Jeep Cherokee electrical problems

2,413 of the 21,059 complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2014.

2,413

Complaints

100%

Share of all complaints

28

Crashes

134

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

1987 Cherokee 4 0.2%
1988 Cherokee 19 0.8%
1989 Cherokee 16 0.7%
1990 Cherokee 9 0.4%
1991 Cherokee 11 0.5%

Median failure at 184,000 miles

1992 Cherokee 12 0.5%
1993 Cherokee 38 1.6%

Median failure at 138,500 miles

1994 Cherokee 22 0.9%

Median failure at 50,000 miles

1995 Cherokee 45 1.9%

Median failure at 125,200 miles

1996 Cherokee 45 1.9%

Median failure at 134,256 miles

1997 Cherokee 26 1.1%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

1998 Cherokee 48 2.0%

Median failure at 128,000 miles

1999 Cherokee 31 1.3%

Median failure at 78,680 miles

2000 Cherokee 55 2.3%

Median failure at 85,000 miles

2001 Cherokee 20 0.8%

Median failure at 84,280 miles

2006 Cherokee 2 0.1%

Median failure at 23,354 miles

2014 Cherokee 450 18.6%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

2015 Cherokee 327 13.6%

Median failure at 30,500 miles

2016 Cherokee 297 12.3%

Median failure at 43,000 miles

2017 Cherokee 342 14.2%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2018 Cherokee 191 7.9%

Median failure at 35,250 miles

2019 Cherokee 339 14.0%

Median failure at 12,000 miles

2020 Cherokee 34 1.4%

Median failure at 5,650 miles

2021 Cherokee 22 0.9%

Median failure at 45,050 miles

2022 Cherokee 7 0.3%

Median failure at 300 miles

2026 Cherokee 1 0.0%

What owners said

2026 Jeep Cherokee Cranberry Township, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving on a busy street. The fuel gauge said I had 10-12 miles of range left before I was out of fuel. 2 miles later, at a major intersection, my car stalled in middle of the intersection. A kind stranger help me push it off of the road. I could have been hit by a car. This is a major safety issue. This is the first of two times this has happened since August.

NHTSA complaint #11764248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Cicero, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus 2.4L AWD. This vehicle is experiencing severe, life-threatening safety hazards involving sudden engine stalling and a complete loss of motive power while in motion. Despite my vehicle exhibiting the exact failure symptoms of multiple major FCA/Stellantis safety recalls for this model year, my specific VIN is currently showing as excluded from the recall database, leaving me with a highly dangerous vehicle and no dealership remedy.The vehicle is suffering from two distinct, interrelated defects that have recently caused terrifying incidents in heavy traffic. First, while driving, the dashboard suddenly illuminated both the "SVC 4WD" (Service 4WD) and the "Auto Start-Stop" warning lights simultaneously. Immediately following these warnings, the vehicle lost forward power and unexpectedly rolled forward while I was fully stopped at a red light, failing to hold its position. This mirrors the exact mechanical behavior of the known Jeep PTU spline-wear defects that cause sudden rollaways and a loss of drive power.Second, the vehicle completely stalled out and shut down while I was driving on a highway exit ramp. The engine lost all power without warning, forcing me to coast through traffic, shift into park, and completely cycle the ignition to restart it. This engine shutdown creates an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roads. The vehicle has a severe issue with oil consumption, which I suspect is dropping hydraulic pressure and forcing the engine to shut off while the car is shifted into drive.The manufacturer’s current recall parameters for the PTU failures and engine stalling issues on 2019 Cherokees are clearly too narrow. My vehicle is dealing with identical, dangerous safety failures as the units already recalled, but I am being denied a safe, free repair due to a VIN exclusion. I request that the NHTSA investigate this specific batch of 2019 VINs and force a recall.

