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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

35 reports
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Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Brought to dealer to evaluate for loud popping in/out of park, clunking and grinding noises on accelaration and stops. Dealer determined it was the PTU. Was told it is covered under warranty, but the part is on backorder for 3 months, so I'm still waiting. I'm unsure if safe to drive. Seems like a known issue with ealier mod…

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Brought to dealer to evaluate for loud popping in/out of park, clunking and grinding noises on accelaration and stops. Dealer determined it was the PTU. Was told it is covered under warranty, but the part is on backorder for 3 months, so I'm still waiting. I'm unsure if safe to drive. Seems like a known issue with ealier models of Jeep Cherokee, likely issue with 2020s as well.

NHTSA ODI #11699238

Mileage unknown · Oct 26, 2025
Unknown Or Other

Power transfer unit broken. Not a recall but reported on many jeeps.

NHTSA ODI #11695642

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Unknown Or Other

I was at a stop light, light turned green and as I started to accelerate there was a loud banging noise and it felt like I had been hit from behind. I pulled over to check out my car but nothing seemed wrong. The exact same thing happened about 2 1/2 months prior to this incident The jolt was so much so that my head hit the head…

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I was at a stop light, light turned green and as I started to accelerate there was a loud banging noise and it felt like I had been hit from behind. I pulled over to check out my car but nothing seemed wrong. The exact same thing happened about 2 1/2 months prior to this incident The jolt was so much so that my head hit the headrest hard enough to cause a headache for several hours

NHTSA ODI #11684031

Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2025
Unknown Or Other

2020 vehicle is having PTU issues but not on recall. 2017-2019 models had a recall for same issue

NHTSA ODI #11682411

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2025
EngineUnknown Or Other

Engine warning light came on. Bloomington Chrysler Jeep repair shop said the active grill shutter connector wasn't working. This can cause engine overheating and damage and possibly a fire. I did not have this happen, as I caught it early.

NHTSA ODI #11680850

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2025
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited which has now been undrivable for over 3 months due to a part that is on national backorder. The issue began in May 2025 when I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealership for repairs related to the Power Control Unit (PCU). Since then, the part has not bee…

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I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited which has now been undrivable for over 3 months due to a part that is on national backorder. The issue began in May 2025 when I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealership for repairs related to the Power Control Unit (PCU). Since then, the part has not been available, and the car has remained at the dealership with no clear repair timeline. I have been told by Jeep corporate that I am only eligible for rental coverage and nothing more. This delay has left me without a working vehicle for over 90 days, and I am concerned that this issue may involve a defect or systemic parts shortage that is affecting multiple vehicles. I also believe this is a safety-related issue, as a failure of the power control unit could result in sudden loss of power or drivability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate: Whether this part shortage is linked to a wider defect or recall Whether Jeep (Stellantis) should be required to take further action If any safety recalls should be issued for this model and issue I have already filed a complaint with the New York Attorney General. Jeep is not a participant in BBB Auto Line, and I am left without a reliable resolution while still paying for a vehicle I cannot use. Please let me know what further information is needed.

NHTSA ODI #11678981

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2025
Unknown Or Other

SVC 4WD light turned on. Dealership said it may be ptu issue and would cost $1400 just to diagnose, not fix. This is a known issue for Jeep Cherokee 2017-2019. Mine is 2020 with less than 50k miles on it.

NHTSA ODI #11670631

Mileage unknown · Jun 24, 2025
Unknown Or Other

SVC 4WD light came on. Took it to Jeep dealership to have them look at it. PTU "power transfer unit" is bad. Got a second opinion at an automotive repair shop, they too diagnosed PTU is bad. Repair shop printed a Safety Recall with our vehicles VIN number. Went back to Jeep with the Safety Recall paperwork and Jeep won't honor t…

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SVC 4WD light came on. Took it to Jeep dealership to have them look at it. PTU "power transfer unit" is bad. Got a second opinion at an automotive repair shop, they too diagnosed PTU is bad. Repair shop printed a Safety Recall with our vehicles VIN number. Went back to Jeep with the Safety Recall paperwork and Jeep won't honor the safety recall.

NHTSA ODI #11669002

Mileage unknown · May 22, 2025
Power TrainSuspensionUnknown Or Other

The power transfer unit, differential, spark plugs, and air induction failed. The vehicle is still having bad vibration problems at speeds above 50 mph despite $7,000 in repairs.

NHTSA ODI #11662680

Mileage unknown · May 6, 2025
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

I RECENTLY HAD A SVC 4WD LIGHT COME ON IN MY 2020 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH HAS 75,750 MILES. THEN WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON TELLING ME THAT THE 4WD SERVICE IS UNAVAILABLE AND TO SERVICE 4WD. WELL - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PTU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT COVERED…

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I RECENTLY HAD A SVC 4WD LIGHT COME ON IN MY 2020 JEEP CHEROKEE WHICH HAS 75,750 MILES. THEN WHILE DRIVING A WARNING LIGHT KEPT COMING ON TELLING ME THAT THE 4WD SERVICE IS UNAVAILABLE AND TO SERVICE 4WD. WELL - I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PTU NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THAT UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL BECAUSE IT ONLY COVERED THE YEARS 2017 - 2019 AND SOME 2020 CHEROKEES. I FEEL THAT THIS PTU THAT IS DEFECTIVE SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THE 2020 YEAR AS WELL SINCE IT'S UNREALISTIC TO THINK THAT THE PTU WOULD FAIL ON A VEHICLE THAT HAS ONLY HAD THE 4WD EVEN USED MAYBE FIVE TIMES IN A 4 1/2 YEAR SPAN. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO CHECK INTO THIS ISSUE THAT I FEEL SHOULD BE A RECALL AND WOULD/COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER, OR ABILITY TO MOVE VEHICLE DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURES. I FEEL THAT JEEP/CHRYSLER KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND HAVE BEEN SLOWLY ISSUING RECALLS, BEGINNING FROM 2014, THEN 2016 AND THEN 2017-2019 AND NOW I FEEL THE 2020 AND POSSIBLY LATER YEARS SHOULD BE COVERED. I WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP 4/30/25. AT THIS TIME I CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR THIS PTU ISSUE AND AM TAKING A CHANCE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE SINCE MECHANICALLY IT IS WORKING RIGHT NOW - JUST PROVIDING ME WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS/BEEPS. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND ADVISE.

NHTSA ODI #11659190

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.