2020 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
49 owners have reported engine problems with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, 15% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 38,156 mi.
- Engine complaints
- 49
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 6
- Injuries
- 0
- Related recalls
- 0
- Median mileage
- 38,156 mi
Specific components reported
Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine | 46 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling:engine:engine control module (ecu/ecm) | 1 |
Engine complaints across Jeep Cherokee years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
No recalls on file.
What owners say
- Filed Oct 5, 2026NYEngine
Like previous model years, the 2 L Turbo engine started buring excessive oil (more than 1 quart per 500 miles). Two mechanics have indicated that engine and turbocharger need to be replaced. Both said that this engine is same as previous model years for which recalls were initiated.
NHTSA complaint #11768970 · source - Filed Oct 5, 2026GAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Engine light comes on, whenever you attempt to accelerate from a stop (like a traffic light), the vehicle will coast into the intersection, causing a traffic hazard. It has done this multiple times. At 60,300 miles, dealership told me that engine was not covered. I purchased a new engine, which never fixed the problem. 5 different times they reset dash board, but the it cont'd before i can get home. Dealership gaslights with they could not get pr0blem repeated. But as soon…
NHTSA complaint #11768960 · source - Filed Oct 1, 2026MNEngine
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep Trailhawk that has rendered my vehicle undrivable and raised serious safety concerns. While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden PTU failure that resulted in a loss of safe vehicle operation. The failure was severe enough that the vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis and repair. The…
NHTSA complaint #11768283 · source - Filed Sep 23, 2026INBrakesEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
On September 23, 2026, my wife was driving our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on I-65 South at mile marker 105.1 when the vehicle lost drive power and could no longer be driven. She became stranded on the side of the highway, and I had to pick her up. The vehicle also rolled while the gear selector was in PARK. We had it towed to Tom O’Brien Jeep dealership in Greenwood. Our vehicle is included in open safety recall 40D, NHTSA campaign 26V-290, involving the power transfer…
NHTSA complaint #11766536 · source - Filed Sep 20, 2026KSEngine
While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (2.0L turbo engine), the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began misfiring with a severe loss of power and abnormal engine noise. A compression test confirmed lost compression in one or more cylinders. The dealer inspected the engine and diagnosed internal piston damage, consistent with piston ring land failure. Research shows this is a known failure pattern in 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee turbo engines, including a…
NHTSA complaint #11765643 · source - Filed Sep 17, 2026TXEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
I have a cherokee that isn't on the current recall list or anything. But I have the service 4wd light. Its a 2020 jeep cherokee limited v6 3.2 4x4
NHTSA complaint #11764969 · source - Filed Aug 5, 2026115,000 miMITowedEngine
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat,…
NHTSA complaint #11754914 · source - Filed Jul 27, 2026330,000 miWIEngine
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently lost automotive power and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle independently accelerated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not…
NHTSA complaint #11753090 · source - Filed Jun 23, 2026NJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
Sometimes when I am driving and stop, the automatic engine does not turn back on. This has caused my car to stop and need to be restarted in the middle of the road and the amount of times this happens has been increasing.
NHTSA complaint #11745998 · source - Filed May 14, 2026WIEngine
Verified concern, found vehicle to run very rough and does not idle cleanly. Performed misfire monitor and noted no misfires at this time. Inspect spark plugs, coils and cylinder bores for concern, noted low compression on cyl #2 (150, 105, 145, 150). Inspect cyl bore with camera, noted excessive scouring and damage to cylinder walls causing misfire. Advise longblock or complete assembly replacement required. Open investigation: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the…
NHTSA complaint #11737799 · source - Filed May 5, 2026NDEngine
The engine started making clunking sounds when driving. Brought it in and they said piston 2 has low psi, damage to cylinder, oil in cylinder, and the vehicle has roughly 47,500 miles on it. It has had on time oil changes and maintenance. I am told it needs a new engine.
NHTSA complaint #11735805 · source - Filed Feb 9, 202650,000 miWIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled. The transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and there were metal particles in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic called an unknown local dealer and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11716808 · source
Other 2020 Jeep Cherokee problem areas
- Transmission & Drivetrain (186)
- Other / Unknown (36)
- Electrical System (35)
- Brakes (29)
- Steering (22)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (9)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (8)
- Wheels & Tires (7)
- Suspension (7)
- Airbags (7)
- Visibility & Wipers (4)
- Body & Structure (4)
- Seats & Seat Belts (2)
- Lighting (1)
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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