How common are engine problems in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?

NHTSA lists 516 engine complaints for the 2019 Cherokee, which is 31% of the 1,641 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee engine?

Yes. Recall 18V344000 covers 2019 Cherokees with 2.0L engines that may be missing valve stem keepers, which can let a valve drop into the cylinder. Dealers inspect and repair or replace affected components.

At what mileage do 2019 Cherokee engine problems usually appear?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 15,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints.

Do the engine complaints involve fires or crashes?

Yes. NHTSA records 11 fires, 6 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2019 Cherokee.

How does the 2019 Cherokee compare to other model years for engine complaints?

The 2019 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among the years listed, at 31%, compared to 25% in 2014 and 17% in 2020.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems

Owners filed 516 engine complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, 31% of all complaints for that model year, with a median failure mileage of 15,000. NHTSA also lists recall 18V344000 for 2.0L engines missing valve stem keepers.

Engine complaints: 516; 31% of 1,641
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 11
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden underhood fires starting near the passenger side or front of the vehicle, sometimes while parked and sometimes shortly after driving.
Some drivers describe a burning electrical or chemical odor coming from the engine area, occasionally seeping into the cabin through the vents before a fire started.
Several complaints describe the vehicle lunging or moving forward without warning while stopped, leading to front-end collisions.
One owner described the engine stalling and dying repeatedly while driving, requiring multiple attempts to restart with the push button.
A complaint noted a "4WD overheated. Temporarily unavailable" warning message appearing shortly before an engine fire broke out.

When 2019 Jeep Cherokee engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 24, 2018, latest Sep 15, 2026.

516 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (34).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee

NHTSA 18V344000May 25, 2018Engine14 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine
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.
Risk: Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Engine complaints by Cherokee model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20062 (12%)
2014652 (25%)
2015462 (26%)
2016372 (26%)
2017304 (23%)
2018170 (25%)
2019516 (31%)
202052 (17%)
202129 (18%)
20229 (18%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?: NHTSA lists 516 engine complaints for the 2019 Cherokee, which is 31% of the 1,641 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee engine?: Yes. Recall 18V344000 covers 2019 Cherokees with 2.0L engines that may be missing valve stem keepers, which can let a valve drop into the cylinder. Dealers inspect and repair or replace affected components.
At what mileage do 2019 Cherokee engine problems usually appear?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 15,000 at the time of failure for engine-related complaints.
Do the engine complaints involve fires or crashes?: Yes. NHTSA records 11 fires, 6 crashes, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2019 Cherokee.
How does the 2019 Cherokee compare to other model years for engine complaints?: The 2019 model year has the highest share of engine complaints among the years listed, at 31%, compared to 25% in 2014 and 17% in 2020.