Power Train Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The “service 4wd” warning light was illuminated. The contact pressed and held down the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle stopped, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the failure of the transfer case, rear differential, and the engine oil cooler. The contact was informed that the transfer case, rear differential and engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on March 4,2026, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected, and the recall repair was not performed; however, the recall was marked as completed by the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,465.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

About 2 years ago my shifter started coming on like it was all lit up and I got a code saying to service shifter, so I took it in to have it fixed it was on recall. Then in 2024 my service 4wd light came on it was going on and off on and off--when I took it to the dealership they could not get it to come on or replicate it. I was told it could be just a sensor--then my 4wd light came on and stayed on--I started losing power while driving and it scared me because I travel the highway a lot for work--it would also begin vibrating, I took it back in and of course they could not get it to replicate. Then the recall for the ptu came out and my Jeep Cherokee had all the symptoms as a bad ptu--I took it in to the dealership and they ran the test and yes my ptu was bad--they contacted Jeep and was told that my Jeep's VIN was not on the recall and they argued saying it was in fact due to a faulty ptu--I have been in dispute with Jeep since then--I recently received a notice that they are closing my case but if I took my Jeep in for diagnostic testing they would reopen my case so I paid another $190 to have it diagnosed and once again it is a faulty ptu--the service manager at the dealership said he would go to bat for me and stand with me on this--he said hands down my Jeep should be on the recall list and that there are 100's of Jeep Cherokees just in our area that should be included and that this recall should not be by VIN number but should be by model and year. This is very difficult for me because I do not have the $3500 to fix the ptu I recently became a widow and have 3 kids; but I have always taken care of my Jeep --oil changes, tires, regular wear and tear I take care of it. I am really disappointed that as much as I paid for my car and put love and sweat into it that this recall does not cover my Jeep and a lot more others who may be sitting in the same situation I am in.

See all problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

I was driving on the highway going approximately 75mph, everything was 100% normal. All of a sudden, and at once, my steering wheel started to shake, the car lost power/acceleration and speed quickly dropped. The engine was making loud noises. We pulled over, called my mechanic I've had for 35yrs. We were able to get the car to the garage driving very slowly, it wouldn't go above maybe 30mph. My mechanic initially did a diagnostic test which indicated issues with coils??after further investigation he, and 2 of his fellow mechanics determined it was a much more serious issue that has resulted in a total malfunction of the motor. I bought my car in 2021 with 46,740 miles on it, it currently has 84,756 miles. I still owe $4349. 63, 1yr left on my loan. My mechanic said he is aware of a number of recalls on Jeeps . I looked up my VIN bought found nothing. Similar issues, but nothing with that VIN.

The service 4wd light came on and vehicle doesn’t have 4wd capabilities right now because the ptu is bad. They also can’t get the part because so many people are having the same issue. I have a Jeep for the 4wd capabilities and had difficulty driving to work during a winter snow storm because the dealer can’t fix it because too many people need the part. Other Jeeps are under recall for the same issue.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(r) functioned as designed. The vehicle was restarted but failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

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When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds. With this the abs light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the svc fwd warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it takes about 30seconds and it comes back on and stays on until the vehicle is shut off. There has been a couple times the vehicle has hesitated to go forward when the gas was pressed. I have taken it to an auto shop and they found code: c14a7-97 for ptu failure. They recommended to contact Jeep since there is a recall for that year. When the dealer checked my VIN it does not fall under the recall. I am afraid of driving it as I don't want it to stall on me or cause an accident as I usually have my young child with me. The shop said it would be around $6000 to repair. If not under the recall.

The systems that failed included the shifter, which causes the car to lock so that it cannot shift out of park . This is most likely due to a shifter assembly and/or sensor malfunction. Several months prior to this event occurring (I. E. , the car would not start, despite a new battery and consistent scheduled maintenance), this operator of the vehicle complained to the dealership that the car started to feel tremulous, along with the gas gauge reading 30-40 miles below the expected fill on a full tank. The dealership "checked the sensors" and determined nothing was wrong. The driver has been noticing shaking and continued problems with this vehicle shifting in and out of lower gears (1st through 3rd in an automatic v6 engine). The culmination is now this car will not start, and states both 'service shifter' and 'brake sensor service' lights illuminate upon attempting to start the engine. From reading, it is likely to have a transmission range sensor failure, a faulty shifter module, or wiring corrosion. Also, stellantis (software manufacturer for these sensors) has admitted fault of these sensors in the past, and had extended warranties for some, but not all vehicles. Unable to operate a nonfunctioning vehicle now stuck with towing to a dealership I've not had good results with since the purchase of this vehicle.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

