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2020 Jeep Cherokee Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering camera and rack. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

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3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #20V191000 · Oct 9, 2020

Issue: 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.

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK

Campaign #19V637000 · Aug 29, 2019

Issue: 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.

POWER TRAIN

Campaign #26V290000 · Jul 5, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: 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 data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.

Reported to NHTSA

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure

POWER TRAIN

131 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-08

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to lose propulsion upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an abnormal, clunking sound began to emti from the without warning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11740333
“I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 87,000 miles. Approximately one month ago, my "Service 4WD" light illuminated on the dashboard, and I heard a severe grinding noise coming from the drivetrain”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748244
“My PTU failed while driving 70mph on a 4 lane interstate during a heavy rush hour, I'm 7 months pregnant and this was mortifying for me. I lost all power moving forward and could not accelerate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11707117

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Loss of power steering assist / steering rack failure

STEERING

16 NHTSA complaints · 2024-03 → 2026-08

“2020 Cherokee owner from dealer purchased as CPO w/23k miles in 2023. Shortly after purchase rear differential failed and was replaced under warranty at 25k miles. At 42k full Steering Rack failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737699
“The contact's mother owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his mother was driving at unknown speeds, the steering wheel stiffened and was difficult to maneuver. The failure would occur intermittently”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633806
“Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755280

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Parking brake engages unexpectedly while driving

PARKING BRAKE

10 NHTSA complaints · 2024-01 → 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the parking brake engaged unintendedly, causing the vehicle to stop abruptly, almost causing the contact to hit her head against the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660387
“Vehicle randomly will engage the parking brake while vehicle is in motion and in drive. Vehicle then will stall and needs repeated attempts to restart before break will disengage”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585971
“My vehicle has been in the shop over 6 times due to the malfunctioning of the EMERGENCY BREAKING SYSTEM. Less then 2.5wks after I purchased this vehicle, I started experiencing my E brake randomly engaging while driving it down the road”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737975

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine oil leak and cylinder wall damage

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2025-01 → 2026-08

“Oil filter housing 3.2 motor. Plastic housing leaking with oil smell while driving. Could cause fire in engine bay”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719637
“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was oil underneath the front end of the vehicle. The oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The contact noticed oil leaking from the top of the oil canister”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11639272
“VERIFIED CONCERN, FOUND VEHICLE TO RUN VERY ROUGH AND DOES NOT IDLE CLEANLY. PERFORMED MISFIRE MONITOR AND NOTED NO MISFIRES AT THIS TIME. INSPECT SPARK PLUGS, COILS AND CYLINDER BORES FOR CONCERN, NOTED LOW COMPRESSION ON CYL #2 (150, 105, 145, 150)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737799

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Active grille shutter system malfunction

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2025-08

“Vehicle popped an engine as the vehicle was in motion. After taking it to a mechanic, they ran diagnostics and said that the Active Grill Shudder (AGS) had stopped responding to the cars computer”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11636629
“Engine warning light came on. Bloomington Chrysler Jeep repair shop said the active grill shutter connector wasn't working. This can cause engine overheating and damage and possibly a fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680850
“AGS system failed at 26,000 miles causing the check engine light to turn on. Cannot use auto start or get car inspection while light is on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620794

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment and warning light faults

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-07 → 2026-03

“I was involved in a head-on accident with another car. The airbags did not deploy in my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. This resulted didn’t some injuries to me in a driver of the other car”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11714516
“On June 24 ,2025 I was in a front end collision resulting in personal injury to with parties. From airbags not deploying on my vehicle. My car was deemed total loss from insurance company”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671832
“Driver's seat below the steering wheel console the airbag is hanging out and showing the edge of the bag”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702231

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle stalls or shuts off unexpectedly while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2024-07 → 2026-06

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off independently. While at a stop light, the vehicle shut off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616036
“My Jeep keeps going into Limp Mode and not will completely shut off while I come to a complete stop at a stop light. And while I’m driving the engine light comes on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673210
“Jeep was stalling randomly when coming to a stop or at a stop sign initially. It is now stalling completely when driving, states “push into park and start car””
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621093

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

38 crashes 1990–2024

How the 38 occupant deaths break down

29

driver deaths

9

passenger deaths

38

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2020 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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