Summary
The Jeep Cherokee has 105 recalls spanning 1976 through the 2026 model year, with the most serious recent issue being a steering rack gear that can break on 2019-2020 vehicles, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
The current and near-current generation has a notable concentration of recalls. On 2026 models, a software fault in the brake system control module can disable both anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control simultaneously, removing two key crash-prevention systems. The 2022 model year has turn signal issues where the self-canceling feature and right-turn signal function can both fail, and vehicles with the trailer tow option may have non-functional trailer brake lamps and turn signals. On 2021 models, one or both front lower control arms can fracture while driving, causing an abrupt loss of steering, and a transmission oil cooler hose can burst and leak fluid that creates a fire risk. The 2021-2022 model years also share a curtain airbag connector issue on the right side that can prevent deployment in a crash.
The 2019 model year carries the heaviest recall load in the recent generation. A transmission wire harness weld can fail and strand the vehicle, a steering rack gear can break and eliminate steering input, an engine assembly problem on 2.0L-equipped vehicles can cause valve or camshaft failure and stall the engine, a transmission calibration fault on 2.4L engines can also cause stalling, the instrument cluster can go dark, airbag crash sensors can fail to detect certain impacts, and the front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose. The 2018 model year has a fuel tube on 2.4L-equipped vehicles that can leak fuel into the engine compartment, an all-wheel-drive halfshaft bearing that can break and cut power or allow the vehicle to roll from park, and an oil pump housing that can crack and cause engine stall.
The 2014-2017 generation accounts for a large cluster of drivetrain, fire, and safety system recalls. On 2016-2017 models, the power transfer unit can fail and eliminate drive power or allow unintended rollaway from a parked position, and 2016 halfshafts on both sides can fracture and disconnect from the axle. The 2014-2016 generation has repeated issues with the power liftgate control module corroding or shorting, which can start a fire even with the ignition off. Seat fasteners on 2014-2016 vehicles may not have been tightened to specification, allowing seats to shift in a crash. The 2014-2015 models can deploy side curtain and seat airbags unexpectedly during off-road driving. On 2014 models specifically, a transmission fault on 3.2L-equipped vehicles can shift the vehicle unexpectedly into neutral, and the front wiper system running on dry glass can damage the body control module and eventually disable the wipers. The 2015 model year has a misrouted air conditioning line that can contact the exhaust manifold and start a fire.
Going back to the early 2000s and 1990s, the 1999 and 1997 model years share an airbag control module corrosion issue where road salt exposure can trigger inadvertent airbag deployment. The 1997 model also has a fuel level sender that reads higher than the actual fuel level, which can cause unexpected stalling. The 1998 model year has a power brake booster diaphragm that can tear, causing high idle and a sudden loss of brake
