2019 Jeep Cherokee: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 1,833 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and engine. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 1,833
- Recalls
- 17
- Crashes reported
- 55
- 46 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Jeep Cherokee: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Cherokee is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 23–26 mpg |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | AWD, FWD | 24–25 mpg |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 4WD, AWD, FWD | 21–23 mpg |
- The 2019 Jeep Cherokee was sold in three versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Cherokee that averages well under the EPA 21 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Engine compartment fires
4,000–28,000 miles
Power steering rack failure
15,000–62,000 miles
Warped front brake rotors
15,500–35,000 miles
Transmission failure
23,000–33,000 miles
Power transfer unit failure
28,543–83,000 miles
Cracked rear differential
32,000–63,000 miles
Seat belt retractor failure
40,000–53,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission6867 crashes
The engine shuts off or the transmission drops out of gear while driving. The car coasts with the revs climbing, and some drivers say steering and braking got harder. Other reports describe harsh 1-2 and 2-3 shifts, refusal to leave first gear, and the car shifting itself into park at speed. A second pattern is power transfer unit (PTU) failure, with grinding and loss of drive, sometimes made worse by repair parts on back order. Cracked rear differentials turn up with no warning. The category includes 7 crash reports.
Electrical3051 crash
Warning lights for stability control, check engine, and start-stop come on together, and some cars then lose power or will not restart. Stop/start faults lead to stalls at traffic lights. Batteries go dead more than once. The Uconnect touchscreen freezes, reboots on a blue screen, or peels at the top corner, and the backup camera goes out with it. Brake lights can stay on for minutes after shutdown, even after a software update. The 4 fire reports include a burned engine wiring harness at 14,000 miles.
Engine1841 crash
Cars stall in traffic, including while accelerating through turns, and lose power steering when the engine quits. Heavy oil use comes up, with owners adding 2 to 3 quarts between changes. Rough idle and stalling can turn into compression loss and a full engine replacement once the warranty runs out. Some engines lose power at freeway speed with a flashing check engine light. The 5 fire reports often start at the front passenger side, sometimes after a "4WD overheated" message, and several cars burn completely.
Steering1308 crashes
Power steering quits or the wheel locks up without warning, at parking-lot speeds and at 70 mph alike. Owners report spinning out on ramps and hitting curbs, signs, and trees, with 8 crash reports and 4 injuries. Dealers often fix it by replacing the steering rack, in cars ranging from under 15,000 to 62,000 miles. Steering also gets heavy when a failed power transfer unit locks the car in all-wheel drive. Other cars lose steering along with brakes during a full power loss or a stall.
Brakes1295 crashes
Stopping takes longer than expected, or the car creeps forward with the pedal pressed, and owners describe rear-end and side collisions across 5 crash reports. Front rotors warp early, causing a pulsing pedal and vibration. A leaking brake booster shows up as a stiff pedal with no dashboard warning. The electronic parking brake can engage on its own while idling at a light. Several owners say a dealer repair is stalled because the part is on back order. Metal-on-metal noise and a broken caliper also appear.
Airbags4121 crashes
Front and side bags stay folded in serious crashes, including head-on hits, T-bone impacts, pole strikes, and deer collisions, many in cars later totaled. This small category carries 21 crash reports and 31 injuries, from bruises to a skull fracture and concussion. Most drivers report no warning light beforehand. A few reports describe the opposite problem: a steering wheel bag that barely inflated and burned the driver, and a knee bag injury in a frontal crash.
Acceleration and cruise control313 crashes
The car speeds up on its own, from a stop or while backing out, and pumping the brakes does not stop it. There are 3 crash reports, one with an injury. Other cars lose throttle and drop into limp mode, refuse to go faster than a crawl with the check engine light on, or slip into neutral and flash "shift to park." Stalling in turns, a failing starter, and a fuel filler that pushes the nozzle out or spits fuel back also appear.
