Power Train Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

Driving on the highway going around 60mph and my transmission disengaged and all of my sensors turned off and I had no power at the gas pedal. I was able to pull over and the warning message told me to put put it in park and turn it off in order to fix the issue.

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The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked, and the message “4x4 system service required” was displayed. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle unexpectedly lunged forward. The contact engaged the parking brake to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit (ptu) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the contact was referred to the dealer for further assistance. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,301.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The “svc 4wd” warning indicator illuminated on my dashboard. A diagnostic test performed at an authorized dealership confirmed a failure in the power transfer unit (ptu). The ptu and the vehicle are still installed and available for inspection upon request. The warning light appears intermittently—turning on for a period of time, then shutting off before returning. This issue presents a potential safety risk. The dealership explained that ptu failure can result in loss of power while driving or the vehicle failing to remain securely in park, either of which could lead to loss of control or unintended vehicle movement, posing a risk to myself, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership through diagnostic testing. No repairs have been completed at this time because, although this is a known issue affecting this year, make, and model, the ptu failure is not currently covered under a recall or warranty extension. I have also observed multiple reports of ptu failure in other vehicles of the same year, make, and model, suggesting a pattern of premature failure that may indicate a potential design or manufacturing defect. To date, the vehicle has only been inspected by the dealership and has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There were no other warning lamps or symptoms prior to the “svc 4wd” indicator. The warning light first appeared on 11/3/2025, and the vehicle was brought in for diagnostic evaluation on 11/5/2025.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

While driving 50mhp the vehicle sounded like it was stalling. Couldn't speed up. Svc 4wd and stop/ start system unavailable. There should be a recall to repair but the dealer has no solution or parts. Need solution ASAP.

The 4 wheel drive light would come on and off then it stayed on so I took it to a Jeep dealership and paid for an obd scan it showed the power train unit (ptu) and I had my car put on obd scan again and found out the throttle position sensor (tps) also is in need of replacement after I was entering the highway my gas pedal did not accelerate and I was lucky to be able to downshift into manual and coast off the highway. I have looked it up and the power train unit (ptu) has been recalled on vehicles like mine but my vehicle is not listed for recall replacement. I can have vehicle ready for inspection.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the 4x4 warning light illuminated, and the vehicle unexpectedly slowed down. The contact stated that the vehicle lost traction control. Additionally, the contact heard a screeching sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the part to perform the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 95,495.

The vehicle is a 2019 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 70,000 miles on it. Check 4wd light came on. Took it to a Jeep dealer who said that it is a problem with the rear differential and would cost $6,000 to repair. Vehicle's VIN is not included in the ptu recall which has affected other 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees.

4wd disabled, service required light came on. After taking my Jeep in for inspection I was told I need a new transfer case.

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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The message “service 4wd” was displayed. The contact stated that while accelerating to 50 mph, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with ptu failure. The contact was informed that the ptu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The contact was informed that the NHTSA had initiated the unknown recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

I dropped my car for a service appointment on October 25, 2025 because the car was running loud at highway speeds and felt as though something was grinding. I was told that the recommendation is to replace the ptu. I was unfamiliar with the term and guessed, "power takeoff unit" and the service technician agreed with me. He then informed me that there was an issue with the part and it would be 45-days before the part would be available. He told me that other shops were contacted and there was no shop in the area that was willing to part with the ptu, and I would need to wait 45-days for the repair. I asked if it was safe to drive the vehicle until the repair and he informed me it was. He appeared to be a new team member, so I clarified again, "I just want to be clear it is safe to drive the car". He responded it was, and then said he would check with his manager. After checking with the manager, he came back and said it was okay to drive the car but it may lead to further damage. Following the call I googled ptu and learned that there was a recall on Jeep Cherokee's, due to defective ptus which could cause a loss of power when the vehicle is in motion - leading to a crash, prevent the driver from putting the vehicle in park, or causing the vehicle to come out of park. Given the large number of vehicles involved in the recall, 660k + it is not surprising that the part is on back-order. It is frustrating that this is a voluntary recall, and that the scope of the recall has grown from 2016/2017 to now include 2017/2019 but not yet 2020. Please consider including the cars manufactured in 2020, and changing this from a voluntary recall.

