2019 Jeep Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)77035.9%
- Engine46521.7%
- Electrical34015.9%
- Driver assistance1446.7%
- Steering1205.6%
- Brakes1095.1%
- Fuel system422.0%
- Airbags422.0%
- Other / unspecified281.3%
- Body & structure200.9%
- Exterior lighting180.8%
- Suspension110.5%
- Visibility110.5%
- Seat belts70.3%
- Tires & wheels70.3%
- Transmission50.2%
- Interior & seats40.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Out of the blue my service 4 wheel drive indicator came up and I have been having power issues ever since. Everything points to my car should be u see this recall but it is not. This was a non collision related issue with my car. With the price of PTU replacements, I would like to have my vehicle included in the recall due to it checking all of the boxes.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Automatic transmission shifts hard at approximately 30 mph causing a sudden lurch.It has happened several times. It is such a sudden movement that it feels unsafe as if someone has hit my car from behind. I took my car to the dealer of purchase for the first time for this issue on 7/18/26. This has happened at least 4x and there were no warnings prior to it happening. Also, when I hit a small speed bump the lights went off on the dashboard and car was still running. No findings were reported.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
My driver side seat belt will not stay latched. The screen on my dashboard will freeze up and not turn on or off
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had cruise control on set on 64 up and down hills and around curves it just started going faster & faster I had to stomp the brakes 3 times to get it to quit afterwards the power train is now not shifting right it still was at times going to shop staying at 27 to 35 rpm’s, made it to shop
The vehichle is available for inspection upon request. While driving the vehichle will lose driving power and the D on the screen will begin blinking. The gas pedal will cause the vehichle to rev, however it does not accelerate. There have been times where an engine light comes on and i will get a message to put the vehichle in park and then back in drive. However, other times the D will just blink and it will not have an engine light or warning on the screen. I have had the vehichle in the Shop five times for the same issue. The first time they changed the wiring harness for the shifter, the second time they changed the shifter assembly. The third time we switched to another dealership and they replaced the whole transmission. When it happened again the dealsership claimed it was related to the recall. Once the recall issue was fixed (they replaced CPU) it began doing the same thing again. It is now in the shop again for the fifth time. This issue has put my family at risk multiple times. It has happened on the highway going 80 MPH multiple times. It has happened in traffic as well and causes me to have to put it in park and back in D in the middle of a crowded street causing many near accidents. It has happened at stop lights and began rolling backwards once while at a light on a hill.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the Mopar Two-Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. On May 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized FCA dealership, St. Helens Auto Center (Repair Order #XXX). The certified technician, Don Stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the PTU feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around.” Despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, Service Manager April McCall formally refused to submit a corporate Goodwill or Warranty Extension claim to FCA unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three CV axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry." To verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (Dr. Auto LLC, Invoice #XXX) on May 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All CV axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. The dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central PTU to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee PTU failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through Dr. Auto LLC, in Warren, OR. That it is in fact PTU unit attached to the propeller shaft. Plan to go through a dealership soon. This failure mirrors the symptoms described in NHTSA Recall 23V-302 (FCA Recall 01C). Although my specific VIN is currently not included in this recall, the mechanical symptoms—specifically vibration and grinding at the PTU output—indicate a premature failure of the input shaft splines. This presents a significant safety risk, as the failure of these splines can lead to an abrupt loss of motive power while in motion and a loss of the "Park" function, which could lead to an unintended vehicle rollaway. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether the current recall scope should be expanded to include additional 2019 Jeep Cherokee units, such as mine, that were manufactured with the same defective PTU components. Im afraid to lose power to my wheels while im driving with young kids in my vehicle and I am afraid to lose parking function that could injure someone or cause property damage.