RoadVitals

2020 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.
278
+19 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.
3
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.
14
9 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 278 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 388 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

3 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: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be 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

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Sep 10, 2020
319,610 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: 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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC)Manufacturer number W30-W37View 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 Aug 12, 2026

Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go

NHTSA ID
11756429
Incident
Jul 29, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2026

Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.

NHTSA ID
11755891
Incident
Aug 10, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 8, 2026

Service 4 wheel drive light came on. Car loses acceleration randomly. Weird winding noise. Higher than normal rpm. See there is recall for this but states mine not included. Had mechanic look at it and was told it’s the PTU. Normal issue with these. Unfortunately over 10000 on back order. Hhmmm

NHTSA ID
11755606
Incident
May 16, 2026
ElectricalSteering
Filed Aug 6, 2026

Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter

NHTSA ID
11755280
Incident
Jul 8, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat, torque converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced, and that the engine control valve was possibly stuck, resulting in oil and coolant contamination. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11754914
Incident
Jul 27, 2026
Mileage
115,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right and the vehicle became difficult to steer. There was an abnormal roaring sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact waited until the vehicle decelerated before stopping the vehicle. The contact waited for a while before being able to continue driving and coasting into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on backorder for 2 months. The dealer suggested that the contact not drive the vehicle until the vehicle was repaired to avoid further damage. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 111,299.

NHTSA ID
11754362
Incident
Jul 23, 2026
Mileage
111,299 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 31, 2026

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Started hearing grinding and roaring noises coming from the front wheels and was having trouble stopping. There is a recall already going for the same make and model but for other specific vin numbers, mine not included. The problem was inspected and confirmed by the dealer previously bought from The original warning light was ‘svc 4wd’ and came onXXX and within a couple minutes the noice and issue started. When I called the Jeep recall and warranty specialists they said they wouldn’t do anything until “the car is in an accident or myself, my [XXX] daughter or someone else is seriously injured or dies before they open an investigation” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11754076
Incident
Jul 29, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 30, 2026

My 2020 Jeep cherokee car made a sound and seemed to lose some power a warning came on serv 4wd took to mechanic was told PTU is causing error I put my vin in and it says no recalls I have contacted Jeep Corporate who said they do not have a fix for this at this time and would email me. My husband has the same year make, and model and also has this error. I did call Jeep Corporate and spoke to a Mia who said she had no information on the issue and gave me a case #

NHTSA ID
11753847
Incident
Jul 22, 2026

Manufacturer communications

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

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.

18-044-26

ENGINE

Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P25E4-00 - B Camshaft Position - Unable To Achieve Locked Position Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P05BD-00 - Stop-Start Mode Switch Range/Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0116-00 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P062B-00 - Internal Control Module Fuel Injector Control Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0604-00 - Internal Control Module Random Access Memory Ram Error. (In Active or Stored status) ● P060C-00 - Internal Control Module Main Processor Performance. (In Active or Stored status)** ● P018B-00 - Fuel Pressure Sensor "B" Circuit Range/performance. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P1CEA-00 - Boost Side EVAP Purge System Performance. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P06DD-00 - Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P00C6-00 - Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P0300-00 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire. **(In Active or Stored status)** Customers may also experience one or more of the following: ● **Oil Level High Warning in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).** ● Fully Autonomous Parking Assist (FAPA) is not deactivated when accelerator pedal is pressed. ● Vehicle is not heating up fast enough at freezi

S2208000045 REV.C

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

S1408000384 REV.J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On

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
2026320
2025000
2024000
2023310
2022483059.9
20211504064.9
2020Viewing2783061.9
20191,61111060.1
20186807159.9
20171,3256158.7
20161,4039260.8
20151,78011461.1
20142,63913359.2
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.