Suspension173 crashes
Most of these reports are really drivetrain problems: a roar from the all-wheel-drive system, a "Service 4WD" message, grinding underneath, and a car that stops driving at 40 mph because of a failed power transfer unit. Some owners waited on repairs because the parts were not available. Cracked rear differentials appear here too, with no accident to explain them. Other reports describe ABS and stability control warnings coming on right before a loss of control. The category is small, with 17 complaints.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Cherokee owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
At 66,000 miles my 2019 Jeep Cherokee gave me a service 4WD light. The error code is related to needing to replace the PTU. This causes a huge safety issue as to when the car decides to be in 4WD or front wheel drive. I have experienced loss of directional control in light rain with normal acceleration due to this fault. I was told that this will cost around $4,000 to replace and the wait time on the manufacture part is 4-5 months out.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2024
The service 4-wheel drive light warning light came on. It is a PTU issue that Jeep has recalled 63K vehicles on in February. My jeep has been sitting in the shop since 9/8/2025 with no anticipated date of receiving a part. It is unsafe to drive the vehicle; therefore, I have been without a vehicle for almost 2 months. Jeep is aware of the issue and is doing nothing to correct the issue.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
Touch screen on uConnect system freezes upon startup or randomly while driving and will also turn blue and reboot several times before it functions properly. Backup camera will not function when screen is frozen and this is a major safety concern. Top left corner of touch screen has started to delaminate, approximately 3 months out of standard 3 year warranty. Vehicle has 36,981 miles. Delamination is causing issues with touch screen.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2022
Second time in under a year battery went dead. The first time, While I did take it to the dealer to get it replaced under warranty, still puzzling as to what is draining the battery. Dealer said alternator was good. I’m taking in today to get it fixed. My car is all factory, no mods, no add one. This is my daily driver, drive about 36 to 40 miles highway.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2021
The engine shut down on the highway going 70 mph. There were no warning signs or lights. The dealership confirmed that it was a defect in the engine. The car only has 59000 miles.on it and 6 weeks out of warranty. We put a claim into Chrysler and they approved, it's been 3 months since this happened. I am currently still waiting to get my car back. As of this week, the dealership is currently replacing the engine.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
Going to work cylinder number 2 piston and rings failed with 72k miles. When I proceeded to call the dealership for parts to have repaired they do not offer parts but a complete engine. The service Manager also proceeded to say they have one in the parking lot with the same scenario. I also did a search online and found another that has failed.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2022
power steering went out while driving down the interstate at 70 MPH. The dealership said that the rack and pinnon had to be replaced. The Jeep has less than 60,000 miles on it. This is unacceptable for a product of this expense and quality.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
PTU needs to be replaced after less than 55k miles. Several recalls issued, but VIN is not included, but meets every "check box" for recall.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2025
How the 2019 compares with other Cherokee years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 8 Cherokee years we cover, about 4.1 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission68692
- Electrical305122
- Engine18435
- Steering13034
- Brakes12918
- Airbags419
Recalls to confirm (17)
Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V011000TransmissionApr 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
24V838000BrakesNov 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may incorrectly illuminate the brake lights and disable the ABS and electronic stability control (ESC). In addition, the vehicle operator may be able to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that can be started and shifted out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in a vehicle rollaway. Disabled ABS and ESC systems can reduce vehicle handling and control in certain driving situations. Brake lights that incorrectly illuminate can fail to properly indicate the driver's intention to following traffic. Any of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the integrated pressure transducer and update the ABS module software, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2025. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 94B. This recall replaces previous recall number 22V-426. Vehicles previously remedied under 22V-426 will need to have the new remedy completed.
23V411000EngineJun 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
22V426000BrakesJun 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. A malfunction in the antilock-brake system (ABS) module may illuminate the brake lights, and allow the vehicle to start and shift out of Park without the brake pedal being applied.
Risk: A vehicle that starts and shifts out of Park without applying the brake pedal can result in vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside of the vehicle.
Fix: This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall number 24V838. Vehicles already repaired under this recall will need to have the new remedy completed. The remedy includes updated HCU/ABS module software that prevents the HCU/ABS module from falsely reading pressure in the primary circuit. FCA has decided to do a two-Phase Campaign remedy schedule. Phase 1 began November 17, 2022. Phase 2 begin date has not been determined yet. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed July 28, 2020. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 29, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z48.
22V406000Fuel systemJun 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
20V699000EngineNov 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.
20V191000Backup cameraSep 2020
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.
Fix: 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.
20V183000TransmissionMar 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles. The front differential may have been assembled with pinion gears that are insufficiently hardened, which can lead to the gear teeth wearing down. If both pinion gears have their teeth sufficiently worn off, torque power can not be transferred from the front wheels to the driveline, resulting in loss of power while driving and loss of the PARK function when stationary.
Risk: A sudden loss of power while driving or loss of the transmission PARK function can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front differential, free of charge. The recall began May 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W22.
19V637000SteeringAug 2019
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.
Fix: 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.
19V449000AirbagsJun 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.
19V248000SeatsMar 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.
18V917000ElectricalDec 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Risk: Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
18V739000TransmissionOct 2018
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
18V523000BrakesAug 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
18V524000ElectricalAug 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
18V492000TransmissionJul 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Risk: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
18V344000EngineMay 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Risk: Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.
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2019 owner complaints, side by side
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- 2019 Jeep Cherokee1,833
