Verdict
2020 Jeep Cherokee: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
More reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 258 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 83% of 2020 SUVs. Power Train leads the reports (52%). 3 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2020 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
258
Reports to NHTSA, 2020
Safety recalls
3
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
23
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 83% of 2020 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2020 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (52% of 258 reports), followed by electrical system (8%).
+ 13 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 258 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11748244, ODI 11747668, ODI 11747314, ODI 11745998, ODI 11745578.
Recalls(3)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainJul 2026 · 26V290000Details +Close −
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be 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.
Back Over PreventionOct 2020 · 20V191000Details +Close −
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."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Steering · 19V637000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| Cherokee FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 31 | 25 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 |
| Cherokee FWD | 3.2L 6-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 29 | 23 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 27 | 23 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 19 | 27 | 22 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 3.2L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 24 | 21 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 3.2L 6-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2020 Jeep Cherokee: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners filed 258 NHTSA complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee — more complaints than 83% of comparable 2020 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (52% of complaints) and electrical system (8%).
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
3 recalls have been issued that affect the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Jeep Cherokee between 21 and 26 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.