Jeep Cherokee / 2020
2020 Jeep Cherokee problems
Owners have filed 382 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 41.6% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine at 9.9%.
Complaints382
Crashes11
Fires6
Injuries9
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 41.6% · 159
Engine 9.9% · 38
Unknown or other 8.9% · 34
Electrical system 8.9% · 34
Service brakes 5.8% · 22
Steering 5.8% · 22
Forward collision avoidance 2.6% · 10
Fuel/propulsion system 2.4% · 9
Severity
Of those complaints, 11 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 9 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 20 model years of the Jeep Cherokee in this data, 2020 sits 15th by complaint volume. 2014 draws the most.
Filings are rising — 257 in the last three years against 89 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 36,149 miles.
In owners' own words
The Power Transfer Unit failed, needing repair. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety, and other's safety on the road, was put at risk because now the power can shut off while driving. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer, as we took it in when a warning light appeared. They confirmed it was a power transfer unit failure. They first appeared about a month ago, and today's date is 9/19/25. Power train
The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someone gets hurt. Power train
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the "Service Four Wheel Drive" message remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 79,000. Power train · reported at 79,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…