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2020 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cherokee years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

87 reports with mileage · 207 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 169 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 39 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports5 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

294 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 16, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidancePower Train

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) suddenly became disconnected while we were in the passing lane on a highway. We lost power temporarily and dashboard lights came on saying service was needed. Moved slowly into a safe location and called for tow truck. There was some “knocking” as we moved. While diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer e…

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The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) suddenly became disconnected while we were in the passing lane on a highway. We lost power temporarily and dashboard lights came on saying service was needed. Moved slowly into a safe location and called for tow truck. There was some “knocking” as we moved. While diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer experienced the same indications and stated that it sounds like a separation in the PTU. There were no prior indications that something was wrong until it happened. I researched on line and found recalls for this issue in prior years (2017-2019) on the same vehicle as mine (Jeep Cherokee 2020).

NHTSA ODI #11654953

50,000 miles · Apr 15, 2025
Engine And Engine CoolingStructure

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, after driving for several miles, the temperature gauge remained at HOT(H). The vehicle was steered to the side of the road …

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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, after driving for several miles, the temperature gauge remained at HOT(H). The vehicle was steered to the side of the road each time and turned off for 10 minutes before restarting. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that there was a malfunction in the active grill system that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11654771

65,000 miles · Apr 4, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, a warning chime sounded, and the message "Service Four-Wheel Drive" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was initially occurring intermittently but had become consistent. Additionally, the conta…

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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, and while driving at various speeds, a warning chime sounded, and the message "Service Four-Wheel Drive" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure was initially occurring intermittently but had become consistent. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle would jerk upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was defective and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to a recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI #11652720

Mileage unknown · Mar 27, 2025
Steering

While driving the Jeep at any speeds, or while parked and not running, the steering has a sticking or notchy feel when the steering wheel is turned. While driving staraight, any adjustment to the steering wheel cause the vehicle to jerk/pull to one side or another. Had vehicle evaluated at repair shop where the complaint was dul…

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While driving the Jeep at any speeds, or while parked and not running, the steering has a sticking or notchy feel when the steering wheel is turned. While driving staraight, any adjustment to the steering wheel cause the vehicle to jerk/pull to one side or another. Had vehicle evaluated at repair shop where the complaint was dulicated. All electrical functions passed inspection. The shop concluded that the malfunction would be a mechanical failure in the steering gears.

NHTSA ODI #11651004

Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2025
Power Train

My service 4 wheel drive came on. It simply just randomly happened one day at 125,000 miles and now my car is undriveable and it’s a very costly repair.

NHTSA ODI #11649878

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2025
Power Train

The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were…

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The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someone gets hurt.

NHTSA ODI #11649527

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2025
Power Train

4WD Warning light illuminated during normal driving. 4WD system inactive creating unsafe driving condition in Michigan winter weather. Vehicle taken to Jeep Service center and found C1494-92 active fault code. Performed PTU fork recalibration and fault went away, vehicle returned to owner. Within 2 days, 4WD Warning light il…

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4WD Warning light illuminated during normal driving. 4WD system inactive creating unsafe driving condition in Michigan winter weather. Vehicle taken to Jeep Service center and found C1494-92 active fault code. Performed PTU fork recalibration and fault went away, vehicle returned to owner. Within 2 days, 4WD Warning light illuminated again. 4WD system inactive again creating unsafe driving condition in Michigan winter weather. Vehicle returned to same Jeep Service center and same C1494-92 active fault code found. Now fix changed to PTU replacement, very expensive and time consuming service. From first visit to second visit, warranty expired so customer was responsible for PTU replacement cost.

NHTSA ODI #11649483

Mileage unknown · Mar 13, 2025
Power Train

Ptu unit not working. I brought to dealership, and he confirmed issue. However, there is a recall for 2017-2019 jeep Cherokees. My jeep was manufactured 8/2019 even though I purchased it in January 2020. How do I know they checked my Jeeps vin number with the 2019 models? I understand it's a 2020 but it was made with …

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Ptu unit not working. I brought to dealership, and he confirmed issue. However, there is a recall for 2017-2019 jeep Cherokees. My jeep was manufactured 8/2019 even though I purchased it in January 2020. How do I know they checked my Jeeps vin number with the 2019 models? I understand it's a 2020 but it was made with the 2019 models.

NHTSA ODI #11648124

50,000 miles · Mar 13, 2025
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk, lost automotive power, and stalled. The contact later discovered that the vehicle would reverse. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had exper…

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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle started to jerk, lost automotive power, and stalled. The contact later discovered that the vehicle would reverse. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had experienced an internal failure and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI #11648065

Mileage unknown · Mar 12, 2025
Power Train

Power train problems at 17,000 miles, 5 years 3 weeks from purchase, with a 5-year / 60,0000 mile warranty. First diagnosis required replacement of the transmission valve body. This did not work. The second repair required replacement of the transmission. This failed after a 3 mile drive. The third repair was the power tr…

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Power train problems at 17,000 miles, 5 years 3 weeks from purchase, with a 5-year / 60,0000 mile warranty. First diagnosis required replacement of the transmission valve body. This did not work. The second repair required replacement of the transmission. This failed after a 3 mile drive. The third repair was the power transfer unit. I have only driven about 5 miles since then and am hesitant to drive more. The repairs above took 102 days to complete and cost $4907. Other than the transmission failure and need to pull off the road and await a tow, there was no safety risk apparent. The vehicle was serviced by a dealer. The manufacturer is aware of the problem(s). No warning lamps or messages were noted.

NHTSA ODI #11647963

Official recalls

3

26V290000 · 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.

20V191000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Sep 10, 2020

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.