RoadVitals

2019 Jeep Cherokee

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
1,641
+21 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
11
Latest May 7, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
59
37 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 1,641 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 11 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 407 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

11 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN

May 7, 2026
61,711 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 40DView on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN

Apr 29, 2025
63,130 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
The risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 01CView on NHTSA.gov

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT; STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Aug 29, 2019
5,294 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number V99View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 30-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,300.

NHTSA ID
11765768
Incident
Sep 5, 2026
Mileage
76,300 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 19, 2026

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee experienced a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure that matches the known PTU recall defect, even though my VIN is not currently listed. The first code that appeared was C1494‑07, which is the recall‑related DTC. Cochran Jeep in Natrona Heights performed the recall software update and cleared the code. They told us that if the code returned, initial diagnostics would then cost a minimum of $190. The code did not initially return after the software upgrade. Several days afterwards, a SVC 4WD reappeared. During our state inspection, our trusted garage (Performance Auto) scanned the vehicle and found a new error code: C14A7‑97. Further inspection revealed metal shavings throughout the PTU fluid, indicating internal mechanical failure. They documented the findings and provided a photo of the metal shaving in the fluid. They indicated that the vehicle “had a reprogram done to it but the PTU failed – metal all through the fluid.” The AWD system is no longer functioning. The new code: C14A7‑97, indicates a PTU motor obstruction or blocked component. This occurred after the recall update and after the PTU had already suffered internal damage. We took the vehicle to Hillview Jeep in Greensburg. They read the new code but did not inspect the PTU or look at the photos showing metal contamination. They said that because the current code was different from the recall code and advised us to contact Stellantis. The PTU has clearly failed internally, the AWD system is inoperative, and the failure matches the progression described in recall 01C / NHTSA 25V‑011 (internal wear, range fork damage, and loss of drive power). This is a safety issue because the vehicle can lose motive power, AWD capability while driving and loss of PARK function while stabilized.

NHTSA ID
11765485
Incident
Jul 22, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 17, 2026

I received a recall on my Jeep Cherokee in June (40D/NHTSA 26V-290) for Power Transfer Unit failure. I contacted FCA recall center [XXX]). The notice indicated that at present there was not remedy for the recall. In August we noticed that the vehicle was engaging into 4WD on dry pavement causing it to lunge when making turns at low speed. I reached to to FCA and was directed to get the vehicle evaluated by the dealership. The dealer created a STAR case since this is the 4th time we have had this type of issue. The PTU identified for replacement. There is no timeline for when a replacement part will be available. FCA is trying to make us pay upfront for a rental car that they "promise" they will reimburse at a later date. We told them we did not have the budget for a rental and have requested a loan or that they direct pay for the rental. FCA needs to cover the cost of their safety issue not the consumer. We need a safe vehicle to drive in the interim, based on the recall notice we would be risking our lives and those of others if we drove this vehicle. I can provide lots of documentation if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11765051
Incident
Sep 2, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 15, 2026

Put transfer case

NHTSA ID
11764537
Incident
Sep 15, 2026
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 15, 2026

On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues. In May 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component/System Blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed PTU configuration and was excluded from Equipment Safety Recall 02C (Two Speed PTU Failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The PTU and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into Park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.

NHTSA ID
11764484
Incident
Sep 13, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rearview camera display flickered with black and white streaks. The contact stated that upon shifting into reverse (R), the black and white streaks remained on the display, and the air conditioning controls were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was a common issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA ID
11764475
Incident
Aug 15, 2026
Mileage
47,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the "Service 4WD" message displayed. While attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the gear shifter shifted to neutral(N), and the message "Still May Move When in Park" was displayed. The contact shifted the vehicle back into park(P) and turned off the vehicle, and there was an abnormal boom coming from the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred the next day. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The failure reoccurred the next day; however, the vehicle failed to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer stated that the symptoms did not appear to be related to the recall. Two diagnostic tests were performed, and it was determined that the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact was texted a link that had a detailed list of the multiple issues with the vehicle; the contact was then given an estimate for the repair. The contact called several dealers about the failure, and the dealers agreed that, based on the symptoms described, the failure was associated with the recall. The contact attempted to make an appointment with other dealers; however, none was able to provide a loaner vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11764135
Incident
Sep 8, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Sep 11, 2026

Car started making a grinding noise with service 4 wheel drive lamp, aware of a recall stopped driving, towed to dealer. Found code C14A7-97 described in NHTSA Recall # 26V-290. Shift motor actuator replaced by dealership. Submission of receipts to FCA with their outrageous response of withholding reimbursement pending a remedy for the recall. Recall issued since May 2026.

NHTSA ID
11763711
Incident
Sep 11, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

03-002-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

Stop/Start Illuminated, 0x22 During Fork Wear Routine Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● Negative response 0X22 after Recall 01C flash triggers one or more communication codes with controllers.

03-001-26

POWER TRAIN

Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.

S2208000045 REV.D

STRUCTURE:BODY

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

S2523000003 REV.A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.

08-075-26 REV. A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear Taillamp Condensation Clearing Procedure On occasion, vehicle exterior taillamp assemblies get fogged with a light layer of condensation on the SYMPTOM: inside of the lenses Fig. 1. This may be reported after the lamps have been turned on and brought up to operating temperature, turned off and then rapidly cooled by cold water (such as rain, or the water from a vehicle wash). Lens fogging can also occur under certain atmospheric conditions after a vehicle has been parked outside overnight (i.e. a warm humid day followed by clear cool night). This will usually clear as atmospheric conditions change to allow the condensation to change back into a vapor. Turning the taillamps on will usually accelerate this process. This bulletin is to communicate the procedure for rear taillamp condensation clearing.

21-027-26 REV. A

POWER TRAIN

Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Cherokee by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000—
2026540—
2025000—
2024000—
2023310—
2022513059.6
20211624064.1
20203033062.1
2019Viewing1,64111059.3
20186847159.4
20171,3346158.4
20161,4069260.3
20151,78711461.1
20142,64613359.2
2006170027.2
20012298160.7
20003697161.4
19993668161.0
199839811159.0
199739010263.1
199644710161.9
199560811967.7
19945199966.5
199341871566.7
19921135969.5
19912339667.7
19902709666.8
19891916366.4
1988974361.9
1987579767.9
1986218367.6
1985177465.4
1984774—
1983013—
1982022—
1981122—
1980132—
1979021—
1978120—
1977010—
1976041—
1975050—
1974031—
1973100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.