2020 Jeep Cherokee Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & Powertrain complaints make up 174 of 303 total complaints (57%) for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, with a median failure mileage of 63,000. NHTSA also lists recall 26V290000 covering power transfer unit (PTU) failure on 2019-2023 Cherokees.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 174
- 57% of 303
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 63,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while in motion, sometimes repeatedly during turns, stops, or takeoff, requiring the driver to shift back into park and restart.
- Owners report a clunking or clanking noise from underneath the vehicle near a full stop, often traced to the power transfer unit (PTU).
- 4WD system warnings appear on the dash along with rough or hard shifting, sometimes accompanied by steering that sticks or causes lane weaving.
- Some vehicles briefly feel like they slip out of gear after stopping to turn, then clunk back into gear before moving again.
- Owners describe trouble shifting into passing gear during highway acceleration, with the vehicle hesitating around 45 MPH before shifting.
- PTU failures recur even after software updates or part replacements, with some owners reporting long wait times for backordered parts.
When 2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 28, 2020, latest Sep 24, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are transmission and powertrain problems common on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 174 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Cherokee, which is 57% of all 303 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission or powertrain?
- Yes. Recall 26V290000 covers 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles for power transfer unit (PTU) failure. The remedy involves updating drivetrain and electronic park brake software and replacing affected parts.
- At what mileage do these transmission problems tend to happen?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 63,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2020 Cherokee.
- Do these transmission complaints involve crashes or fires?
- No. NHTSA records 0 crashes and 0 fires among the Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Cherokee.
- How does the 2020 Cherokee compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2020 Cherokee's 57% share of complaints tied to Transmission & Powertrain is higher than most other model years listed, which range from 43% to 67%.