2019 Jeep Cherokee Factory Maintenance Schedule

Quick Reference

Severe-duty schedule

The factory schedule is a good baseline, but it assumes ideal operating conditions. If you frequently tow, drive in dusty environments, take short trips (under 5 miles), or live in a very cold or hot climate, you’ll need to be more aggressive with maintenance.

• Oil & Filter: Instead of the 5,000-mile interval, switch to a 3,500-mile interval. This is the single most important thing you can do for engine longevity under severe use.
• Transmission Fluid: Instead of waiting until 120,000 miles, consider a drain and fill every 60,000 miles. Heat is the enemy of automatic transmissions, and towing generates a lot of it.
• Air Filters: In dusty areas, check your engine and cabin air filters every oil change and replace them as needed.
• Brakes: Increased stopping demands from towing will wear pads and rotors faster. Inspect them at every tire rotation.

Known issues by mileage

This generation of Jeep Cherokee is known for a few common issues that may appear as the miles climb.

• 30,000-60,000 miles: Premature brake wear is a common complaint. The 9-speed automatic transmission can sometimes exhibit rough shifting, which can often be corrected with a software update from the dealer. The 2.4L Tigershark engine may consume oil; it's wise to check your oil level at every fuel fill-up.
• 60,000-100,000 miles: This is when suspension components like tie rods and ball joints may start to show wear. Listen for clunks or pops over bumps. Power transfer unit (PTU) and rear differential unit (RDU) seals can develop leaks.
• 100,000+ miles: The 2.4L engine’s oil consumption issues can become more pronounced. The timing chain on all engines should be inspected, though it is designed to last the life of the vehicle. High-mileage Cherokees can also suffer from cooling system problems, including water pump and thermostat housing leaks.

Estimated cost per service

• Oil & Filter Change: $50-$100
• Tire Rotation: $20-$40
• Cabin Air Filter: $40-$80
• Engine Air Filter: $30-$60
• Brake Fluid Flush: $100-$200
• Coolant Flush: $150-$300
• Transmission Fluid Service: $250-$500
• Spark Plugs: $200-$400
• Timing Belt: $800-1500+
• Differential & Transfer Case Service: $150-$300

What you can DIY vs shop

• DIY: Oil and filter changes, tire rotations (if you have a jack and stands), cabin and engine air filters, and even spark plugs are all achievable for the home mechanic with basic tools. The PCV valve is also a fairly simple swap.
• Shop: Brake fluid and coolant flushes are best left to a shop, as they require special equipment to do properly. Transmission, differential, and transfer case services can be messy and require specific fluids, making them a better job for a professional. A timing belt replacement is an advanced job that should only be tackled by an experienced technician.

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