Transfer Case problems of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the shifter light and the 4wd lights remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the lights had illuminated due to the transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the while driving at approximately 60 mph, she heard a loud explosion sound when her vehicle slightly lifted off the ground. The contact then stated that she was able to veer the vehicle off the exit decreasing the speed at approximately 40 mph. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer exploded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was then diagnosed that the transfer case failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,140.

Under the Chrysler warranty, multiple problems with the transmission resulted in complete replacement. Right now, (out of warranty) the power transfer unit has failed. It appears to be related to the recent recall that required a flash of the computer system to prevent deterioration of "splines" within the unit. I had that done several months ago. Now the entire transfer case is clattering and the dealer told me that it was not covered under any recall. I am being asked to pay over $3,200 including today's diagnosis and wait 3 or more weeks to backorder the part. I will proceed with the work, however, they have no clear timeline, so I parked the car as it is apparently dangerous to drive, even if I could stand the noise. I believe this is part of the prior recall and want help to try to determine this. I now understand that this report is really just a bookmark in case you all decide to investigate if there are multiple instances of the same thing. The transfer unit clatters when I press on the gas to make the wheels turn. I have had it assessed by an independent mechanic first, then the dealership and they are in agreement that the power transfer unit must be replaced.

After the recall 20v-343 in Aug of 2020 the vehicle exhibited the following in November while drive over 55mph. The mil light came on, could feel the power train switched to rear wheel drive and once pulled over the computer locked the transmission into park. The engine continued to run, the brake lite lit and the display reported error of "service transmission". We could no longer shift the transmission. Later the dealer reported metal shavings in the transfer case called ptu along with a substance like clutch material. On replacement we were charged $3,200+ with a delay of several months and two ptus were order as the replacement didn't make it out of the shop. On request to fca they denied the reimbursement as listed in the recall as a "field service" we submit the paper work identifying the VIN tied to the recall, the service work describing the damages and an image of the dash configuration at the time reflecting the intended purpose of the software patch as outlined in the recall.

Around may 2020 I was contacted by Jeep for a recall I had no idea about; got her in quick for the ptu input spline. There were no issues before this. The update was atempted but not completed. From there, I expereinced several issues. Problems started with alerts displaying for no reason while in motion and stationary. Took her to another dealer where they updated the software/looked at the power train. When "finished" I pulled out to my Jeep makng a popping noise and rough drive. When I parked, there was fluid spilling out of the differential and splattered over the rear of the Jeep. The dealer stripped a plug; wasnt seated correctly and popped off from pressure. Since then, I have had several other issues concerning the drivetrain to inclde hard jumping into gear (especially into 1st from a stop), rough down shift, and transfer case damage. Most recent issue is hard shift into drive and radiator leak. I did take her in before my powertrain warrany ran out but there was apparently no issue - they only drove it a few miles. I attribute all issues to incomplete maintenece and unknowledgable staff. The main issue being computers; when not serviced properly, a chain reaction occurs througout components. An issue can arrise where you least expect it. I contacted national level Jeep for help; no avail.