The 2020 Jeep Cherokee, particularly with the 9-speed automatic transmission, suffers from well-documented powertrain issues that can become expensive after warranty expires. The 2.4L Tigershark engine has a history of catastrophic internal failures.
9-Speed Automatic Transmission Failures and Harsh Shifting
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between 2nd and 3rd gear, Transmission shuddering during acceleration, Complete loss of drive or stuck in gear, Check engine light with transmission-related codes
Fix: TCM reflash may temporarily help, but most cases require transmission rebuild or replacement. Oil cooler failures contaminate transmission fluid causing accelerated wear. Expect 12-16 hours labor for full transmission replacement.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,000
2.4L Tigershark Engine Internal Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 quart per 1,000 miles or more), Knocking or ticking noises from engine, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup, Complete engine seizure in severe cases
Fix: Piston ring land failure and bearing wear are common culprits. Most cases need full engine rebuild or replacement. Short block replacement runs 20-25 hours labor, full rebuild 25-30 hours. Many owners opt for used engine swap.
Estimated cost: $5,000-9,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid leaking near radiator area, Transmission overheating warnings, Coolant mixing with transmission fluid (strawberry milkshake appearance), Transmission slipping after cooler failure
Fix: Oil cooler is integrated into radiator assembly on some models. When it fails internally, coolant and ATF mix, destroying transmission. Must replace cooler, flush both systems, and often rebuild transmission if contamination occurred. 8-10 hours labor for cooler and flush, add 12-16 if transmission damaged.
Symptoms: Intermittent or complete loss of backup camera display, Blue screen or 'service backup camera' message, Camera works only in certain temperatures, Grid lines missing or distorted
Fix: Usually faulty camera module or corroded connections at liftgate. NHTSA recall addresses some cases but not all. Camera replacement is 1.5-2 hours, sometimes requires Uconnect module reprogramming.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Power Steering Rack Failures and Leaks
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leaking from rack boots, Groaning or whining during turns, Stiff or notchy steering feel, Check engine light with electric power steering codes
Fix: Electric power steering rack seal failures or internal component wear. NHTSA recall covers some VINs but not all years. Complete rack replacement requires alignment and runs 4-6 hours labor. Must use OEM rack as aftermarket quality is poor.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Transmission Mount Failures
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive vibration during acceleration, Visible sagging of transmission when inspected from below, Harshness felt through floorboard during shifts
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount fails prematurely, especially on turbo models. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting transmission. 2-3 hours labor. Always inspect during oil changes as this accelerates other transmission problems.
Estimated cost: $350-600
Owner tips
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—9-speed is particularly sensitive
Monitor 2.4L oil consumption religiously; if burning more than 1 quart per 3,000 miles, prepare for engine work
Inspect transmission oil cooler and lines during every oil change for signs of seepage
Keep detailed service records as warranty extensions have been issued for some powertrain issues
Hard pass unless it's a low-mileage 3.2L V6 with extended powertrain warranty remaining—transmission and 2.4L engine are too risky at typical used-car prices.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system on turbo models
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Every control module on the 2018-2022 Jeep Cherokee — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, right side near hitch connector
🔧 Autel or wiTECH
⚠️ Tow package equipped models only. Handles trailer lighting and brake controller interface.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · 20V191000
2020-09-10
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK · 19V637000
2019-08-29
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 2.0L Turbo I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.