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.
Wheels, Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving an oil change and inspection, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with 18 swollen lug nuts. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,900.
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Oct 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal scraping and crunching sound heard. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while driving on a bumpy road surface and over a pothole. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics, where the brake calipers, the brake rotors, and the brake pads were replaced. Additionally, a wheel alignment was performed; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was test-driven; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 19, 2024
AGS system failed at 26,000 miles causing the check engine light to turn on. Cannot use auto start or get car inspection while light is on
Power train, Oct 4, 2024
My 2020 Jeep Cherokee limited started making a loud clunking sound when on the break coming to a stop. It also makes a grinding noise for a mine while accelerating speed and then will shift back to normal. I have had it looked at and the dealership is saying that it is either the transmission or the PTU, neither of which I can afford to repair and with 70,000 miles on the car has no warranty. I was in an accident 2/24 and thought it was related to that however it is not. I did not have my car most of the summer while trying to figure this out and now there’s too many miles. I am a travel nurse and I drive 2 hours to work and o do not feel safe. There isn’t a recall however there are many recalls for the same issue but different years. I am frustrated because this is something that they should fix for obvious related reasons with other years having the same issue.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 29, 2024, crash
History of the vehicle in the shop for braking issues, on 08/09/2024; 2 vehicles in front braked for an animal on a busy road, and saw braking. Was at around 30mph and started to brake, car in front had an emergency brake event and came to a sudden stop. My vehicle sent a BRAKE!, warning and started to apply brakes, I went to an evasive maneuver, my steering was cut, my brakes kicked my foot to half pedal and I could no longer brake. Coasted into the back of the vehicle in front of me at around 25 mph.
Power train, Sep 25, 2024
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus has a defect in the PTU in which the 4WD system doesn't work. On the dashboard, a SVC 4WD light is always on which makes the car only driveable in 2WD. The Liberty Auto City Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram service center associate told me that the PTU is bad in my car, also that there are also a lot of other Jeep Cherokee's that have defective PTU's all over the country as well. It's been discussed in the Jeep Community throughout the years.
Electrical system, Sep 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off independently. While at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. There were unknown beeping sounds and warning lights illuminated. The driver was unable to exit the vehicle. The contact called 911. The vehicle was pushed off the road by a good Samaritan. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The battery was checked by a neighbor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was low voltage in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2024, fire
Upon driving at approx 20mph in traffic on the highway, there was a sudden loss of power in acceleration. Smoke was seen around the vehicle. Multiple lights flashed on the dashboard and then quickly went blank. As I was pulling to the side of the road I noticed flames coming from the front right side of the vehicle. The brakes no longer worked. I got out of the vehicle as smoke was seeping into the cabin. I was able to retrieve my phone and bag. Approx. 30 seconds after exiting the vehicle and moving away there was a small explosion. Over the course of the next few minutes there were multiple other explosions. Emergency services were called immediately. The vehicle burnt to the ground completely.
Power train, Aug 20, 2024
ptu premature failure
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 15, 2024
Fuel line plastic fitting cracked and was sprayed fuel on hot engine and exhaust system connector was where steel line from tank becomes a plastic line for engine There it no reason for this fitting to crack as Their is no tension on line. This is clearly a defective piece and don’t want someone else hurt from problem
Power train, Aug 2, 2024
The power transfer unit failed, requiring a replacement of the power transfer case. It is still on the vehicle and has not been replaced yet. The 4WD on the car is unavailable, which puts my family and I at risk when driving in snowy conditions as are common in the area I live in. Additionally, the dealership stated that there are no replacement parts available since the part is “under development”, likely due to a flaw. I have taken the vehicle to two Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram dealerships who have both reported the same issue. The component has not been inspected besides the inspections done at the car dealerships. There were no symptoms of failure besides the “Service 4WD” warning light coming on, as well as warnings every time the car is turns on, indicating that 4WD is unavailable.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2024
The past two days the car has been running a little rough. This morning the car didn't start and service shifter message came on along with battery and engine lights.
