Vehicle report
2020 Jeep Cherokee
Free recalls, owner complaints, and NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, plus how to check this specific vehicle before you buy.
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Its overall NHTSA crash-test rating is 4 out of 5. Below is the full breakdown, plus how to check this specific vehicle by VIN before you buy in Alberta.
3
Open recalls
15
Complaints
4
Overall safety
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2020 Jeep Cherokee recalls (3)
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
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:RACK AND PINION:RACK
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.
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.
POWER TRAIN
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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.
2020 Jeep Cherokee safety ratings
4
Overall
4
Front
5
Side
4
Rollover
Source: NHTSA NCAP ratings.
2020 Jeep Cherokee owner complaints (15)
- POWER TRAIN
On [XXX], our 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 62,562 miles experienced a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at highway speed on [XXX] out of Dayton, Wyoming. There was a clunk, the engine RPM increased, and the vehicle would no longer engage drive or park. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to Sheridan Motors in Sheridan, Wyoming, where it remains. Sheridan Motors diagnosed an internal power transfer unit (PTU) failure and recommended replacement of the PTU followed by additional testing. The vehicle’s VIN is included in FCA Recall 40D / NHTSA Recall 26V-290, which identifies internal PTU failure as a condition that may cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power. We live in Bozeman, Montana, and had to obtain a rental vehicle to return home. On September 2, 2026, FCA Recall Assistance advised us that no approved repair or interim remedy is currently available. FCA would not authorize a repair or alternate transportation and stated that we must pay for a PTU replacement ourselves and later submit a reimbursement request, with no assurance that reimbursement will be approved. The vehicle has experienced the exact safety failure identified by the recall but cannot presently receive the recall remedy. Please record this as an actual field failure of the recalled PTU and review the absence of an available remedy for an inoperable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- ENGINE
I was driving on the interstate and lost my engine power
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
- POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle suffered complete failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / drivetrain system, resulting in vehicle lockup, failure to engage drive gears, and automatic parking brake lockout when placed in PARK. The vehicle experienced its first documented PTU failure and replacement (Part #68333285AE) under warranty at 47,577 miles in November 2022. The PTU failed while we were driving 70 mph plus going down the highway. It sounded like the gas pedal was pushed to the floor even thought it wasn't then numerous dash lights came on and the vehicle came to a stop and wouldn't move. It took almost 2 months to get our vehicle back and that was only after contacting Chrysler customer care to start a care case and try to get parts expedited. The PTU failed again in April 2026. It was sounding like grinding gears when backing up and it was automatically putting the parking brake for no reason on when vehicle was put into park. After being retained by an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise dealership ([XXX]) for nearly two months for warranty repair, the vehicle was released on XXX. They replaced the actuator instead of the entire PTU per Chrysler techs recommendation. We got it back and it was still automatically putting on the parking brake. Four days later, on XXX (after driving approximately 100 miles), the drivetrain suffered an identical breakdown, causing system faults, numerous dash lights and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle has remained inoperable at the dealership for over 100 cumulative day and remains there to this day. XXX This failure directly mirrors NHTSA Recall Campaign 26V290 (FCA Recall 40D) for 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokees with two-speed PTUs. Dealer states no factory remedy is available from the manufacturer, leaving the safety risk uncured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- POWER TRAIN
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. The contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred at a busy intersection. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter into park; however, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact enabled the parking brake. The Police were called to assist with traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid for out of pocket and reimbursed when parts became available. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The message "4WD Service" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit motor needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was intermittently displayed, and the vehicle only operated in front-wheel drive. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The sound became louder and more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
- POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the snow, the 4WD feature became inoperable. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 73,146.
- POWER TRAIN
My Jeep was subject to a recall for a failing Power Steering Unit (PSU). Before the recall was announced, the PSU failed and I paid for the repair at an authorized Jeep dealership. Jeep is now refusing reimbursement, stating they will only reimburse once a recall remedy becomes available. The vehicle has since been totaled in a crash unrelated to the PSU repair, so I can no longer receive the recall remedy. Jeep is withholding reimbursement even though the defect is acknowledged under the recall, the repair was completed at a Jeep dealership, and federal reimbursement rules require manufacturers to reimburse pre‑notification repairs. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance because Jeep is not complying with recall reimbursement requirements.
- POWER TRAIN
Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go
- POWER TRAIN
Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.
- POWER TRAIN
Service 4 wheel drive light came on. Car loses acceleration randomly. Weird winding noise. Higher than normal rpm. See there is recall for this but states mine not included. Had mechanic look at it and was told it’s the PTU. Normal issue with these. Unfortunately over 10000 on back order. Hhmmm
- STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat, torque converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced, and that the engine control valve was possibly stuck, resulting in oil and coolant contamination. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Checking a used Jeep Cherokee before you buy
The recall, complaint, and safety data above describes the 2020 Cherokee in general. To know the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're looking at, check it by VIN. A VIN check shows whether this particular Cherokee's recalls are still outstanding, and a full history report adds accident, title, and ownership records the data above can't show.
Before you buy a 2020 Jeep Cherokee in Alberta:
- Run a free VIN check on the exact vehicle for its own recalls and safety data.
- Run an Alberta Personal Property Registry lien search so you don't inherit debt.
- Get an independent pre-purchase inspection.
- If it's a dealer, confirm their AMVIC licence.
See other model years of the Jeep Cherokee, or browse more Jeep models.
2020 Jeep Cherokee — questions and answers
Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?+
Our check found 3 NHTSA recalls associated with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Check the specific vehicle by VIN to see which remain outstanding, since some may already have been repaired. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
How many complaints does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?+
NHTSA lists 15 owner complaints for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee in our results. Complaints are problems reported by owners and don't always lead to a recall, but a pattern of similar complaints is worth weighing before you buy.
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee safe?+
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 4. Review the front-crash, side-crash, and rollover ratings above, and pair safety ratings with a mechanical inspection of the specific vehicle.
How do I check a 2020 Jeep Cherokee VIN?+
Enter the vehicle's 17-character VIN into our free VIN check to see recalls, complaints, and safety ratings for that exact vehicle, then run an Alberta Personal Property Registry (PPR) lien search before you pay.
Are recall repairs on a Jeep free?+
Yes. Safety recall repairs are performed at no cost by a franchised Jeep dealer, even for a used vehicle and even if you're not the original owner. Confirm the required parts are in stock before relying on the fix.
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