There is a current recall for Jeep Cherokees 2017-2019 for a faulty ptu. My vehicle is not included in the recall, however, it is displaying issues consistent with the ptu. In auto drive-mode, there is a low grinding noise up to 18 mph. In snow, sand, and gravel drive-modes, there the noise is constant to at least 30mph. When the fuses were removed to try to disable the ptu, the noise was considerably louder at all speeds in auto drive-mode. Once the fuses were reinserted, the noise went back to the original under 18mph in auto. There are no noticeable issues with the braking or steering systems.

The contact's girlfriend owns a 2019 Jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “service 4wd” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed ptu. The contact was informed that the ptu needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failur,e and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

The 4wd service light keeps coming on and off in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee latitude plus. The obd2 code c1494-92 displays. This is directly related to a power transfer unit (ptu) issue. There was a recall issued in January of 2025 (recall 01c). However, I am being told that my VIN is not covered under this recall. I contacted the manufacturer (Jeep) and there were not able to give me a reason why the 01c recall does not cover my vehicle. The NHTSA referred me to the manufacturer. But I keep getting the runaround and nobody is providing me a clear answer on this issue.

When driving I experienced the loss of power when trying to accelerate. My Jeep began to exhibit a loud noise and vibration which sounded like a "jack hammer" being used. There was a smell like something was burning, there was jerking, grinding, making clunking noises and happened each time I was making a turn or trying to accelerate. This put my safety and other drivers safety at risk because it could have caused an accident especially with the loss of power. My wheels can lock up and this will cause me not be able to steer or have control over my vehicle. This can cause harm to myself and others which can include death of either party. I do have fluid that leaks from under the vehicle and the burning smell comes through the car vents. The problem has been reported to a confirmed Jeep dealership, fred frederick with no resolution because they are still unable to obtain the parts. I contacted them as soon as I was notified of the recall which was January 23, 2025. My awd light does come on and off but I am uncertain of the dates. My Jeep Cherokee has the 2. 4l turbo engine. I also notice that the fcw does not operate properly as before and since this incident, I am not able to drive my vehicle due the unexpected loss of motion/power while driving and to prevent further damage.

Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my Jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put my car in the shop over a year ago they "fixed" it, unfortunately it broke shortly after since it is a recalled part.

The vehicle stalled at a busy intersection during heavy traffic hours. No watnings or signs that could've prevented the incident were indicated by the vehicle. 911 was called in to aid in the traffic incident. Call [xxx] from laredo police department. Vehicle was pushed by the police officer and myself to a near by parking lot where the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Dealership experts noted leaks on some parts of the engine due to britle gaskets and the major mechanical failure was due to a faulty fuel pump. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The rear differential is separating. If it fails, the car will suddenly cease operation, which may result in a collision. The part was inspected and the defect confirmed by the dealer. No warning lights are active yet.

Ptu has failed. Recal needs to include 2017 limited models. Driving while came on. Didn't know exactly if I was going to get home, out me at rush for an accident. Light it on dash, svc 4x4.

See all problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

My transmission quit working and my parking brake turned on while driving!!!!! this is the same problem that was recalled on Jeep Cherokee years from 2017-2019, but my 2020 is not covered in the recall and my neighbor has the same exact car and year and has had to replace his put twice!!!!!! my model year should be included!!!!!!!.

Vehicle is stalling out. While driving down the road any accelaration is fine but when stopped at a stop sign/light and you give the vehicle throttle from a dead stop or rolling stop it will either stall out and die or it will stall, surge, and come back. This is a serious issue as we drive this vehicle on busy road ways and could cause or will cause us to have an accident. I have had it the dealership and they checked the vehicle for any engines codes but none are present so they are not sure why the vehicle is stalling out. This is not a constant problem but a intermittent one where it comes and goes so you never know when it will happen. I am not sure when this first started happening as my wife usually drives the vehicle but I noticed it doing this about 2 months ago when leaving a gas station after getting fuel when I started leaving and I put the vehicle in drive and started to leave and it died on me with the message center telling me to put the vehicle in park to start.

