Jeep Cherokee Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 2,257 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Jeep Cherokee across 18 model years. The 2014 model year has the most (449). The words owners use most often: “service shifter” (21% of reports).
- 2,257electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 26mention a crash
- 14mention an injury
- 8related recalls
- $820typical repair cost reported by owners
- 32%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Service shifter: mentioned in 484 of 2,257 complaints (21%)
- Parking brake: mentioned in 115 of 2,257 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the Jeep Cherokee at $820, and half of them between $440 and $1,450.
Based on 20 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2001–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 1,218 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 2,257 complaints, 26 mention a crash, 81 a fire, 14 an injury.
Jeep Cherokee electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Cherokee | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2022 Cherokee | 8 | 16% | 300 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 23 | 13% | 45,050 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 35 | 11% | 5,650 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 341 | 21% | 12,300 |
| 2018 Cherokee | 190 | 28% | 35,250 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 342 | 26% | 40,000 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 297 | 21% | 43,000 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 327 | 18% | 30,500 |
| 2014 Cherokee | 449 | 17% | 40,500 |
| 2006 Cherokee | 2 | 12% | 23,354 |
| 2001 Cherokee | 19 | 8% | 84,280 |
| 2000 Cherokee | 44 | 12% | 85,000 |
| 1999 Cherokee | 26 | 7% | 78,680 |
| 1998 Cherokee | 47 | 12% | 128,000 |
| 1997 Cherokee | 23 | 6% | 140,000 |
| 1996 Cherokee | 43 | 10% | 134,256 |
| 1995 Cherokee | 40 | 7% | 112,600 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (8)
Exterior lighting:brake lights; exterior lighting:turn signal; electrical system: integrated trailer brake control
Model years: 2026
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024-2026 Jeep Wagoneer S, 2025-2026 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, Ram 4500 Cab Chassis, Ram 5500 Cab Chassis, and 2026 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Due to an improperly designed trailer tow module, the trailer lights may fail to illuminate and the trailer brakes may fail.
Risk: Trailer brake lights and turn signals that do not illuminate reduce visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, trailer brakes that fail increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the trailer tow module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning March 17, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on February 10, 2026.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunkPark outside
Model years: 2014, 2015, 2016
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a power liftgate. An electrical short in the power liftgate module may lead to a vehicle fire with the ignition on or off.
Risk: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will relocate the power liftgate module and add a water shield. In addition, dealers will inspect for corrosion and replace the module and electrical connectors, if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner letters were mailed March 1, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 49A. This recall supersedes recalls 15V-393 and 15V-826. Vehicles repaired under the prior recalls will still need to have the new remedy performed.
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel
Model years: 2019
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
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.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system:wiring:front underhood
Model years: 2018, 2019
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Electrical system:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiring
Model years: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate; electrical system:wiring: rear compartment/trunk
Model years: 2015, 2016
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 18, 2015, to September 10, 2015 and equipped with the power liftgate option. In the affected vehicles, water may leak into the Power Liftgate Control Module and result in a high resistance short circuit.
Risk: A short circuit in the module increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the module and connectors for corrosion, replacing the damaged components as necessary. The mastic shield will be removed and the module will be covered with a water shield. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R67. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 23V-338.
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel; equipment:other:labels; visibility:rearview mirrors/devices; visibility:power window devices and controls; exterior lighting; fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Problem: U.s. Drive right is recalling 107 my 1994-1998 right hand drive, 4-wheel drive jeep cherokee vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 101, 'controls and displays;' no. 108, 'lamps, reflective devices and associated equipment;' no. 111, 'rearview mirror;' no. 114, 'theft protection;' no. 115, 'vehicle identification number;' no. 118, 'power window system;' no. 120, 'tire selection and rims for motor vehicles other than passenger cars;' no. 208, 'occupant crash protection;' and no. 301, 'fuel system integrity.'
Risk: These vehicles do not meet the required standards.
Fix: U.s. Drive right will make all the required modifications. A representative will travel to the customer's location and make the modifications on site. The recall will be performed on a regional basis beginning march 2008. Owners may contact u.s. Drive right at 1-888-632-5936.
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
Model years: 1996
Problem: The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center may have an improper clamp load.
Risk: Improper clamping can result in arcing at the connection potentially causing a fire in the engine compartment.
Fix: Dealers will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage to the power distribution center will be repaired.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was coming out of a gas station and the battery light came on/ stayed on and the car just stopped. I couldnât shut it off, put it in drive, put it in parkâ¦â¦.The car still seemed to be running⦠I had to wait about 10 mins before I could do anything I.e. start it up again. This was very…
Driving after work on 53S my jeep decided to only go 5mph engine light turned on among other light. Svc 4wd. Had to pull over the interstate shoulder thatâs under construction and had very small space to park without getting hit by others.
My vehicleâs E-brake engaged and would not released. After having it towed to the dealership, I was told that a leak into my rear storage of my spare tires occurred and shorted the E-brake electrical system! There are no visible leaks coming from within the car.
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding this vehicle. It has now been 5 months with no repair remedy available. Due to being told by the…
My Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2022 got completely and unexpectedly stalled while driving on a highway without any type of warning. Many warning signs flashed at the same time: ETC (Electronic Throttle control), Service Park brake, check engine, battery, and a few more. The battery is one year old…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Cherokees have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 2,257 owner complaints about electrical system for the Jeep Cherokee. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Cherokee electrical system?
Yes: 8 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners report a typical cost of $820 (half paid between $440 and $1,450), from 20 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the Jeep Cherokee?
The most frequent phrase is “service shifter”, in 484 of 2,257 complaints, followed by “parking brake” (115).
Other Jeep Cherokee problems
- Power Train problems (5,516)
- Engine problems (2,186)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (691)
- Service Brakes problems (647)
- Steering problems (598)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (574)
- Structure problems (522)
- Air Bags problems (457)
See all Jeep Cherokee problems.