Reliable Auto DB

2019 Jeep Cherokee reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 1,640 complaints with NHTSA after 8 years, or 205 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Cherokee years here — over the median of the other years, which is 102. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Powertrain, Rack, and Air bags.

2014 Jeep Cherokee
Photo by Kevauto, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Complaints

1,640

Per year

205

Recalls

11

Years on the road

8

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (802 of 1,640), then Engine (457) and Electrical system (340). Those filings include 40 that report a crash, 19 that report a fire, and 22 that report an injury.

Next to 2018 and 2020

The 2018 Cherokee has 684 complaints, 103 per year, and the 2020 has 303 complaints, 17 per year. The 2019 has more complaints per year than the 2018. The 2019 has more complaints per year than the 2020.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2019 Jeep Cherokee. How we count. Data as of .

Recalls (11)

Recall Powertrain 2026-05-07 · NHTSA campaign 26V290000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Remedy Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were 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.
Recall Powertrain 2025-04-29 · NHTSA campaign 25V011000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall steering, rack and pinion, rack 2019-08-29 · NHTSA campaign 19V637000
Summary 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.
Recall Air bags 2019-06-13 · NHTSA campaign 19V449000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Seats 2019-03-28 · NHTSA campaign 19V248000
Summary Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
Remedy 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.
Recall electrical system, instrument cluster 2018-12-20 · NHTSA campaign 18V917000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2018-10-19 · NHTSA campaign 18V739000
Summary Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Remedy 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.
Recall hydraulic brakes, foundation components, disc, caliper 2018-08-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V523000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall electrical system, wiring, front underhood wiring 2018-08-09 · NHTSA campaign 18V524000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall powertrain, automatic transmission 2018-07-26 · NHTSA campaign 18V492000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.
Recall Engine 2018-05-25 · NHTSA campaign 18V344000
Summary 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.
Remedy 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.

Complaints by component (1640 total)

Powertrain
802
Engine
457
Electrical system
340
Steering
120
Service brakes
100
Speed control
82
Air bags
42
Fuel and propulsion system
39
Forward collision avoidance
32
Electronic stability control (ESC)
27
Wheels
24
Structure
20
Exterior lighting
18
Engine and engine cooling
13
Suspension
11
Back-over prevention
9
Seat belts
7
Visibility and wipers
7
Hydraulic brakes
6
Lane departure
6
Equipment
5
Visibility
4
Fuel system, gasoline
3
Parking brake
3
Seats
3
Tires
3
Air brakes
1
Carry handle, shell, and base
1
Latches, locks, and linkages
1
Traction control
1
Show 22 more Show less
Crash-flagged

40

Fire-flagged

19

Injury reports

22

Death reports

0

Complaints filed per year

10320182372019163202011120219420221372023126202442520252442026
Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings
  • "The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 30-55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-09-21
  • "My 2019 Jeep Cherokee experienced a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure that matches the known PTU recall defect, even though my VIN is not currently listed. The first code that appeared was C1494‑07, which is the…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-09-19
  • "I received a recall on my Jeep Cherokee in June (40D/NHTSA 26V-290) for Power Transfer Unit failure. I contacted FCA recall center [XXX]). The notice indicated that at present there was not remedy for the recall. In…"
    Powertrain · filed 2026-09-17
  • "On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The…"
    Powertrain, Unknown or other, Engine · filed 2026-09-15

NHTSA crash ratings

Version Overall Front Side Rollover
2019 Jeep Cherokee SUV 2WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars
2019 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD 4 stars 4 stars 5 stars 4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim Engine Transmission Drive City Hwy Combined Annual fuel cost
Cherokee four-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 21 29 24 MPG $2700
Cherokee four-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 19 27 22 MPG $2950
Cherokee four-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed All-wheel drive 21 29 24 MPG $2700
Cherokee four-wheel drive Active Drive II 2L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 20 27 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee four-wheel drive Active Drive II 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 18 26 21 MPG $3100
Cherokee front-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 20 29 23 MPG $2800
Cherokee front-wheel drive 2.4L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 22 31 25 MPG $2600
Cherokee front-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Front-wheel drive 23 31 26 MPG $2500
Cherokee Trailhawk four-wheel drive 2L, 4-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 20 26 22 MPG $2950
Cherokee Trailhawk four-wheel drive 3.2L, 6-cyl Automatic 9-speed Four-wheel drive 18 24 21 MPG $3100

Specs and fitment

KL generation, 2014–2023
Body styles SUV
Oil 0W-20 (2.4L Tigershark); 5W-20 (3.2L V6) , 5 qt capacity
Tire size 225/60R17 to 245/45R20 (trim dependent)
Towing capacity 4,500 lbs

Known issues for this generation

Early KL years (especially 2014) draw heavy NHTSA powertrain filings. Recall 19V-447 covers certain 2014 Cherokees with the 3.2L V6: if a clutch sticks, transmission software may shift to neutral and cut drive; dealers update transmission software (FCA V69). Recall 16V-529 covers certain 2014-2015 Cherokees with the 9-speed: insufficient crimps in the transaxle range-sensor harness can default the gearbox to neutral; dealers reprogram and replace the harness as needed (FCA S55). Recall 20V-343 covers certain 2014-2017 Cherokees with a two-speed PTU: spline wear between the PTU and transmission can lose drive or Park; dealers apply software that keeps rear drive and sets the electronic park brake (FCA W47). Recall 26V-290 covers certain 2019-2023 Cherokees for PTU failure with possible loss of drive or rollaway; dealers update drivetrain/PTU/park-brake software and replace the PTU as needed.

Compare

Previous year 2018 Jeep Cherokee Next year 2020 Jeep Cherokee See every Jeep Cherokee model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 1,640 complaints with NHTSA after 8 years, or 205 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Cherokee years here — over the median of the other years, which is 102. NHTSA has 11 recalls on file, including Powertrain, Rack, and Air bags.

What are common problems with a 2019 Jeep Cherokee?

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (802 of 1,640), then Engine (457) and Electrical system (340). Those filings include 40 that report a crash, 19 that report a fire, and 22 that report an injury.

Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2018 Cherokee has 684 complaints, 103 per year, and the 2020 has 303 complaints, 17 per year. The 2019 has more complaints per year than the 2018. The 2019 has more complaints per year than the 2020.

Has the 2019 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 11 recalls on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners have filed 1640 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2019 Jeep Cherokee get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is 23.1 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Cherokee take?

0W-20 (2.4L Tigershark); 5W-20 (3.2L V6)

What does NHTSA recall 19V-447 cover on the Jeep Cherokee?

Recall 19V-447 covers certain 2014 Cherokees with the 3.2L V6: if a clutch sticks, transmission software may shift to neutral and cut drive; dealers update transmission software (FCA V69).

What generation is the 2015 Jeep Cherokee?

KL generation (2014-2023).