Seats, Jul 10, 2024
1. This is not a safety issue. This is a cosmetic issue. 2. Not applicable to warning lights. 3. General Issue: Bottom portion of drivers seat, reported to be leather, is peeling. This peeling is discoloring the seat and shows signs that it will continue over the entire seat. Never before have I seen this issue with leather seats (in many previous vehicles), including other Jeep vehicles. The issue was confirmed by an authorized Jeep dealer and they provided me an estimate including labor to be more than $1000. This peeling is of course, a cosmetic issue, but it looks awful and should not happen on a Jeep that is only 4 years old and has been gently taken care of. I realize this is a "wear and tear" issue, however there is no over-use - only usual getting in and out of the car. Leather should wear much longer and should not peel over time.
Power train, Jul 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the transmission failed without warning and the RPM became extremely elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. Despite the failure, the contact was able to coast the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the residence where it remained. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be towed to the dealer for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Engine, Jun 20, 2024, fire
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the four-wheel drive overheated warning light illuminated. The contact reduced the speed, and the vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver pulled over and informed the contact that the vehicle was on fire. The nearby driver also assisted the contact out of the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several explosions. The contact stated that the vehicle was burned to the ground. The fire department and the local police arrived on the scene. There were no injuries sustained. A Fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned to total loss. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. In addition, the case is currently under investigation. The failure mileage was approximately 26, 900.
Wheels, May 29, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine service; however, while being serviced, the mechanic discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels had swollen and that the factory lug tool could not be used to remove the lug nuts. The cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a special tool was used to remove the lug nuts. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure; and the manufacturer acknowledged that there was a failure with certain lug nuts; however, there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 23,500.
Service brakes, Apr 29, 2024
Vehicle randomly will engage the parking brake while vehicle is in motion and in drive. Vehicle then will stall and needs repeated attempts to restart before break will disengage. Have had it to the dealer, no less than three times with one visit lasting over 30 days with no resolution to date.
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.
Service brakes, Mar 16, 2024
Parking break will automatically engage and stop the vehicle while driving or in motion. It happens randomly and at different speeds. Have taken to two separate dealerships, and neither seem to think there is a problem because they haven’t duplicated.
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.
Power train, Feb 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Four Wheel Drive" message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 79,000.
Power train, Jan 31, 2024
My wife was driving the Cherokee on a level street at approximately 40 miles per hour and the power transfer unit malfunctioned causing the wheels to lock up. The 4-wheel drive was disabled and the emergency brake began engaging randomly. She was able to drive to the local Jeep dealer who informed her that the Power Transfer Unit had broken and needed to be replaced. This car is approximately 5,000 miles out of their 60,000 mile drivetrain warranty and has never been driven off road. When looking at the frequency of this part failure on the internet, it appears to be a chronic problem and in fact previous model years have been recalled for this issue. This year should be recalled too. On top of the part failure, Jeep can't even get the part to repair it due to the extreme demand. We cannot be given an estimate of when the part will be available.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 25, 2024
I was driving on an on ramp on an interstate and the vehicle suddenly went from drive mode into losing power and completely stalling out. From that point, the vehicle would not start and had to be pushed to the side of the on ramp. The manufacturer says that the Power Transfer Unit failed and needs replacement.
Service brakes, Jan 21, 2024
Vehicle slowed while driving at highway speed and started making a rotational grinding noise. Shortly after, brake light lit up on dash along with service parking brake, auto start /stop light and flashing light on e brake button was flashing.Vehicle was taken to Jeep deslership and scanned. Found emergency brake module went bad and needs to be replaced. Part ordered and Jeep will be scheduled to have it replaced.
Suspension, Service brakes, Dec 31, 2023
There is something wrong with my front, driver side electric break. When I at the speed about 40 mph or bumping road the break is not working. And some thin it making noise l, look like it is engaged by itself. The problem started when the car only 26500 miles but the dealer denied to warranty because it a month after 3 years.