2020 Jeep Cherokee steering problems
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
22 owners have reported steering problems with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 17,500 mi.
- Steering complaints
- 22
- Crashes
- 2
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Related recalls
- 1
- Median mileage
- 17,500 mi
Specific components reported
Steering covers: Power steering, steering column and wheel, loss of steering assist.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering | 21 |
| Steering:electric power assist system | 1 |
Steering complaints across Jeep Cherokee years
Mileage when the problem appeared
Related recalls
- 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.
What owners say
- Filed Aug 6, 2026SCElectrical SystemSteering
Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter
NHTSA complaint #11755280 · source - Filed Jul 20, 2026MISteering
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 complaint #11751453 · source - Filed Jul 16, 2026ILSteering
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…
NHTSA complaint #11750966 · source - Filed Jun 4, 2026MDSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires
4wd and power steering is off due to some recall issue that affects my make/model/year but for some reason my vin# wasn’t able to be repaired. Alignment is off and I constantly buy used tires
NHTSA complaint #11742163 · source - Filed May 19, 2026NYElectrical SystemSteering
2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery…
NHTSA complaint #11738869 · source - Filed May 18, 202692,000 miINTowedSteering
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the vehicle began to decelerate. The Service 4-Wheel Drive warning was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road where smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle near the power steering unit. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case had failed. The…
NHTSA complaint #11738465 · source - Filed May 13, 2026NJSteering
2020 Cherokee owner from dealer purchased as CPO w/23k miles in 2023. Shortly after purchase rear differential failed and was replaced under warranty at 25k miles. At 42k full Steering Rack failure. Daughter on 5 hour drive home from college experienced a completely random failure at highway speeds. Failure occurred with zero warning. It was a dangerous situation. Dealer quoting $3600 to repair. Original warranty has expired and CPO warranty does not cover. The company…
NHTSA complaint #11737699 · source - Filed Nov 18, 2025TNSteering
There have not been any warning signals. We have had the car aligned and tires balanced. The steering wheel jerks slightly to the right. The vehicle started doing this soon after we purchased it but has steadily gotten worse.
NHTSA complaint #11700060 · source - Filed Sep 5, 202535,088 miKSSteering
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the "Steering Wheel with an Exclamation Mark" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact pulled over and turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however the steering function failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer.…
NHTSA complaint #11685216 · source - Filed Mar 27, 2025ILSteering
While driving the Jeep at any speeds, or while parked and not running, the steering has a sticking or notchy feel when the steering wheel is turned. While driving staraight, any adjustment to the steering wheel cause the vehicle to jerk/pull to one side or another. Had vehicle evaluated at repair shop where the complaint was dulicated. All electrical functions passed inspection. The shop concluded that the malfunction would be a mechanical failure in the steering gears.
NHTSA complaint #11651004 · source - Filed Jan 20, 2025FLSteering
The steering rack and pinion system failed, which caused a loss of power steering while driving. The failure of the steering rack and pinion system resulted in a complete loss of steering control while I was driving on the highway at high speeds. This sudden and unexpected malfunction left me unable to steer the vehicle, putting both my safety and the safety of others on the road at immediate and extreme risk. The inability to control the vehicle could have led to a…
NHTSA complaint #11637203 · source - Filed Jan 3, 2025OHCrash1 injuredTowedSteering
The contact's mother owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at unknown speeds, the steering wheel stiffened and was difficult to maneuver. The failure would occur intermittently. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby tree where it came to a stop. No air bags…
NHTSA complaint #11633806 · source
Other 2020 Jeep Cherokee problem areas
- Transmission & Drivetrain (186)
- Engine (49)
- Other / Unknown (36)
- Electrical System (35)
- Brakes (29)
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech (14)
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (9)
- Acceleration & Cruise Control (8)
- Airbags (7)
- Suspension (7)
- Wheels & Tires (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