2019 Jeep Cherokee: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Transmission · PA

While driving 4WD warning light appeared on dash display. I pulled over shortly after and checked for obvious clues such as leaking oil, loose belts and burning smells, nothing to be found. Currently, I was advised not to drive this vehicle due to causing additional damage or breakdown. I am still waiting for the part to be delivered so this could be repaired.

Filed Oct 22, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · MD

When driving I experienced the loss of power when trying to accelerate. My Jeep began to exhibit a loud noise and vibration which sounded like a "Jack Hammer" being used. There was a smell like something was burning, there was jerking, grinding, making clunking noises and happened each time I was making a turn or trying to accelerate. This put my safety and other drivers safety at risk because it could have caused an accident especially with the loss of power. My wheels can lock up and this will cause me not be able to steer or have control over my vehicle. This can cause harm to myself and others which can include death of either party. I do have fluid that leaks from under the vehicle and the burning smell comes through the car vents. The problem has been reported to a confirmed Jeep dealership, Fred Frederick with no resolution because they are still unable to obtain the parts. I contacted them as soon as I was notified of the recall which was January 23, 2025. My AWD light does come on and off but I am uncertain of the dates. My Jeep Cherokee has the 2.4L Turbo engine. I also notice that the FCW does not operate properly as before and since this incident, I am not able to drive my vehicle due the unexpected loss of motion/power while driving and to prevent further damage.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · GA · fire

On [XXX] my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (VIN: [XXX] ) unexpectedly caught fire while [parked/operating — choose one], originating from what appears to be an internal electrical or wiring defect. No modifications, aftermarket parts, or repairs had been made to the engine or wiring since purchase, meaning the defect originated from the manufacturer. The fire caused significant damage to the wiring, requiring professional repair, and left me severely traumatized. Although the vehicle was repaired, the incident could have easily caused me serious injury or death. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 20, 2025 · Fuel system · NY · fire

PTU for this car, with no light or warning on the dashboard, car began to make a cranking clicking noise and began to smoke from the rear exhaust, car lost steering capability for the brief moment and fellow driver alerted me that my car was on fire below. Car immediately pulled to the side, i never lost power. at mechanic shop, appears that the PTU blew and oil flew all over the bottom of the car which then ignited causing car fire, appears to have damaged dry shaft, PTU blown into literal pieces and Rear differential all damaged. Car was initially serviced and was told that part was on back order with no signal or conversation that it was unsafe to drive, yet appears that is not the case. other jeeps 2018-2019 have a similar recall on PTUs and i dont know why this model does not

Filed Sep 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

My family and I drove from San Antonio, TX to El Paso, TX on [XXX]. In the car were 4 passengers, including a 11 month old child. At the start of the drive, a warning message that read "4WD overheated. Temporarily unavailable" was seen. The alert showed 1 time and upon a quick search online, was seemingly insignificant. It never showed up again during the drive. We did leave around 4pm so the sun was out and hot, we believed it to be a temporary warning that would not affect our drive as we did not need 4WD during the drive. The jeep did not have a lot of miles on it and was only serviced at the dealership at appropriate windows as recommended by professionals. Once we reached El Paso, a strong smell occurred. Followed shortly by fire and flames coming from the front area, under the hood, near the engine. We pulled off to the side of the road while the flames grew bigger. The infant and all 4 adults were able to exit the vehicle timely but the fire was very large. Many onlookers stopped to check on our welfare. There was an investigation done but all that was said was that there was in fact a fire, and it did in fact start near the front of the vehicle by the engine. Chrysler said they could not determine anything further as there was damage from the fire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 3, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · FL · crash · fire · 1 injury

I was involved in a single vehicle accident at 5 am on October 5, 2023 on a rural road in Deland, Florida. I was on an unfamiliar road with a sharp curve and as I was trying to slow down the I was unable to slow down or steer the vehicle. It slammed into a cluster of trees and immediately the engine caught fire. I crawled out of the vehicle in pain from the force of the crash and was disoriented. A good Samaritan came to my aide and called the Volusia County Sherriff. I can remember my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude was fully engulfed in very intense flames in less than 8 minutes. It was so intense it set fire to the wooded area. This wasn't the first problem I had with this vehicle. I purchased this vehicle new from a dealer in Bowie, MD in 2019. Since that time I replaced all 4 tires due to numerous flat tires starting around 20K miles. I replaced the battery at less than 25K miles. I had braking issues when going downhill in the Washington DC area which caused me to brake hard. I complained and the dealer said they did an inspection. I also had other auto service companies perform checks. I have most of the service records which have cost me so much. I am a disable Gulf War Veteran on a fixed income. I am now waiting for VIN verification by GEICO because the vehicle burned so hot that the engine block and everything metal (melted). Had I not gotten out so soon I would have burned to death.

Filed Oct 29, 2023 · Transmission · VT

Rear differential failure. This car is my daily driver, and is in circumstances misused. Driving home from work with no warning the differential housing cracked and failed. A failure like this could potentially put myself, other occupants and other drivers on the road a risk by unexpectedly failing with zero warning. There was no sound, nor warning light, the only reason I noticed was when exiting my vehicle I could smell burning fluid. Upon inspection I found that the rear differential housing was cracked, and spewing fluid all over the exhaust.

Filed Jun 15, 2023 · Electrical · MN · fire

Engine wiring harness caught fire with 14,000 miles

Filed Jun 21, 2021 · Engine · TX · fire

Our Jeep Cherokee caught fire spontaneously on Friday night around 11:30pm. The fire started at the front of the passenger side of the vehicle. The fire started shortly after a warning message that read "4WD overheated. Temporarily unavailable." There were 3 adults and 1 infant in the vehicle that were put at risk during this incident. Not only due to the fire starting in the vehicle but being stranded on the side of a major highway for over an hour. EMT, Police, and Fire Department responded to the call. We are pending a review by insurance representatives and the manufacturer. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Feb 11, 2021 · Engine · 38,000 miles · MI · fire

Backed into driveway, vehicle started smoking then I saw flames resulting in my whole front emd going up in flames. No work done no problems ornindication of this prior to this happening. Fire dept had to come and put out fire

Filed Jan 28, 2020 · 18,620 miles · FL · fire

Rented a vehicle from enterprise a jeep cherokee 2019 with only 18,620 miles. Driving north from fort lauderdale to daytona. After 3hrs on the road the car had an engine explosion. Another vehicle in front of me starts signaling me an tells me the car was on fire. I immediately pulled over and get off the car, saw live flame going under the hood. Pulled all my belongings out and in matter of minutes the whole vehicle was burned.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Steering · 5,500 miles · IL

When driving at expressway / highway speeds of 60 plus for a non stop 30-50 miles, there is almost like a "dead spot" in the steering. When I move the steering wheel about 1/4" to the left or the right it feels like it is catching on something when making small wheel adjustments within your own lane, it almost feels as if your tires break loose, but on dry pavement. When the steering then catches. It also feels like there is gust of wind on both sides of the vehicle. It then jerks back and forth. There is also a burning smell for a short period of time. This started at 5500 miles. I have a 2019 jeep overland. It could easily become dangerous. Had it at zeigler jeep in schaumburg il on 11/9/2019 and they recoded module and cound not recreat the proble. It has been happening more and more frequently since then. Went back on 12/26/19 and took the tech for a 1.5 hour test drive and everything happened as stated above. The tech finally re-created the problem. My new 2019 jeep overland has been in the shop since then. They are sending engineers in from jeep. All I want is a safe car. Ps; this is my first jeep product.