3 quarts of oil. I have 26000 miles on it. I havent received any recalls or notice from dodge/crysler dealer. This is ridiculous
Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2022
The rare windshield shattered. The vehicle is currently at a Jeep dealership because after the incident I opened a complaint with Jeep corporate and was told to have it towed into the dealership. My child was sitting in the back seat when we heard a loud noise and seen the glass was shattered. Jeep was viewed by police. There were no warning that after warming my car up prior to leave my house that my back windshield would shatter not even a minute into my drive.
Power train, Electrical system, Oct 12, 2022
In August 2022, My 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited started having jerking issues when excellerating. I also kept hearing a whistling sound that appears to come from the front passenger door. In addition, the entire navigation system would power off, at any time, for no reason. I would have to physically turn it back on. One week later while running errands in Palm Coast Florida my 2020 Jeep would not start for approximately 20 minutes and the SVC 4Wheel Drive warning light was illuminated. While on the phone with road side assistance the jeep started. I was instructed to drive home and a tow company would be contacted. Driving home I realized that I had no operating lights, turn signals, and all th Jeep electrical components were out. I drove for 15 minutes to my home in complete fear for myself and other motorist. In August 2022, My Jeep was towed to Atlantic Dodge-Chrysler Jeep dealership located at 2330 US-1 South, St. Augustine Florida 32086 (904) 797-4383. I was initially told my issues were caused by a dead battery cell. The dealership replaced my battery but the SVC 4Wheel indicator was still illuminated. I was instructed by the dealership service department to drive 2 hours and rest the vehicle for 24 hours. The SVC 4Wheel indicator did not reset. I was informed by the dealership that a PTU unit needs to be replaced. I keep my vehicle routinely dealership maintained, so I researched the causes for PTU failure in 2020 Jeeps. I found that there has been a history of PTU failures with my vehicle type, to include the backup view delay. My vehicle has not been recalled for the rear backup view and it is still malfunctioning. If there is a recall on PTU units and rear Backup viewing, please send me the information to schedule a recall repair.
Suspension, Power train, Oct 12, 2022
Starting mid 2022, the vehicle was having trouble shifting into passing gear upon highway acceleration. It seemed to get stuck at 45 MPH before shifting into a higher speed, putting me at risk. Subsequently, In September 2022, I brought vehicle in for oil change. The mechanic put the car on a lift and found that the passenger front axle boot was torn, and fluid was leaking from the axel joint. I brought the car to the dealership for repair. The transmission problem was a needed computer update. The axel boot and axel half was replaced. The troubling aspect of this is that no warning lights came on for any of these issues.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 5, 2022
I will try to answer each question: The electronic emergency brake engaged on its own at a stop light, then later while driving on the highway. Could have easily been re-ended and lost control on freeway causing extreme damage. It was a night, and driving alone. Called dealership, they said to bring it in or tow it but wouldn't be able to get to it until Oct. 20th and then if a part needed to be ordered it would be longer. I then took it to our mechanic, who said it was the electronic brake module and most likely was caused by water leak. They showed me complaint article with complaints of same thing. I notified my insurance company of same. The warning lights only came when it happened last night. 10/04/22. They are not currently on, and I only drove it to the mechanic shop where they diagnosed the problem.
Power train, Aug 29, 2022
On 3 separate occasions after being stopped to make a turn vehicle has started to go and then stops moving like its out of gear. It will then make a clunkng noise like its going into gear and start moving again. I have taken it to jeep and they said after 1st two times it needed an update. It has since done it again and they tell me unless it does it while they have it they dont know what it is. This started with only 18000 miles on vehicle and it currently has around 22000. This is scary because its going to cause me to be in a wreck if it happens while I'm turning in traffic. Please feel free to contact me for further information.
Electrical system, Aug 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stopped. There was a temporary message of no bus, then the instrument panel went blank. The contact waited 10-15 minutes to press the Auto START/STOP button for the vehicle to restart. The vehicle was driven to the local dealer who diagnosed a failure with body control module (BCM). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,000.
Service brakes, Aug 17, 2022
Electronic parking break turned on automatically while driving 55 mph on highway.
Power train, Jul 9, 2022
My 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk began experiencing a "clunking" noise coming from the center of the vehicle. The first time I took it in, the dealer could not replicate the noise. The second time, the dealer did hear it and determined it was the Power Transfer Unit. The dealer *claimed* it was the result of uneven tire wear from the factory Firestone tires. The dealer has offered to replace the PTU under the warranty; however, they stated they "may not" replace the new PTU if we continue on the same tires. Even with 34k miles, the front tires have 10/32 and the rear tires have 12/32. They said that we needed to purchase new tires through them at $920. When I mentioned about getting tires from another tire store, he needed to check with his manager to see if the PTU would still be warrantied. The PTU is a known problem for the Cherokee but the dealer has been trying to seek ways to get more money.
