2020 Jeep Cherokee: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Widely cited as the Cherokee to buy: the fewest complaints and recalls of any year and average reliability ratings. The PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption risks still cap it short of a clean buy, but the strongest year of the run. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee ranged from $25,840 to $36,995 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Widely cited as the Cherokee to buy: the fewest complaints and recalls of any year and average reliability ratings. The PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption risks still cap it short of a clean buy, but the strongest year of the run.
Sources (5)
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cherokee.html
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/jeep-cherokee-buying-guide
- jeepproblems.comhttps://www.jeepproblems.com/models/cherokee/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=cherokee…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/jeep/cherokee
Known issues
-
Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports.
widespread · 1247 NHTSA complaints · typically 50k–120k miles · transmission
-
The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine.
commonly reported · 47 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years.
occasional · 19 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=cherokee…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=cherokee…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=cherokee…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=cherokee…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Genuine off-road capability, especially the Trailhawk with Selec-Terrain, a locking rear axle, extra ground clearance and all-terrain tires, well beyond most compact crossovers.
- Comfortable, quiet, upscale ride with an easy-to-use Uconnect infotainment system.
- Available 3.2L Pentastar V6 gives strong acceleration and useful towing versus four-cylinder-only rivals; the refresh added a more efficient 2.0L turbo option.
Cons
- Base 2.4L four-cylinder is sluggish and noisy, and real-world fuel economy trails four-cylinder competitors, especially with AWD or the V6.
- Tight rear seat and small cargo area compared with class leaders.
- Below-average reliability history: the power-transfer unit and 2.4L oil consumption remain risks even on the better-rated refreshed years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latitude | $25,840 | discontinued | — | — |
| Latitude Plus | $27,595 | discontinued | — | — |
| Latitude Lux | $29,900 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited | $31,600 | discontinued | — | — |
| Trailhawk | $34,755 | discontinued | — | — |
| High Altitude | $35,540 | discontinued | — | — |
| Overland | $36,995 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2020-jeep-cherokee-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,840). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,995), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2020 loses roughly another 30% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/jeep-cherokee/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,400–1,500/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/jeep/cherokee
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/jeep-cherokee-insurance/
- huffineschryslerjeepdodgeramlewisville.comhttps://www.huffineschryslerjeepdodgeramlewisville.com/blog/2025/september/11…
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
Documented issue patterns include: Active Drive power-transfer unit (PTU) failures remain the dominant complaint: a "Service 4WD" warning, grinding from the driveline and loss of motive power, often requiring PTU replacement. The 2019 powertrain drew an especially large volume of reports; The 2.4L Tigershark four-cylinder can consume oil as it ages and, in some cases, suffer cylinder-wall scoring or low compression leading to engine failure. Monitor oil level between changes on the non-turbo engine; Some 2019 cars can suddenly lose power or shut off while driving, traced to a wiring-harness defect, and the nine-speed automatic can still shift harshly or lurch. Largely resolved on later refreshed years. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Widely cited as the Cherokee to buy: the fewest complaints and recalls of any year and average reliability ratings. The PTU and Tigershark oil-consumption risks still cap it short of a clean buy, but the strongest year of the run.
How much did the 2020 Jeep Cherokee cost new?
Between $25,840 and $36,995 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Jeep Cherokee expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
Checking a listing right now?
The CarVitals extension runs this report automatically on any CarMax listing you open, with the listing's exact price, mileage, and trim filled in for you.
Add to Chrome · FreeNo account needed for the check. It runs on the car's details.
Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.