Complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee peaked in 2025, with 425 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from May 3, 2018 to Sep 30, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-290 | May 7, 2026 | Power transfer unit (PTU) may fail | Powertrain | 61,711 | Software update |
| 25V-011 | Apr 29, 2025 | Power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of… | Powertrain | 63,130 | Software update |
| 19V-637 | Aug 29, 2019 | Steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control | Steering | 5,294 | Part replacement |
| 19V-449 | Jun 13, 2019 | Impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events | Airbags | 41,169 | Part replacement |
| 19V-248 | Mar 28, 2019 | Front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose | Seats | 253 | Repair or modification |
| 18V-917 | Dec 20, 2018 | Instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges | Electrical system | 52 | Part replacement |
| 18V-739 | Oct 19, 2018 | Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall | Powertrain | 86,053 | Software update |
| 18V-524 | Aug 9, 2018 | 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 | Electrical system | 12,779 | Part replacement |
| 18V-523 | Aug 9, 2018 | Rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance | Brakes | 154,335 | Not stated |
| 18V-492 | Jul 26, 2018 | Component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels | Powertrain | 5 | Part replacement |
| 18V-344 | May 25, 2018 | Engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage | Engine and cooling | 14 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
1,649 complaints on file, page 1 of 83.
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
NHTSA complaint 11768197PTU 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
NHTSA complaint 11768134would 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.
NHTSA complaint 11767972Owner is an [XXX] senior. Vehicle is 2019 Jeep Cherokee with only 27k miles which suffered significant drivetrain problems. [XXX] dealership disabled the 4WD safety features months ago because they had no recall parts, leaving an elderly driver with a compromised drivetrain. Car is at risk of rolling away or losing total power on the highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11767914Power Transfer Unit Failure. Diagnostic testing done by a licensed mechanic.
NHTSA complaint 11767530The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the VIN was included in a recall associated with the power transfer unit and the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was retrieved and the contact became aware that the drive train was making a clunking noise and that carbon monoxide was coming from a fractured exhaust pipe due to rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that when the PTU was replaced the slip note was not fully advanced. The dealer reinstalled the drive shaft, however the vehicle had not been driven for 2 days. The contact stated that the sound was due to a detached part while completing the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but provided no assistance for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint 11767359Took 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.
NHTSA complaint 11767321The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11767011The 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.
NHTSA complaint 11765768My 2019 Jeep Cherokee experienced a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure that matches the known PTU recall defect, even though my VIN is not currently listed. The first code that appeared was C1494‑07, which is the recall‑related DTC. Cochran Jeep in Natrona Heights performed the recall software update and cleared the code. They told us that if the code returned, initial diagnostics would then cost a minimum of $190. The code did not initially return after the software upgrade. Several days afterwards, a SVC 4WD reappeared. During our state inspection, our trusted garage (Performance Auto) scanned the vehicle and found a new error code: C14A7‑97. Further inspection revealed metal shavings throughout the PTU fluid, indicating internal mechanical failure. They documented the findings and provided a photo of the metal shaving in the fluid. They indicated that the vehicle “had a reprogram done to it but the PTU failed – metal all through the fluid.” The AWD system is no longer functioning. The new code: C14A7‑97, indicates a PTU motor obstruction or blocked component. This occurred after the recall update and after the PTU had already suffered internal damage. We took the vehicle to Hillview Jeep in Greensburg. They read the new code but did not inspect the PTU or look at the photos showing metal contamination. They said that because the current code was different from the recall code and advised us to contact Stellantis. The PTU has clearly failed internally, the AWD system is inoperative, and the failure matches the progression described in recall 01C / NHTSA 25V‑011 (internal wear, range fork damage, and loss of drive power). This is a safety issue because the vehicle can lose motive power, AWD capability while driving and loss of PARK function while stabilized.
NHTSA complaint 11765485I received a recall on my Jeep Cherokee in June (40D/NHTSA 26V-290) for Power Transfer Unit failure. I contacted FCA recall center [XXX]). The notice indicated that at present there was not remedy for the recall. In August we noticed that the vehicle was engaging into 4WD on dry pavement causing it to lunge when making turns at low speed. I reached to to FCA and was directed to get the vehicle evaluated by the dealership. The dealer created a STAR case since this is the 4th time we have had this type of issue. The PTU identified for replacement. There is no timeline for when a replacement part will be available. FCA is trying to make us pay upfront for a rental car that they "promise" they will reimburse at a later date. We told them we did not have the budget for a rental and have requested a loan or that they direct pay for the rental. FCA needs to cover the cost of their safety issue not the consumer. We need a safe vehicle to drive in the interim, based on the recall notice we would be risking our lives and those of others if we drove this vehicle. I can provide lots of documentation if needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11765051Put transfer case
NHTSA complaint 11764537On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues. In May 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component/System Blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed PTU configuration and was excluded from Equipment Safety Recall 02C (Two Speed PTU Failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The PTU and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into Park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.
