Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2020 Jeep CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 334 owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (199) and engine (46). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
21–26mpg
EPA · 10 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest May 2026
Owner complaints
334
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train

Remedy pending

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Power trainReported May 7, 2026NHTSA 26V290000

Back over prevention: camera

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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."

Back over preventionReported Sep 10, 2020NHTSA 20V191000

Steering: rack

Free remedy

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.

SteeringReported Aug 29, 2019NHTSA 19V637000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

334 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2019 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train199
  2. Engine46
  3. Electrical system35
  4. Service brakes25
  5. Steering22
  6. Forward collision avoidance10
  7. Fuel/propulsion system10
  8. Vehicle speed control8
  9. Suspension7

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
1996450
19971,380
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20142,651
20151,794
20161,413
20171,338
2018688
20191,673
2020334
2021177
202252
20233
20260
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
9
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

199 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2026Power trainODI 11773488

Engine

46 reports6 fires
“ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, WHENEVER YOU ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP (LIKE A TRAFFIC LIGHT), THE VEHICLE WILL COAST INTO THE INTERSECTION, CAUSING A TRAFFIC HAZARD. IT HAS DONE THIS MULTIPLE TIMES. AT 60,300 MILES, DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT ENGINE WAS NOT COVERED. I PURCHASED A NEW ENGINE, WHICH NEVER FIXED THE PROBLEM. 5 DIFFERENT TIMES THEY RESET DASH BOARD, BUT THE IT CONT'D BEFORE I CAN GET HOME. DEALERSHIP GASLIGHTS WITH THEY COULD NOT GET PR0BLEM REPEATED. BUT AS SOON AS WARRANTY EXPIRE(EED), DEALERSHIP ADMIDES CAR NEEDS 2ND NEW ENGINE. $9K.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 5, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11768960

Electrical system

35 reports
“Driving after work on 53S my jeep decided to only go 5mph engine light turned on among other light. Svc 4wd. Had to pull over the interstate shoulder that’s under construction and had very small space to park without getting hit by others.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 1, 2026Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11768264
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

10 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl · 3.2L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 9-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive
233126$2,450345
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
223125$2,550352
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
212924$2,700369
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
212924$2,700370
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800387
Cherokee FWD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202923$2,800387
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
192722$2,900400
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900400
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
182621$3,050416
Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD
Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive
182421$3,050432
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 14273Vehicle 14242
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Jeep Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 334 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (199), engine (46), electrical system (35). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Jeep Cherokee at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026