My Jeep has been cutting off while driving for the past several months. I've taken it to be serviced several times and everything, from the alternator, engine, fuel pump, battery, etc. Are all fine. But the vehicle will cut of while driving or while idling at the traffic light. This is a major safety hazard. Not only for myself and the occupants of the vehicle but other drivers on the road as well. This could cause serious injury of even death. I have found dozens of reports of the same issues online, and none have identified an issue or recall but this has to be a manufacturer defect. No one should have to drive a car that checks out as "safe" but it an accident waiting to happen, either on the freeway or main roads.

My Jeep veers left and right sharply while I drive. It does not take off pulling into traffic-I have to wait for total total clearance-there is no take off. My gas tank was filled three days ago and it is already below 50%. I drive 7 miles to and from work Monday-Friday, nowhere else. I have avoided several accidents due to these problems. These problems happen everyday. I have take it in to my Jeep dealership-hendricks at least four times over the years and they drive it, say they find nothing and return it to me to bring back if the problems arise again. Help before this car kills me.

The contact owned a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at 65 mph, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message to shift into the intended gear was displayed even though the vehicle was already in gear. The contact was able to restart the vehicle, but the issue recurred several days later. The vehicle was driven to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); but the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,463.

Ptu failure on 2015 Jeep Cherokee.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Warning light indicating "svc 4wd" came on. Drive became erratic. Immediately took to Jeep dealer and found that ptu had failed though this VIN apparently not covered by ongoing recall (01c) of vehicles of the same year, make, and model. Parts to make repairs unavailable and on indefinite backorder. Seems clear that recall 01c should have been much broader and covered all vehicles with this well-known and frequent catastrophic failure. Vehicle essentially rendered inoperable and unusable and no projected date from manufacturer for receiving needed parts. Utter collapse of supply chain.

Headlights cut out when it says low beam out and both headlights are new and work fine until it decides it doesn’t. Transmission is faulty in these cars.

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Power transfer unit stopped working. Brakes locked up and car would not move. Is not drive-able at this time. Currently at a dealership awaiting part, of which there is no eta on. I was just entering a roundabout when the part failed, and I could have been hit as the vehicle fully stopped and could not be moved. There was a grinding noise and no warning prior of this part failing. The problem was confirmed by a local mechanic who recommended a Jeep dealership to take care of the issue as the part may be under warranty. I am unsure of who inspected the part currently. This is my primary vehicle and the dealership will not "cover" a loaner car so I am stuck.

March 2026: the 2017 Jeep Cherokee warning light appeared on the dashboard "svc4wd" safety issue with the four wheel drive system. A mechanics diagnosis code was determined stating a ptu failure. To resolve the warning light issue is to flush the oil from the ptu assembly and/or replace the ptu assembly. The complaint that is being filed is Chrysler has issued 3 recall on this matter with their 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's and my vehicle is going thru the same kind of issue. The recall 25v-011 / 01c ptu failure. I would like to understand why my vehicle is not included in this recall 25v-011. The repair cost is going to cause financial hardship. I'm hoping I can find the why to be included in the 25v-011 recall.

2017 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk 80,758 miles - I began to accelerate from a stop light and heard a large clunk. Proceeded to pull over after a complete loss of power. Once away from traffic, Jeep would not be put into 'park' without hearing and feeling the grinding of gears through the shifter handle. I had to shut the car off prior to being able to place Jeep into 'park', and even then the car was able to roll. The only way to fully have the vehicle in 'park' is by using the emergency brake. Without a doubt this related to the ptu recall that so many Jeep Cherokees have been having. From what I can find from mopar, the vehicle had the necessary recall done to "fix" the software back in 2020, but the problem still arose. Had to tow the vehicle back 200 miles using a uhaul and trailer in order to get home. I have very little hope that not only will it be unable to get fixed due to the inability to get parts that so many people are having, but also the fact that Jeep themselves have and will deny so many claims without proper investigation. Currently the vehicle is parked at the Jeep, ram, Chrysler dealer in west bend, WI waiting on inspection to truly diagnose the issue.

