POWER TRAIN
2020 Jeep Cherokee
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 337 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 390 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.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2021 | 4 | 25 |
| Feb 2021 | 2 | 27 |
| Mar 2021 | 1 | 28 |
| Jul 2021 | 3 | 31 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 32 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 33 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Jan 2022 | 3 | 37 |
| Jun 2022 | 4 | 41 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 42 |
| Aug 2022 | 3 | 45 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 48 |
| Dec 2022 | 2 | 50 |
| Jan 2023 | 2 | 52 |
| Feb 2023 | 1 | 53 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 55 |
| Apr 2023 | 3 | 58 |
| May 2023 | 3 | 61 |
| Jun 2023 | 4 | 65 |
| Jul 2023 | 1 | 66 |
| Aug 2023 | 5 | 71 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 73 |
| Oct 2023 | 3 | 76 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 78 |
| Dec 2023 | 2 | 80 |
| Jan 2024 | 3 | 83 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 84 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 86 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 88 |
| May 2024 | 1 | 89 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 90 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 93 |
| Aug 2024 | 4 | 97 |
| Sep 2024 | 3 | 100 |
| Oct 2024 | 6 | 106 |
| Nov 2024 | 2 | 108 |
| Dec 2024 | 2 | 110 |
| Jan 2025 | 10 | 120 |
| Feb 2025 | 3 | 123 |
| Mar 2025 | 8 | 131 |
| Apr 2025 | 6 | 137 |
| May 2025 | 11 | 148 |
| Jun 2025 | 2 | 150 |
| Jul 2025 | 12 | 162 |
| Aug 2025 | 9 | 171 |
| Sep 2025 | 9 | 180 |
| Oct 2025 | 10 | 190 |
| Nov 2025 | 11 | 201 |
| Dec 2025 | 10 | 211 |
| Jan 2026 | 8 | 219 |
| Feb 2026 | 6 | 225 |
| Mar 2026 | 3 | 228 |
| Apr 2026 | 5 | 233 |
| May 2026 | 9 | 242 |
| Jun 2026 | 14 | 256 |
| Jul 2026 | 16 | 272 |
| Aug 2026 | 15 | 287 |
| Sep 2026 | 19 | 306 |
| Oct 2026 | 28 | 334 |
| Nov 2026 | 3 | 337 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)19848.9%
- Engine4912.1%
- Electrical358.6%
- Brakes307.4%
- Driver assistance225.4%
- Steering225.4%
- Fuel system102.5%
- Airbags71.7%
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.govBACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT; STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775898
- Incident
- Nov 5, 2026
My wife was heading home from an appointment on the freeway. When she got on the freeway meter she tried to accelerate onto the freeway but while doing so the car made a beeping noise and a warning sign was flashed. She did not get a look at the warning sign but then the SVC 4WD came on. She felt a severe stall with engine power and got really scared. We were lucky she wasn't going full speed on the freeway when the incident occurred. She wanted to pull over on the side of freeway immediately, but due to it being dark she thought it was unsafe especially with the debris that was present. She limped to the next freeway exit due to the car not being able to let her get past a certain speed she says was around 55 MPH. Since then we have viewed the car as a hazard to our safety to drive.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775796
- Incident
- Nov 2, 2026
My 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is displaying mechanical grinding and binding during tight turns, matching the internal Power Transfer Unit (PTU) spline failure criteria described in NHTSA Campaign 26V290 (Mopar Campaign 40D). Corporate handling timeline showing unreasonable delay and failure to address an active safety defect: October 8, 2026: Opened escalated Case #98302905 with Mopar Customer Care regarding active PTU failure symptoms. Agent promised a specialist response via email within 1–2 business days. October 20, 2026: Reached out via chat after receiving zero response. Case was tagged "urgent" for specialist email follow-up. October 26, 2026: Contacted chat again due to continued silence. Explicitly requested a response related to a diagnostic fee waiver, process-of-elimination technical alignment for 40D, and interim mobility coverage. The agent confirmed these three requirements were documented in the case and flagged the file for immediate supervisor review. November 2, 2026: 25 calendar days have elapsed since the original escalation with zero specialist contact, resolution, or email follow-up. The local dealership indicated a potential out-of-pocket diagnostic fee and difficulty attributing binding symptoms to the recall. Corporate support's failure to respond accordingly has delayed inspection.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775062
- Incident
- Oct 8, 2026
While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited (VIN: [XXX]), the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram ([XXX]) on XXX at 84,458 miles for diagnosis. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found active diagnostic trouble code C14A7-97 – PTU Motor – Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. They checked related fuses (F59 DTCM and F10 PTU) and ground G904A, all of which tested good. The PTU connector was visually inspected and showed no issues. Upon further inspection, the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was found to be leaking fluid. The dealer recommended complete replacement of the PTU. A claim was opened under the Lifetime Powertrain Warranty (Claim #XXX), but the warranty claim was denied. I was provided an estimate for the repair at my expense. This is a known issue on these vehicles that has been the subject of multiple recalls and class-action investigations involving loss of all-wheel-drive function, potential sudden loss of drive power, and risk of the vehicle rolling while in Park. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11773488
- Incident
- Nov 6, 2025
My 2020 JeepCherokee has been disabled at Jeff Wyler Springfield Jeep since 10/13 after suffering a drivetrain failure on 10/11.My vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical grinding noise,locking front wheels,& a 'Service 4WD' warning light while driving, un-commanded engagement of snow mode,& of the e-brake upon parking. Upon inspection 10/14,the tech claimed no codes appeared but stated the transmission required replacement.I contacted my warranty company to start a claim. On 10/15,the advisor said I needed to authorize a transmission tear down per warranty company.I refused due to out-of-pocket financial liability for a blind diagnosis.On 10/16,I asked the advisor how they diagnosed it as transmission needing replaced,she text “I went out with the technician he pulled the fuse and the vehicle still would not drive, this message also popped up on the dash further confirming the technicians disgnostic on the transmission replacement recommendation”(attached a photo of the dash “service transmission).”3rd party inspector evaluated the Jeep intact on 10/20.The dealership provided inspector with transmission replacement estimate & Federal Safety Recall 40D info.The advisor stated the inspector didn’t inform her of findings or if codes appeared.On 10/21,the advisor stated the warranty company directed them to perform software update on the PTU.On 10/22,the advisor said the tech attempted to perform update but update was not available so the tech put a request in to Jeep.D/t the un-remedied status of Safety Recall 40D,advisor stated my warranty company has froze my claim,stating they are waiting for recall remedy to release before proceeding.The advisor stated my only resource for alternate mobility is through Jeep Corporate.Despite my vehicle being undrivable d/t a federal safety hazard,Jeep Corporate Management Case#98327109 has flatly refused to provide a direct-billed vehicle,leaving a consumer entirely stranded indefinitely due to delay in manufacture recall remedy.
