Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2020 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints: 199about this part
Share: 60%of 334 total for the year
Median mileage: 64,000miles
Trend: RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 199 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, 60% of the 334 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 64,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“1-20-2020 purchased a new Jeep Cherokee latitude, we purchased the car with 4 wheel drive and all terrain tires for our needs, gravel, mud, snow, flooding etc.in or about 12-1-2020 we received an recall w43, we thought it had to do with the bumper being melted by the exhaust. The recall stated tire rub and exhaust tips. Well needless to say they performed the recall, which I was suspect of because I think they are trying to hide a defect in manufacturing of the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11385991, filed 2021-01, 5,098 miles

“I purchased a brand new 2020 Jeep Cherokee last january and my 4 wheel drive sensor came on in november. My dealership got me in the first of december and told me it's my ptu. They stated the part was on back order till the first of january. I asked if I could get a loaner till the part came in and they stated they don't provide loaners for that long of time. I let it go and decided today to give them a call with an update on my part for my 4 wheel drive. They stated still don't have a date for when the part will be in. …”

NHTSA complaint #11388876, filed 2021-01, 20,000 miles

“On and off the highway the steering sticks when trying to stay in the lane which leads to oversteering and constant weaving in the lane and sometimes going over the lines. The transmission also shift very hard and at times will not shift when it should. I was told these are normal in this vehicle.... It is not normal!”

NHTSA complaint #11373912, filed 2020-11, 1,500 miles

“Vehicle has been making a clanking sound when coming to a full stop. Sound seems to be coming from directly under the vehicle. Sound goes away with ESC turned off. Jeep dealership was able to duplicate sound, but have not found the problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11354871, filed 2020-09, 85 miles

“Vehicle stalls anytime it idles or comes to a stop. Stalls while in reverse or drive. Stalled several times in reverse backing out of driveway. Stalled while trying to go straight after coming to a stop at a stop sign. Stalled in the middle of an intersection while trying to make a left turn after being stopped, waiting oncoming traffic to clear. Stalling in an intersection could have caused serious injury or death to myself or proceeding oncoming traffic through the intersection. …”

NHTSA complaint #11328321, filed 2020-06, 950 miles

Related recalls

26V290000May 7, 2026Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.Covers: Jeep Cherokee 2019–2023

Related service bulletins

11026812Dec 19, 2025Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated. Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C14A7-97 PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked.
11008753Oct 4, 2024"Flash: Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) Updates Customers may experience the following: ● A moan noise or shudder feeling from the rear axle during low speed cornering, most…
10239967May 23, 2023Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or…
10231745Jan 28, 2023Electric Power Steering (EPS) Will Not Calibrate, Negative Response Error Code 0X10
10228031Apr 8, 2022Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the PCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator…
10223097Mar 17, 2022No Start, After Flash And Or PCM Replace, DTC P0513 Invalid Skim Key Setting
10204382Nov 6, 2021Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of…
10221288Jun 18, 2021Customer complaint includes a Mil-on condition. Upon further investigation, one or more of the following fault codes may be set in the PCM:
10212447Jun 18, 2021Customer complaint includes a Mil-on condition. Upon further investigation, one or more of the following fault codes may be set in the PCM:
10194007Apr 17, 2021No Start Intermittently, Vehicle Requires Multiple Keyless Push To Start Attempts To Start Vehicle, Intermittent Key Not Detected Message

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

Year	Complaints	Share of year
2026	3	33%
2022	29	56%
2021	104	59%
2020	199	60%
2019	833	50%
2018	296	43%
2017	650	49%
2016	636	45%
2015	1,007	56%
2014	1,471	56%
2006	2	12%
2001	24	10%
2000	29	8%
1999	53	14%
1998	65	16%
1997	47	12%
1996	60	13%
1995	43	7%
1994	38	7%
1993	44	11%
1992	15	13%
1991	13	6%
1990	17	6%
1989	9	5%
1988	8	8%
1987	4	7%
1985	2	12%

Other parts of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Engine
46 complaints Other or unknown
38 complaints Electrical system
35 complaints Brakes
30 complaints Steering
22 complaints Forward collision avoidance
10 complaints Fuel system
10 complaints Vehicle speed control
8 complaints Air bags
7 complaints Suspension
7 complaints Wheels
5 complaints Engine cooling
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology