What 258 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 87,000 miles. Approximately one month ago, my "Service 4WD" light illuminated on the dashboard, and I heard a severe grinding noise coming from the drivetrain. A mechanic scanned the vehicle's computer and pulled active diagnostic fault code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked). The mechanic cleared the code to test the system, but the C14A7-97 code immediately returned, proving a hard mechanical or electrical failure exists. This vehicle is experiencing the onset of a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. The timing of this active malfunction perfectly coincides with the release of NHTSA Recall 26V290 (FCA Campaign 40D), which was issued just last month for 2020 Cherokees experiencing the identical PTU defect. However, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. According to the recall documentation, this component defect poses an immediate safety hazard, including a sudden loss of drive power while moving and a park roll-away risk. Because my vehicle has the exact same active fault code (C14A7-97) as the recalled vehicles, the manufacturer must expand this safety campaign to include my VIN before a full failure and a serious accident occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11748244

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact called several local dealers. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11747668

My 4WD guage is displayed with a "service repair needed." I believe the PTU is defected as my vehicle never needed to engage to 4WD. My vehicle vibrates while driving, and acceleration handling is poor.

NHTSA ODI 11747314

this is not a safety issue but not sure who to notify..The black paint on the front side window frames is peeling off real bad. Would this be a warranty issue? Thank you,

NHTSA ODI 11746691

Sometimes when I am driving and stop, the automatic engine does not turn back on. This has caused my car to stop and need to be restarted in the middle of the road and the amount of times this happens has been increasing.

NHTSA ODI 11745998

The power transfer unit went out of car at 67000 miles (just out of warranty). Haven't got fixed due to expensive. Now has 144000 miles on it and still not fixed. Noticed there were other recalls but mine wasn't part of it yet PTU went out.

NHTSA ODI 11745578

Power Transfer Unit Failure diagnosed by Safford Dodge, Jeep dealership in Fredericksburg, VA. My VIN is not showing up as part of the recall. My car is still awaiting repair.

NHTSA ODI 11745799

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH in the driveway, the service 4WD warning light illuminated. The contact stated the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745562

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN); because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

NHTSA ODI 11745749

4WD has issues with the transfer case and cars up to 2019 had issues. I cant get parts and it is not safe to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11744872

I started getting a warning light in my Jeep (svc 4wd). The dealer diagnosed it as an internal failure of the PTU motor, which needs replaced. I learned that the PTU motor is a recall item for Jeeps long before mine was.manufactured, extending long past my manufacture date. For some reason, my VIN is not included, even though my PTU is failed and presents the symptoms that logically should include it. My discussion with the repair person went so far as to suggest I always use the parking brake, just in case, to prevent spontaneous roll-away. I also learned there are many other Jeep owners facing the same problem, causing at least a month's delay in obtaining a replacement PTU to fix this problem. I believe and respectfully request that this issue should be considered a part of the original recall, to include ALL Jeeps within the stated time frame. This submission is in reference to 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee (NHTSA Recall 26V-290 / FCA Recall 40D). Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ODI 11742770

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The contact stated that the rear sunroof panel fractured without impact, and the shattered glass fell all over the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742771

I received a warning light svc and, had the car looked at a Jeep dealership in late Feb early March, the PTU case needs to be replaced. There seems to be a recall for this on jeep cherokees but my car isn't listed and my car has had a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11742572

I was driving and my power steering suddenly went out by its self. It was a very dangerous and traumatic experience. I had to get a good grip on the steering wheel to keep from hitting a Parked Car or something! I read that it was once a recall for this part but when I took it to the dealer they said it wasn’t. I need some type of help. My car isn’t safe for me or my son

NHTSA ODI 11742589

4wd and power steering is off due to some recall issue that affects my make/model/year but for some reason my vin# wasn’t able to be repaired. Alignment is off and I constantly buy used tires

NHTSA ODI 11742163

I have brought in my jeep to the dealership for Issues while driving on the freeway going around 70 75 mph the dealership did some maintenance repairs on Tuesday, June 2 of 2026 since then I have noticed when I’m driving around 70 mph the vehicle vehicle hesitate like it and shifting and loses acceleration feels like I’m driving on ice and vehicle isn’t controllable feels like it’s hesitating.. I had to bring it to another dealership cause I feared for my safety.

