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2020 Jeep Cherokee: loss of power steering

7 of the 337 complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints
7
of this car's complaints
2%
recalls
1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 6, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · SC

Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter

Filed Jul 20, 2026 · Steering · MI

Pulling into gas station and power steering went out when pulling in, almost hit pump. Not only did it now need a new power steering rack but the clock spring had to be replaced to program it

Filed May 19, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · NY

2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited AWD, VIN [XXX] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, Auto Start/Stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, Auto Start/Stop, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Park Brake, ABS, traction control, check engine, and Blind Spot Alerts Unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 29, 2025 · Transmission · PA

While driving in northwestern Pennsylvania during a snowstorm, the driver engaged the vehicle’s factory “Snow Mode.” Immediately thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and loss of steering control. The driver was forced to pull off the I79 interstate in severe winter conditions and exit the vehicle to avoid being struck by a snowplow. This created a dangerous roadside exposure and a significant risk of collision or injury. The vehicle was towed to a Jeep dealership and diagnosed with a failed rear differential requiring replacement. The dealership stated the part has been on national backorder since 2024, with no estimated availability. The failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle completely inoperable. The dealership further advised that this rear differential failure is a known issue, and recommended against installing a used replacement due to reliability and safety concerns. Safety Concern: This failure resulted in: •Sudden loss of vehicle control in hazardous weather •Loss of motive power •Forced roadside exposure in active traffic conditions The inability to obtain replacement parts compounds the safety risk by leaving the vehicle unusable and preventing timely repair. Request: I am submitting this complaint so the federal safety agency can evaluate whether this represents a systemic safety defect related to the rear differential in this vehicle platform, including failure mode, warning adequacy, and parts availability affecting safe remediation.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Steering · FL

The steering rack and pinion system failed, which caused a loss of power steering while driving. The failure of the steering rack and pinion system resulted in a complete loss of steering control while I was driving on the highway at high speeds. This sudden and unexpected malfunction left me unable to steer the vehicle, putting both my safety and the safety of others on the road at immediate and extreme risk. The inability to control the vehicle could have led to a catastrophic accident, endangering not only myself but also other drivers and passengers in close proximity. This failure posed a significant threat to life and property. Yes, the problem was confirmed by an independent service center. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives No, there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure.

Filed Jun 17, 2023 · Fuel system · CA

Fuel pump failed suddenly. Caused engine to stall losing power steering and brakes. Luckily was on flat straight stretch of residential not coming off mountain on dirt track Know warning or lights. From 45 to nothing.

Filed Jan 17, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 480 miles · OH

In the am, the monitor went out and came on at a later time that day; when driving at 70 miles per hour the front end was vibrating; and when returning home, within three seconds I lost steering, it engaged, went out and engaged again. I parked the jeep, had it towed to the dealership two days later. Went thru arbitration and lost.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Steering: rack and pinion: rackReported August 29, 2019 · 5,294 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.

Recall number 19V637000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee power steering loss

Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?

7 of 337 owner complaints about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee (2%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2019.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?

There is 1 recall and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2020 Jeep Cherokee

Loss of power 28Grinding brakes 24Check engine light 23Stalling 18Jerking 15Harsh shifting 11Fire or smoke 9Won't start 8Engine failure 6Start-stop 6Transmission failure 6Adaptive cruise 5Slipping 5Warning lights 5

All model years of the Jeep Cherokee

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