JEEP Cherokee
Reliability, NHTSA Complaints & Recall History
10 model years analyzed (2015–2026). All data sourced directly from the NHTSA public complaints and recall database — the same data used by federal regulators.
Checking a specific JEEP Cherokee? Run a VIN check for its exact history.
⭐ NHTSA NCAP Crash Test Ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
AI Interpretation
High ConfidenceBelow AverageNHTSA complaint data for the Jeep Cherokee (2015–2026) shows a high volume of reports concentrated in the powertrain, engine, and electrical system. Complaints peak in 2015 and 2019, while later model years (2022–2026) have far fewer reports. The data suggests potential issues with major drivetrain and electrical components, though consumer reports do not confirm defects.
- Powertrain complaints account for the largest share of total reports.
- Engine and electrical system complaints are also notably high.
- Complaint volume is highest for the 2015 and 2019 model years.
- Powertrain issues, including transmission and driveline problems.
- Engine malfunctions or failures.
- Electrical system faults, such as wiring or module issues.
The 2015 and 2019 model years have the highest complaint counts, driven primarily by powertrain, engine, and electrical system issues. These years may warrant extra scrutiny.
Model years 2022–2026 have very few complaints, suggesting improved reliability or lower reporting rates. The 2024 and 2025 models appear relatively trouble-free based on available data.
- Inspect the fuel/propulsion system for any signs of leaks or performance issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for powertrain, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on transmission and engine health.
🔔 NHTSA Safety Recalls
57 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
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Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2015–2026. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
🔧 Most-Reported Problem Areas
Based on component keywords extracted from all 7,089 NHTSA complaints.
📋 NHTSA Complaint Reports
7,089 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
Car gave message stating only 30 miles (or maybe 40?) before empty, but then went empty in only approximately 5 miles. Message before it completely died stated to pull over but car died before that point. After putting in about 1/2 gallon, car took repeated (7 or 8) start attempts before gas got to injectors to start. When filled up, gas receipt showed only 12 gallons could be put in before gas pump shut off. I believe the incorrect mileage warning, and abrupt stop, misleads the driver and may cause an accident.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly came to a complete stop, after which the contact became aware that the parking brake had engaged independently. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the electronic parking brake control module. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to provide the diagnostic result for the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 54.
The contact owns a 2023 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing out of the garage the air bags were erroneously deployed. The contact indicated that six of the eight air bags in the vehicle deployed including the front driver and passenger air bags although no crash had initially occurred. The contact stated that after the air bags deployed the vehicle erroneously drove forward and crashed into the interior garage wall. The EMS and police were called to the scene and the contact was transported to the hospital. During the incident, the contact sustained a fractured right tibia, a chemical burn to the left leg and respiratory troubles due to inhalation of chemicals from the air bags. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a collision center. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was examined but the cause of the failure was unknown. A police report was taken at the scene. The failure mileage was 11,500.
Battery went dead after 4 days of being parked. Preceded by car not charging fully after driving. Dealer had to replace battery at 60,000 miles with no other fault detected. After market battery did not fix problem. Needed to be replaced by OEM battery. Still noticed not charging fully after driving. High current drain while off and parked detected. One dark night noticed dash screen came on with no key around the car then went off then cycled back on. All car modules did not shutdown. Suspected Uconnect app needed to be updated or was corrupted. Later Bluetooth would not connect to phone so I could update the program. Called Uconnect and technician said it could only be updated by dealer. On-line noticed this is a very widely reported problem that batteries are going dead for no apparent reason. Causes many other systems not to function like AntiSkid braking. Due to low battery voltage. No recall has been issued on this vehicle to make it mandatory for the manufacturer to correct the deficient software that won’t allow the modules to shut down when the vehicle is off. Associated trouble report and fix. 2024 WL/WS/DT/JL/JT/GG/GC/DJ/D2 (Includes PHEV Variants) 2023 WL/WS/DT/GG/DJ/D2/DD/DP – Battery Drain after UCONNECT activation Removing the TBM Fuse will resolve the IOD. This is a known issue and is under investigation. Part replacement will not resolve this issue. Refer to SOL S2408000010 for more information.
My 2022 Jeep Cherokee Trail-hawk PTU from Transmission failed, and only has 68000 miles. I My warranty has expired, and cant believe they quoted me $5000 to replace this part of the Transmission. I was going online, and noticed this PTU issue is kind of popular with Jeep vehicles, and at the moment, my Jeep has been in the Service Center for a few days now, since I don't know what to do or how to pay this, and seems its best to trade it in, but I honestly now not sure on getting another Jeep, after looking at so many comments on issues.
I am submitting this complaint regarding a persistent and unresolved issue with the left front axle of my 2022 Jeep Cherokee X, which has been present since the day I purchased the vehicle new. Shortly after purchase, I brought the vehicle to the dealership due to a noticeable clicking sound coming from the front end. The dealer retained the vehicle for several days but stated they were unable to identify the source of the noise, although they indicated that a repair had been performed. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the clicking sound was still present. I returned the vehicle, at which point it remained in their possession for approximately one week. During that visit, components in the left front end were replaced. Approximately one year later, while pulling out of a driveway under normal driving conditions, the left axle failed completely. The vehicle had to be towed back to the dealership, where it remained for another week. I was informed that the CV joint had been replaced. Now, roughly one year after that repair, I brought the vehicle in for a routine oil change. During this visit, the service manager showed me that grease is actively leaking from the same left front axle. I am also once again hearing the same clicking noise that initially prompted my first visit. This vehicle has low mileage, is driven approximately six miles per day, and is used primarily for local driving. It has never been used off-road and has not been subjected to any abnormal driving conditions or impacts. Given the repeated failures involving the same component, despite prior repairs, I am concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Additionally, this ongoing issue has significantly diminished the vehicle’s value, making it difficult to sell. I am extremely disappointed that a vehicle of this age and usage history continues to experience recurring axle failures without a lasting resolution.
