201 of the
20,992 complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee
are about the driver-assist systems —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
201
Complaints
1%
Share of all complaints
17
Crashes
2
Fires
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance complaints by model year
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
The gas pedal acceleration and a cruise control came on and got stuck between 35 and 45 miles an hour time I hit the other vehicle and laying on the brakes was probably 38 to 40 miles an hour prior that I was doing 72 miles an hour and 40 miles an hour zone. How are you able to get a vehicle hitting the brakes brake and then it would help. I barely hit the other car in the cars spun out and hit other vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11758402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Had cruise control on set on 64 up and down hills and around curves it just started going faster & faster I had to stomp the brakes 3 times to get it to quit afterwards the power train is now not shifting right it still was at times going to shop staying at 27 to 35 rpm’s, made it to shop
NHTSA complaint #11749671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cherokee. Purchased XXX from RightDrive Muncie / AGWB Investors LLC, [XXX]. I am filing this complaint to document: (1) the sale of this vehicle with multiple pre-existing electrical defects and open safety recalls not disclosed at sale; and (2) a pre-existing mechanical defect preventing routine engine maintenance. DIAGNOSTIC EVIDENCE — OBD REPORT #108 (XXX) — 8 FAULT CODES, 6 MODULES U0010-00 (IPC) — CAN Interior Bus Communication Failure — root cause of all electronic system failures U11FA-00 (IPC) — Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor — stored in Instrument Panel Cluster U11FA-00 (PDM) — Lost Communication with Right Blind Spot Sensor — same fault independently stored in Passenger Door Module (multi-module storage confirms pre-existing systemic fault) B2861-15 (PDM) — Mirror Approach Light Control — Circuit Short to Battery or Open (physical wiring defect, pre-existing) B2309-64 (BCM) — Rear Wiper Switch Signal Plausibility Failure C1078-00 (DTCM) — Tire Revolutions Range Performance — Drive Train Control Module fault consistent with open PTU recall condition P1483 (PCM) — Starter Relay 2 Stuck Off — Engine Control Module starting reliability fault, present since initial scan March 2026 RFH — Radio Frequency Hub fault — explains remote start failures ESCALATION: March 2026 scan showed 5 codes/3 modules. June 2026 shows 8 codes/6 modules. The vehicle's condition is worsening. CONFIRMED DASHBOARD WARNINGS (PHOTOGRAPHICALLY DOCUMENTED): Blind Spot Alert Unavailable — Service Required (persistent) Remote Start Disabled — Start Vehicle to Reset Stop/Start Unavailable — Service Stop/Start System Multiple simultaneous safety system warnings 10 OPEN SAFETY RECALLS CONFIRMED AT TIME OF PURCHASE AND SALE This vehicle had 8-10 open NHTSA safety recalls at the time of sale on XXX, including recalls affecting the instrument cluster (directly corresponding to the IPC faults above), PTU drivetrain (directly corres INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally issued, I have attempted to contact both that dealership and the certified Jeep dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased by phone and email to obtain recall assistance, repair guidance, and information regarding transportation options. Neither dealership has responded to my calls or email communication. The vehicle is currently unusable and poses a safetly concern due to the recall condition. I reply on this vehicle for daily commuting and transportation. Stellantis Customer Care was contacted, but a customer care case was not opened. At this time, I have been unable to obtain assistance, repair scheduling information, or guidance regarding the safe operation or transportation accomodations while the vehicle remains affected by the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11739021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple critical failures: PO128 (the initial warning of a computer communication issues). Dealership (Echo Park) refuses to fix with the proper OEM part and denies my warranty, (I called it in on day 15 on my Warranty, 01/28/26) I let them know the fans were loud, RPMs fluctuating, tailpipe full of black soot and making a loud sputtering, this is burning up my fuel fast. My appt was on 02/10/26 They said there was nothing wrong with it. A couple weeks go by and then the check engine light turned on (after my Warranty) i took it back on 03/19/26, They visually verified the code, said I had to pay out of pocket to fix it with an aftermarket part not the OEM part. They set up an appt for 03/25/26. UO128 (lost communication with brake control module) and C008E-00(ECU internal performance). These codes are directly linked to the NHTSA safety investigation PE22- 009. When I took the vehicle to Allways [XXX] on March 23, 2026, the Service Department refused to perform a safety inspection without an upfront payment, despite the vehicle having exposed wiring in the steering column and part of an active federal safety probe. As a small business owner (Maid To Sparkle) grandmother who transports a [XXX] daily, I am now stranded with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to a documented a manufacturer defect. While at the dealership I was simultaneously on the phone with Jeep Customer Care. Despite the vehicle being under federal safety investigation for the exact ghost breaking I am experiencing both the dealer and corporate representative denied assistance and refused a safety inspection without an upfront fee This shows a coordinated refusal to address a documented safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