I have a 4x4 disengagement warning light and all reviews I have researched say you have to replace the rear transfer case. I bought this car October 2025 111000 miles on it 5 months in I have had to replace a shifter cable, the oil filter housing and now this rear ptu. The srv 4x4 light comes and goes. This could be electrical for poorly made un serviceable parts. I have read and researched miles of threads on this problem. I and many hard working men and women have been affected by these issues. I have never felt this angry about owning a vehicle that is in great shape and is utterly failing to to the lack of mechanically sound products that used in these Jeep brand vehicles.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

A “service 4wd” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed power transfer unit (ptu). I was informed that many vehicles of similar make, model, and year are covered under a recall for this issue, but my specific vehicle is not included. The estimated repair cost is approximately $4,000. This presents a significant safety concern, as the failure can result in a complete loss of power and loss of parking brake functionality.

On March 1, 2026, while traveling south on colonel rodman highway, I heard a sudden explosive noise and the Jeep bucked and jerked violently, nearly causing an accident. We were able to reach the breakdown lane, but the situation created a highly hazardous driving condition. My research identified a significant ptu recall and TSB 9004402, which acknowledges complexities and compatibility issues between 20-plate and 24-plate rdm designs for this model year. This confirms the component is not a standard wear-and-tear part, but a specialized system with known engineering concerns. I brought the vehicle to tasca Jeep and was advised that the rear differential failed and the ptu blew apart, with an estimated repair cost of $9,637. It is unacceptable for owners to bear the cost of what appears to be a known safety-related defect. This is not an inconvenience — it is a serious safety issue. I am requesting a full investigation and written clarification as to why no recall or broader corrective action has been issued. There were no lights or warnings on the dash, no indication this could/would happen. I look forward to your prompt response.

I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk. The service 4wheel drive light keeps popping u. A recall needs to be put on this year, make and model. Its a known issue that Jeep has not addressed at all.

The 948te 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee v6 80th anniversary edition. The engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, decided to head directly to the dealership. When I approached my first light off the exit (still no sign of trouble) the vehicle rolled backwards. Applying breaks to avoid collisions with vehicles behind, I tried accelerating with little to no power from the transmission. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Jeep dealership and available for inspection. This condition created a safety risk because the vehicle hesitated entering traffic and rolled backward while stopped, increasing the risk of collisions. An engine warning light illuminated while driving prior to complete drivability failure. Symptoms included delayed engagement and slipping from a stop, which worsened rapidly after the warning light appeared. The failure has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Jeep dealership, which determined the transmission requires full replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. No crash occurred, so no police or insurance inspection was involved. Jeep dealership would not offer any goodwill assistance despite being just outside the threshold for drivetrain warranty.

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My car suddenly started making a loud noise while driving and one day , I was driving to work and my car started to lose power it won’t accelerate even thoe I was trying to accelerate my car was slowing the speed down and I had to return to my house with emergency lights because my car won’t accelerate . The next day I took my car to a collision center and they changed some of the old car parts . I’m trying to submit a reimbursement for this recall but the website won’t let me submit the form along with the invoice I attached to the reimbursement request .

The power transfer unit stopped working and we got a message on the dashboard about the four-wheel-drive not working. We had to replace the ptu.

I have not had any issues with my 2017 Jeep trailhawk that I have owned for 6 years. A couple of days ago I was exiting off the highway and felt a loud thump and lost all power, luckily I wasn't hit and was able to maneuver over around traffic to the shoulder. No warning lights have came on. Jeep will not drive, and cannot put in park. I had to have it towed home. I cannot find a dealership to help as they have told me there is a recall on the ptu units that were never fixed and they don't know when they could get me a transmission. I have looked up my VIN and mine is not showing a recall, but I am having the same issue with that the 2017-2019 Jeep recalls are having. Is there anything I can get done?.

I was driving on the highway and experienced what felt like a brief power outage where my vehicle instantly dropped speed. I estimate it was approximately 10-15 mph. Everything appeared to return to normal at the time until approximately 5 minutes later when I exited the highway and it began making a loud noise. I drove a couple miles before getting concerned and thinking I don't want to risk breaking down on the side of the highway going home or doing further damage to an expensive component such as engine or transmission. I used roadside assistance to tow my vehicle to my nearest dealership. The tow driver confirmed he heard the noise inside the vehicle while I stood outside and could not hear it. The dealership called me to approve the diagnostic fee and also asked questions about what happened. In hindsight, they had asked a very specific question regarding the noise sound and location which, in my opinion, shows they instantly suspected the issue that they would later report. After approving the fee, they sent a quote focused primarily around the rear differential housing being cracked for an estimate of $5221. 85. I asked how this would happen and the service representative explained that the choke inside the differential broke and a piece of metal inside it cracked the housing. I began researching differentials in vehicles and specifically in Jeep Cherokees, I learned very quickly that this is a very common problem which explains how a representative was able to tell me the cause without seeing it. No warnings were ever issued on the dashboard and no symptoms were present prior to the sudden deceleration. There are no warnings on the dash after the event and the only symptom other than the noise while in motion is the acceleration/deceleration feels slightly less sensitive. Every potential cause stated by mechanics who have looked at this points to a manufacturing issue or quality issue. A complete failure could cause an accident harming people.

