2020 Jeep Cherokee recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee and 325 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (190), engine (46), unknown or other (37). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #4 of 10 Cherokee model years for fewest complaints (2014–2023), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,010). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 6.8 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Power train
Problem: 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.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: 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
Problem: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
SVC 4x4 light came on and brought to Jeep dealer immediately and they immediately tell us ptu and rear differential near to be replaced. They said it brakes need to be replaced when we replaced them 2 months ago. There's a recall for our year jeep but it says we have no recalls at the moment.
SERVICE AWD light came on, took to a mechanic and he stated the PTU failed causing the AWD to be shut off. He said this is a known issue and gave me the FCA's number 40D for this issue.
While driving, emergency parking brake engaged. Required vehicle to be driven on and parked on road shoulder. Grinding sound was coming from engaged parking brake. Vehicle was towed to nearest dealership.
Safety ratings
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD
2020 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Cherokee 4WD
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II
Auto 9-spd · 6 cyl · 3.2 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, most recently for power train (05/07/2026). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
Based on 325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (190), engine (46), unknown or other (37).
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee safe?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Jeep Cherokee?
The 2020 ranks #4 of 10 Cherokee model years for fewest complaints (2014–2023), with fewer complaints than the average year (1,010). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 6.8 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee range from 21 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CHEROKEE, Cherokee.