2019 Jeep Cherokee: problems, recalls and reliability
11 recalls and 1,649 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (44% of complaints); the 2018 and 2020 and 2021 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 39 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2026
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 1,649 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“would like to add to the growing list of frustrated Jeep Cherokee owners requiring an expensive repair for known PTU issues. The "Service 4WD" check light came on 1 year ago (checked by service department 12/2025), finally diagnosed in August 2026 as a failed PTU, with back ordered repair due to rising number of this specific repair/part. There was a recall done on 2015-2019 Jeep Cherokees for this very same issue. Why this safety recall hasn't been extended to post -2019 Jeep Cherokee versions is confusing.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Sep 2026
“PTU failure which has been confirmed by Jeep Dealership. Stellantis is actively withholding out-of-pocket reimbursements for an acknowledged safety risk because they have failed to release a timely remedy. Issue was identified due to a leak/metal shavings from the PTU”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“Took my 2019 jeep Cherokee for ptu safety recall repair to which I was told they cleared the codes. I experienced further problems related to the recall and brought it back to be told a faulty tire. This past Friday my transmission gave out on the highway with my baby in the car at 76mph. I lost the ability to accelerate but I could reverse and put it in other gears.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“Car started making a grinding noise with service 4 wheel drive lamp, aware of a recall stopped driving, towed to dealer. Found code C14A7-97 described in NHTSA Recall # 26V-290. Shift motor actuator replaced by dealership. Submission of receipts to FCA with their outrageous response of withholding reimbursement pending a remedy for the recall. Recall issued since May 2026.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the message "4WD-SVC" was displayed while leaving a veterinary appointment. The screen was turning on and off, and there was a dinging sound coming from the vehicle while the message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and declined to help. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 30-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,300.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The PTU - received message on dash SVC 4WD - lose of power - grinding noises when speedometer reached 35mph Took to the dealer they confirmed the PTU needed to be replaced immediately but because of demand of this part with other recalls it was back-ordered for at least a month. The SVC 4WD message came on one other time about two years ago but immediately disappeared. Costs out of pocket total $4149.57 for repairs and at this point $2200 in rental car fees”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated. There was no warning light illuminated; however, the message "4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the PTU was not operating as intended and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“My vehicle (2019 Cherokee trailhawk) was subject to 2 PTU recalls. I had the first one replaced after the dash light came on, then had that one replaced after it failed and began leaking fluid. When it started having issues again, I took it to a dealership and they stated the transmissions first gear dog clutch had gone out/was damaged. It only has 80,500 miles on it and I believe the shock load from multiple failing factory recalled components directly caused cumulative strain to the clutch subsequently leading to premature failure. At this point in time I am facing an $8,800 repair cost, which needless to say would be a severe financial strain.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“PTU failure. Jeep Cherokee manufacture in 2019 through February and again in December have recalled PTU failure. The ones manufactured in between were not recalled but have same dangerous failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 40 of these complaints and injuries in 37 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 11 campaigns
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
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.
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Cherokee years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.
Check your exact Cherokee by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA has 1,649 owner complaints and 11 recall campaigns on record for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The most complained-about area is power train (44% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 28,500 miles or less.
Does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have open recalls?
11 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.