2020 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard
- 25owner reports
- 62,562median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 15, 2026 · checked Sep 18, 2026
169 of the 294 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 25 of those describe transmission shudder. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 25 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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 were 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.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2020 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 70,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesnât want to go”
Filed Aug 12, 2026
“The message/warning light keeps coming on: Stop/start Unavailable - Service stop/start system. This feature is suppose to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air! Some times this causes the engine/transmission to clunk. Seems to maybe a common issue with the Jeeps. Save fuel from burning while the car is stationary. Such a great feature and is doesn't work!”
Filed Apr 29, 2025
“The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the Power Transfer Unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800.00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. NO warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someone gets hurt.”
Filed Mar 20, 2025
“I was going 35 miles per hour the car as i was driving started acting abnormally driving in a lagging jerky way and then states 4wd unavailable service soon. I looked up the issue which seems like a ptu defective part and it seems to be a pretty common issue that jeep cars are experiencing and having difficulty with while driving.”
Filed Oct 27, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 25 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 40 reports