MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Jeep Cherokee

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

11Recalls
1,577Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE JEEP CHEROKEE

The Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV that slots between the subcompact Compass and the midsize Grand Cherokee in Stellantis's Jeep lineup. Aimed at buyers who want trail-capable credentials alongside everyday practicality, it competes in one of the most crowded segments in the American market. The Cherokee carries a distinct identity as a more rugged alternative to mainstream crossovers, appealing to active families and adventure-minded commuters alike.

VERDICT

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 11 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Jeep Cherokee as a capable and characterful compact SUV with genuine off-road credibility that sets it apart from more road-focused rivals. Most acknowledge that its interior and feature set have improved over the years, though many note that the segment has become intensely competitive and that the Cherokee faces strong pressure from newer, more polished alternatives.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13025

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record3/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

POWER TRAIN26V290000

Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable

Reported 2026-05-07

POWER TRAIN25V011000

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.

Reported 2025-04-29

STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK19V637000

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.

Reported 2019-08-29

AIR BAGS19V449000

Risk: In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V63.

Reported 2019-06-13

SEATS19V248000

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.

Reported 2019-03-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL18V917000

Risk: Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.

Reported 2018-12-20

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION18V739000

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.

Reported 2018-10-19

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD18V524000

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Reported 2018-08-09

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V523000

Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.

Reported 2018-08-09

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION18V492000

Risk: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.

Reported 2018-07-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE18V344000

Risk: Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.

Reported 2018-05-25

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

1,577 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

40reported crash
19reported fire
37reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 747Engine 448Electrical System 335Unknown Or Other 250Steering 120Service Brakes 105

Other Cherokee years

Rivals in SUV (2019)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 13025), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Jeep Cherokee 2019. Class rank 91 of 93 in SUV 2019. Methodology · Disclosure