Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Jeep Cherokee problems

Owners filed 334 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA between Oct 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (199).

Complaints
334
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Air bags7
  11. Wheels5
  12. Engine and engine cooling4
  13. Parking brake3
  14. Structure3

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20191
202020
202113
202216
202330
202430
2025101
2026123

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

199 reports1 related recall
“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

Service brakes

25 reports1 crash
“While driving, emergency parking brake engaged. Required vehicle to be driven on and parked on road shoulder. Grinding sound was coming from engaged parking brake. Vehicle was towed to nearest dealership.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11770673

Steering

22 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 6, 2026Steering, Electrical systemODI 11755280

Forward collision avoidance

10 reports1 crash
“Parking brake will automatically engage randomly while car is stopped at lights, stops signs, ect. The only way to reset is to put vehicle in park, turn off ignition and restart vehicle. Has happened several times over the last 3 months.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 28, 2025Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11663544
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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