2020 Jeep Cherokee
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 98 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 275 |
| 1991 | 234 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 522 |
| 1995 | 610 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2642 |
| 2015 | 1784 |
| 2016 | 1404 |
| 2017 | 1328 |
| 2018 | 682 |
| 2019 | 1618 |
| 2020 | 282 |
| 2021 | 153 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: power train — 160 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260721
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
13% of complaints: engine — 38 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
Upon driving at approx 20mph in traffic on the highway, there was a sudden loss of power in acceleration. Smoke was seen around the vehicle. Multiple lights flashed on the dashboard and then quickly went blank.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240829
The contact owned a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the four-wheel drive overheated warning light illuminated.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240620
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2020 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, AN UNKNOWN BURNING ODOR OCCURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE ALERTED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE UNDERNEATH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210128
12% of complaints: electrical system — 34 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body control module/bcm.
9% of complaints: service brakes — 24 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
CRASH8% of complaints: steering — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing electric power assist system.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240418
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
I went to this dealership today to get my steering column control module reprogrammed.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260716
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 19V637000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
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.
Campaign 20V191000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 26V290000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (160 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (38 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (34 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V290000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V637000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V191000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.