2020 Jeep Cherokee: won't start

Filed Mar 15, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · WI

The systems that failed included the shifter, which causes the car to lock so that it cannot shift out of park . This is most likely due to a shifter assembly and/or sensor malfunction. Several months prior to this event occurring (i.e., the car would not start, despite a new battery and consistent scheduled maintenance), this operator of the vehicle complained to the dealership that the car started to feel tremulous, along with the gas gauge reading 30-40 miles below the expected fill on a full tank. The dealership "checked the sensors" and determined nothing was wrong. The driver has been noticing shaking and continued problems with this vehicle shifting in and out of lower gears (1st through 3rd in an automatic V6 engine). The culmination is now this car will not start, and states both 'service shifter' and 'brake sensor service' lights illuminate upon attempting to start the engine. From reading, it is likely to have a transmission range sensor failure, a faulty shifter module, or wiring corrosion. Also, Stellantis (software manufacturer for these sensors) has admitted fault of these sensors in the past, and had extended warranties for some, but not all vehicles. Unable to operate a nonfunctioning vehicle now stuck with towing to a dealership I've not had good results with since the purchase of this vehicle.

Filed Sep 13, 2025 · Transmission · VA

A light appeared on the dash that said AWD Failure. After 2 weeks of being at the dealership, I was told it was a complete PTU failure. Other VINs have been recalled but not mine. This was after I had already taken the car because it just stopped while driving and wouldn’t start. I was told then it was the starter needed to be replaced. I am just happy it wasn’t my [XXX] that was driving. I believe it was the PTU the whole time. The car also will not start after stopping at a stop light unless I turn the Automatic setting off. Dealership says PTU is on back order with ETA of 45-60 days. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 30, 2025 · Fuel system · MI

While using the remote start feature to warm car in attached garage (with door open), car started then after a minute stalled out. I tried to remote start again and it did not start. went to vehicle to start with key fob present, as I went into attached garage there was a strong odor of gas. started vehicle and removed outside of garage to find a huge puddle of gas on ground in attached garage. fuel leaked out while running using remote start! had car towed to dealership, they informed me that the fuel supply tube had failed (part# 68489840AA). repair cost of $610 plus $ 128 for towing. this could have been a total loss of car and garage, possibly LIFE, along with house that is attached to garage!!!!! or it could have caught fire will driving. DANGER DANGER!!!!!! our whole house had the worst gas fumes all day, cleaned up spilled fuel as best as possable and a week later still has a odor of the spilled fuel!

Filed Jul 30, 2024 · TX

The past two days the car has been running a little rough. This morning the car didn't start and service shifter message came on along with battery and engine lights.

Filed Jan 25, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · CO

I was driving on an on ramp on an interstate and the vehicle suddenly went from drive mode into losing power and completely stalling out. From that point, the vehicle would not start and had to be pushed to the side of the on ramp. The manufacturer says that the Power Transfer Unit failed and needs replacement.

Filed May 4, 2023 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

The check engine light came on , then my parking brake light, crash parking light, and stop and stop light on my dash. It wouldn't start at first but tried three time and it did. I drove home with the vehicle, and it wasn't shifting properly. I had it towed to the dealership and was told it was electrical after they tested it. Three days later I was told it was the transmission. Now I'm being told it is the mounts as well.

Filed Oct 12, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · FL

In August 2022, My 2020 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 Limited started having jerking issues when excellerating. I also kept hearing a whistling sound that appears to come from the front passenger door. In addition, the entire navigation system would power off, at any time, for no reason. I would have to physically turn it back on. One week later while running errands in Palm Coast Florida my 2020 Jeep would not start for approximately 20 minutes and the SVC 4Wheel Drive warning light was illuminated. While on the phone with road side assistance the jeep started. I was instructed to drive home and a tow company would be contacted. Driving home I realized that I had no operating lights, turn signals, and all th Jeep electrical components were out. I drove for 15 minutes to my home in complete fear for myself and other motorist. In August 2022, My Jeep was towed to Atlantic Dodge-Chrysler Jeep dealership located at 2330 US-1 South, St. Augustine Florida 32086 (904) 797-4383. I was initially told my issues were caused by a dead battery cell. The dealership replaced my battery but the SVC 4Wheel indicator was still illuminated. I was instructed by the dealership service department to drive 2 hours and rest the vehicle for 24 hours. The SVC 4Wheel indicator did not reset. I was informed by the dealership that a PTU unit needs to be replaced. I keep my vehicle routinely dealership maintained, so I researched the causes for PTU failure in 2020 Jeeps. I found that there has been a history of PTU failures with my vehicle type, to include the backup view delay. My vehicle has not been recalled for the rear backup view and it is still malfunctioning. If there is a recall on PTU units and rear Backup viewing, please send me the information to schedule a recall repair.

Filed Sep 20, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 11,700 miles · OK

While driving the vehicle all the warning lights come on and warning sounds start going off. We lose our speedometer, fuel guage and all other instruments. The parking brake engages as we are driving down the road and the vehicle will not shift gears. When stopped after this incident, the parking brake engages and we are unable to go forward or backwards while in gear. After todays incident, the vehicle wouldn't start back up after the vehicle was turned off. This started 2 weeks after we purchased the vehicle and has been a continuous problem since that time. (we've owned the vehicle since february 2020.) the vehicle has been in the shop 4 times with the same problem. One of those times it was in the shop for 2 1/2 months and the service department wasn't able to locate the problem. We finally took the vehicle to a dealership 3 hours away from our location and they fixed the blind side module which they stated shorted out the remaining systems and that it is fixed. Today, 09/20/2020 we had another incident in which the malfunction was worse and wouldn't start after we turned off the vehicle. The problem is getting dangerous and scary while driving. I have video recordings of each incident. The videos are to long to attach, but I have been able to text them.