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was leaving the parking lot of a grocery store - I was probably 100 yards from where I parked to the exit to the road. My [XXX] and [XXX] were in car seats in the back. I went to merge into traffic going left out of the parking lot. As I accelerated to merge into traffic and get up to speed, the emergency brake on my car engaged with roughly half of my vehicle in the lane of oncoming traffic. As quickly as I could, I realized what had happened and turned off the emergency brake so that my car would move. By this time the car coming at us had to swerve around us and another car behind them was honking at us for being in the way and in the lane. The emergency brake was engaged because the driver side door was not 100% entirely closed. It was closed enough that when I would have realized on my own that it wasn't fully closed, I could have safely and easily done it. Instead, it put mine in my daughter's lives at risk. To my understanding, this is the way this "safety" feature is supposed to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle has an open PTU recall and when driving down the road my vehicle completely lost power was unable to drive or put vehicle in park in the middle of a turn which resulted in on coming traffic coming towards my vehicle. There were no injuries thankfully. My car was towed to the Jeep dealership in Anchorage, AK to have the PTU recall done as that was the suspected reasoning of the failure. After weeks of back and forth I was told the transmission was damaged and needed replaced and the PTU recall was not able to be done due to the recall instructions. I was quoted 8-12 thousand dollars in repairs which was unrealistic to me. I then had vehicle towed to an auto body shop that could replace the transmission for a lesser price. Once at the auto shop they discovered there was a complete PTU failure which caused the transmission damage and told me to take it back to the dealership for repairs to be covered under the recall. The dealership submitted the information and I was denied the recall and repairs. The dealership informed me I would have to pay for a new transmission out of pocket. However once I had the new transmission testing the PTU recall could damage and that I also need to pay out of pocket for the PTU. This has been extremely frustrating and given the pictures and evidence submitted for PTU failure causing the transmission failure and still being denied I find it absolutely appropriate to submit a claim
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2019 jeep Cherokee limited suffered a complete loss of power while driving down the highway and now has a service 4wd light on as well.
My car shut down and lost power while in motion, It said “electrical instability “ “service shifter” and cut off. Auto stop start keeps going in and out Seat belt comes undone while in motion
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Air bags did not deploy during my recent car accident, even thought the front end took significant impact.
Power Train- error message stating 4x4 is unavailable, message will appear anytime between when first starting the car to active on the road. While active, there sounds like there’s some sounds coming from the rear tires before message appears. This issue has been consistent since purchasing the car at 76k mileage. Airbag- at random and then noticeably when hitting some bumps, dash light stating “Service airbag system”
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the Mopar Two-Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. On May 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized FCA dealership, St. Helens Auto Center (Repair Order #XXX). The certified technician, Don Stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the PTU feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around.” Despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, Service Manager April McCall formally refused to submit a corporate Goodwill or Warranty Extension claim to FCA unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three CV axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry." To verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (Dr. Auto LLC, Invoice #XXX) on May 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All CV axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. The dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central PTU to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee PTU failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552
Have the seat installed using the lever lock system which chicco states is a lock off system and the seatbelt does not need to be locked off. After a few days the install becomes completely loose. I am also able to pull the top part of the seatbelt towards the buckle while it is installed
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle was found to have severe, pre-existing structural and frame damage that compromises its overall crashworthiness and structural integrity. This includes improper prior repairs that mask structural deficiencies. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Operating a vehicle with unaddressed structural frame damage and substandard prior repairs poses an immediate safety risk. In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s crumple zones and structural pillars may fail to protect the cabin as originally engineered, severely increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death to myself and my passengers. Yes. The structural damage and improper prior bodywork were formally identified and documented during an automotive inspection. The vehicle's structural integrity and repair defects have been documented via a professional inspection. Despite these documented findings, the dealership (Carvana) and the warranty administrator (SilverRock) are currently refusing to properly address or resolve the structural safety failures. There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or messages, as this is a physical, structural safety defect stemming from undisclosed prior damage and inadequate repairs rather than an electronic system failure.
