2020 Jeep Cherokee problems

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the 4WD warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that a "4WD Needs Service" warning message also displayed. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected by a second service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My jeep was diagnosed with a PTU FAILURE. JEEP has only 51,293 miles. This is a well documented recall on 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee brand. My VIN is not included yet.

NHTSA complaint #11763222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving down the interstate. Left Lincoln NE and made it about 20 miles east or [XXX]. A few miles before I broke down a light came on on my dash. I wasn’t sure what it was for. I was going 80 mph when my vehicle appeared to shift out of gear. I could push the gas but it didn’t cause me to accelerate. I got pulled over to the side of the road and tried shifting into park and then back into drive. It still appeared to be in neutral I guess. I called a tow truck who took me to a transmission shop in [XXX]. After plugging it in to a code reader I was told that the PTU Actuator had went out and would need replaced. I later received a Recall for the PTU on my vehicle in the mail. I tried submitting a reimbursement claim but was told since there is no remedy for the issue that they couldn’t process my reimbursement. The failed part isn’t available for inspection because the shop did the work and I’m assuming disposed of the part. I had no idea at that time that I would or should save the part. It cost me a tow truck, a repair bill, a hotel room, a rental car, and my vacation as well as was super scary for that to happen going down the interstate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11762063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

On [XXX], our 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 62,562 miles experienced a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at highway speed on [XXX] out of Dayton, Wyoming. There was a clunk, the engine RPM increased, and the vehicle would no longer engage drive or park. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to Sheridan Motors in Sheridan, Wyoming, where it remains. Sheridan Motors diagnosed an internal power transfer unit (PTU) failure and recommended replacement of the PTU followed by additional testing. The vehicle’s VIN is included in FCA Recall 40D / NHTSA Recall 26V-290, which identifies internal PTU failure as a condition that may cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power. We live in Bozeman, Montana, and had to obtain a rental vehicle to return home. On September 2, 2026, FCA Recall Assistance advised us that no approved repair or interim remedy is currently available. FCA would not authorize a repair or alternate transportation and stated that we must pay for a PTU replacement ourselves and later submit a reimbursement request, with no assurance that reimbursement will be approved. The vehicle has experienced the exact safety failure identified by the recall but cannot presently receive the recall remedy. Please record this as an actual field failure of the recalled PTU and review the absence of an available remedy for an inoperable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11761622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was driving on the interstate and lost my engine power

NHTSA complaint #11761163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA complaint #11759994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle suffered complete failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / drivetrain system, resulting in vehicle lockup, failure to engage drive gears, and automatic parking brake lockout when placed in PARK. ​The vehicle experienced its first documented PTU failure and replacement (Part #68333285AE) under warranty at 47,577 miles in November 2022. The PTU failed while we were driving 70 mph plus going down the highway. It sounded like the gas pedal was pushed to the floor even thought it wasn't then numerous dash lights came on and the vehicle came to a stop and wouldn't move. It took almost 2 months to get our vehicle back and that was only after contacting Chrysler customer care to start a care case and try to get parts expedited. The PTU failed again in April 2026. It was sounding like grinding gears when backing up and it was automatically putting the parking brake for no reason on when vehicle was put into park. After being retained by an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise dealership ([XXX]) for nearly two months for warranty repair, the vehicle was released on XXX. They replaced the actuator instead of the entire PTU per Chrysler techs recommendation. We got it back and it was still automatically putting on the parking brake. ​Four days later, on XXX (after driving approximately 100 miles), the drivetrain suffered an identical breakdown, causing system faults, numerous dash lights and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle has remained inoperable at the dealership for over 100 cumulative day and remains there to this day. XXX ​This failure directly mirrors NHTSA Recall Campaign 26V290 (FCA Recall 40D) for 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokees with two-speed PTUs. Dealer states no factory remedy is available from the manufacturer, leaving the safety risk uncured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

