Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
330–25K
1325–50K
2350–75K
1075–100K
7100–150K
1150K+
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 · Jul 21, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a re…
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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11751763
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2026
Power Train
Service 4wd light came on and lost 4wd. Took to dealer I purchased from and was told I had a PTU failure. My extended warranty through ford would cover but jeep will not sell the parts. Apparently my jeep is not in the recall for the last 10 years of ptu failures. It failed by 50000 miles but a month after the manufacture date 5…
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Service 4wd light came on and lost 4wd. Took to dealer I purchased from and was told I had a PTU failure. My extended warranty through ford would cover but jeep will not sell the parts. Apparently my jeep is not in the recall for the last 10 years of ptu failures. It failed by 50000 miles but a month after the manufacture date 5 year mark
NHTSA ODI #11751539
Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2026
Steering
Pulling into gas station and power steering went out when pulling in, almost hit pump. Not only did it now need a new power steering rack but the clock spring had to be replaced to program it
NHTSA ODI #11751453
Mileage unknown · Jul 16, 2026
Steering
I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed. Which includes What the Dealer’s Reprogramming Usually Covers (Standard & Expected) • SCCM (Steering Column Module)programming/configuration — Loads the correct software and vehicle-specific data into the new module.• Steering Angle Sensor …
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I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed. Which includes What the Dealer’s Reprogramming Usually Covers (Standard & Expected) • SCCM (Steering Column Module)programming/configuration — Loads the correct software and vehicle-specific data into the new module.• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration — Teaches the system the straight-ahead wheel position (critical for fixing hard steering and related codes).• Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) relearn — Calibrates the new sensor so the vehicle accurately monitors battery voltage/charging (helps with electrical gremlins and odometer issues). • Instrument cluster synchronization/reset — Clears the blinking odometer light and syncs the cluster with the new module. • Clearing all DTCs and running a full system scan (before/after reports). • Basic test drive/verification to confirm power steering feel, turn signals, and no lights.These are normal “post-repair setup” steps. Labor time is usually 0.5–2 hours total. I was quoted 200 dollars for this specific work to be done. They came back with codes C0051-04, C0051-64, U0420-00 which they said were codes that heavily recommended the rack and pinion to be changed but the codes that recommend that to be changed are C1592, C2217, or U0131. None of them showed. Then with the codes that they showed me they showed a low battery voltage even though I changed the battery recently, the smart battery sensor as well recently which they even said they reprogrammed for free which apparently they didn’t. They never showed me any reports of the steering control module programmed with all the parameters showing it passed or failed. They just immediately recommended the rack and pinion with the wrong codes. Go figure. Someone please help the service writer Jorge Rocha to better explain things with proper codes and the mechanic who should also be looked into for rights of worked done improperly.
NHTSA ODI #11750966
93,173 miles · Jul 16, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechani…
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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with powertrain unit failure. The contact was informed that the powertrain unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,173.
NHTSA ODI #11750890
56,000 miles · Jul 13, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was upshifting roughly while accelerating, causing the vehicle to jerk forward abruptly. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted roughly. The contact stated th…
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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was upshifting roughly while accelerating, causing the vehicle to jerk forward abruptly. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted roughly. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power transfer case failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.
NHTSA ODI #11749990
Mileage unknown · Jul 3, 2026
Power Train
I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 87,000 miles. Approximately one month ago, my "Service 4WD" light illuminated on the dashboard, and I heard a severe grinding noise coming from the drivetrain. A mechanic scanned the vehicle's computer and pulled active diagnostic fault code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor Component or System Op…
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I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 87,000 miles. Approximately one month ago, my "Service 4WD" light illuminated on the dashboard, and I heard a severe grinding noise coming from the drivetrain. A mechanic scanned the vehicle's computer and pulled active diagnostic fault code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked). The mechanic cleared the code to test the system, but the C14A7-97 code immediately returned, proving a hard mechanical or electrical failure exists. This vehicle is experiencing the onset of a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. The timing of this active malfunction perfectly coincides with the release of NHTSA Recall 26V290 (FCA Campaign 40D), which was issued just last month for 2020 Cherokees experiencing the identical PTU defect. However, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. According to the recall documentation, this component defect poses an immediate safety hazard, including a sudden loss of drive power while moving and a park roll-away risk. Because my vehicle has the exact same active fault code (C14A7-97) as the recalled vehicles, the manufacturer must expand this safety campaign to include my VIN before a full failure and a serious accident occurs.
NHTSA ODI #11748244
Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact called several local dealers. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienc…
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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact called several local dealers. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI #11747668
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2026
Power Train
My 4WD guage is displayed with a "service repair needed." I believe the PTU is defected as my vehicle never needed to engage to 4WD. My vehicle vibrates while driving, and acceleration handling is poor.
NHTSA ODI #11747314
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2026
Unknown Or Other
this is not a safety issue but not sure who to notify..The black paint on the front side window frames is peeling off real bad. Would this be a warranty issue? Thank you,
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.
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.
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.
2020 Jeep Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year