The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has 1,630 NHTSA owner complaints and 11 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 757 complaints (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
11
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2019 Cherokee?
Avoid — the steering
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced.
5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine
Steering: 120 complaints, classified severe
Brakes: 48 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 Jeep Cherokee? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 757 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 239 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
engine — 184 owner reports
· ~$3,100 to fix
steering — 120 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 11 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2019 Cherokee· powertrain
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while at a complete stop in a construction zone, the vehicle…
There was a 4x4 warning light in Dec 2024. The dealership checked and provided a quote for a new PTU, but said we could keep driving until repair, just not to use 4x4. Then we received a recall notice for the PTU from Jeep. Have been trying to get it fixed since. The dealership…
The PTU caused the vehicle to have random grinding sounds from the drive train. There was a service 4wd engine light immediately. Took to the dealer 5/5/25 and was told about the recall of the PTU but no fix was available. I was told to keep driving and the vehicle around late…
I purchased a new 2019 Jeep cherokee on 6/29/19 with less than 5 miles on odometer. On 9/7/19 (less than 1k miles), I started car, drove halfway down block and the steering completely locked. Power steering light went on and car was not drivable. Called dealership, who was very…
Had a problem with your 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles
A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles
A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.2 out of 10 based on 1,630 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
On the NHTSA data, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the steering was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 5 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Steering: 120 complaints, classified severe; Brakes: 48 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 4.2/10 — below the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 757 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 1,630 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 757 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Cherokee has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,630 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 12 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Jeep/Cherokee.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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