NHTSA ODI 11742197

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to lose propulsion upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an abnormal, clunking sound began to emti from the without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle lost all forward propulsion. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they also experienced the same failure. The dealer managed to get the vehicle to move while in reverse(R); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate forward. The dealer had diagnosed the vehicle with a defective PTU(Power Transfer Unit) and it was later discovered that a recall had been placed on the vehicle for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(Power Train). Although a recall was placed on the vehicle; the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The contact was given an estimate to have a new PTU placed inside the vehicle; however, that would only be a temporary fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740333

Service four-wheel-drive light came on. Took Vehicle to the Jeep dealer for inspection and paid $220.94 diagnostic fee. Jeep dealer stated that the power transfer unit had an internal failure code C1487–97. Dealership quoted a repair cost of $2836.75. Dealership stated the part was on backorder and would not be available for weeks or months or longer. Although there are three recalls specifically associated with this issue for this specific model… The VIN number to this vehicle is not included for some reason. It seems evident that if the part failed it obviously suffers the same issue as the others that are included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11740492

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" and "Four Wheel Drive Unavailable" had displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle the parking brake had malfunctioned. The cause of the fialure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified and informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000(POWER TRAIN ). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738959

2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, Auto Start/Stop, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Park Brake, ABS, traction control, check engine, and Blind Spot Alerts Unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11738869

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed, and the vehicle began to decelerate. The Service 4-Wheel Drive warning was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road where smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle near the power steering unit. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI 11738465

VERIFIED CONCERN, FOUND VEHICLE TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND DOES NOT IDLE CLEANLY. PERFORMED MISFIRE MONITOR AND NOTED NO MISFIRES AT THIS TIME. INSPECT SPARK PLUGS, COILS AND CYLINDER BORES FOR CONCERN, NOTED LOW COMPRESSION ON CYL #2 (150, 105, 145, 150). INSPECT CYL BORE WITH CAMERA, NOTED EXCESSIVE SCOURING AND DAMAGE TO CYLINDER WALLS CAUSING MISFIRE. ADVISE LONGBLOCK OR COMPLETE ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT REQUIRED. OPEN INVESTIGATION: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11737799

My vehicle has been in the shop over 6 times due to the malfunctioning of the EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM. Less then 2.5wks after I purchased this vehicle, I started experiencing my E brake randomly engaging while driving it down the road. I called the dealership. They suggested I bring it to a jeep dealer. I’ve brought it to a jeep dealer where it’s been several times since I purchased the vehicle to have this issue looked at, but due to the fact of no codes popping when it gets brought in there’s nothing that they can do. I reported it also with the jeep company to which my case/complaint was closed out, even though the problem has not been fixed the most severe and most scary time that my emergency brake system came on was when I was driving at 65 miles an hour at 2:30 in the morning leaving work with a semi truck behind me and my emergency brakes randomly engaged on the freeway bringing me to a dead stop. They replaced the emergency breaking module and it still does it however, now my vehicle no matter what I do every time I put the vehicle even into park, my emergency brake kicks in. I’ve also looked up online and seeing that I’m not the only one that has experienced this that several other jeep owners have also experienced this typically found from the years of 2014 to 2020 Jeep Cherokee I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited my vehicle had 30,000 or so miles on it when I purchased this car this car has been a death trap ever since. I can’t even feel comfortable putting my children, my mother or even my animals into this car let alone myself. I do fear that one day this vehicle is going to kill me because that night with that semi behind me he could’ve easily rear-ended my vehicle and I’m sure he was doing 75 miles an hour and then a vehicle not even a half a mile in front of them randomly stops without any warning how that happened my children would not have a mother.

NHTSA ODI 11737975

2020 Cherokee owner from dealer purchased as CPO w/23k miles in 2023. Shortly after purchase rear differential failed and was replaced under warranty at 25k miles. At 42k full Steering Rack failure. Daughter on 5 hour drive home from college experienced a completely random failure at highway speeds. Failure occurred with zero warning. It was a dangerous situation. Dealer quoting $3600 to repair. Original warranty has expired and CPO warranty does not cover. The company issued a recall on about 5,000 vehicles for faulty steering racks. My VIN was not included, though I have a hard time believing a full failure at 42k miles is simply a coincidence. Steering Racks should last 100-150k. This vehicle is well services and driven lightly. Pleaded with the dealer for help and contacted customer care. Was denied coverage and offered zero cost assistance. Dealer hourly rates in my area are $250 for some context on the quote and a 10 hour job apparently. The part costs $1100. Further, a quick perusal of reviews for other common issues with this vehicle unfortunately lists many. I would NOT recommend this vehicle!

NHTSA ODI 11737699

The engine started making clunking sounds when driving. Brought it in and they said piston 2 has low psi, damage to cylinder, oil in cylinder, and the vehicle has roughly 47,500 miles on it. It has had on time oil changes and maintenance. I am told it needs a new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11735805