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, Mar 20, 2025
The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someone gets hurt.
Power train, Mar 20, 2025
4WD Warning light illuminated during normal driving. 4WD system inactive creating unsafe driving condition in Michigan winter weather. Vehicle taken to Jeep Service center and found C1494-92 active fault code. Performed PTU fork recalibration and fault went away, vehicle returned to owner. Within 2 days, 4WD Warning light illuminated again. 4WD system inactive again creating unsafe driving condition in Michigan winter weather. Vehicle returned to same Jeep Service center and same C1494-92 active fault code found. Now fix changed to PTU replacement, very expensive and time consuming service. From first visit to second visit, warranty expired so customer was responsible for PTU replacement cost.
Power train, Mar 13, 2025
Ptu unit not working. I brought to dealership, and he confirmed issue. However, there is a recall for 2017-2019 jeep Cherokees. My jeep was manufactured 8/2019 even though I purchased it in January 2020. How do I know they checked my Jeeps vin number with the 2019 models? I understand it's a 2020 but it was made with the 2019 models.
Power train, Mar 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk, lost automotive power, and stalled. The contact later discovered that the vehicle would reverse. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had experienced an internal failure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Power train, Mar 12, 2025
Power train problems at 17,000 miles, 5 years 3 weeks from purchase, with a 5-year / 60,0000 mile warranty. First diagnosis required replacement of the transmission valve body. This did not work. The second repair required replacement of the transmission. This failed after a 3 mile drive. The third repair was the power transfer unit. I have only driven about 5 miles since then and am hesitant to drive more. The repairs above took 102 days to complete and cost $4907. Other than the transmission failure and need to pull off the road and await a tow, there was no safety risk apparent. The vehicle was serviced by a dealer. The manufacturer is aware of the problem(s). No warning lamps or messages were noted.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 1, 2025
The engine light comes on randomly. And causes the transmission to bog down and unable to accelerate. We have to pull over and shut the vehicle off and cycle it a few times to get the engine light to come off and then it drives fine. Has happened multiple times and has happened on the highway while driving. I’ve also had the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I’ve taken it to 2 dealerships and was told there is nothing wrong with it. I’m afraid it will cause a bad accident and I’m gonna get hurt if this issue isn’t resolved soon. The Dealership I bought it from Tim Witt Chevrolet in Crivitz Wi. And they took it to Riverside Jeep Dealership in Marinette Wi.
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
Power train, Feb 11, 2025
srvc4WD. This IS a reoccurring issue. Not only for the 2020 jeep TH but for other years as well. I follow many forms on Jeep Cherokee, everyone states this to be an issue. This issue can cause the vehicle to shutdown or malfunction causing a horrible accident. Jeep needs to get this situated as this is a life risk.
Power train, Feb 4, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the service 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic 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 a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jan 31, 2025
My vehicle started having issues in December saying that my oil levels were low. i couldn't pinpoint what the issue was so i called AAA due to how unsafe it would be to drive my car with it stating the oil levels were low and my engine light being on. AAA came out to my house and when he inspected it he stated that everything in the engine looked good but that my oil was low because of leak even though we could not pinpoint where it was coming from. I took my vehicle to contintental transmission the next day on christmas eve, upon speaking with the manager of the shop he confirmed that the jeep cherokees that had the 3.2L or 3.6L engine had an issue with the oil filtration system, he stated that he estimates he fixes 2-3 of them per week and replaces the entire oil system. He stated how unsafe it was and that the issue occurs in those drivetrains specifically after 3-4 years of ownership, he told me the job was be $1500 to fix.
Power train, Jan 31, 2025
the vehicle lost drive and would not move. lost power and then would not shift
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2025
While using the remote start feature to warm car in attached garage (with door open), car started then after a minute stalled out. I tried to remote start again and it did not start. went to vehicle to start with key fob present, as I went into attached garage there was a strong odor of gas. started vehicle and removed outside of garage to find a huge puddle of gas on ground in attached garage. fuel leaked out while running using remote start! had car towed to dealership, they informed me that the fuel supply tube had failed (part# 68489840AA). repair cost of $610 plus $ 128 for towing. this could have been a total loss of car and garage, possibly LIFE, along with house that is attached to garage!!!!! or it could have caught fire will driving. DANGER DANGER!!!!!! our whole house had the worst gas fumes all day, cleaned up spilled fuel as best as possable and a week later still has a odor of the spilled fuel!