PTU issues unknown
When activating the left turn signal both the left and right turn signal indicators began blinking. I had to cycle the turn signal switch both right and left and then to off to stop both indicators from blinking.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? PTU Failure How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My partner and I were driving on [XXX] in the winter when the vehicle lost power and ability to drive. This put the safety of myself, my partner, and other drivers at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, it has been confirmed and diagnosed by a certified Jeep dealer in Missoula MT Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Unsure Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, no warning showed prior to the failure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
4wd service light and code C14A7-97. Dealer states having to replace the vehicles PTU. The same issue caused a recall for the same vehicle models years 2016-2019. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, another vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and merged into oncoming traffic; as a result, the contact crashed into the vehicle. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy upon impact. A fellow motorist, who witnessed the accident, assisted the contact by helping her into the front passenger seat and driving her vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway. The contact called her parents to the scene of the accident, and she was taken to the hospital. The contact was given an X-ray and was treated for tissue swelling around her neck, collar bone, and chest; the contact also suffered light bruising around those same areas. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene to an independent tow yard, where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Heated steering wheel suddenly became too hot with no adjustment option. Minor burning on hands. Turned off the function. Driver heated seat suddenly became too hot, turned down to low but still too hot, caused burns requiring medical attention.
While driving, I heard a loud clunk and was not able to go forward when stepping on the gas. It then kicked in and could move on for a minute and it happened again. Then it happened again and this time we pulled over and had to call a tow truck. While we were waiting the car rolled even with it being in park, it wasn't until the emergency brake was engaged that the vehicle stopped ng. Luckily we were going to fast and we were on side roads or we could have been in a terrible accident. I did have my grandchild in the vehicle as to care for them quite often. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the issue was identified. We were told they could not tell us when the part would be available, they had no ETA on it. We checked with Mopar to see if we could get our hands on a rebuilt part (power transfer unit) and they said they didn't have it available. It has now been two weeks and no idea when this vehicle can be repaired. I am also skeptical on if this could happen again. There was no warning and we have been maintaining the vehicle and it's only 3 years old. A very scary situation. I have contacted Jeep directly with no assistance
The vehicle stalled at a busy intersection during heavy traffic hours. No watnings or signs that could've prevented the incident were indicated by the vehicle. 911 was called in to aid in the traffic incident. Call [XXX] from Laredo Police department. Vehicle was pushed by the Police Officer and myself to a near by parking lot where the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Dealership experts noted leaks on some parts of the engine due to britle gaskets and the major mechanical failure was due to a faulty fuel pump. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Smell antifreeze occasionally and have had to add occasionally. Car only has 18,085 miles. 2022. Spoke to my mechanic and he said it could potentially be a bad oil cooler gasket or a cracked manifold. Have smelled this for at least a year or longer
Service 4WD light came on. Took to Jeep dealership. They stated the PTU needs to be replaced. My car has been in the shop for over 4 months and no ETA on part arrival. This is a common issue in Jeep Cherokee’s but my VIN is not included in a recall. I was told by dealership it is safe to drive but I drive on the highway over and hour everyday to and from work. I have read it can result in loss of driving ability and the ability to put in park.
The car has over 18000 miles, in March 2025 we noticed a rattle at the right front area while going over rough roads. we took the car to the (Dealer Cerritos Jeep) and were told that the right front strut was (Broken ?) and it was under warrantee. Then was told the strut was out of production and it would be May 30 before they could get the replacement, May 30 was told that the all the parts did not arrive, we left the car there June 23, June 24 they said the design had changed and needed to get more mounting parts to install it. today we pick the car up QUESTION: I was taught that when replacing an suspension you don't replace just one, you replace two! my research says that it is still a practice today. The dealer is replacing only the right Strut, we are concerned the we have one questionable strut with 18000+ miles on and is in some way mechanically different then the new strut. The dealer stands on just replacing the one strut
PTO p/n 68333354A1 Internal Failure of PTU needs to be Replaced. No 4 wheel drive could roll away in Park. Dealer reports back ordered part will be months before available. I was told to just keep driving car! Mileage on car 21,371 This problem has been reported on this model since 2019.
4WD service light; 4WD System unavailable; clicking and grinding. Code diagnostic confirmed: C14*94 and C14*A797.
We have 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The passenger visor falls out of the case hole causing a visual safety issue. This defect is casued by a poorly designed clip. The cost of the clip if over $950 with a total cost of $1025.73. We went to the dealership (Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Superstition Springs Mesa Arizona 85206) and apparently it's a consistent problem with many of the Chrysler vehicles. This issue is needs to fixed with a manufacurer recall. Spoke with service agent Tommy who agreed this is a problem. 480-830-8001 I current have pushed the visor stem back into place but it will not stay in place
Showing 20 of 7,089 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check a Specific JEEP Cherokee
This page shows fleet averages across all 10 model years. Enter a VIN to see the exact accident history, odometer records, title brands, and open recall status for a specific car.
📖 Understanding This Data
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The JEEP Cherokee has 7,089 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The JEEP Cherokee has 57 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 175 of the JEEP Cherokee's 7,089 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the AI Rating Calculated?
The AI reliability rating (Below Average) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. The rating provides a plain-English summary for buyers who want a quick verdict without parsing raw numbers. It is one input in your buying decision — always verify with a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all JEEP Cherokee vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two JEEP Cherokee vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The JEEP Cherokee has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.