NHTSA complaint #11763604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Sharpsville, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CRITICAL VEHICLE SYSTEM SAFETY & TELEMATICS FAILURES: 1.ELECTRICAL & ELICTRICAL DEFECTS: The vehicle's primary infotainment and factory navigation display module suffers a total software and hardware failure. module suffers a total software and hardware failure. While operating on public roadway, including [XXX] entering [XXX], the tracking telemetry completely losses spatial orientation. mapping the vehicle floating deep in blue water (Shenango River Lake), dropping road names, and issuing false audible "entering restricted area" alarms furthermore, the screen suffers a total hardware lock that prevents it from engaging automatic night-dimming code, creating a blinding cabin glare that severely obscures forward visibility during night-driving hours ( I must shut screen off). Certified factory diagnostics at [XXX] confirmed the unit is frozen on an obsolete version (version 10) that cannot be updated per manufacturer parameters due to legacy 3G lines. 2. BODY & COSMETIC DEFECTS: Extensive, undisclosed road paint slurry/overspray is baked into the wheel wells and lower molding, masking structural trim deterioration. A certified inspection by Tri-City Collision verified that a full body restoration is required-including the total replacement of factory fender flares ,splash shields, and lower texture bumpers-totaling $2,742.75 3.BRAKES & SUSPENSION DEFECTS: Delivered from stagging hub ([XXX]) with pre-existing severe front-end mechanical and safety failures, independent certified mechanic at Marstellar Auto had to immediately replace both front rotors and right-front strut assembly to eliminate a dangerous highway driving wobble to restore basic steering stability replaced worn rear rotors as well SUMMARY: the vehicle was marketed as clearly "passing" items 67,87,113, and 116 on dealers active checklist Investigation open with PA AG ([XXX]) AND pa dept. OF state ( [XXX]_[XXX]) I took delivery 7/1/2026 and called Carvana with hours INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA complaint #11762184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Punta Gorda, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I was driving home from work, the digital display (center)!showed my speed at 82m/h and revving the engine, the actual speedometer showed the actual speed I was doing of 32m/h…(right side of display). Computer reading lights and license plate light not working, yet they are. Took to repair shop and they could only reset, but it returned almost immediately. Gear shift malfunction. The lights on the gear shift and the alert in the display saying gear shift malfunction… all within 2 days… car has @97 000 miles…

NHTSA complaint #11761867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee North Hollywood, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Online is saying there is 0 recalls after a year of having the vehicle a recall was sent by mail. I got it fixed by jeep van nuys, the engine and the other equipment attached looks unsafe and it is completely overheating

NHTSA complaint #11757134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Jeep Cherokee Syracuse, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The exact component causing the problem is UNKNOWN. While driving, a “Service Shifter” warning appeared on the dashboard and all of the gear indicator lights illuminated at the same time. After I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, the warning disappeared. On a separate occasion, a “4WD Service Unavailable” message appeared along with the SVC 4WD warning light. That warning also later disappeared. I am concerned about my safety because these warnings involve the vehicle’s shifter and four-wheel-drive system, and I do not know whether either system could malfunction while I am driving. The vehicle has not been inspected or diagnosed by a Jeep dealer or independent repair facility for this problem yet. I took the vehicle to Advance Auto Parts, where they connected a diagnostic scanner, but no codes were found with their scanner. The warnings have been intermittent and have disappeared after restarting the vehicle. There were no other symptoms that I noticed before the warnings appeared. The exact cause of the Service Shifter and SVC 4WD warnings is UNKNOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11756845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee at 82,000 miles Houston, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Coatesville, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My driver side seat belt will not stay latched. The screen on my dashboard will freeze up and not turn on or off

NHTSA complaint #11756094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Jeep Cherokee Greer, SC

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.

2015 Jeep Cherokee East Sandwich, MA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My Jeep caught on fire in the area of the power lift gate control module . A fire department report was filed.

NHTSA complaint #11752433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Jeep Cherokee Omaha, NE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The vehicle show code B0020-13. This is a fault in the wiring system for the airbags. Caused by Jeep engineering being bad. This has nothing to do with how is driven or used and is a massive safety issue and shuts the entire airbag system down. It requires fix 10-001-20. This issue is so common they have issued a bulletin. The fix is $1100. The fact that this isn't covered by Chrysler is an abomination to safety and is absolutely ridiculous. Then being allowed to not fix air bag issue they know they have caused should be illegal. I'm embarrassed to even have to write this. This is going to kill someone.

