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.
Power train, Engine, Jun 23, 2026
Sometimes when I am driving and stop, the automatic engine does not turn back on. This has caused my car to stop and need to be restarted in the middle of the road and the amount of times this happens has been increasing.
Power train, Jun 22, 2026
Power Transfer Unit Failure diagnosed by Safford Dodge, Jeep dealership in Fredericksburg, VA. My VIN is not showing up as part of the recall. My car is still awaiting repair.
Power train, Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN); because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
Power train, Jun 22, 2026
The power transfer unit went out of car at 67000 miles (just out of warranty). Haven't got fixed due to expensive. Now has 144000 miles on it and still not fixed. Noticed there were other recalls but mine wasn't part of it yet PTU went out.
Power train, Jun 22, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH in the driveway, the service 4WD warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Power train, Jun 17, 2026
4WD has issues with the transfer case and cars up to 2019 had issues. I cant get parts and it is not safe to drive.
Visibility, Jun 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the rear sunroof panel fractured without impact, and the shattered glass fell all over the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Power train, Jun 8, 2026
I started getting a warning light in my Jeep (svc 4wd). The dealer diagnosed it as an internal failure of the PTU motor, which needs replaced. I learned that the PTU motor is a recall item for Jeeps long before mine was.manufactured, extending long past my manufacture date. For some reason, my VIN is not included, even though my PTU is failed and presents the symptoms that logically should include it. My discussion with the repair person went so far as to suggest I always use the parking brake, just in case, to prevent spontaneous roll-away. I also learned there are many other Jeep owners facing the same problem, causing at least a month's delay in obtaining a replacement PTU to fix this problem. I believe and respectfully request that this issue should be considered a part of the original recall, to include ALL Jeeps within the stated time frame. This submission is in reference to 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee (NHTSA Recall 26V-290 / FCA Recall 40D). Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Power train, Jun 7, 2026
I was driving and my power steering suddenly went out by its self. It was a very dangerous and traumatic experience. I had to get a good grip on the steering wheel to keep from hitting a Parked Car or something! I read that it was once a recall for this part but when I took it to the dealer they said it wasn’t. I need some type of help. My car isn’t safe for me or my son
Power train, Jun 7, 2026
I received a warning light svc and, had the car looked at a Jeep dealership in late Feb early March, the PTU case needs to be replaced. There seems to be a recall for this on jeep cherokees but my car isn't listed and my car has had a failure.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2026
I have brought in my jeep to the dealership for Issues while driving on the freeway going around 70 75 mph the dealership did some maintenance repairs on Tuesday, June 2 of 2026 since then I have noticed when I’m driving around 70 mph the vehicle vehicle hesitate like it and shifting and loses acceleration feels like I’m driving on ice and vehicle isn’t controllable feels like it’s hesitating.. I had to bring it to another dealership cause I feared for my safety.
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
Power train, May 27, 2026
Service four-wheel-drive light came on. Took Vehicle to the Jeep dealer for inspection and paid $220.94 diagnostic fee. Jeep dealer stated that the power transfer unit had an internal failure code C1487–97. Dealership quoted a repair cost of $2836.75. Dealership stated the part was on backorder and would not be available for weeks or months or longer. Although there are three recalls specifically associated with this issue for this specific model… The VIN number to this vehicle is not included for some reason. It seems evident that if the part failed it obviously suffers the same issue as the others that are included in the recall.
Power train, May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to lose propulsion upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an abnormal, clunking sound began to emti from the without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle lost all forward propulsion. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they also experienced the same failure. The dealer managed to get the vehicle to move while in reverse(R); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate forward. The dealer had diagnosed the vehicle with a defective PTU(Power Transfer Unit) and it was later discovered that a recall had been placed on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(Power Train). Although a recall was placed on the vehicle; the part for the repair was unavailable. 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 and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The contact was given an estimate to have a new PTU placed inside the vehicle; however, that would only be a temporary fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.
Parking brake, Power train, May 20, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" and "Four Wheel Drive Unavailable" had displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle the parking brake had malfunctioned. The cause of the fialure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(POWER TRAIN ). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 82,000.
