# Jeep Cherokee check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 587 - **Most complaints:** 2015 (201) - **Related recalls:** 14 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 587 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Jeep Cherokee (2015-2026 models), most for the **2015** model year (201). There are **14 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Jeep Cherokee check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 201 | 1794 | 11% | | 2016 | 126 | 1414 | 9% | | 2017 | 77 | 1338 | 6% | | 2018 | 27 | 689 | 4% | | 2019 | 112 | 1676 | 7% | | 2020 | 23 | 334 | 7% | | 2021 | 15 | 177 | 8% | | 2022 | 4 | 52 | 8% | | 2026 | 2 | 9 | 22% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Jeep Cherokee recalls related to the check engine light **[26V290000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V290000)** (2019-2023 models, reported 2026-05-07): 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... **[25V011000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=25V011000)** (2017-2019 models, reported 2025-01-16): A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. **[23V302000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V302000)** (2016-2017 models, reported 2023-04-27): A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. **[21V310000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=21V310000)** (2021 models, reported 2021-05-04): A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. **[20V343000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=20V343000)** (2015-2017 models, reported 2020-06-11): A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury. **Remedy:** FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. **[18V739000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V739000)** (2019 models, reported 2018-10-19): A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. **[18V492000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V492000)** (2019 models, reported 2018-07-26): If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. **[18V494000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V494000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-07-26): If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. **[18V344000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V344000)** (2019 models, reported 2018-05-25): Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. **[18V282000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V282000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-01): A fuel leak in the presence of the ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2018. **[17V670000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V670000)** (2018 models, reported 2017-10-24): If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 5, 2017. **[16V529000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V529000)** (2015 models, reported 2016-07-12): If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. **[16V284000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V284000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-05-11): A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. **[16V287000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=16V287000)** (2016 models, reported 2016-05-11): A fractured halfshaft may disconnect from the drive axle, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left halfshaft, free of charge. The recall began on June 30, 2016. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Jeep Cherokee owners report - "While driving my vehicle, the check engine light came on after driving for about 10 minutes. It remained on and I called the dealer and they said that I should bring the vehicle in to be checked. They looked at the check engine light and said it was probably because the gas cap was not on properly. I do not have a..." -- owner of a 2026 Jeep Cherokee, complaint filed 2026 - "When stopped the engine light was on, along with an alarm for loss of electronic stability control (ESC), and an alarm for brake service. After clearing the ESC alarm by restarting my vehicle multiple times as indicated in the owner's manual I tried to operate the vehicle. However, the vehicle would not move..." -- owner of a 2022 Jeep Cherokee, complaint filed 2024 - "No accidents have occurred to cause a problem but my engine light is on and after getting it read it says it's an EVAC issue. When placing the nozzle in the tank a large amount of air noise is heard." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Cherokee, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Jeep Cherokee check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 14 related recalls (26V290000, 25V011000, 23V302000, 21V310000, 20V343000, 18V739000, 18V492000, 18V494000, 18V344000, 18V282000, 17V670000, 16V529000, 16V284000, 16V287000) covering 2015-2023 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Jeep Cherokee years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Cherokee model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 201 for 2015. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Cherokee with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Jeep Cherokee has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Jeep Cherokee warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-cherokee): 32 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-cherokee): 71 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-cherokee): 144 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-cherokee): 75 complaints - [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 64 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-cherokee): 145 complaints - [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-cherokee): 5 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-cherokee): 92 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Jeep Cherokee - [Jeep Cherokee specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-cherokee) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.