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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.

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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

Power Train complaints

169 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 4, 2023
EnginePower Train

Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, and a on and off service 4wd light. We reported these issues to the Jeep dealership it was purchased from and they said nothing was wrong after 4 scheduled maintenance visits. We brought our Jeep to a neighboring dealership who immediately found the …

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Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, and a on and off service 4wd light. We reported these issues to the Jeep dealership it was purchased from and they said nothing was wrong after 4 scheduled maintenance visits. We brought our Jeep to a neighboring dealership who immediately found the issue and said it was a major transmission component that went bad. Fast forward to a week later and the part has been fixed but the issue is still happening!

NHTSA ODI #11536588

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2023
EnginePower Train

When coasting at low speeds the vehicle makes multiple click sounds and now there has been a clunking sound seems like when. Trying to downshift or upshift almost as it can't find a gear. When in a stoped position I put it in drive ease the gas and it will jump into gear. Has been multiple complaints about clicking and clinking …

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When coasting at low speeds the vehicle makes multiple click sounds and now there has been a clunking sound seems like when. Trying to downshift or upshift almost as it can't find a gear. When in a stoped position I put it in drive ease the gas and it will jump into gear. Has been multiple complaints about clicking and clinking with the vehicle and nothing fixing the problem unless ptu,transmission,u joint or driveshaft is replaced this is scary to spend so much on a vehicle for my family and worry about when it's going to break down.

NHTSA ODI #11536161

46,201 miles · Jul 3, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle began to decelerate independently while making an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the 4WD Auto warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue drivin…

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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 50 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle began to decelerate independently while making an abnormal sound. The contact stated that the 4WD Auto warning light was illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to her destination. The contact also stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shifted out of park(P) into neutral(N). The contact took the vehicle to an unknown local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,201.

NHTSA ODI #11530063

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2023
Power Train

Transmission intermittently does not engage immediately into 1st gear causing engine to rev up and unintended acceleration to occur. Vehicle has been taken to dealer for service on this issue several times but problem still remains. This is a safety issue as several near accidents have been experienced. Issue seems to occur in t…

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Transmission intermittently does not engage immediately into 1st gear causing engine to rev up and unintended acceleration to occur. Vehicle has been taken to dealer for service on this issue several times but problem still remains. This is a safety issue as several near accidents have been experienced. Issue seems to occur in tight spaces such as parking areas or when going from reverse to forward. Issue does not generate a fault code and dealer will not take action unless a code is present. Issue happens frequently and is known to happen with this vehicle model.

NHTSA ODI #11529305

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2023
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemPower Train

The check engine light came on , then my parking brake light, crash parking light, and stop and stop light on my dash. It wouldn't start at first but tried three time and it did. I drove home with the vehicle, and it wasn't shifting properly. I had it towed to the dealership and was told it was electrical after they tested it. …

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The check engine light came on , then my parking brake light, crash parking light, and stop and stop light on my dash. It wouldn't start at first but tried three time and it did. I drove home with the vehicle, and it wasn't shifting properly. I had it towed to the dealership and was told it was electrical after they tested it. Three days later I was told it was the transmission. Now I'm being told it is the mounts as well.

NHTSA ODI #11520376

Mileage unknown · Apr 25, 2023
Power Train

While driving when I come to a stop and i then start to accelerate when the light changes, the vehicle will start to move, then there is a load hard clunk and then the vehicle looses power. The safety of myself or other ps is put at risk because I could be in moving traffic when this happens. It has not been confirmed by a mec…

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While driving when I come to a stop and i then start to accelerate when the light changes, the vehicle will start to move, then there is a load hard clunk and then the vehicle looses power. The safety of myself or other ps is put at risk because I could be in moving traffic when this happens. It has not been confirmed by a mechanic, I did ask at the dealer, but they said because the issue is sporadic they would not be able to figure out what the problem was and then recommended a $500 dollar transmission service and said that may not fix the problem. There were no warning lights. This problem happens sporadically, it will do it and then be good for a couple months or longer before doing it again. I emailed molar and asked what they thought, but never heard anything from them. I did see by googling that Jeep had issues with previous years, but it did not cover my year vehicle. I did see just tonight that there was a vehicle in Ohio that had reported this same type of issue to your office. I have 700 miles left on my warranty and I am very concerned about this issue and do not know what to do about. The dealer was not a help, only had a poke and hope approach, so I did not have them look at my vehicle. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