Tires, Jun 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Size: 225/60R18, Tire line: 100hms Radio tubeless. The contact stated while the vehicle was getting an oil change the mechanic noticed that the two front tires were wound. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The DOT was not available. The failure mileage was 6,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 6, 2022
About a week ago, a faint smell of gasoline was noticed at the front of the vehicle after it was shut off. The smell became stronger and more noticeable with each passing day. Today, gasoline can be smelled coming out of the air vents as well as outside of the vehicle. Wife seems to think the smell started when she started using the Air Conditioning. No signs of fuel leaking. No Check Engine Light. The vehicle has 20450 miles on it. We are trying to get it into the dealership as soon as possible, but at this point we are not driving it out of an abundance of caution.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 2, 2022
I was driving to work this morning at 5:30am in the rain, heavy rain, so I had my wipers on. They were turned to high because of how heavy the rain was. All of a sudden the wipers went crazy and the drivers side wiper was hanging off the side of the car still trying to wipe. I immediately lost visibility and tried to move off the highway. I was struggling to see where the road was. I ended up off pavement at one point and I believe that's where I picked up the screw in my tire that made my tire go flat. I was luckily near an exit, but now leaning into the passenger side of the car trying to see and find a safe place to get off the road. This could've gone very badly I was lucky and blessed it did not. I took my Jeep to the service department at the dealership where the gentleman helping stated he's seen this a lot. He said there hasn't been a recall on the Cherokee only the truck, but he's seen it happening in a lot of vehicles. Evidently the screws come loose. If this is a common problem there needs to be a recall.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Jun 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle shut off and lost electrical power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure recurred while driving and the brake warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 24, 2022
In December 2021 the "AWD not available" warning message came on. During a trip, the cruise control did not work. Took car to dealer on January 4, 2022. Diagnostics revealed the following: oil leak in the engine, repaired under the warranty. Body controller module and body wiring failed, replaced under warranty. Power transfer unit failed, power transfer unit replaced under warranty. Car returned to me repaired on January 14, 2022.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 12, 2022
Climate Control system freezes and will not turn on or will stop working while driving. Windows fog up with no way to defrost and cause low to no visibility while driving. No warning lights appear before this situation occurs. Car was in the shop at Spartanburg Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge in SC for a month just a few weeks after purchasing the vehicle. The problem first occurred when the vehicle had about 5,000 miles on it. Within 6-8 months the problem is happening again.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 4, 2022
Fuel System Failure on top of 2.0 liter jeep turbocharged engine (approx. 53 - 54K miles), resulted in emptying of fuel tank over top of engine while driving on interstate. Vehicle filled after normal operation to low fuel light and driven for 29 miles to shopping center. Ran out of fuel in entrance/exit of shopping center parking lot. Attempted restart caused large volume of fuel to pour out of engine compartment onto ground. No evidence of tampering, photo of failure attached (believe under the split foil jacket). Vehicle did not leak when off, and delivered by flatbed to RI dealer the next morning. Backtracking the traveled highway path later indicated a probable in- operation failure (based on visible trail). This is consistent with approximate amount spilled in parking area and total fuel loss of 15 gallons based on tank size. Passenger compartment is tight and I do not recall it developing a strong fuel smell until attempting to run stationary. Noted 2020 Jeep Wrangler of same year had a recall notice for a 2.0 liter engine, notice 21V-665, so wondered if a similarity exists. There is concern for extreme fire risk, on-road shutdown, and environmental spill in a sensitive area. I walked the parking area where it stalled to ensure there was no large concentration of fuel mixed with the puddles from the rain. Quoted repairs are 676.00 not under warranty. Vehicle is a company car used only by myself, and has had no engine work or fuel area work, with only routine oil changes and maintenance inspection of air filters. Vehicle is waiting for backordered fuel line parts at Dealer service. This incident resulted in an extreme level of hazard to myself, environment and others, and I am surprised was considered a non warranty issue. Informed repair is outside of 36,000 mile warranty. OK, but I am a mechanical engineer with 35 yrs experience and this is worth a safety check to ensure there is not a pattern similar to several other Chrysler vehicles.
Engine, Dec 1, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact noticed that the vehicle was on fire while parked in a parking lot. The contact mentioned the fire caused 2 other vehicles to catch on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire and determined the fire was caused by the engine. A police report was filed. The vehicle was damaged. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,800.
Air bags, Sep 16, 2021, crash
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, when approaching an intersection a vehicle coming from the opposite lane came thru and caused the driver to hit that vehicle head-on. The air bags did not deploy. There front end of the vehicle was crashed in. The driver sustained a crack sternum, bruised lungs, and hurt their foot while depressing on the brake, the contact sustained an injured right shoulder due to the seat belt, internal bruises to their sternum, ribs, and stomach, as well fluids in their lungs. There was medical treatment at the scene and took both the contact and the driver to the hospital for treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the contact insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Contact was later found to have dislocated sternum and damage to internal organs as well as damage to dialysis port. He recently was hospitalized to manage pain and monitor organs four weeks in the hospital and one week in nursing home. Now doing PT at home.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Aug 12, 2021
The first time- driving and the ‘D’ button on the shifter started blinking and got stuck in Drive, excellerated, couldn’t stop. Shut car off! Rest after 15 mins and scheduled repair/check. Shifter box-assembly was replaced and found to be the problem. 2nd time- got stuck in reverse and wouldn’t move. Took it to the dealer, scheduled repair/check, told to keep driving it. 3rd time- check engine light came on, stopped at dealer, told to keep prior appointment and not to clear it. Never checked it. 4th time- driving at speed of 65, car shut off, no power but had brakes. Towed to dealer car still not able to start. Currently at the dealer.
Lane departure, Back over prevention, Jul 21, 2021
•On numerous occasions while backing up the rear cross traffic warning alert does not alert you and I’ve almost backed into other vehicles, a tree, a mailbox and even people walking. •My safety as well as my wife’s safety and the safety of other drivers is put in danger bc the alert warning not going off could have caused a wreck and caused someone to get seriously injured and it could have also caused someone to have gotten ran over or just simply hit bc of the alert system not alerting us of the other vehicles, objects or people behind the vehicle. •not sure what you mean •not at this time have I taken the vehicle to be checked. Have an appointment set up to go in next week. •no there weren’t any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. •the first Occitan e of this malfunctioned happened when we had the vehicle about 2-2 1/2 months It has happened more than a handful of times.
Engine, Jul 16, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his nephew was driving approximately 70 mph, a burning odor was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The driver then noticed flames coming from the engine compartment. The driver stopped the vehicle and exited. No further information was available. The vehicle was destroyed and towed away from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and an unknown dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13,000.