Power train
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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."
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 450 |
| 1997 | 1,380 |
| 1999 | 2,004 |
| 2000 | 1,829 |
| 2001 | 1,111 |
| 2014 | 2,651 |
| 2015 | 1,794 |
| 2016 | 1,413 |
| 2017 | 1,338 |
| 2018 | 688 |
| 2019 | 1,673 |
| 2020 | 334 |
| 2021 | 177 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 345 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 352 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 369 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 416 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 432 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
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.
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.
The EPA rates the 2020 Jeep Cherokee at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.