NHTSA complaint #11726675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Daughter was driving the car when she approached a stop sign the electronic emergency brake engaged while the vehicle was still moving. This caused the vehicle to stop suddenly. She had to manipulate the electronic switch several times to disengage the brake to get the vehicle to move. Luckily this was in a rural town with little traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11723454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was stopped at a traffic light and when it tire we green I was unable to drive as the emergency brake was holding the vehicle. I was unable to release it. Car would not go forward or backwards. Finally was able to drive after disconnecting battery for a few minutes. Drive directly to repair station. They changed the e brake switch, and the motor on one side of rear brake and the caliper also. Was working for less than one day and I am still experiencing the problem. The service brake light is still on dashboard.
NHTSA complaint #11722400 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera displayed a distorted image. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear-view camera needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
NHTSA complaint #11719910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was going home, speed limit 55 mph, so thats what I was doing. A suv entering a intersection ahead of me, ( i dont have a stop or yield sign, but they do) the suv never stops, rolling into the intersection, as im entering the intersection at 55 mph. I tried avoidance at last second to no avail. My front drivers corner smashed the middle, passenger side of the other suv. My Jeep continues to the right, uncontrollable, stops in someone's front yard, engine still running. The other car swerved to the left, still on the road, rolling on its side. My airbags never deployed, i didnt even get any lights on the dash, i had to shut the engine off. Not one airbag deployed, and nothing even recognized there was something wrong. This car is supposed to have all options for airbags, yet a collision at highway speed, with post wreck travel of less than 50 feet, and not one single air bag deployed. I very literally could have died right there. I honestly dont know how i didn't.
NHTSA complaint #11718675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car back in June 2025 left me stranded in the turn lane with traffic backing up after the emergency parking brake turned on without warning. I was not able to drive e my car or to release the brake and move my car. I did a thorough review of all possible reasonable switches that could have caused the malfunction. So I tried to turn off all of the warning systems. Once I did this I couldn't drive faster than 5 to 10 mph. I was able to get to a parking lot about 100 ft away. I called a tow truck, spoke with my mechanic at the local dealership. He suggested what I had already done including removing the battery cables. We did all this to no avail. He got the car then took 3 days to get it to release after opening and closing the door 10 times before starting the car again. He said I need a modulator valve. We have been waiting for over 6 months and my car is still waiting for this part. I can not drive the only car I own when I have a safety issue. Should this had happened while driving with my grandson in the car it is unsafe and it isn't what an autistic child needs to face. This incident has happened 4 times since it happened in June. Every time it takes place, I have to turn off the car open and close the door 10 times before the carvwill release and reset the computer system to make the car drivable again. I did check with the dealership yesterday and still other jeeps of this year has the same issues but my car is not in that listing. What does a person have do when it is clearly a manufacturer defect?
NHTSA complaint #11702683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Jeep Cherokee – Unexpected 4WD / PTU Issue Out of nowhere, my Jeep Cherokee displayed a message on the dashboard saying “Service 4 Wheel Drive.” I was driving normally at the time — no impact, no off-road driving, and nothing unusual occurred beforehand. After taking the vehicle to my mechanic, I was informed that the issue might be related to the PTU (Power Transfer Unit). It seems the system failed without any warning signs. Now, every time I start the car, the same “Service 4 Wheel Drive” message reappears. There are no strange noises or performance issues at the moment, but the warning remains, which is concerning and will need further inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11699019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parking brake on the jeep automatically engaged while driving. Had vehicle towed to dealership where a new parking brake switch was installed and programed and told it was ready to go. Picked it up and it did the same thing again and turned on the auto start stop light. Took it back to the dealership and they said water had gotten into the back area and corroded the parking brake module and the connector. They wanted to charge me $2500 to fix. I took the vehicle home and parked it and started doing research. This is a known problem that could affect 1.2 million vehicles. My jeep only has 73,500 miles on it and is regularly serviced. It's driven roughly 4 miles a day. This is a safety issue so why isn't there a recall on it. It is a defect in design not a consumer made issue.
