2020 Jeep Cherokee: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 309 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (56% of complaints); the 2022 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 34 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 309 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving after work on 53S my jeep decided to only go 5mph engine light turned on among other light. Svc 4wd. Had to pull over the interstate shoulder that's under construction and had very small space to park without getting hit by others.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission slipped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no open recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off (PTO) unit and actuator had failed, causing the failure of the power transfer unit (PTU). The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,511.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“My jeep was diagnosed with a PTU FAILURE. JEEP has only 51,293 miles. This is a well documented recall on 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee brand. My VIN is not included yet.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the 4WD warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that a "4WD Needs Service" warning message also displayed. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected by a second service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“Power transfer unit failed similar to recall on other 2020 Jeep Cherokees, though our Jeep was not covered under the existing recall.”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“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”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The message "4WD Service" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit motor needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“May 07, 2026 Manufacturer Recall Number40D NHTSA Recall Number26V-290 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This Jeep is not drivable, it said service 4 x4 and there was grinding then it broke down in the middle of the road and had to towed to the dealer. The dealership says it part of the recall but they have no timeline on when the part will be available, so the jeep is not able to drive. Where do I go from here?”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2026
When filing, owners marked a crash in 9 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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."
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.
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 2019-2020 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.
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 2020 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA has 309 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The most complained-about area is power train (56% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Jeep Cherokee problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.
Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning back over prevention. 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.