NHTSA complaint 11764484The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the rearview camera display flickered with black and white streaks. The contact stated that upon shifting into reverse (R), the black and white streaks remained on the display, and the air conditioning controls were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where the contact was informed that the failure was a common issue. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
NHTSA complaint 11764475The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the "Service 4WD" message displayed. While attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the gear shifter shifted to neutral(N), and the message "Still May Move When in Park" was displayed. The contact shifted the vehicle back into park(P) and turned off the vehicle, and there was an abnormal boom coming from the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred the next day. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(Power Train) and associated the failure with the recall. The failure reoccurred the next day; however, the vehicle failed to shift into drive(D). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer stated that the symptoms did not appear to be related to the recall. Two diagnostic tests were performed, and it was determined that the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact was texted a link that had a detailed list of the multiple issues with the vehicle; the contact was then given an estimate for the repair. The contact called several dealers about the failure, and the dealers agreed that, based on the symptoms described, the failure was associated with the recall. The contact attempted to make an appointment with other dealers; however, none was able to provide a loaner vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 11764135Car 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.
NHTSA complaint 11763711The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the contact believed that the recall repair was insufficient. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message "4WD – Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: C14A7-97 was retrieved. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 03-001-26: however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
NHTSA complaint 11763670I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 2.4L AWD. This vehicle is experiencing severe, life-threatening safety hazards involving sudden engine stalling and a complete loss of motive power while in motion. Despite my vehicle exhibiting the exact failure symptoms of multiple major FCA/Stellantis safety recalls for this model year, my specific VIN is currently showing as excluded from the recall database, leaving me with a highly dangerous vehicle and no dealership remedy.The vehicle is suffering from two distinct, interrelated defects that have recently caused terrifying incidents in heavy traffic. First, while driving, the dashboard suddenly illuminated both the "SVC 4WD" (Service 4WD) and the "Auto Start-Stop" warning lights simultaneously. Immediately following these warnings, the vehicle lost forward power and unexpectedly rolled forward while I was fully stopped at a red light, failing to hold its position. This mirrors the exact mechanical behavior of the known Jeep PTU spline-wear defects that cause sudden rollaways and a loss of drive power.Second, the vehicle completely stalled out and shut down while I was driving on a highway exit ramp. The engine lost all power without warning, forcing me to coast through traffic, shift into park, and completely cycle the ignition to restart it. This engine shutdown creates an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roads. The vehicle has a severe issue with oil consumption, which I suspect is dropping hydraulic pressure and forcing the engine to shut off while the car is shifted into drive.The manufacturer’s current recall parameters for the PTU failures and engine stalling issues on 2019 Cherokees are clearly too narrow. My vehicle is dealing with identical, dangerous safety failures as the units already recalled, but I am being denied a safe, free repair due to a VIN exclusion. I request that the NHTSA investigate this specific batch of 2019 VINs and force a recall.
NHTSA complaint 11763604I am reporting a severe cascading drivetrain failure on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN:[XXX] ) caused directly by defective components that are the subject of active federal safety recalls (NHTSA Campaigns 01C / 40D / 25V011).This vehicle has a documented service history of two separate, consecutive Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures. The first PTU was replaced at a previous dealership, and a subsequent unit failed and was replaced later. The mechanical binding, slipping, and severe shock-loading caused by these factory-defective PTU modules repeatedly hammered the transmission's internal components during low-gear acceleration.As a direct result of this cumulative mechanical trauma, the transmission's 1st-gear clutch (Clutch A, a mechanical interlocking dog clutch) has prematurely failed at 80,500 miles, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and unable to safely engage forward gears. The dealership confirmed internal failure of the 1st-gear clutch but refused 100% repair coverage, stating the current PTU is functional. However, because this is a sealed ZF 9-speed transmission, the dealer cannot visually inspect Clutch A for cumulative metal fatigue or micro-fractures without a total teardown.The manufacturer, Stellantis/FCA, is refusing to take corporate responsibility for the cascading damage caused to the transmission by their recalled, defective transfer units (Corporate Case Number: XXX). I am requesting that NHTSA investigate how the structural defects in the 2019 Cherokee PTU systems are causing premature, catastrophic internal transmission failures in consumer vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11763312I own a 2019 Jeep Cherokee (VIN [XXX]). While driving, the vehicle displayed a “Four-Wheel Drive Service Unavailable” / “Service 4WD” warning. I recently had the 4WD warning inspected by a service department via a transfer case actuator repair, but I was advised that the PTU showed signs of wear and may be developing an issue. I have also previously experienced a “Service Electronic Stability Control” warning and have had an ongoing vibration when braking. Approximately one year ago, the vehicle’s rear differential required a complete rebuild. I am concerned these issues may indicate a larger drivetrain/4WD system defect, particularly in light of NHTSA recalls **25V-011 (FCA 01C)** and **26V-290 (FCA 40D)** involving PTU/drivetrain concerns affecting Jeep Cherokees. My VIN does not currently show an open recall. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether these symptoms and the observed PTU wear may be related to the recalled condition or another known safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11763013Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.