NHTSA ODI #11518988

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2023
Electrical SystemPower Train

The PTU failed on a well maintained 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The SVC 4WD warning light came on my vehicle and the 4x4 system is not working. I took the vehicle to a Jeep dealership. The Jeep dealership looked at the issue and said I needed a new battery, which I paid a lot of money for then to install. They said the light wou…

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The PTU failed on a well maintained 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The SVC 4WD warning light came on my vehicle and the 4x4 system is not working. I took the vehicle to a Jeep dealership. The Jeep dealership looked at the issue and said I needed a new battery, which I paid a lot of money for then to install. They said the light would eventually go out. It did not. I had to bring it back and then they performed a diagnostic and inspection of the vehicle and determined that the vehicle has a bad PTU. This is a leased vehicle and I have been having to rent cars for the past month while we wait for a part for over a month. The dealership told me I could drive the car without a problem but it is such a terrible sound that I do not feel it is safe.

NHTSA ODI #11502753

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2022
Electrical SystemPower Train

In August 2022, My 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited started having jerking issues when excellerating. I also kept hearing a whistling sound that appears to come from the front passenger door. In addition, the entire navigation system would power off, at any time, for no reason. I would have to physically turn it back on. One week…

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In August 2022, My 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited started having jerking issues when excellerating. I also kept hearing a whistling sound that appears to come from the front passenger door. In addition, the entire navigation system would power off, at any time, for no reason. I would have to physically turn it back on. One week later while running errands in Palm Coast Florida my 2020 Jeep would not start for approximately 20 minutes and the SVC 4Wheel Drive warning light was illuminated. While on the phone with road side assistance the jeep started. I was instructed to drive home and a tow company would be contacted. Driving home I realized that I had no operating lights, turn signals, and all th Jeep electrical components were out. I drove for 15 minutes to my home in complete fear for myself and other motorist. In August 2022, My Jeep was towed to Atlantic Dodge-Chrysler Jeep dealership located at 2330 US-1 South, St. Augustine Florida 32086 (904) 797-4383. I was initially told my issues were caused by a dead battery cell. The dealership replaced my battery but the SVC 4Wheel indicator was still illuminated. I was instructed by the dealership service department to drive 2 hours and rest the vehicle for 24 hours. The SVC 4Wheel indicator did not reset. I was informed by the dealership that a PTU unit needs to be replaced. I keep my vehicle routinely dealership maintained, so I researched the causes for PTU failure in 2020 Jeeps. I found that there has been a history of PTU failures with my vehicle type, to include the backup view delay. My vehicle has not been recalled for the rear backup view and it is still malfunctioning. If there is a recall on PTU units and rear Backup viewing, please send me the information to schedule a recall repair.

NHTSA ODI #11489050

Mileage unknown · Oct 12, 2022
Power TrainSuspension

Starting mid 2022, the vehicle was having trouble shifting into passing gear upon highway acceleration. It seemed to get stuck at 45 MPH before shifting into a higher speed, putting me at risk. Subsequently, In September 2022, I brought vehicle in for oil change. The mechanic put the car on a lift and found that the passenger f…

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Starting mid 2022, the vehicle was having trouble shifting into passing gear upon highway acceleration. It seemed to get stuck at 45 MPH before shifting into a higher speed, putting me at risk. Subsequently, In September 2022, I brought vehicle in for oil change. The mechanic put the car on a lift and found that the passenger front axle boot was torn, and fluid was leaking from the axel joint. I brought the car to the dealership for repair. The transmission problem was a needed computer update. The axel boot and axel half was replaced. The troubling aspect of this is that no warning lights came on for any of these issues.

NHTSA ODI #11488922

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2022
Power Train

On 3 separate occasions after being stopped to make a turn vehicle has started to go and then stops moving like its out of gear. It will then make a clunkng noise like its going into gear and start moving again. I have taken it to jeep and they said after 1st two times it needed an update. It has since done it again and they te…

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On 3 separate occasions after being stopped to make a turn vehicle has started to go and then stops moving like its out of gear. It will then make a clunkng noise like its going into gear and start moving again. I have taken it to jeep and they said after 1st two times it needed an update. It has since done it again and they tell me unless it does it while they have it they dont know what it is. This started with only 18000 miles on vehicle and it currently has around 22000. This is scary because its going to cause me to be in a wreck if it happens while I'm turning in traffic. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

NHTSA ODI #11481841

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.