Airbags didn't deploy when I was hit by another driver whose speed was greater than 35mph n the other driver didn't break or slow down when hitting me on the driver n left passenger doors. I requested for my insurance company to preserve the vehicle for inspection but I don't know how long they can hold it because it was determined a TOTAL LOSS. When I was hit NONE of my airbags deployed n because of that, left side of my head n shoulder were slammed into driver's door. The vehicle was inspected by my insurance n a certified mechanic n due to impact n location of damage done to vehicle, both parties determined vehicle was TOTAL LOSS n couldn't b repaired. There were no warnings lamps or ANY messages n other symptoms of the problem prior to deployment failure.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car shut down and lost power while in motion, It said “electrical instability “ “service shifter” and cut off. Auto stop start keeps going in and out Seat belt comes undone while in motion
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure was intermittent. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired, and the failure persisted. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, there was a large oil stain on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact called a mobile mechanic to the scene since there was no oil in the engine and the vehicle could not be driven. However, no cause for the failure was found. The mobile mechanic placed seals on the gaskets. Most recently, while the vehicle was stopped and idling, the instrument panel failed to illuminate, and the screen remained black. The contact stated that the hazard lights turned on independently and several attempts to deactivate the hazard lights was needed. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
6 MONTHS AGO I WAS DRIVING MY JEEP HOME AND MY SERVICE 4 WHEEL DRIVE LIGHT CAME ON. THE JEEP WAS RUNNING ROUGH BUT MADE IT HOME. HAD JEEP DEALER DO DIAGNOSIC AND IT SAID IT NEEDED TRANSFER CASE HE SAID THE PART WAS APPROXIMATELY $1600 BUT WOULD CONSIDERABLY MORE WITH LABOR. I CONSULTED MY WARRANTY COMPANY AND THEY REFUSED TO FIX IT THEY SAID ITVWAS A BAD PART BEFORE TJE WARRANTY WAS PURCHASED. (ENDURANCE) THE JEEP HAS BEENSITTING TILL I CAN FIGURE OUT IF I CAN TRADE IT IN OR JUST SURRENDER IT NO USE KEEPING A CAR I CANT FIX OR DRIVE. THIS RECALL IS THE EXACT PART JEEPS ARE BEING RECALLED FOR WHY IS MY JEEP NOT INCLUDED THE JEEP WAS ONLY DRIVEN TO WORK AND GROCERY STORE.
I brought the vehicle in November 2023 and the vehicle has been taken back to the dealership on numerous occasions due to the vehicle jumping/launching forward at low speeds, the power decreasing and then launching, the wheels for front end feels and sounds like something is breaking and the rear feels like something is broken and none of this has been addressed. I’ve been complaining some the end of November 2023. Vehicle also hesitate when pulling off. The electrical system in the car keeps overheating and then resetting. The screen gets hot to touch and freezes as wells as freezing when it very cold outside. At any temperature the screen goes black and will not comeback on for hours.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was reversing, the backup camera failed to operate, and as a result, the driver crashed into another vehicle. The rear glass shattered on impact. The rear bumper was damaged. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries. A police report was filed. There was no reported fire or air bag deployment. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle and discovered that the sunroof had shattered without impact. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be inspected or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer to seek assistance from the insurance company to cover the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
My driver side seat belt will not stay latched. The screen on my dashboard will freeze up and not turn on or off
Passenger seat belts closest two both driver side and passenger side in the back seat do not lock properly. We tried to vacuum it clean and blow compressed air in it to clean it out but still not working. We took it to a local jeep dealer and they confirmed they would need to be replaced but only the extended warranty covers $599 (we owe $386). This should be an automatic safety hazard because I have a child who sits there and a pet who gets tethered there. If an accident was to occur and injured either of them, that would be grounds for a lawsuit. The car is treated the same as my sedan and it has no seatbelt issues.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The service 4 wheel drive warning light came on when backing into a parking space. The light came and went intermittently throughout the following day. I called for a service appointment for my vehicle where it was determined via electrical diagnostics that the PTU actuator had failed, rendering the car undrivable without repair.
Took to dealer they informed us the put motor needs to be replaced. There have been recalls for this however ours has not been recalled.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached letter for complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine due to the cylinders misfiring. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating" was recently displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been diagnosed for the current transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via emails, and the contact also sent an email to the CEO of Jeep. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
After an accident occurred the drivers seat moved forward. The incident was a minor collision. During the repair of the vehicle, the body shop stated the seat could not be fixed. Drivers seat may not be moved forward or back now, making the vehicle unsafe to drive for certain people.
Currently the seats sound like they arnt bolted down correctly. Also recently the key fob is failing to unlock the vehicle and its taking multiple trys of pulling the fob out of the ignition and putting it back into the ignition trying it on different sides buying multiple batteries. Also the the vehicle has always gotten stuck in gear, hard shifting.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .