IllustrationPower transfer unit bad. Confirmed by independent repair shop. 4wheel drive unavailable and service 4wd lights illuminated on dash. Part on back order with no release date.
2019 Jeep Cherokee
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cherokee years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cherokee years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3940–25K
13425–50K
8750–75K
6275–100K
64100–150K
9150K+
750 reports with mileage · 888 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 800 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 457 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 340 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
40 crash reports19 fire reports22 injury reports
Power Train complaints
800 reportsPTU failure 4 will drive problem
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal down to the floorboard and the vehicle responded, however, the transmission shif…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal down to the floorboard and the vehicle responded, however, the transmission shifted hard. The contact stated that the transmission was not shifting into the intended gear while driving at various speeds. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V739000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
SERVICE 4WD LIGHT CAME ON. JEEP DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD PTU. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SOUNDS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR JEEP CHEROKEES IN EARLIER MODEL YEARS AND SPECIFIC VIN#'S IN 2019. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR AND IT IS AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN. NOT TO MENTION THE HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED IF MY VEHICLE LOST …
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SERVICE 4WD LIGHT CAME ON. JEEP DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD PTU. NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SOUNDS LIKE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM FOR JEEP CHEROKEES IN EARLIER MODEL YEARS AND SPECIFIC VIN#'S IN 2019. THIS IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR AND IT IS AT NO FAULT OF MY OWN. NOT TO MENTION THE HUGE SAFTEY ISSUE IT COULD HAVE CAUSED IF MY VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. JEEP NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
I was driving and the car would randomly stop in the middle of the road, then I was unable to get it to start again unless i put the car in park turn off car and open door then restart the car. This happened multiple times, I’ve been to so many places to get help and they act like i’m crazy. It’s not consistent either. I had it …
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I was driving and the car would randomly stop in the middle of the road, then I was unable to get it to start again unless i put the car in park turn off car and open door then restart the car. This happened multiple times, I’ve been to so many places to get help and they act like i’m crazy. It’s not consistent either. I had it happen this week but before that it had been 2 months. It has happened at least 20 times within the past year
Transfer Case assembly already needs to be replaced. The part has been on a nationwide back order and our vehicle has been in the shop for over 2 months. I’ve already read that this has been a recalled issue in earlier models.
While driving at highway speeds the vehicle engine stalled. I was unable to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts during rush hour traffic. The check engine light is now on and AC has failed as well, vehicle was limped to a dealership. There was a known recall that was repaired back in 2018 on this vehicle but it appears t…
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While driving at highway speeds the vehicle engine stalled. I was unable to restart the vehicle after multiple attempts during rush hour traffic. The check engine light is now on and AC has failed as well, vehicle was limped to a dealership. There was a known recall that was repaired back in 2018 on this vehicle but it appears to have come back.
2019 jeep Cherokee- check engine light came on at 62,000 miles - reading said it was a 'cylinder 1 misfire' - long story short, I need a whole new engine. Coolant is leaking into the cylinder and throughout the engine with scoring, etc.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign with her foot off the accelerator pedal and slightly depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; howev…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and approaching a stop sign with her foot off the accelerator pedal and slightly depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power before stalling. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the failure recurred every day since. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V739000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 65,500.
The issue is prevalent in previous model years as well, PTU failure with associated SVC 4WD light, 4wd unavailable message, and grinding sound as the PTU splines self destruct. At the time of incident, was doing approximately 30 mph, rpms revved up, but felt powertrain lose power, rpms lowerd, transmission made a thud noise, v…
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The issue is prevalent in previous model years as well, PTU failure with associated SVC 4WD light, 4wd unavailable message, and grinding sound as the PTU splines self destruct. At the time of incident, was doing approximately 30 mph, rpms revved up, but felt powertrain lose power, rpms lowerd, transmission made a thud noise, vehicle lost power, then regained power with grinding noise. Took vehicle to local auto shop, ptu is not accepting commands, and is faulted.
Official recalls
1126V290000 · Power Train
May 7, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were 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.
25V011000 · Power Train
Apr 29, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
19V637000 · Steering:rack And Pinion:pinion Shaft; Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
Aug 29, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
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.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Steering:rack And Pinion:pinion Shaft
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.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
19V449000 · Air Bags
Jun 13, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.
19V248000 · Seats
Mar 28, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.
18V917000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
Dec 20, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
18V739000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Oct 19, 2018
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
18V523000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
Aug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
Aug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
18V492000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
Jul 26, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
18V344000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
May 25, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.