2020 Jeep Cherokee

309 complaints on file, page 1 of 16.

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Apr 30, 2026West Seneca, NYPower train

   Lost ability to drive almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. Cause of problem was a failed PTU. Had the vehicle repaired, PTU replacement, at a cost of $2,017.18

   NHTSA complaint 11768346
2. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 29, 2026Hopkins, MNEngine

   To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep Trailhawk that has rendered my vehicle undrivable and raised serious safety concerns. While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden PTU failure that resulted in a loss of safe vehicle operation. The failure was severe enough that the vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership has confirmed that the PTU has failed; however, there is currently no available repair solution or replacement part to permanently correct the issue. As a result, my vehicle remains out of service indefinitely. In addition to the safety concerns related to this failure, I am extremely concerned about the manufacturer's response. Although Jeep has acknowledged the failed component, I have been informed that I must pay out of pocket to have the same defective PTU reinstalled temporarily until a permanent repair becomes available. Jeep has stated they may reimburse me at a later date, but they are requiring that I bear the upfront cost for a known faulty component. Furthermore, neither Jeep nor the dealership has provided a loaner vehicle, despite my vehicle being disabled through no fault of my own. This situation has left me without reliable transportation and has created significant financial hardship. More importantly, the apparent lack of an available repair raises concerns that other Jeep owners may experience similar failures while operating their vehicles. A sudden PTU failure can create dangerous driving conditions and poses potential risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue, including: The frequency of PTU failures in Jeep Trailhawk vehicles. Whether this failure represents a broader safety defect affecting other vehicles. The adequacy of Jeep's response to affected owners. The safety implications of requiring

   NHTSA complaint 11768283
3. Filed Oct 1, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Glendale Heights, ILElectrical system, Automatic emergency braking

   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.

   NHTSA complaint 11768264
4. Filed Sep 30, 2026Failure Sep 30, 2026Lynnfield, MAPower train

   PTU has failed after 47,500 miles.

   NHTSA complaint 11768105
5. Filed Sep 29, 2026Failure Sep 6, 2026Rochester, MIPower train

   On 9/6, The Cherokee lost power and had a grinding noise when in gear. It was towed to the Jeep dealer, they said it needed a new rear differential.. I told the dealer that my research showed that this catastrophic failure was likely caused by the 40D-recalled PTU and not the rear diff, but they claimed the rear diff was the problem and they could fix it. So, I reluctantly agreed and they proceeded to order the parts - which took a few weeks - to replace the rear differential. On 9/28, I paid $1237 for the repair (Jeep kicked in 80% of the total $5000+ repair cost as “goodwill” - which to me, is an admission that the 40D recall was to blame and the manufacturer knew it) and we drove it home last night. Today, on 9/29, while driving to work, the “service 4WD” warning light came on, based on the recall 40D, this indicates that the car should be immediately taken out of service for safety concerns for potential loss of power or failure to stay in park. So, we are taking it directly back to the dealer tonight. As it has been three months since the recall was announced and there’s no fix or even a timeline on a fix, it may be months before Jeep releases a fix. We are looking for pressure from NHTSA for a loaner and/or a buyout on the vehicle, as well as a refund on the $1237 repair cost already paid. We went 3 weeks without the vehicle the first time and cannot be continue to be without the vehicle.

   NHTSA complaint 11767862
6. Filed Sep 28, 2026Failure Sep 19, 2026Maplewood, MNPower train

   Vehicle stopped working, gears started grinding and a warning to service the 4WD system turned on. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership under the direction of Stellantis, so that the dealer could confirm the diagnosis of the failed power transfer unit covered under recall 40D. Dealership confirmed, however I was not offered an appropriate replacement vehicle, and was told that my only option was to rent a vehicle myself, and Stellantis would reimburse me up to $50/day. This is a ridiculous offer, and one that does not satisfy a like for like substitute of my vehicle without their being great personal cost to me. The Jeep under recall is currently not driveable, and there is no remedy provided by the manufacturer. I need to be offered a long term loaner and direct billed rental of adequate likeness to my 2020 Jeep Cherokee.

   NHTSA complaint 11767420
7. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 1, 2026Mount Vernon, INPower train

   Power transfer unit failed similar to recall on other 2020 Jeep Cherokees, though our Jeep was not covered under the existing recall.

