Like previous model years, the 2 L Turbo engine started buring excessive oil (more than 1 quart per 500 miles). Two mechanics have indicated that engine and turbocharger need to be replaced. Both said that this engine is same as previous model years for which recalls were initiated.
2020 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
49 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 26,900.
- owner complaints
- 49
- of this car's complaints
- 15%
- typical mileage
- 26,900
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Jeep Cherokee engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Loss of power 28Check engine light 23Stalling 18Won't start 8Engine failure 6
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2020 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Engine light comes on, whenever you attempt to accelerate from a stop (like a traffic light), the vehicle will coast into the intersection, causing a traffic hazard. It has done this multiple times. At 60,300 miles, dealership told me that engine was not covered. I purchased a new engine, which never fixed the problem. 5 different times they reset dash board, but the it cont'd before I can get home. Dealership gaslights with they could not get pr0blem repeated. But as soon as warranty expire(eed), dealership admides car needs 2nd new engine. $9k.
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep Trailhawk that has rendered my vehicle undrivable and raised serious safety concerns. While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden PTU failure that resulted in a loss of safe vehicle operation. The failure was severe enough that the vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership has confirmed that the PTU has failed; however, there is currently no available repair solution or replacement part to permanently correct the issue. As a result, my vehicle remains out of service indefinitely. In addition to the safety concerns related to this failure, I am extremely concerned about the manufacturer's response. Although Jeep has acknowledged the failed component, I have been informed that I must pay out of pocket to have the same defective PTU reinstalled temporarily until a permanent repair becomes available. Jeep has stated they may reimburse me at a later date, but they are requiring that I bear the upfront cost for a known faulty component. Furthermore, neither Jeep nor the dealership has provided a loaner vehicle, despite my vehicle being disabled through no fault of my own. This situation has left me without reliable transportation and has created significant financial hardship. More importantly, the apparent lack of an available repair raises concerns that other Jeep owners may experience similar failures while operating their vehicles. A sudden PTU failure can create dangerous driving conditions and poses potential risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this issue, including: The frequency of PTU failures in Jeep Trailhawk vehicles. Whether this failure represents a broader safety defect affecting other vehicles. The adequacy of Jeep's response to affected owners. The safety implications of requiring
Engine caught fire while parked
On September 23, 2026, my wife was driving our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on I-65 South at mile marker 105.1 when the vehicle lost drive power and could no longer be driven. She became stranded on the side of the highway, and I had to pick her up. The vehicle also rolled while the gear selector was in PARK. We had it towed to Tom O’Brien Jeep dealership in Greenwood. Our vehicle is included in open safety recall 40D, the federal safety agency campaign 26V‑290, involving the power transfer unit (PTU). The loss of drive power and rolling in PARK match the failure symptoms described in that recall. The specific mechanical cause still needs to be confirmed by the dealership. The Mopar recall lookup shows the recall is incomplete, the remedy is under development, and repair parts are not available. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. I am reporting an actual highway loss-of-propulsion incident and the vehicle rolling while in PARK. I am concerned about the risk of a crash or injury and the lack of an available recall remedy. Please document this incident under the existing recall and review the manufacturer’s response to vehicles that have already experienced these failures.
While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (2.0L turbo engine), the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began misfiring with a severe loss of power and abnormal engine noise. A compression test confirmed lost compression in one or more cylinders. The dealer inspected the engine and diagnosed internal piston damage, consistent with piston ring land failure. Research shows this is a known failure pattern in 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee turbo engines, including a pending class action investigation (Sauder Schelkopf) for premature engine failure caused by lost cylinder compression, misfire codes, and dealerships declining coverage. Reports describe melted pistons and collapsed ring lands, often in cylinder #2, possibly related to low-speed pre-ignition or the PCM incorrectly detecting fuel octane and over-advancing ignition timing. The failed engine components are available for inspection upon request. This failure occurred at highway speed with no prior warning beyond the check engine light, creating a safety hazard from sudden power loss. The engine is a 2.0L turbo GME (Hurricane) engine. Please investigate this defect pattern for a potential safety recall.
I have a cherokee that isn't on the current recall list or anything. But I have the service 4wd light. Its a 2020 jeep cherokee limited v6 3.2 4x4
I was driving on the interstate and lost my engine power
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact was informed that there was an oil leak underneath the vehicle. The contact was unsure if the oil was coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to the residence and parked, and the contact observed puddles of oil underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer stated that the radiator, engine, turbo, thermostat, torque converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced, and that the engine control valve was possibly stuck, resulting in oil and coolant contamination. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle intermittently lost automotive power and there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle independently accelerated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 330,000.
Questions about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee engine
Does the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have engine problems?
Owners have filed 49 complaints about the engine of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, 15% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2020 Jeep Cherokee engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 26,900 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Jeep Cherokee have bad engine?
The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (524 complaints), 2019 (472 complaints) and 2015 (371 complaints).
Other 2020 Jeep Cherokee problems
Transmission 201Electrical 36Brakes 30Steering 22Driver assistance 15Fuel system 10Acceleration 9Airbags 7Suspension 7Wheels 5Visibility 4Body 3Seats 2Tires 2Lights 1Locks 1
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