Vehicle suffered complete failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / drivetrain system, resulting in vehicle lockup, failure to engage drive gears, and automatic parking brake lockout when placed in PARK. ​The vehicle experienced its first documented PTU failure and replacement (Part #68333285AE) under warranty at 47,577 miles in November 2022. The PTU failed while we were driving 70 mph plus going down the highway. It sounded like the gas pedal was pushed to the floor even thought it wasn't then numerous dash lights came on and the vehicle came to a stop and wouldn't move. It took almost 2 months to get our vehicle back and that was only after contacting Chrysler customer care to start a care case and try to get parts expedited. The PTU failed again in April 2026. It was sounding like grinding gears when backing up and it was automatically putting the parking brake for no reason on when vehicle was put into park. After being retained by an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise dealership ([XXX]) for nearly two months for warranty repair, the vehicle was released on XXX. They replaced the actuator instead of the entire PTU per Chrysler techs recommendation. We got it back and it was still automatically putting on the parking brake. ​Four days later, on XXX (after driving approximately 100 miles), the drivetrain suffered an identical breakdown, causing system faults, numerous dash lights and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle has remained inoperable at the dealership for over 100 cumulative day and remains there to this day. XXX ​This failure directly mirrors NHTSA Recall Campaign 26V290 (FCA Recall 40D) for 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokees with two-speed PTUs. Dealer states no factory remedy is available from the manufacturer, leaving the safety risk uncured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11759593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred at a busy intersection. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter into park; however, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact enabled the parking brake. The Police were called to assist with traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid for out of pocket and reimbursed when parts became available. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The message "4WD Service" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit motor needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.

NHTSA complaint #11759146 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was intermittently displayed, and the vehicle only operated in front-wheel drive. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11759153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The sound became louder and more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the snow, the 4WD feature became inoperable. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 73,146.

NHTSA complaint #11757472 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

My Jeep was subject to a recall for a failing Power Steering Unit (PSU). Before the recall was announced, the PSU failed and I paid for the repair at an authorized Jeep dealership. Jeep is now refusing reimbursement, stating they will only reimburse once a recall remedy becomes available. The vehicle has since been totaled in a crash unrelated to the PSU repair, so I can no longer receive the recall remedy. Jeep is withholding reimbursement even though the defect is acknowledged under the recall, the repair was completed at a Jeep dealership, and federal reimbursement rules require manufacturers to reimburse pre‑notification repairs. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance because Jeep is not complying with recall reimbursement requirements.

NHTSA complaint #11756678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go

NHTSA complaint #11756429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.

NHTSA complaint #11755891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Service 4 wheel drive light came on. Car loses acceleration randomly. Weird winding noise. Higher than normal rpm. See there is recall for this but states mine not included. Had mechanic look at it and was told it’s the PTU. Normal issue with these. Unfortunately over 10000 on back order. Hhmmm

NHTSA complaint #11755606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11755280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11755280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat, torque converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced, and that the engine control valve was possibly stuck, resulting in oil and coolant contamination. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat, torque converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced, and that the engine control valve was possibly stuck, resulting in oil and coolant contamination. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right and the vehicle became difficult to steer. There was an abnormal roaring sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact waited until the vehicle decelerated before stopping the vehicle. The contact waited for a while before being able to continue driving and coasting into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on backorder for 2 months. The dealer suggested that the contact not drive the vehicle until the vehicle was repaired to avoid further damage. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 111,299.

NHTSA complaint #11754362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Started hearing grinding and roaring noises coming from the front wheels and was having trouble stopping. There is a recall already going for the same make and model but for other specific vin numbers, mine not included. The problem was inspected and confirmed by the dealer previously bought from The original warning light was ‘svc 4wd’ and came onXXX and within a couple minutes the noice and issue started. When I called the Jeep recall and warranty specialists they said they wouldn’t do anything until “the car is in an accident or myself, my [XXX] daughter or someone else is seriously injured or dies before they open an investigation” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11754076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

error : service 4wd , I have had it to 2 mechanic shops and said ptu is causing error, parts r not available. there are recalls for this problem, but I put in my vin in and it says no recalls. please seen nhtsa recall no 26v290 or manufacturer number 40d

NHTSA complaint #11753836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.