NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Jeep Cherokee Safety Ratings
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee scores 70 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 11 recalls, and 1,577 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee records a NHTSA Safety Index of 70/100, placing it in the Average band. This rating reflects solid crash-test scores and the inclusion of standard electronic stability control. However, these positive aspects are significantly offset by a substantial defect record, comprising 11 recalls and a large volume of unverified owner complaints. This combination of factors indicates that the 2019 Cherokee warrants careful scrutiny.
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee ranks 91 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 70 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 11 |
| Owner complaints | 1,577 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 91 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Eleven recalls define the 2019 Jeep Cherokee's defect record. This substantial figure, including two separate power transfer unit campaigns filed in 2025 and 2026, means remedies may remain open on used examples. A steering rack recall, identifying a potential loss of steering control, was issued during the model year itself. These issues contribute to a defect record sub-score of 3 out of 20, significantly impacting the vehicle's overall Safety Index of 70 out of 100, which is an Average rating. In contrast, the 2019 Cherokee demonstrates strong crash protection. Its crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 is anchored by a 5-star side impact rating from NHTSA, further supported by standard electronic stability control. However, the avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional features. This indicates that many units on the road may not be equipped with these safety systems. The 2019 Jeep Cherokee presents a vehicle with competitive crash-test results, but its recall history requires careful review.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Jeep Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee earned a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection is a highlight, achieving a full 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection was rated at 4 stars, matching the rollover assessment. The rollover risk for the 2019 Cherokee is 17 percent, and it passed the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13025
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes, 11 recalls cover this model year. Documented campaigns address power train issues including two separate power transfer unit failure campaigns, a steering rack that may break and cause loss of steering, air bag sensors that may fail to deploy properly, and front passenger seat mounting bolts that may be loose. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided.
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: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were 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
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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners have filed 1,577 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the power train with 747 reports, the engine with 448, and the electrical system with 335. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
1,577 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee's recall history demands scrutiny. Any prospective owner should verify that all 11 issued recalls have been addressed, specifically confirming remedies for the two power transfer unit campaigns and the steering rack recall. Ensuring completion of these safety actions is a critical step before acquisition.
- Two distinct power transfer unit recall campaigns, one issued in 2025 and one in 2026, cover 2019 Cherokee vehicles and may still have open remedies on used units today.
- The 2019 model year received a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, the strongest single result in its crash-test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were both listed as optional on this model year, meaning a significant share of 2019 Cherokees on the used market were not equipped with either feature.
- The defect-record sub-score of 3 out of 20 is the primary reason this vehicle sits at the lower end of the Average band, driven by 11 total recalls and 1,577 unverified NHTSA complaints dominated by power train and engine allegations.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Jeep Cherokee places
The 2019 Jeep Cherokee qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Jeep Cherokee safety questions
Was the 2019 Jeep Cherokee crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Jeep Cherokee crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Jeep Cherokee earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Jeep Cherokee have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 11 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,577 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Cherokee years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13025), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Cherokee 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 91 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.