general problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee - part 2

The power transfer unit failed, needing repair. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety, and other's safety on the road, was put at risk because now the power can shut off while driving. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer, as we took it in when a warning light appeared. They confirmed it was a power transfer unit failure. They first appeared about a month ago, and today's date is 9/19/25.

A light appeared on the dash that said awd failure. After 2 weeks of being at the dealership, I was told it was a complete ptu failure. Other vins have been recalled but not mine. This was after I had already taken the car because it just stopped while driving and wouldn’t start. I was told then it was the starter needed to be replaced. I am just happy it wasn’t my [xxx] that was driving. I believe it was the ptu the whole time. The car also will not start after stopping at a stop light unless I turn the automatic setting off. Dealership says ptu is on back order with eta of 45-60 days. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ptu failure at 65,000 miles. Unknown timeline for the replacement part.

Ptu unit has went out. 4wd light on shows needs service. Currently with dealership and told ptu needs replaced, but told there's only 112 available in the nation with over 1200 orders for one currently. It looks that this has been an ongoing problem with Jeep Cherokees with under 100,000 miles. Mine only has 88. 000. Other year models have been recalled in fact up to Feb. 2019 for manufactured Cherokees. I missed it by a year. With this increasing problem, it sure looks as though they should recall since the odds are becoming greater for failure and people are out thousands of dollars and still making payments on it in this economy for not being able to have confidence in a vehicle and company. Thank you for your attention and action!.

Ptu failure. Car was manufactured in 08/2019, mopar recalled Jeep’s manufactured until 02/2019. Please extend recall.

Bad ptu on 2020 Jeep Cherokee. It is out of any warranties and a know issue among this vehicle line. Current recall is for vehicles through Feb 2019, and this would be right outside that window (my specific VIN is outside of the recall).

Component: power transfer unit (ptu) the power transfer unit has failed. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. Left me stranded in traffic.

"service 4wd" warning light appeared unexpectedly. Code scan revealed that the ptu unit had failed, leading to a loss of 4wd capabilities. Jeep is much less safe to drive in winter here in minnesota. Took to a dealer, where it was replaced. Through research, I have come to find that this is an all-too-common failure in Jeep Cherokees and had been recalled in previous years' models.

Ptu failure at 75,325 miles as well as active grill shutter at same time. Was told the ptu is on back order and last person it took 6 months to get it. We have had vehicle since new and always dealer serviced. Super disappointed on time to fix it, meaning there is obviously a problem.

Every time I drive 20-30 my service 4wd light comes on. I got it scanned when the light was not on but it was showing no code.

The svc 4wd light came on in my 2020 Jeep Cherokee at 59000 miles. This indicated a problem with the ptu, the transfer case actuator. The warranty expired 1. 5 months ago, and Jeep is denying to fix it under warranty. This has been a recall for over 60,000 Jeep Cherokees, yet it has not been a recall for my vehicle. This clearly needs to be recalled for my specific vehicle, yet Jeep has failed to acknowledge this. The risks for the ptu failing are scary, including sudden loss of power and slipping out of park ,or drive, including while in motion.

Service 4wd light is on, diagnostic is reading code for transfer case.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "4wd unavailable" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that that the transfer case unit was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, parts were unavailable. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "4wd unavailable" remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transfer case unit was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, there were no parts available for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

No injury or incident yet. The ptu was diagnosed as failing at 46,500 miles on June 30, 2025. The vehicle is still being driven because the driver has no alternative, but no dealership has been able to confirm whether it is safe to operate in this condition. A failing ptu can result in sudden power loss, drivetrain lockup, or loss of park function—especially in awd vehicles. These symptoms match those described in NHTSA recall 25v011000 affecting Jeep Cherokees. The lack of clear safety guidance and the delay in repair have created a potentially hazardous situation. This should be investigated as part of the broader ptu defect pattern.

Replaced transmission at 20,000 miles. Now at 55,000 miles it is going again. Powertrain warranty expired by 6 months.

