2019 Jeep Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2019 Jeep Cherokee ranks 2nd worst out of 11 model years, with a complaint index of 90 and 1,641 NHTSA complaints across 11 recall campaigns. Transmission & Powertrain issues dominate, making up 49% of complaints, earning it an Avoid verdict relative to other Cherokee years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 90/100
- #2 of 11 Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,641
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 11
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 40
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 19
- Injuries
- 37
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 37 / 0
Top 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain803 (49%)
- Engine516 (31%)
- Electrical System346 (21%)
- Other260 (16%)
- Brakes135 (8%)
- Steering120 (7%)
- Airbags42 (3%)
- Fuel System42 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras41 (2%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires37 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to slow or stop the vehicle even with the pedal fully depressed, sometimes leading to collisions.
- Some owners describe sudden unintended forward acceleration while stopped or in traffic, resulting in front-end crashes.
- Engine compartments have caught fire, in some cases starting with a burning electrical odor before smoke and flames appear.
- Steering has locked up completely while driving, leaving the driver unable to turn the wheel during highway exits.
- Airbags failed to deploy during a crash despite side-impact contact, tied to Takata-related sensor concerns.
2019 Jeep Cherokee recalls
11 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V290000May 7, 2026Transmission & Powertrain61,711 vehicles
Power train
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.
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.
- NHTSA 25V011000Apr 29, 2025Transmission & Powertrain63,130 vehicles
Power train
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.
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
- NHTSA 19V637000Aug 29, 2019Steering5,294 vehicles
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.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
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.
2019 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2019 Cherokee ranks 2nd worst among 11 model years with a complaint index of 90 and 1,641 complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Cherokee years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
- Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 803 complaints, or 49% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000 miles.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2019 Cherokee, covering transmission and power transfer unit failures, steering rack gear breakage, airbag sensors, brakes, electrical instrument clusters, and a loose seat bolt issue.
- Does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have a transmission recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists multiple transmission-related recalls for the 2019 Cherokee, including power transfer unit failures and improper transmission calibration that could cause stalling.
- Which Cherokee years are better than 2019?
- According to complaint index data, 2020, 2021, and 2022 rank as Good or Best years, with 2022 having the lowest complaint index of 20 and only 51 complaints.