TireKick

Problems to check

2020 Jeep Cherokee reported problems

These problems appeared in the records we reviewed. This is not a list of what happens most often, and it does not predict the condition of one car.

What to look for

Airbags owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Symptom
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention air bags.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 8,000 to 8,000 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I was involved in a head-on accident with another car. The airbags did not deploy in my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. This resulted didn’t some injuries to me in a driver of the other car. The other car driver airbags did deploy but my 2020 Jeep Cherokee airbags did not deploy vehicle damage was rated such that the car was totaled with heavy front damage on the driver side front.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“On June 24 ,2025 I was in a front end collision resulting in personal injury to with parties. From airbags not deploying on my vehicle. My car was deemed total loss from insurance company. Vehicle didn't have any prior electrical or and warning lamps on at time prior collision”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while his wife was driving at 35 MPH, when approaching an intersection a vehicle coming from the opposite lane came thru and caused the driver to hit that vehicle head-on. The air bags did not deploy. There front end of the vehicle was crashed in. The driver sustained a crack sternum, bruised lungs, and hurt their foot while depressing on the brake, the contact sustained an injured right shoulder due to the seat belt, internal bruises to their sternum, ribs, and stomach, as well fluids in their lungs. There was medical treatment at the scene and took both the contact and the driver to the hospital for treatment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the contact insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000. Contact was later found to have dislocated sternum and damage to internal organs as well as damage to dialysis port. He recently was hospitalized to manage pain and monitor organs four weeks in the hospital and one week in nursing home. Now doing PT at home.”
NHTSAcomplaintSep 2021Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle was in a front end collision resulting in $16k in damages, driver transported to the hospital with leg and head injuries. The airbags did not deploy. NONE.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2021Open source record

Power Train owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Medium confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Symptom
14 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 61,500 to 90,087 miles.

Based on 7 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Service 4wd light came on and lost 4wd. Took to dealer I purchased from and was told I had a PTU failure. My extended warranty through ford would cover but jeep will not sell the parts. Apparently my jeep is not in the recall for the last 10 years of ptu failures. It failed by 50000 miles but a month after the manufacture date 5 year mark”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with powertrain unit failure. The contact was informed that the powertrain unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,173.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission was upshifting roughly while accelerating, causing the vehicle to jerk forward abruptly. The contact stated that while releasing the accelerator pedal, the transmission downshifted roughly. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a power transfer case failure. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,000.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record

Steering owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.

Symptom
3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention steering.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact's mother owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at unknown speeds, the steering wheel stiffened and was difficult to maneuver. The failure would occur intermittently. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a nearby tree where it came to a stop. No air bags deployed. The driver sustained bruising to the chest, and back injuries, and hit their head against the steering wheel. Medical attention was required. A police report was failed. The police department towed the vehicle. The vehicle's front end was severely damaged causing the radiator to leak. It was unknown if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSAcomplaintJan 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Pulling into gas station and power steering went out when pulling in, almost hit pump. Not only did it now need a new power steering rack but the clock spring had to be replaced to program it”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed. Which includes What the Dealer’s Reprogramming Usually Covers (Standard & Expected) • SCCM (Steering Column Module)programming/configuration — Loads the correct software and vehicle-specific data into the new module.• Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) calibration — Teaches the system the straight-ahead wheel position (critical for fixing hard steering and related codes).• Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) relearn — Calibrates the new sensor so the vehicle accurately monitors battery voltage/charging (helps with electrical gremlins and odometer issues). • Instrument cluster synchronization/reset — Clears the blinking odometer light and syncs the cluster with the new module. • Clearing all DTCs and running a full system scan (before/after reports). • Basic test drive/verification to confirm power steering feel, turn signals, and no lights.These are normal “post-repair setup” steps. Labor time is usually 0.5–2 hours total. I was quoted 200 dollars for this specific work to be done. They came back with codes C0051-04, C0051-64, U0420-00 which they said were codes that heavily recommended the rack and pinion to be changed but the codes that recommend that to be changed are C1592, C2217, or U0131. None of them showed. Then with the codes that they showed me they showed a low battery voltage even though I changed the battery recently, the smart battery sensor as well recently which they even said they reprogrammed for free which apparently they didn’t. They never showed me any reports of the steering control module programmed with all the parameters showing it passed or failed. They just immediately recommended the rack and pinion with the wrong codes. Go figure. Someone please help the service writer Jorge Rocha to better explain things with proper codes and the mechanic who should also be looked into for rights of worked done improperly.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record

Steering recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2020.

Symptom
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 11,382 to 11,382 miles.

Based on 1 report that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. 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.”
NHTSArecallOpen source record

Back Over Prevention recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2020.

Symptom
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
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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." The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.”
NHTSArecallOct 2020Open source record

Power Train recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Symptom
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 45,500 to 86,750 miles.

Based on 14 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail. A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. 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.”
NHTSArecallJul 2026Open source record

The records cannot show the service history, repairs, title, accidents, or condition of the car you found.

Check a 2020 Jeep Cherokee at its mileage