Dealer visit checklist
2019 Jeep Cherokee checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 4.2x more owner complaints than nearby model years
- • 5.5x more owner complaints than other 2019 SUVs
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2019 Jeep Cherokee problems to check
- 9-speed ZF automatic transmission can exhibit hesitation, shuddering, and rough shifting — a persistent issue across multiple Cherokee model years including 2019
- 1.4L turbocharged engine has reported oil consumption issues and requires premium fuel, adding to running costs
- Electrical gremlins including infotainment freezes and Uconnect system resets have been documented by owners
- Transfer case and 4WD actuator problems can appear after 60,000-80,000 miles, with repairs ranging from $400-$1,200
- Water intrusion around the sunroof and rear liftgate seals has been reported, potentially leading to interior mold or electrical damage
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION: Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines.
- AIR BAGS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines.
- SEATS: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.
- 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 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $21,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away