2019 Jeep Cherokee Safety Report

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a concerning number of owner complaints and recalls, particularly related to the powertrain. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an overall 4-star safety rating, with excellent 5-star performance in side-impact tests, and 4 stars for frontal and rollover tests. This indicates a robust structure and good occupant protection in typical crash scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 1500 total complaints, including 39 crashes, 19 fires, and 37 injuries, with no reported fatalities. This high volume of complaints, especially for a relatively new model year, suggests potential reliability and safety issues outside of crashworthiness. The most common complaint pattern revolves around the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 449 complaints, or approximately 30% of all issues. This is closely followed by ENGINE complaints (157) and 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' (120). Many complaints describe sudden loss of power, vehicle stalling, grinding noises, and the 'Service 4WD' light illuminating, often linked to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The recall history strongly corroborates these patterns, with 10 recalls issued for the 2019 model year. Notably, multiple recalls address POWER TRAIN issues, including a significant recall for the PTU (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V811000) which could lead to a loss of drive power or unintended vehicle rollaway. Other critical recalls include steering rack gear breakage (19V758000), air bag sensor failures (19V788000), and engine valve stem keeper issues (19V789000). The frequent and severe nature of the powertrain and engine complaints, coupled with multiple recalls addressing these exact components, indicates a systemic problem that could compromise vehicle control and increase crash risk. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, the real-world data from owner complaints and recalls highlights significant reliability concerns that could lead to dangerous situations on the road. The high number of complaints related to loss of power and stalling, directly addressed by recalls, is particularly alarming.

Our recommendation: Given the high volume of powertrain and engine complaints, coupled with numerous safety recalls for critical components, potential buyers should exercise caution and ensure all 10 recalls have been completed. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic, with a specific focus on the powertrain and steering systems, is highly recommended.