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NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2020 Jeep Cherokee
Common Problems

Ranked from 122 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

5
High severity
5
Medium
2
Low

12 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

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  1. 1

    Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure

    57complaints
    High severityTransmission

    The PTU failed, causing the 4WD system to stop working and resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

  2. 2

    Service 4WD Light Indicates PTU Failure

    26complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 'Service 4WD' warning light indicates a PTU failure, requiring immediate attention to prevent loss of power.

  3. 3

    PTU Backorder Issues

    17complaints
    High severityOther

    Parts for the PTU are on backorder, causing delays in repairs and leaving the vehicle undrivable.

  4. 4

    Steering Gear Malfunction Causing Jerking and Uncontrollable Steering

    17complaints
    High severitySteering

    The steering becomes uncontrollable and jerks unpredictably, posing a safety risk.

    $200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs labor
    Get local quotes

    Related recall: 19V637000

  5. 5

    Electrical System Issues with Start/Stop Feature

    16complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    The start/stop feature malfunctions, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly shut off or fail to start, posing a safety hazard.

  6. 6

    Engine Misfire and Low Compression

    6complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine misfires and shows low compression in certain cylinders, leading to rough idling and potential engine failure.

    $200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Unusual Noises During Acceleration

    5complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    Unusual noises occur during acceleration, indicating a PTU failure and potential loss of power.

  8. 8

    4WD System Inactivity

    3complaints
    Medium severityTransmission

    The 4WD system has become inactive, leading to unsafe driving conditions, especially in winter weather.

  9. 9

    Forward Collision Avoidance System Failure

    3complaints
    Medium severityOther

    The forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, leading to unexpected braking and potential loss of control.

  10. 10

    Electrical System Failure Causing Wiper Malfunction

    2complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The wipers malfunction, causing poor visibility during rainy conditions.

  11. 11

    Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure

    2complaints
    Low severityEngine

    The vehicle stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions.

    $150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  12. 12

    Severe Engine Performance Issues After Short Ownership

    2complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine light came on shortly after purchase, and the car experienced severe performance issues including stalling and power loss.

Other years & sources

2016 Jeep Cherokee2017 Jeep Cherokee2018 Jeep Cherokee2019 Jeep Cherokee2021 Jeep CherokeeAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.