While driving home from church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The rear differential completely froze, forcing the vehicle to skid recklessly without operator control or ability to brake. Steering was near impossible as the car veered first to the guard-rail on the median, and then across 2 lanes of traffic towards the guardrail on the shoulder. A terrible accident was avoided by an alert and skillful driver who was behind me. After what I later came to find out from the dealer (having the vehicle towed) was the rear drive train gears sheered, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train). While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving uphill when they heard a loud pop coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter or turn off the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact removed the foot from the brake pedal, and the vehicle rolled backward with the gear shifter in park(p). The parking brake failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times, and the vehicle failed to stop. Once the vehicle was pulled over onto gravel on the side of the road, the vehicle stopped. The message “service 4wd” was displayed, and the power transfer unit (ptu) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit (ptu) had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer informed the contact, and the manufacturer requested that the dealer release the vehicle back to the owner. The contact was informed that two fault codes were retrieved; however, another code was not displayed, and the manufacturer stated that since the other code was not displayed, the VIN was not associated with NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train), and that the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

- the ptu has been making a grinding noise, and the car feels different to drive. - other issues with a different model of this ptu involve the car rolling out of park or losing driving power while in motion. I do not believe this is an isolated issue with my vehicle, due to looked at forums and communities online with people having the same issue as me. This could put other drivers and me on the road at risk. - grinding noise identified as ptu by ase-certified tech. - vehicle to be inspected by dealer 3/3/26 -do not remember the date of first hearing the noise, but it has been present for a few days. Noise varies from super loud to absent. No warning lamps prior to failure or present.

Ptu issues unknown.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee trailhawk 2018 at gm motors (old bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at bloomfiel, I talked to tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them last month they told me this recall have been released that was a lie, he told me any Jeep Dodge Chrysler have this part anywhere in the country, I said oky I can try to get it I don’t have to pay for the installation he said no cause the part should from Chrysler, when I didn’t know yet if it was a recall whe I saw the light 4wd svc coming up on my dash board he tried to charge me 1300$ for a recall they should repair for free.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while changing lines and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond with a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and attempted to shift to park, and the vehicle started to reverse unintendedly. The contact stated that after returning to the residence, the vehicle was parked and the parking brake was activated to keep the vehicle from moving unintendedly. The “service 4wd” warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ptu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number:25v011000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer to seek assistance with repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was 68,000.

Driving at intestate speed when vehicle started to make noise and started jerking. Stopped to see what was happening and found that it was trying to bind up or lock up in transmission area. Trailered vehicle to Jeep dealer there diagnosed answer was the ptu is bad. And none available do to recall of which my vehicle is not part of? they say part needed is 68333254ai can you help?.

We own a 2016 Jeep Cherokee and have been experiencing ongoing issues with the transmission and acceleration. The vehicle will sometimes hesitate or lag when pressing the gas pedal. There are situations where you try to accelerate and the vehicle does not respond right away. This has created safety concerns while driving. There have been multiple instances where the vehicle did not move as expected when attempting to pull into traffic or accelerate from lower speeds. When you press the accelerator, you expect the vehicle to go, but instead there is a delay or lack of power. This has nearly resulted in accidents due to oncoming traffic. The problem happens most often at normal city / street speeds, especially when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds. The vehicle feels like it struggles to shift or deliver power. We have also noticed hesitation at higher speeds, but the main issue is during everyday driving. No crash has occurred, but the hesitation and inconsistent response make the vehicle feel unsafe and unreliable.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered, jerked, and hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The message "service 4wd" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with an inoperable ptu actuator. The dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,900.

There have been many documented incidents regarding these transmissions on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee latitude. The transmission are junk in these and have been recalled because of splines and clutches. Please get back to me on this issue.