2020 Jeep Cherokee problems, complaints & recalls

2020 Jeep Cherokee recalls (3)

• Recall 26V290000May 7, 202661,711 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 20V191000Sep 10, 2020319,610 vehicles
  BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

  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."

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 19V637000Aug 29, 20195,294 vehicles
  STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT · 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.

  Risk: 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.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2020 Jeep Cherokee complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026110,000 miNJBrakes

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the brakes failed to respond as needed. The contact avoided a crash with another vehicle by moving over to the side of the road, drove onto the grass, and navigated past a nearby pedestrian and a hill. The passenger’s side door was scratched, and the passenger’s side mirror was knocked off the vehicle. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11769634 · source
2. Filed Oct 7, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   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. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle jerked forward. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed…

   NHTSA complaint #11769609 · source
3. Filed Oct 7, 202663,000 miNDTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and pulling out of the driveway, the contact became aware of fluid on the driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and there were metal shavings found in the PTU, and the mechanic determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power…

   NHTSA complaint #11769522 · source
4. Filed Oct 6, 202682,296 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated panel and the hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test confirmed the failure of the PTU; however, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11769422 · source
5. Filed Oct 6, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Took my vehicle in for service a second time for warning light about 4 wheel drive needing service. I was told ptu is bad and that it’s a jeep problem. Saw there was a recall 40 D My VIN isn’t showing under that recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11769347 · source
6. Filed Oct 5, 2026WIFireOther / Unknown

   On September 27, 2026 I drove the vehicle 2020 Jeep Cherokee 10 miles to church at 9:30 AM park the car when I came out of church at 10:30 AM. The car was totally burnt to the ground and the fire department was there and police and put it out.

   NHTSA complaint #11769145 · source
7. Filed Oct 5, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   Service four-wheel-drive light came on mileage was at 83,000 miles approximately took it to the Chrysler dealer and they replaced my PTU motor. I believe this motor was recalled on an earlier years as a recall I think this year should be a recall . Also, now, September 27, 2026 I drove my vehicle /Jeep to church I parked it and it lit on fire and burned to the ground. Nothing left of it. Don’t know if it had anything to do with that PTU unit.

   NHTSA complaint #11769135 · source
8. Filed Oct 5, 202665,000 miSDTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a left turn from a complete stop at 5-6 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop in the middle of the intersection. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and provided towing assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure and the transfer case had failed. The dealer determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was…

   NHTSA complaint #11769054 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology