NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Jeep Cherokee Safety Ratings
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 256 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing it in the Average safety band. While the vehicle demonstrates strong performance in its crash-test scores, these are offset by three active recall campaigns and a modest avoidance-technology assessment. The Cherokee presents a reasonable, though not exceptional, safety profile for the model year.
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee received a 4-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Jeep Cherokee ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 256 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee achieves a 5 out of 5-star rating in side-impact protection, a significant factor in its crash protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 points. This contributes to the model's overall NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, an improvement of 9 points over the 2019 model year. However, the vehicle's defect record limits its overall Safety Index, as evidenced by a sub-score of 11.5 out of 20. Three recall campaigns were initiated, including one for a steering rack failure risk and another concerning the power transfer unit. Owner complaints number 256, with 138 reports focused on powertrain issues, further indicating an active defect profile. Additionally, the 2020 Cherokee scores only 6 out of 10 points for avoidance technology, as both forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems are optional rather than standard equipment. The combination of strong crash-test performance and an elevated recall and complaint record characterizes the safety profile of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Jeep Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee achieves a noteworthy 5 out of 5 stars for side-impact protection, as assessed by federal safety regulators. The vehicle's overall safety rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, mirroring its performance in frontal crash tests. Rollover risk is calculated at 17 percent, with dynamic tip testing concluding in a "No Tip" result, contributing to a 4-star rollover rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14273
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee carries three recall campaigns. One addresses a steering rack that may break and cause loss of steering control. A second covers a possible power transfer unit failure affecting 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The third, resolved via an over-the-air software fix, involves the backup camera sensing system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is recorded 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
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA20V191000
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
Reported 2020-09-10
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has logged 256 unverified owner complaints for this model year, including alleged reports of 9 crashes, 5 fires, and 9 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem area is the power train, cited in 138 reports, followed by engine issues at 36, and electrical system concerns at 33. All are unverified consumer allegations.
256 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee has been subject to at least three recall campaigns, a factor any prospective owner should carefully consider. While one recall for the backup camera system was addressed with an over-the-air software update, two others involve critical mechanical components: the steering system and the power transfer unit. Verifying that these physical remedies have been completed by a dealership is an essential step prior to purchasing a used 2020 Cherokee. Running the vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool will confirm its recall status.
- The 2020 Cherokee's Safety Index rose 9 points over the 2019 model year, reaching 79/100, driven primarily by a crash protection sub-score of 61/70 anchored by a perfect 5-star NHTSA side-impact result.
- A steering rack recall issued in August 2019 applies directly to 2019-2020 Cherokee vehicles and warns of possible loss of steering control - used buyers must verify this remedy was completed by VIN.
- A power transfer unit recall covering 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles was issued more recently and may still be open on unserviced units, making VIN verification especially important for this powertrain-related campaign.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both optional on this model year, not standard equipment, which holds the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and limits the overall Safety Index ceiling.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Jeep Cherokee places
The 2020 Jeep Cherokee qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Jeep Cherokee safety questions
Was the 2020 Jeep Cherokee crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Jeep Cherokee, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 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 2020 Jeep Cherokee crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Jeep Cherokee have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Jeep Cherokee?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 256 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14273), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Cherokee 2020.
- 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 81 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.