2020 Jeep Cherokee recalls and problems

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has 3 safety recalls and 338 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
338
Crashes / fires
9 / 7
Injuries / deaths
9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2020 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Recall 26V-290: Power Train

Reported May 7, 2026 · 61,711 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 20V-191: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 10, 2020 · 319,610 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 19V-637: Steering

Reported Aug 29, 2019 · 5,294 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2020 Jeep Cherokee problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train204
Engine46
Unknown or Other37
Electrical System36
Service Brakes25
Steering22
Forward Collision Avoidance12
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Vehicle Speed Control9
Air Bags7
Suspension7
Wheels5

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 8
  • Wheels › Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs — 3
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 3
  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2020 Jeep Cherokee complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 11, 2026
In late September 2026 the SVC 4WD drive light came on. It went off the next morning and remained off for another week. A week later the light came back on and accompanied by a loud grinding noise from the engine area. I took it to Golling in Detroit and they diagnosed it as a failure of the PTU currently under recall without a fix. They charged me $210 and said it would be reimbursed later after the remedy is developed. Interestingly they did give me a quote of $4,600 to replace the existing PTU with a used PTU. I had to remove the broken car from their lot before a storage feel kicked in and…
Electrical System · reported Nov 4, 2026
My wife was heading home from an appointment on the freeway. When she got on the freeway meter she tried to accelerate onto the freeway but while doing so the car made a beeping noise and a warning sign was flashed. She did not get a look at the warning sign but then the SVC 4WD came on. She felt a severe stall with engine power and got really scared. We were lucky she wasn't going full speed on the freeway when the incident occurred. She wanted to pull over on the side of freeway immediately, but due to it being dark she thought it was unsafe especially with the debris that was present. She…
Power Train · reported Oct 25, 2026
While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited (VIN: [XXX]), the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated on the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to Garavel Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram ([XXX]) on XXX at 84,458 miles for diagnosis. The dealer scanned the vehicle and found active diagnostic trouble code C14A7-97 – PTU Motor – Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked. They checked related fuses (F59 DTCM and F10 PTU) and ground G904A, all of which tested good. The PTU connector was visually inspected and showed no issues. Upon further inspection, the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) was found…
Power Train · reported Oct 22, 2026
My 2020 JeepCherokee has been disabled at Jeff Wyler Springfield Jeep since 10/13 after suffering a drivetrain failure on 10/11.My vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical grinding noise,locking front wheels,& a 'Service 4WD' warning light while driving, un-commanded engagement of snow mode,& of the e-brake upon parking. Upon inspection 10/14,the tech claimed no codes appeared but stated the transmission required replacement.I contacted my warranty company to start a claim. On 10/15,the advisor said I needed to authorize a transmission tear down per warranty company.I refused due to out-of-pocket…
Power Train · at 21,000 miles · reported Oct 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed with an audible alarm and an abnormal whirling sound coming from the transmission. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who confirmed the PTU failure. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 21,000.

Other Jeep Cherokee years

Compare all Jeep Cherokee years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee: 26V-290 (power train), 20V-191 (back over prevention), 19V-637 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners report power train problems most often (204 reports), followed by engine (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.