Hard shift 70-80 mph, lost drive power output. No response to gas pedal while engine remained on. I turned on hazards and moved to the emergency lane as the car was coasting to a stop. I caught a glimpse of 4wd or awd something and it disappeared before I could read it all. I was about to approach an off ramp from the highway emergency when at a slow speed perhaps 30 mph or so output returned and I was able to complete driving home. This is the first time it was more than just jerky clunky shifting. Vehicle has 69,858 miles.

I bought my vehicle in summer of 2020 brand new. It currently has 66k miles on it. A week ago the 4 wd service light came on. I took it in for diagnostic and it came back with code c14a7-97 pto motor operation. The motor is functioning obviously, but the trasfer case is not engaging. There is currently a recall on vehicles similar to 2020, on the same issue but none have been issued on mine yet. The ptu should be good for 100k miles but not even close to that & it’s a super pricey fix on a vehicle I still pay on monthly. Ptu input spline is the power transfer unit, so basically my 4 wheeled drive vehicle is not gonna function in 4 wheeled drive. I am hopeful as I saw similar complaints to mine here, that this is the next batch of recalls for Jeep, as I doubt I am alone.

Vehicle jerked and lost power to the gas pedal while accelerating. After about 20 seconds the gas pedal reingaged again. The vehicle coasted until that point. The service department of the dealership stated that they will not be able to diagnose the problem unless a code shows up that they can read, which none did. It appears that the issue is similar to the ptu issue of the 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was purchased in 2019 even though the model is 2020.

The power transfer unit, differential, spark plugs, and air induction failed. The vehicle is still having bad vibration problems at speeds above 50 mph despite $7,000 in repairs.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly lost motive power before slamming into two-wheel drive (2wd). The contact turned off the vehicle and, after restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The "service all-wheel drive" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the power transfer unit (ptu) was damaged and disengaged the transmission and differential. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to Jeep recall: 01c. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

I was traveling down elm street and had just gone through the railroad under-pass when I pushed on the accelerator and heard something like the grinding, spinning, sound under the front passenger side of the vehicle. Additionally I noticed that I had lost all propulsion. I moved out of traffic and glided to a stop on a slight hill. This is when I found out that some how the whole drive train was disconnected, because I placed the gear selector into park and let my foot off the brake and began to roll backwards down the hill. I quickly reapplied the emergency brake, and turned on my hazards. I turned the Jeep off hoping that it would re-set, and the transmission would re-engage. After waving a few cars passed, I restarted the vehicle, and the power train did re-engaged and I was able to disengage the emergency brake and remove my foot from the brake pedal. The vehicle was flat bed towed to a mechanic. He informed me of that this year and make of Jeep had a transmission recall but the VIN on my vehicle but was not included on that recall. He verbalized I needed to report this because my Jeep is doing the exact same thing as those involved in the recall. He verbalized that a clip was not postioned correctly and that is causing the transmission to completely disengage internally. He suggested I report this as Jeep may have overlooked the trailhawk models in that recall.

Was driving vehicle, started making grinding noise and would not move. After a couple restarts it moved, but was locked in 4x4 snow mode and would not change. Limped pinhole and had tow truck take to dealership. Diagnosis ptu is bad and needs to be replaced. Estimated cost is about $4000. Replacement ptu is on back order for at least 30 days.

The power transfer unit (ptu) suddenly became disconnected while we were in the passing lane on a highway. We lost power temporarily and dashboard lights came on saying service was needed. Moved slowly into a safe location and called for tow truck. There was some “knocking” as we moved. While diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer experienced the same indications and stated that it sounds like a separation in the ptu. There were no prior indications that something was wrong until it happened. I researched on line and found recalls for this issue in prior years (2017-2019) on the same vehicle as mine (Jeep Cherokee 2020).

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the message "4-wheel drive unavailable" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the ptu had failed and needed be replaced. The ptu was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 21,794.

