VehicleVerdict

2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has 139 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 39% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

139

Transmission complaints

39%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Cherokee transmission complaints by model year1,461 complaints1985: 2 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 9 complaints1990: 17 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 16 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 40 complaints1995: 48 complaints1996: 66 complaints1997: 51 complaints1998: 74 complaints1999: 58 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 24 complaints2006: 2 complaints2014: 1,461 complaints2015: 998 complaints2016: 626 complaints2017: 641 complaints2018: 289 complaints2019: 750 complaints2020: 139 complaints2021: 71 complaints2022: 22 complaints2023: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Cherokee transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

26V290000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 61,711 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Consequence

A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be 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.

What owners report

“Was driving vehicle, started making grinding noise and would not move. After a couple restarts it moved, but was locked in 4x4 snow mode and would not change. Limped pinhole and had tow truck take to dealership. Diagnosis PTU is bad and needs to be replaced. Estimated cost is about $4000.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 13, 2025

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA has 139 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission — 39% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the transmission: 26V290000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.