2019 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 120 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee, 7% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 11,691 miles. The words owners use most often: “feels like” (7% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Feels like: mentioned in 8 of 120 complaints (7%)
  • Dead spot: mentioned in 6 of 120 complaints (5%)
  • Power transfer: mentioned in 6 of 120 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 68 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles32 · 47%
10k–25k miles16 · 24%
25k–50k miles9 · 13%
50k–75k miles4 · 6%
75k–100k miles4 · 6%
100k–150k miles3 · 4%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 120 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.

Jeep Cherokee steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2019, with 120 complaints
1995: 221995221996: 37371997: 111997111998: 12121999: 241999242000: 22222001: 162001162014: 1191192015: 592015592016: 53532017: 452017452018: 30302019: 12020191202020: 22222021: 3202132022: 33

n = 598 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Cherokee36%—
2021 Cherokee32%—
2020 Cherokee227%17,500
2019 Cherokee1207%11,691
2018 Cherokee304%23,264
2017 Cherokee453%38,500
2016 Cherokee534%49,000
2015 Cherokee593%21,000
2014 Cherokee1194%25,500
2001 Cherokee167%107,000
2000 Cherokee226%84,500
1999 Cherokee247%125,000
1998 Cherokee123%56,403
1997 Cherokee113%91,000
1996 Cherokee378%145,000
1995 Cherokee224%145,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2020, with 31 complaints
2018: 6201862019: 242019242020: 312020312021: 9202192022: 122022122023: 102023102024: 6202462025: 172025172026: 520265

n = 120 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Steering:rack and pinion:rack; steering:rack and pinion:pinion shaftAug 29, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V637000 · 5,294 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

​NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX ​Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification ​This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the…

Received May 28, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11740568

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through Dr. Auto LLC…

Received Apr 5, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11729278

While driving home from Church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The…

Received Mar 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11727737
Jeep Cherokee
26 Jeep Cherokee Limited - Shot at the Arizona International Auto Show in Phoenix AZ. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: HJUdall, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all 2019 Jeep Cherokees have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 120 owner complaints about steering for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee (7% of the 1,661 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee steering?

Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

At what mileage do steering problems start?

The median reported mileage is 11,691 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.

What do owners say about steering problems on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?

The most frequent phrase is “feels like”, in 8 of 120 complaints, followed by “dead spot” (6).

Other 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems

See all 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems or steering problems across all Cherokee years.