NHTSA complaint #11750881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Tecumseh, OK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Port Crane, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I bought my 2021 jeep in 2023 at Matthew's in Pa and from day 1 my antifreeze has been leaking, I Bought the extended Warranty and they told me I didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it back down there and other guy told me yes I had a Warranty but it's outdated and nothing they can do, which isn't fair on me! Now my heater core is bad which from get go that was the problem but they couldn't figure it out! Now I have every light on seat belt, air bag, engine light, parking brake, lane assit, etc and I can't afford to fix it and the inspection is due but can't get it fix all because of them telling me I didn't have a Warranty!!! Please respond my name is [XXX] phone # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11749175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Jeep Cherokee at 90,003 miles Glenwood Springs, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 86,778 and at the time of the vehicle's oil change, it was discovered that on the last oil change the mileage was 90,003.

NHTSA complaint #11744614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Muncie, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

2014 Jeep Cherokee Harrisburg, PA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

On 05/30/2026 approximately 12:15. My Jeep radio screen prompted "service needed, no phone connected" and a few other words I did not have an opportunity to memorize. The check engine light came on and he oil light appeared. This all happened within a minute. It was very quick and scared both of us. As my mother was driving, she smelled heat, then the radio quit working, the air conditioning shut off and heat turned on without assistance, my mother attempted to open the electronic windows without success, the power steering stopped worked and locked up, then the entire vehicle shut off. She struggled to maintain control of the vehicle in order to guide us to a safe place off the side of the road. We were in imamate danger due to NOT having any control of the vehicle. The hood, driver and passenger doors, front and back were able to be accessed, however we could not open the hatch. And the interior lights would not remain shut off until the battery ceased to have amps. No the vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. We were on a major highway. She had NO CONTROL of the vehicle. I bought this vehicle used from Blue Knob and have never received any recall notices however I researched and found 13 recalls I have never been informed of. This is unsettling and a dangerous form of noncommunication.

NHTSA complaint #11743446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Jeep Cherokee Gorham, ME

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The component that failed/malfunctioned was the module that activates the EPB. It is available for inspection if requested. My safety was put at risk because the parking brake would engage every time the vehicle shut off leaving me stranded and could put other drivers at risk if my vehicle was stranded on the roadway. It would sometimes reset if the battery was disconnected and then reconnected, but eventually trying to reset it did not work. Within a week, the actuators completely seized and the vehicle was inoperable, requiring to be towed. The problem was confirmed by a Jeep dealership service center. They noted that water was leaking into the vehicle from the outside and pooling. The inside rear cargo carpets are moldy and need to be replaced and the module is completely water damaged along with other electrical components being rusted and corroded. The issue has been identified by a certified mechanic at the service center. I had planned to reach out to my auto insurance provider to file a claim, but was informed of an active recall on 2014-2020 Jeep Cherokees with similar symptoms to what I am experiencing. No warning lamps or messages were active prior to the failure. Both "Service Parking Brake" along with the red "brake" light were active to let me know my EPB was engaged. I was able to reset the message briefly to unlock the brakes by disconnecting the battery, but was only successful once. Then it needed to be towed to the dealership for further inspection.

NHTSA complaint #11740133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2015 Jeep Cherokee at 118,600 miles Dayton,, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the brake pedal became inoperable and felt spongy while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to operate, and a crunching sound was heard while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that multiple incorrect warning messages illuminated on the instrument panel, including the Start/Stop warning message and a door open warning message. The contact stated that the failures began after the vehicle had been repaired under a tailgate recall. The vehicle was taken to another dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to return to the previous dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,600.

NHTSA complaint #11739326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Jeep Cherokee Carmichael, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

When accelerating, the RPMs surge unusually high before the transmission shifts. After the delayed shift, the vehicle jerks hard forward and feels like it is being hit from behind. The shifting feels aggressive and inconsistent, especially during acceleration. In addition, the A/C system was completely rebuilt but continues to intermittently shut off and stop blowing cold air. The infotainment/information center screen also stops functioning in hot weather, especially when outside temperatures are above 90 degrees.

NHTSA complaint #11738929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Jeep Cherokee Brocton, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, Auto Start/Stop, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Park Brake, ABS, traction control, check engine, and Blind Spot Alerts Unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11738869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Jeep Cherokee problems