You would save a little with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee instead of going for the 2020 model. But you shouldn’t take that risk. If you want a used option, consider the 2018 Cherokee instead because the 2019 Jeep Cherokee has been plagued with issues. 

Potential 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems 

The 2019 Jeep Cherokee has an updated look that still isn’t attractive to some fans. Its unique pointed nose was combined with the look of the Jeep Compass. 

You pay more for the Jeep Cherokee than the Compass, and the Grand Jeep Cherokee is even more expensive, but what’s the point if these models look too similar to be easily told apart? 

Also, the 2019 Cherokee still has narrow headlights that drivers aren’t a fan of. They look too similar to Hyundai SUVs. 

Does the 2019 Cherokee have engine problems?

A fair amount of drivers have been reporting engine problems with the 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The most prevalent issue with the 2019 Cherokee involves the engine randomly shutting down in traffic. 

The problem occurs early on while drivers take turns or come to a stop at red lights. Suddenly their dashboards light up like the 4th of July, and then the engine shuts off with a loss of steering and braking. 

While going up mild hills or accelerating, the check battery light comes on, then poof. Drivers experience a dangerous loss of power. 

The Cherokee Transmission is out of whack 

2019 Cherokee drivers have also noticed a variety of transmission issues that plague their brand-new SUV models. 

While sitting still, the Jeep Cherokee is prone to lurching forward. Plus, the Cherokee seems to make a terrible grinding noise, like metal on metal, with concerning clunks and clanks. 

The transmission seems to be rough as it shakes upon changing gears and laggy. People have complained about pulling into traffic and experiencing the failure to accelerate quickly. 

The Cherokee problems are electric 

The 2019 Cherokee seems to have electrical problems as well. This could be what causes the engine to shut down randomly, and some drivers have had their batteries replaced in an attempt to fix that issue. 

But the 2019 Jeep Cherokee also has reports of random electrical issues, such as the Uconnect system becoming unresponsive or frozen. 

Also, the cluster lights seem to get stuck on, or they randomly all turn off at once. It’s like the 2019 Cherokee gets confused. 

One dangerous electrical issue drivers have dealt with includes the cruise control accelerating while going downhill too. 

Plus, some drivers have experienced trouble with their alternators and find themselves having to jump-start their Jeep very early on in ownership. 

We aren’t sure if the 2020 Jeep Cherokee has corrected these issues, and we can’t wait to see the Hybrid Jeep Cherokee in 2021 or 2022. Until then, be sure to avoid the 2019 Cherokee for a more reliable model year. 

While the 2018 Jeep Cherokee doesn’t look very attractive either, at least it has a higher reliability rating with a significant decrease in complaints and reported problems compared to the 2019 Cherokee.