   NHTSA complaint 11766781
8. Filed Sep 24, 2026Failure Sep 24, 2026Bloomfield, MIEngineFire

   Engine caught fire while parked

   NHTSA complaint 11766586
9. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Beech Grove, INEngine, Fuel/propulsion system, Service brakes

   On September 23, 2026, my wife was driving our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on I-65 South at mile marker 105.1 when the vehicle lost drive power and could no longer be driven. She became stranded on the side of the highway, and I had to pick her up. The vehicle also rolled while the gear selector was in PARK. We had it towed to Tom O’Brien Jeep dealership in Greenwood. Our vehicle is included in open safety recall 40D, NHTSA campaign 26V-290, involving the power transfer unit (PTU). The loss of drive power and rolling in PARK match the failure symptoms described in that recall. The specific mechanical cause still needs to be confirmed by the dealership. The Mopar recall lookup shows the recall is incomplete, the remedy is under development, and repair parts are not available. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. I am reporting an actual highway loss-of-propulsion incident and the vehicle rolling while in PARK. I am concerned about the risk of a crash or injury and the lack of an available recall remedy. Please document this incident under the existing recall and review the manufacturer’s response to vehicles that have already experienced these failures.

   NHTSA complaint 11766536
10. Filed Sep 23, 2026Failure Sep 23, 2026Pleasant Ridge, MIPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11766446
11. Filed Sep 20, 2026Failure Aug 21, 2026Kansas City, KSEngine

    While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (2.0L turbo engine), the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began misfiring with a severe loss of power and abnormal engine noise. A compression test confirmed lost compression in one or more cylinders. The dealer inspected the engine and diagnosed internal piston damage, consistent with piston ring land failure. Research shows this is a known failure pattern in 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee turbo engines, including a pending class action investigation (Sauder Schelkopf) for premature engine failure caused by lost cylinder compression, misfire codes, and dealerships declining coverage. Reports describe melted pistons and collapsed ring lands, often in cylinder #2, possibly related to low-speed pre-ignition or the PCM incorrectly detecting fuel octane and over-advancing ignition timing. The failed engine components are available for inspection upon request. This failure occurred at highway speed with no prior warning beyond the check engine light, creating a safety hazard from sudden power loss. The engine is a 2.0L turbo GME (Hurricane) engine. Please investigate this defect pattern for a potential safety recall.

    NHTSA complaint 11765643
12. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Jun 18, 202669,000 milesMilwaukee, WIPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there were recurring failures with rear wheels. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11765272
13. Filed Sep 18, 2026Failure Jun 14, 2026Seminole, FLPower train

    Catastrophic PTU failure on an interstate (we had not yet received the recall notice at the time of the incident) - no power at all, going the speed limit of 65 mph - We were miraculously able to coast into a weigh station - We could have caused a crash, or been the victims of one - The car also rolled backwards, even in park, subsequent to this incident - Many of these cars are STILL being driven by owners who have no choice, since Stellantis has provided no remedy nor buyback incentives to owners - The current "fix" is to replace the PTU with a part that may also fail - Since this is a known, significant safety issue, how is the NHTSA working with Stellantis to get this situation remedied? Thank you -

    NHTSA complaint 11765172
14. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Aug 11, 2026Washington, UTUnknown or other

    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?

    NHTSA complaint 11765125
15. Filed Sep 17, 2026Failure Aug 18, 2026League City, TXEngine, Power train

    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

    NHTSA complaint 11764969
16. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Sep 15, 2026105,511 milesScottsville, KYPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11764454
17. Filed Sep 15, 2026Failure Aug 17, 2026121,000 milesSpringfield,, MAPower train

    The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an abnormal swooshing sound occurred. No warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed an oil odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. Following a yearly inspection, the contact was referred to a service center for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the service center, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit, rear driveshaft, rear differential, and rear CV axle failed and required replacement. The service center informed the contact that the dealer stated the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11764387
18. Filed Sep 10, 2026Failure Sep 4, 202670,000 milesVentnor, NJPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11763467
19. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Sep 8, 2026Willoughby Hills, OHPower train

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11763222
20. Filed Sep 9, 2026Failure Aug 23, 2026120,000 milesCary, NCPower train

    The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

    NHTSA complaint 11763058