2019 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 1579 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine. Owners most often flag *kl generation (2014-2023):.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

1,579
Owner complaints
11
Recalls
40
Crash reports
19
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
749
engine
448
electrical system
335
steering
120
service brakes
105

Recalls affecting the 2019 Cherokee

electrical system: instrument cluster/panel

Campaign 18V917000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 18V492000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission …

power train:automatic transmission

Campaign 18V739000

Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.

air bags

Campaign 19V449000

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the original XJ generation (produced until approximately 2001), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising legendary reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged capability. The 4.0L inline-six

  • *KL Generation (2014-2023):
  • Severe 9-speed automatic transmission problems — including bad shifting, laggy downshifts (taking 2-3 seconds), clunking noises, loss of 4x4 capability, and widespread concerns about long-term reliability. Frequency: very frequent.
  • General poor reliability and high repair frequency after 100,000 miles — vehicles become unreliable, with multiple breakdowns and expensive repairs for components like starters, water pumps, and electrical systems. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure — a specific, recurrent failure in the AWD system, sometimes attributed to tire wear, requiring replacement. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues and parasitic battery drain — causing dashboard glitches, system shutdowns, and required component replacement (e.g., PDC Assembly). Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cherokee.

Typical used price

Used Cherokee listings typically run $14,997–$33,998 across 2016 to 2026 model years.

Other Cherokee model years

2018 Cherokee2015 Cherokee2001 Cherokee1999 Cherokee1996 Cherokee
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