Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 13% | — |
| 2022 | 8 | 16% | 0 miles |
| 2021 | 23 | 13% | 49,000 miles |
| 2020 | 35 | 11% | 8,000 miles |
| 2019 | 341 | 20% | 13,000 miles |
| 2018 | 190 | 28% | 36,000 miles |
| 2017 | 342 | 26% | 40,000 miles |
| 2016 | 298 | 21% | 43,000 miles |
| 2015 | 327 | 18% | 30,000 miles |
| 2014 | 449 | 17% | 40,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% | 23,000 miles |
| 2001 | 19 | 8% | 84,000 miles |
| 2000 | 44 | 12% | 85,000 miles |
| 1999 | 26 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 1998 | 47 | 12% | 130,000 miles |
| 1997 | 23 | 6% | 140,000 miles |
| 1996 | 43 | 10% | 137,000 miles |
| 1995 | 40 | 7% | 125,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted into manual(M) mode without warning. The failure caused the vehicle to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the Select-Terrain Traction Management System for the 4WD failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated that the turn signals, instrument panel, and key fob and other unknown electrical system failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on three separate occasions, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 300.
Battery went dead after 4 days of being parked. Preceded by car not charging fully after driving. Dealer had to replace battery at 60,000 miles with no other fault detected. After market battery did not fix problem. Needed to be replaced by OEM battery. Still noticed not charging fully after driving. High current drain while off and parked detected. One dark night noticed dash screen came on with no key around the car then went off then cycled back on. All car modules did not shutdown. Suspected Uconnect app needed to be updated or was corrupted. Later Bluetooth would not connect to phone so I could update the program. Called Uconnect and technician said it could only be updated by dealer. On-line noticed this is a very widely reported problem that batteries are going dead for no apparent reason. Causes many other systems not to function like AntiSkid braking. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact also stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated intermittently while driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a service station. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio went black, with the message "Re-insert USB" displayed. The contact was unable to use the radio. Additionally, the rear-view camera, the AC/HEAT settings, and other safety features were inoperable and unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while at a complete stop at a stop light, the brake pedal was depressed and the vehicle shut off and lost electrical power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. However, the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure recurred while driving and the brake warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up with him. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 8,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off independently. While at a stop light, the vehicle shut off. There were unknown beeping sounds and warning lights illuminated. The driver was unable to exit the vehicle. The contact called 911. The vehicle was pushed off the road by a good Samaritan. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The battery was checked by a neighbor. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was low voltage in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
My family and I drove from San Antonio, TX to El Paso, TX on [redacted]. In the car were 4 passengers, including a 11 month old child. At the start of the drive, a warning message that read "4WD overheated. Temporarily unavailable" was seen. The alert showed 1 time and upon a quick search online, was seemingly insignificant. It never showed up again during the drive. We did leave around 4pm so the sun was out and hot, we believed it to be a temporary warning that would not affect our drive as we did not need 4WD during the drive. The jeep did not have a lot of miles on it and was only serviced at the dealership at appropriate windows as recommended by professionals. Once we reached El Paso, a strong smell occurred. Followed shortly by fire and flames coming from the front area, under the hood, near the engine. We pulled off to the side of the road while the flames grew bigger. …
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used an excessive amount of effort to maneuver the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who failed to diagnose and remove the steering gear rack and pinion. The mechanic determined there was a short circuit in the electrical system for the power steering. The contact stated that the short circuit had caused the rack and pinion to burn out and fail. The mechanic then replaced the wire and the rack and pinion again. Approximately 3 days later, while driving approximately 30 MPH the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then brought the vehicle to the dealer who would be better equipped to repair the vehicle. …
Related recalls (6)
Electrical system › Integrated trailer brake control
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
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…
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.
Electrical system › Software
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…
Remedy: 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.
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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.
Remedy: 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.
Show 1 more recall
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
The fasteners which secure the alternator circuit fuse to the power distribution center May have an improper clamp load.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the alternator fuse with a fuse link and any damage to the power distribution center will be repaired.
NHTSA investigations
Software security vulnerability
On July 23, 2015, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) launched Safety Recall 15V-461 to remedy security vulnerabilities in approximately 1.4 million model year (MY) 2013 through 2015 vehicles equipped with Uconnect head units (HU) 8.4A (RA3 radio) and 8.4AN (RA4 radio) manufactured by Harman International.On July 24, 2015, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query, RQ 15-004, to investigate HU…
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Cherokee years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (449), 2017 (342), 2019 (341), 2015 (327) and 2016 (298) model years. Electrical complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Jeep Cherokee electrical problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 26V-059 (integrated trailer brake control, Feb 2, 2026); 18V-917 (instrument cluster/panel, Dec 20, 2018); 18V-524 (front underhood, Aug 9, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Jeep Cherokee electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 39,000 miles; 64% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring (34 mentions), followed by the wiring › interior/under dash (32).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.