The ptu for 4wd going bad before 60k miles.

The Jeep was making noises and jerking some. Took it to the dealership and the power transfer unit needs replaced and the cost would be 5800. 00. The dealership said the vehicle could just stop at any time jeopardizing our safety. No warning lamps came on. Apparently this has been an issue on models 2017-2019 and recalls were issued. Apparently the 2020 needs to be recalled as well before someone gets hurt.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was failing and was slipping between 3rd and 4th gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the torque converter was also failing. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormally sharp chirping metal-on-metal and a rumbling sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact speculated that the manufacturer was attempting to allow the warranty to expire. The contact was concerned that the warning lights were not activating as expected during the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission and the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, premier cape cod Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram, a premier company at (556 yarmouth rd, hyannis, MA 02601), but no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and declined the repairs and referred the contact to another dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The message/warning light keeps coming stop/start unavailable - service stop/start system. This feature is suppose to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air! some times this causes the engine/transmission to clunk. Seems to maybe a common issue with the Jeeps. Save fuel from burning while the car is stationary. Such a great feature and is doesn't work!.

The engine light comes on randomly. And causes the transmission to bog down and unable to accelerate. We have to pull over and shut the vehicle off and cycle it a few times to get the engine light to come off and then it drives fine. Has happened multiple times and has happened on the highway while driving. I’ve also had the vehicle completely shut off while driving. I’ve taken it to 2 dealerships and was told there is nothing wrong with it. I’m afraid it will cause a bad accident and I’m gonna get hurt if this issue isn’t resolved soon. The dealership I bought it from tim witt Chevrolet in crivitz WI. And they took it to riverside Jeep dealership in marinette WI.

Our 2020 Jeep has the same failing power transfer unit problems of previous Jeep trailhawk recalls that had been issued for 2014-2017. Chrysler has had this vehicle in the shop now for over 60 days with no idea when they can even get parts because we are told there are several hundred of their vehicles with the same issue. They obviously have done nothing to address the failures of their power transfer units from the previous recalls and continuing to stick owners with that problem. They should also be responsible for providing a vehicle when they can't even provide parts for repair.

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Jeep Cherokee limited which has now been undrivable for over 3 months due to a part that is on national backorder. The issue began in may 2025 when I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealership for repairs related to the power control unit (pcu). Since then, the part has not been available, and the car has remained at the dealership with no clear repair timeline. I have been told by Jeep corporate that I am only eligible for rental coverage and nothing more. This delay has left me without a working vehicle for over 90 days, and I am concerned that this issue may involve a defect or systemic parts shortage that is affecting multiple vehicles. I also believe this is a safety-related issue, as a failure of the power control unit could result in sudden loss of power or drivability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate: whether this part shortage is linked to a wider defect or recall whether Jeep (stellantis) should be required to take further action if any safety recalls should be issued for this model and issue I have already filed a complaint with the new york attorney general. Jeep is not a participant in bbb auto line, and I am left without a reliable resolution while still paying for a vehicle I cannot use. Please let me know what further information is needed.

Ptu/transmission failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. Traveling 70mph on a local highway when the vehicle gave two large jolts/shutters and loud bangs. Lost all power to the vehicle while on the highway and had trouble safely exiting the highway with other vehicles passing by and having no power to the vehicle. Transmission/gear fluid from the ptu/transmission completely emptied itself onto the road after the failure. The Jeep brand is well aware of these issues plaguing the 2015- present Jeep Cherokee 4x4 models. However, only the 2015-2019 are currently recalled. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or service center but is able to be.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle and the service 4-wd warning light was illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with ptu failure. The contact was informed that the ptu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall repair; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

Ptu unit not working. I brought to dealership, and he confirmed issue. However, there is a recall for 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees. My Jeep was manufactured 8/2019 even though I purchased it in January 2020. How do I know they checked my Jeeps VIN number with the 2019 models? I understand it's a 2020 but it was made with the 2019 models.