2020 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

36Engine complaints

14%Of all 258 complaints

#2Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

POWER TRAIN137 · 53.1%

ENGINE36 · 14%

Unspecified / other34 · 13.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM32 · 12.4%

SERVICE BRAKES22 · 8.5%

Share of the 258 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee overview page.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the contact became aware that the vehicle was making abnormal sounds…”NHTSA complaint 11555089 — filed 11/14/2023

“The vehicles emergency brake engaged while driving down the highway at 70 mph on its own. This caused the vehicle to come to an immediate…”NHTSA complaint 11547243 — filed 09/29/2023

“Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, and a on and off service 4wd light. We reported these issues to…”NHTSA complaint 11536588 — filed 08/04/2023

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee: 36 of 258 complaints on file (14%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have in total?

258 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 9 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 9 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.