Jeep Cherokee misfire problems

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Transmission · CA

On October 1, 2026, at approximately 1,968 miles, my 2026 Jeep Cherokee experienced a serious powertrain failure. I began driving home from work and the vehicle initially moved without severe shaking. While traveling on the highway at approximately 70 mph and then accelerating uphill, the vehicle progressively lost power and began shuddering violently. The check-engine light began flashing while the red Electronic Throttle Control warning remained on screen. The vehicle appeared to enter a limp mode and I had significant difficulty maintaining speed and climbing the hill. A highway patrol officer followed me with his lights and siren and with his escort I was able to safely reach the next highway exit, but I was concerned that the sudden loss of acceleration could have resulted in a crash, particularly in highway traffic. The dealership performed a diagnostic scan after arrival and the service advisor told me the vehicle had multiple pending faults involving the electronic throttle body, engine misfires, fuel mixture, and other engine-management systems. The dealership has continued testing the vehicle and I was subsequently advised that testing showed severe internal engine damage affecting three of the four cylinders, described to me as three cylinders having “a hole,” and that a replacement engine may be required. The technician is consulting Jeep/Stellantis regarding additional testing, possible teardown, and repair authorization. The exact internal component that failed and the root cause are still being determined. My concern is the sudden loss of power at highway speeds, violent engine shuddering, and malfunction errors on a new vehicle under 2000 miles.

Filed Sep 20, 2026 · Engine · KS

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.

Filed Jun 12, 2026 · Engine · 95,000 miles · MN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power following a loud screeching sound. The Check Engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to misfire upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to the local mechanic, where diagnostic testing revealed a misfire in cylinder #3. Further investigation confirmed internal cylinder damage, which resulted in total engine failure. The mechanic ordered a replacement engine long block from Albany Chrysler Center, Inc. (34650 225th Ave, Albany, MN 56307). After a two-month wait, the part arrived; however, the dealer was sent a complete engine assembly instead of a long block, which required additional repair costs. The manufacturer has not yet been notified and the vehicle remained unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Engine · WI

Verified concern, found vehicle to run very rough and does not idle cleanly. Performed misfire monitor and noted no misfires at this time. Inspect spark plugs, coils and cylinder bores for concern, noted low compression on cyl #2 (150, 105, 145, 150). Inspect cyl bore with camera, noted excessive scouring and damage to cylinder walls causing misfire. Advise longblock or complete assembly replacement required. Open investigation: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Mar 23, 2026 · Engine · MN

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure while driving. Prior to failure, a flashing check engine light appeared along with severe engine misfire, sputtering, and loss of power. The vehicle became unsafe to operate and required towing. The vehicle had recently undergone recall service (PTU recall 01C) at an authorized dealership. Shortly after that service, the engine failure occurred. It is unknown if the recall repair contributed to the failure, but the timing is notable. The vehicle has been regularly maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. A dealership has inspected the vehicle and indicated that the engine requires replacement due to internal failure. The failure has been identified as involving piston #2, with coolant intrusion into the cylinder. This condition is consistent with loss of compression and internal engine damage. Numerous other owners of similar vehicles have reported nearly identical failures, frequently involving piston #2, suggesting a potential pattern or common defect affecting that specific cylinder. The sudden loss of power while driving created a safety risk, particularly if this had occurred at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. This issue appears similar to other reported problems involving 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 2.0L turbo engine, including misfire conditions and potential loss of compression leading to engine failure.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · SC

Beginning in late October 2025, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee North Edition began experiencing a recurring electronic shifter and transmission malfunction. The vehicle displays a “Service Shifter” warning (with an A! with a circle arrow and the check engine light is on) and shakes violently upon shifting; it's straight up psychologically unnerving. This issue creates a significant safety hazard because the vehicle may not shift accordingly, consequently increasing the risk of unintended vehicular movement and ultimate loss of control. I previously brought the vehicle to a certified Chrysler/Jeep dealership (Big O’ Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Laurens Rd., Greenville, SC) approximately 13 months earlier for mechanical issues while under warranty. At that time, repairs were completed and I was told no additional mechanical concerns were present. The shifter malfunction began after my extended warranty expired (after 20,000 miles). Since the problem began, I have taken the vehicle to a mechanic multiple times. During each visit, a diagnostic scan tool indicated cylinder misfires: First visit: cylinder #1 misfire — I paid for repairs/replacement. Second visit: cylinder #2 misfire — I paid for additional repairs. Third visit: cylinder #3 misfire — I was advised further repairs would be costly and to consider replacing the vehicle. Despite having recently spent $1,500 on these repairs, the shifting malfunction and safety issues have persisted/have not been resolved. I have been unable to safely operate the vehicle for approximately four months due to the risk associated with the transmission/shifter malfunction. I have learned that similar (2014-2017) Jeep Cherokees have been recalled for similar electronic shifter defects. However, my VIN was not included in the recall. Because this defect poses a serious safety risk and appears consistent with known issues, I am requesting an investigation into this failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Engine · 58,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally with an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a misfire in cylinder #5. The fuel injectors were cleaned, and the spark plugs and filters were replaced. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the contact became aware that there were oil stains on the ground, and the abnormal odor was still coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the plastic oil filter housing seal had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Aug 12, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 128,941 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine and an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle then decelerated to 64 MPH, and the transmission sputtered. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s Auto Parts and was diagnosed and DTC: P0303 (Misfire in cylinder #3); was retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,941.

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Fuel system · CA

My 2014 Jeep Cherokee began exhibiting repeated transmission and electrical malfunctions, particularly after startup or while idling. The most concerning issue is the appearance of a “Switch to Park” warning message, which occurs while the vehicle is already in Drive. When this happens, the transmission fails to engage properly, and I’m unable to shift into gear without cycling through Park multiple times. **seems to start happening after filling gas tank to full** This poses a major safety risk, especially in intersections or during stop-and-go traffic. The car has also experienced flashing odometer issues, rough idle, and erratic behavior when shifting — all of which point to a communication failure between core modules (BCM, TCM, PCM). A Chrysler-certified dealership performed a proxy alignment after acknowledging that the modules were “talking at the same time.” While no fault codes appeared on my OBD-II scanner, the dealer determined that the issue required a software-level alignment. However, I was told this is not part of any current recall or TSB, despite my symptoms being identical to other complaints already logged (e.g., the federal safety agency ID 11425007). This problem has occurred multiple times, both before and after dealership service. I was also informed there are no current recalls, but VIN-based systems like VinSeeker.com have suggested there may be open recall alerts related to transmission or software issues. This type of malfunction places the driver and passengers at risk of unexpected stalling, transmission disengagement, or inability to accelerate — especially dangerous in high-traffic areas. The issue appears to be known, systemic, and potentially tied to faulty transmission control software or defective module synchronization.

Filed Jun 2, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · 38,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine due to the cylinders misfiring. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating" was recently displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been diagnosed for the current transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via emails, and the contact also sent an email to the CEO of Jeep. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.