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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, May 14, 2026
My vehicle has been in the shop over 6 times due to the malfunctioning of the EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM. Less then 2.5wks after I purchased this vehicle, I started experiencing my E brake randomly engaging while driving it down the road. I called the dealership. They suggested I bring it to a jeep dealer. I’ve brought it to a jeep dealer where it’s been several times since I purchased the vehicle to have this issue looked at, but due to the fact of no codes popping when it gets brought in there’s nothing that they can do. I reported it also with the jeep company to which my case/complaint was closed out, even though the problem has not been fixed the most severe and most scary time that my emergency brake system came on was when I was driving at 65 miles an hour at 2:30 in the morning leaving work with a semi truck behind me and my emergency brakes randomly engaged on the freeway bringing me to a dead stop. They replaced the emergency breaking module and it still does it however, now my vehicle no matter what I do every time I put the vehicle even into park, my emergency brake kicks in. I’ve also looked up online and seeing that I’m not the only one that has experienced this that several other jeep owners have also experienced this typically found from the years of 2014 to 2020 Jeep Cherokee I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited my vehicle had 30,000 or so miles on it when I purchased this car this car has been a death trap ever since. I can’t even feel comfortable putting my children, my mother or even my animals into this car let alone myself. I do fear that one day this vehicle is going to kill me because that night with that semi behind me he could’ve easily rear-ended my vehicle and I’m sure he was doing 75 miles an hour and then a vehicle not even a half a mile in front of them randomly stops without any warning how that happened my children would not have a mother.
Engine, May 14, 2026
VERIFIED CONCERN, FOUND VEHICLE TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND DOES NOT IDLE CLEANLY. PERFORMED MISFIRE MONITOR AND NOTED NO MISFIRES AT THIS TIME. INSPECT SPARK PLUGS, COILS AND CYLINDER BORES FOR CONCERN, NOTED LOW COMPRESSION ON CYL #2 (150, 105, 145, 150). INSPECT CYL BORE WITH CAMERA, NOTED EXCESSIVE SCOURING AND DAMAGE TO CYLINDER WALLS CAUSING MISFIRE. ADVISE LONGBLOCK OR COMPLETE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT REQUIRED. OPEN INVESTIGATION: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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!
Engine, May 5, 2026
The engine started making clunking sounds when driving. Brought it in and they said piston 2 has low psi, damage to cylinder, oil in cylinder, and the vehicle has roughly 47,500 miles on it. It has had on time oil changes and maintenance. I am told it needs a new engine.
Power train, Electrical system, Apr 28, 2026
At about 50,000 started noticing a shift in transmission noise, and a new “burnt smell”. There was a delay in shifting to a lower gear. Took to a shop 2x different times for them to say it was “normal”. SRV 4x4 light came on after 2nd time in shop. Went in again for light diagnostics, to find that PTU actuator is faulty and is a KNOWN issue in this vehicle. Repair $5000.00 with a back order on the part of over 900 people! Jeep fix and own your mistake!
Power train, Apr 28, 2026
Service 4WD Indicator
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2026
Was driving my vehicle and the service light came on that said (SVC 4X4) when I took the vehicle in the Fury Dealership to get a diagnostic check, I was told that my PTU system need to be replaced and it would cost $4500.00 to repair, upon doing some research it seems that Jeep Cherokee has had MANY problems with this particular parts failure. Upon going back and forth with the Service manager about the repair cost I was told they would do the repair, but I would have to pay about $1000.00 for the repair which is insane because this is something that Jeep should be required to fix due to the MANY complaints and repairs for this vehicle. I was told that the part was on back order and could take months to get, this was in February 2026 and its now April 22, 2026. I have not received any updates as to when the part will come in in the meantime I'm driving a vehicle that can potentially KILL ME.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 14, 2026
I was driving on the highway on my way to work around 7:45 am. As I was driving my car lost all power and I heard a grinding sound. As the grinding sound was happening, I had no control over my car. I managed to move to the side lane and put my hazards on. I then had to wait for a tow truck. Ultimately, the brakes, the transfer case, and the rear differental needs replaced.