- NHTSA ID
- 11773111
- Incident
- Oct 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed with an audible alarm and an abnormal whirling sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed the PTU failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 21,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772618
- Incident
- Oct 1, 2026
- Mileage
- 21,000 mi
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon pulling into a parking space, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed prior to shifting into park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a rear differential or PTU failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772499
- Incident
- Oct 12, 2026
- Mileage
- 87,000 mi
2 weeks ago my vehicle broke down while driving due to a failed PTU, I went to accelerate at a stop sign my vehicle moved about an inch and then my vehicle would not move any further my engine just revved, four-wheel drive warning lights came on and then my car kept putting itself in park mode. Both a professional transmission shop and dealership have both diagnosed it with the failed PTU which is under recalled through Chrysler for recall 40D, my vehicle has been sitting at a dealership for 2 weeks, it is completely undrivable and unsafe. Chrysler/stellantis has no fix or remedy for the recall, the dealership has not been any help and the customer service for the recall center has not been any help, the dealership just keeps telling me since there's no fix or remedy I have to pay out of pocket for the same defective part to be installed, they will not offer any kind of loner or rental... I just bought this vehicle back in December and I still owe over $16,000 on it and I'm still liable for making a payment. Today the dealership notified me that I need to make a decision if I'm going to pay out of pocket for the repair or else my vehicle cannot sit on there a lot... This is left me in a very difficult place with no real answers from Chrysler or the dealership, the dealership also tried lying to me to get more money out of me by telling me that my battery was completely shot, after going up there and dealing with a manager we learned that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the battery but yet they still tried charging me over $600 to fix it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11772475
- Incident
- Oct 3, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
POWER TRAIN
D-26-20 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval
POWER TRAIN
ID-26-40 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to the Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval
STRUCTURE:BODY
Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY
Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.
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.
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
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
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2026 | 9 | 4 | 0 | — |
| 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 2023 | 3 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 2022 | 52 | 3 | 0 | 59.3 |
| 2021 | 183 | 4 | 0 | 64.1 |
| 2020Viewing | 337 | 3 | 0 | 62.6 |
| 2019 | 1,683 | 11 | 0 | 58.9 |
| 2018 | 692 | 7 | 1 | 59.4 |
| 2017 | 1,342 | 6 | 1 | 58.0 |
| 2016 | 1,415 | 9 | 2 | 60.1 |
| 2015 | 1,794 | 11 | 4 | 61.1 |
| 2014 | 2,652 | 13 | 3 | 59.1 |
| 2006 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 27.2 |
| 2001 | 229 | 8 | 1 | 60.7 |
| 2000 | 369 | 7 | 1 | 61.4 |
| 1999 | 366 | 8 | 1 | 61.0 |
| 1998 | 398 | 11 | 1 | 59.0 |
| 1997 | 390 | 10 | 2 | 63.1 |
| 1996 | 447 | 10 | 1 | 61.9 |
| 1995 | 608 | 11 | 9 | 67.7 |
| 1994 | 519 | 9 | 9 | 66.5 |
| 1993 | 418 | 7 | 15 | 66.7 |
| 1992 | 113 | 5 | 9 | 69.5 |
| 1991 | 233 | 9 | 6 | 67.7 |
| 1990 | 270 | 9 | 6 | 66.8 |
| 1989 | 191 | 6 | 3 | 66.4 |
| 1988 | 97 | 4 | 3 | 61.9 |
| 1987 | 57 | 9 | 7 | 67.9 |
| 1986 | 21 | 8 | 3 | 67.6 |
| 1985 | 17 | 7 | 4 | 65.4 |
| 1984 | 7 | 7 | 4 | — |
| 1983 | 0 | 1 | 3 | — |
| 1982 | 0 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1981 | 1 | 2 | 2 | — |
| 1980 | 1 | 3 | 2 | — |
| 1979 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — |
| 1978 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — |
| 1977 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — |
| 1976 | 0 | 4 | 1 | — |
| 1975 | 0 | 5 | 0 | — |
| 1974 | 0 | 3 | 1 | — |
| 1973 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — |
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.