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 29, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was oil underneath the front end of the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed oil leaking from the top of the oil canister. The contact looked online and found a recall related to the failure experienced; however, the contact could not recall the NHTSA Campaign Number. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Power train, Jan 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the engine temperature started to increase. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where the tires were replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled, and while shifting gear, the vehicle was making a grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where the brakes were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle occasionally stalled and was very slow to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure, a hole in the transmission line, and a valve leak in the oil gasket. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 23, 2025
I was driving down the road when all of a sudden I felt a loss of power, and it started smoking. Turned out that the oil filter housing was made out of plastic, and had broken, the car was only ever taken to the Jeep dealership for service as it was purchased certified pre owned, and it was replaced with an aluminum part instead of this plastic piece. They replaced the oil filter housing and the valve cover gasket with less than 40,000 miles on the clock. Thankfully I was on my way home, but if I would've kept driving, it would've resulted in a fire or accident.
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.
Engine, Jan 17, 2025
Vehicle popped an engine as the vehicle was in motion. After taking it to a mechanic, they ran diagnostics and said that the Active Grill Shudder (AGS) had stopped responding to the cars computer. The problematic part was ~$600 and happened 11 months after purchasing the car. The dealer refused a reimbursement stating that they couldn’t help as I brought it to a local mechanic. The fact the engine light popped up while the car was in motion could be a safety issue. No warning happened before the issue presented itself. The car started fine with no engine light.
Power train, Jan 10, 2025
The power Train Unit failed. My wife is a nurse that drives from PA to MD on the back roads everyday, The part will not be avaliable until 5-22-25 if I order it today. Are people expected to rent a car for 3 months while the part might come in? We are very frustrated. Thank you , [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Vehicle speed control, Dec 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while engaging the cruise control at 60 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 80 MPH. The contact attempted to lower the speed on the cruise control setting; however, the speed failed to be reduced as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle to deactivate the cruise control. After waiting for the digital display to completely shut down, the vehicle was restarted, and the cruise control was reset. The cruise control functioned properly after completely shutting off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,211.
Service brakes, Dec 1, 2024
The parking brake comes on without being activated. Causing the jeep to stop.
Power train, Engine, Nov 27, 2024
INITIAL CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE CASE #[XXX] NEW (ESCALATED TO SUPERVIOR) CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE #new case #[XXX] high idle new engine at about 50k miles when car was 3 years old new battery $270 recently SVC 4WD - in July dealer told me it wasn't covered under warranty and made no mentioned of goodwill warranty, 2-year grace on warranty, nor any options. several mechanics told me $3K to fix. declined. called dealer who told me to call Chrysler customer care who told me they can't do anything until dealer diagnoses the vehicle. Chrysler customer care tried various times to reach service team at sterling heights dodge - they would not take call or call him back. he finally reached someone who told him that i need to come by and they can look at my car and then after I could see receptionist to then make appt. he said it doesn't make sense for me to go there twice. I did call and make appt and have gotten the run around since. Chrysler customer care told me I would qualify to have this fully covered since I was just over warranty (now at 65K miles since months has passed since this first occurred in July (60,250 miles) and because I was the original owner and mentioned something about a 2-year grace. However, the goodwill warranty came back only covering 70% and making me responsible for 30%. This is ridiculous - this is just a start or continuation of more costly major repairs, and I cannot afford to keep this car any longer but need to get this fixed so I can trade it in or sell it and get a new car with a different automaker. I cannot get Chrysler customer care to call me back nor is the dealership willing to help. While I don't know the ins/outs of lemon law and this probably doesn't qualify, it feels s like a lemon. see attached letter for details/history. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 8, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at a red light, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the vehicle briefly rolled backward before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
Power train, Oct 27, 2024
I was going 35 miles per hour the car as i was driving started acting abnormally driving in a lagging jerky way and then states 4wd unavailable service soon. I looked up the issue which seems like a ptu defective part and it seems to be a pretty common issue that jeep cars are experiencing and having difficulty with while driving.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2024
Jeep was stalling randomly when coming to a stop or at a stop sign initially. It is now stalling completely when driving, states “push into park and start car”.