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Jeep Cherokee common problems

The areas Jeep Cherokee owners report most, from NHTSA (US) complaint records over 2016, 2020, 2024. Use it as an inspection guide, then confirm the exact car with a VIN check.

1640 owner complaints over 2016, 2020, 2024, grouped by the affected part of the car.

Most-reported areas

  • Power Train

    752 reports
    • The service 4w drive indicator came on on the vehicle while I was driving in light snow of about 1 inch. I was unable to stop because the wheels spun and felt like they were not spinning in sync. I spun out and narrowly…
    • THE 'SERVICE SHIFTER ' ICON WAS ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR LIGHTS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AFTER REVIEWING WEB SITES THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE JEEP CHEROKEES.
    • I KEEP HAVING 'SERVICE SHIFTER' POP UP WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER IS. IT ORIGINALLY POPPED UP ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. IT POPS UP AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE IS MOVING. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE IN…
  • Engine

    348 reports
    • While I am driving my car feels like it shifts into neutral but I am still in park. no control of car and breaks. Then the dash says "Shift into P then select desired gear". The only was to get the car moving again is t…
    • Transmission was replaced at 20k miles it has still continue to stall while driving causing hard shift and stalling in the middle of the road almost causing accidents.
    • WHILE IN DRIVE THE JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT (PREMIUM PKG) CAR CUTS OFF IN STREET 3X AND HWY 4X AND ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. CAR ALSO LOSES POWER/SPEED WHILE IN DRIVE AND ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON WHEN MAKING A TURN. CAR LOSES SPEE…
  • Electrical System

    327 reports
    • SERVICE SHIFTER MESSAGE APPEARED IN THE CENTER DISPLAY AND IS LOCK IN PLACE, NOT BEING ABLE TO SCROLL THROUGH THE MENUS ANY LONGER. NEXT TO THE SHIFTER ALL LIGHTS FOR SHIFTER POSITION ARE ILLUMINATED AND YOU CANNOT SEE…
    • THE 'SERVICE SHIFTER ' ICON WAS ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE GEAR SELECTOR INDICATOR LIGHTS. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. AFTER REVIEWING WEB SITES THIS IS AN INHERENT PROBLEM WITH THE JEEP CHEROKEES.
    • The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is locked in engaged mode and I am unable to release the EPB causing the car to be immobilized.
  • Service Brakes

    116 reports
    • The Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) system is locked in engaged mode and I am unable to release the EPB causing the car to be immobilized.
    • TL* THE CONTACT OWNED 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AS SHE REAR ENDED TWO VEHICLES. THE FRO…
    • WHILE DRIVING, VEHICLE WILL DECELERATE AND WARNING LIGHT APPEARS TO SHIFT CAR IN GEAR. THEN CAR TURNS OFF. CAN NOT USE BREAKS, ALL ELECTRONICS FLASH AND COLTAGE LIGHT ALARM COMES ON. WHEN TAKEN TO DEALER TWICE, NO ERROR…
  • Vehicle Speed Control

    84 reports
    • WHILE IN DRIVE THE JEEP CHEROKEE SPORT (PREMIUM PKG) CAR CUTS OFF IN STREET 3X AND HWY 4X AND ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON. CAR ALSO LOSES POWER/SPEED WHILE IN DRIVE AND ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON WHEN MAKING A TURN. CAR LOSES SPEE…
    • DRIVING AT NIGHT IN THE RAIN ON THE HIGHWAY 60 MPH. LOST POWER STEERING, BRAKES, FORWARD WARNING COLLISION AND OTHER CONTROLS. LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE CRASH INTO THE EMBANKMENT. ALMOST ROLLED THE VEHICLE. DEALER STA…
    • SPEEDOMETER READING IS OFF... CAUSED SPEEDING TICKET, BECAUSE I DIDN'T REALIZE I WAS SPEEDING BECAUSE OF THE SPEEDOMETER READING WAS OFF. OFFICER SAID HE CLOCKED ME AT 94 MPH IN 70MPH, THOUGHT I WAS GOING 73....IN MOTIO…

Safety recalls

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  • 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.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.

  • EQUIPMENT

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

  • SEATS

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during September 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

  • POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured September 30, 2015, to October 2, 2015. The left halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S38.

  • POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

    Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured October 3, 2015, to March 22, 2016. The right halfshaft may have been incorrectly manufactured causing it to fracture without warning.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler's customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall number is S39.

  • POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DIFFERENTIAL UNIT

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.

    Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.

  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.

    Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V-343.

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING: REAR COMPARTMENT/TRUNK

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.

NHTSA investigations

Formal NHTSA (US) defect investigations for the Jeep Cherokee. An investigation means regulators looked into a possible fault — it may lead to a recall or close with none.

  • OpenEngineering analysis · EA21002Air Bags

    Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200

    Opened 2021

  • OpenRecall query · RQ98023Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    BRAKE ROTOR DISC/HUB SEPARATION

    CHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-005, ON JANUARY 5, 1998, INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 225,000 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE, 1990-91 CHEROKEE, WRANGLER AND COMANCHEE, AND 1989-91 EAGLE PREMIER AND DODGE MONACO.THE FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTORS OF THESE VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE SEVERE CORROSION

    Opened 1998

  • ClosedPreliminary evaluation · PE22009Parking Brake

    Electronic Parking Brake Water Ingress

    The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-009 after having received 80 complaints on model years 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees alleging the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) inadvertently activated while the vehicle was in motion.During this investigation, the s

    Closed 2023

  • ClosedRecall query · RQ15004Electrical System

    Software security vulnerability

    On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured b

    Closed 2016

  • ClosedPreliminary evaluation · PE15003Engine

    Engine compartment fire

    On October 15, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, US LLC, (FCA), submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA regarding an air-conditioning suction/discharge combo line routing condition that may result in engine compartment fire in approximately 75,574 model year (MY) 2015

    Closed 2015

  • ClosedEngineering analysis · EA12005Fuel System, Gasoline

    Crash Related Fuel Tank Fires

    ODI has completed an extensive analysis of rear crash fuel tank system integrity data for the subject Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee and Liberty vehicles (SVs).As of June 2013, ODI knew of 56 post-collision fatal fires, 28 non-fatal fires, and 6 fuel leak incidents (totaling 90 in

    Closed 2014

  • ClosedDefect petition · DP02005Power Train

    SUDDEN ACCELERATION

    There is no summary currently available

    Closed 2002

  • ClosedEngineering analysis · EA01005Structure

    DOOR HINGE

    There is no summary currently available

    Closed 2002

  • ClosedSQ · SQ00009Structure

    DOOR HINGE

    There is no summary currently available

    Closed 2001

  • ClosedEngineering analysis · EA99014Service Brakes, Hydraulic

    BRAKE ROTER DISC/HUD SEPARATION

    There is no summary currently available

    Closed 2000

NHTSA investigation records, snapshot 2026-06-18.

Buying a Jeep Cherokee?

Check its VIN first. Decode the exact car and see its open safety recalls, free.

Complaint and recall data: NHTSA (US). Same-generation EU models usually share these mechanical issues.