NHTSA complaint #11697849 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Last year in 2024 our vehicle started having significant issues with the transmission. We took it to a dealership and through our warranty that we purchased, we were told that the transmission control module had lost its programming but no one understood why. It wasn't covered under our warranty and we paid full price out of pocket for that. Less than a year later we are back with the same issues again where it's not holding on to its programming. It locks itself into neutral when we are driving, it will have surges of power with the battery, and no longer has any emergency braking system. We cannot put the emergency brake on in fact. We lost all of our 4x4 variations such as snow sport and four wheel drive low. Full drive is no longer able to be engaged at all with the transmission. It will not shift in or out of 5th gear which means every time we push on the gas that means it's going to be starting out in 5th gear which is obviously a strain on the transmission. Due to that it has no towing power whatsoever right now. It has shut off completely in the middle of us driving bfore. These issues are causing it to slowly lose it's communication with all of the other modules in the vehicle and the engine itself is no longer communicating with the transmission which makes driving the vehicle almost impossible.
NHTSA complaint #11693171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Last year in 2024 our vehicle started having significant issues with the transmission. We took it to a dealership and through our warranty that we purchased, we were told that the transmission control module had lost its programming but no one understood why. It wasn't covered under our warranty and we paid full price out of pocket for that. Less than a year later we are back with the same issues again where it's not holding on to its programming. It locks itself into neutral when we are driving, it will have surges of power with the battery, and no longer has any emergency braking system. We cannot put the emergency brake on in fact. We lost all of our 4x4 variations such as snow sport and four wheel drive low. Full drive is no longer able to be engaged at all with the transmission. It will not shift in or out of 5th gear which means every time we push on the gas that means it's going to be starting out in 5th gear which is obviously a strain on the transmission. Due to that it has no towing power whatsoever right now. It has shut off completely in the middle of us driving bfore. These issues are causing it to slowly lose it's communication with all of the other modules in the vehicle and the engine itself is no longer communicating with the transmission which makes driving the vehicle almost impossible.
NHTSA complaint #11693171 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
When driving the Jeep Cherokee (51,000 miles), I experienced numerous incidents where the car experienced sudden power loss climbing a grade followed almost immediately by numerous warning lights and a message that "4WD System Unavailable" as well as a message that the forward warning system had failed. Under these conditions, the car struggled to make even 50 mph and would only do so in a much lower gear at 4000+ rpm. Prior to each incident, the car had been driving smoothly at 70 mph at approx 2200 rpm. Both the Jeep dealer and the local repair obtained the same error code (DTC C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component) indicating internal failure of the PTU (transfer case). When the repair shop removed the transfer case they found metal shavings in the PTU lubricant. With no PTUs available from the Jeep dealership for months it was necessary to purchase a salvaged PTU at near-new pricing. I note that there is a similar recall but it does not cover my vehicle. I also note there are numerous NHTSA complaints for identical problems being filed nearly daily for 2017-2021 Jeeps. This defect is a serious safety issue that can result in complete driveline failure or an inability to maintain speed with traffic. It also results in approx $5000-7000 in repair costs for each PTU replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11689958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
My Service AWD light came on. I had the system checked in February of 2025. I was informed it was a bad PTU system. My car makes a clunking then whining noise when driving. It cannot go over 55 mph before losing power. My VIN doesn’t come up in the recall list but it has the same diagnostic issues The issue was diagnosed at Heritage Jeep in Harrisburg on 2/15/2025 Receipt order # 218197. Customer number 42k8761762
NHTSA complaint #11690043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
the start stop warning light is on now vehicle was idling when vehicle shut down emergency brake automatically engaged then the panel went blank and the windows the emergency warning lights all stopped working Unable to warn motorists in back of me I couldn’t drive vehicle. Then panel lights up again saying to step on brake to start but fails to do so until after several attempts
NHTSA complaint #11685779 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.