The vehicle was sold by drivetime (highland, indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (y18 – transmission oil cooler hose, NHTSA 21v-310) that had not been properly repaired. Jeep dealership documentation dated October 17, 2025, shows the recall was only “inspected” but no repair was completed. Within 30 days of purchase, the check engine light began turning on and off intermittently, and an autozone diagnostic (code p0934 – hydraulic pressure sensor circuit low) confirmed a powertrain failure related to the transmission system. The defect affects hydraulic pressure and gear shifting, creating an unsafe driving condition that risks transmission failure while in motion. The issue has been confirmed by both autozone and the Jeep dealership but not repaired. Dealer and warranty administrator silverrock have refused to provide repairs or a loaner vehicle. Both entities were notified that the vehicle is used by a disabled driver and child, and this refusal poses serious safety and accessibility risks. Despite multiple warnings, both companies continue to deny responsibility, violating federal recall obligations under 49 u. S. C. §§ 30118–30120 and creating an ongoing risk of engine/transmission failure while driving. Related complaints are active with the indiana attorney general (case #11811118) and the federal trade commission.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the messages "four-wheel drive(4wd) system unavailable - service requested" and "service four-wheel drive(4wd)" were displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the power transfer unit(ptu) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that assistance could not be provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 41,590.

First brake switch stopped working. I could not move vehicle and had to have it towed to dealer where the brake switch was replaced. Now less than year later I get a svc 4wd notice. This happened right after I had my vehicles oil changed and tires rotated. I am told I now have a faulty ptu actuator that must be replaced for almost $2k. I have a 2019 Cherokee l with 88,500 miles.

The service 4-wheel drive light warning light came on. It is a ptu issue that Jeep has recalled 63k vehicles on in February. My Jeep has been sitting in the shop since 9/8/2025 with no anticipated date of receiving a part. It is unsafe to drive the vehicle; therefore, I have been without a vehicle for almost 2 months. Jeep is aware of the issue and is doing nothing to correct the issue.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 80 mph, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over to the side of the road and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train) and referred the contact to a dealer for further assistance. The contact also verified through carfax that the vehicle was included in the recall; however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,693. The VIN was not available.

I have a Jeep Cherokee 2019. A lot on people including myself have reported online that the ptu and it's wiring of the above-mentioned VIN has a problem of failing and start to flash message to service 4wheel drive system. This should be rectified with no fault of myself and others customers.

While driving the car was stalling not getting up in speed on a hill and the 4wd service came on. We took it to Jeep in jenkintown for a diagnostics test and it was the power transfer unit.

After having the issue diagnosed by an authorized service center, it has been confirmed that my ptu has failed and needs to be replaced. Upon further research, I discovered that the ptu part is recalled for vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2019. However, as my vehicle is a 2020 model, it unfortunately falls outside of the recall window. Despite this, it appears that similar ptu failures are still occurring in vehicles manufactured in 2020 and beyond, indicating that the issue may not have been fully resolved in later models. I am deeply concerned about the safety implications of this issue, particularly the risk of losing power to the wheels while driving. This could lead to a serious accident, especially in adverse weather conditions or on the highway. As a result, I am requesting that you take immediate action to address this problem. I believe this issue is a design flaw or a defective part that has not been fully resolved, and it is in the best interest of both customer safety and brand reputation to address this matter promptly.

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the drivetrain control module and power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that three dealers were contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, and the vehicle had been parked since the recall notification was received in February 2025. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to shift the gear shifter, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The steering and transmission were slipping intermittently. The service 4wd warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the battery cable was faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery cables were replaced. The failure persisted, and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (ptu) had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer stated that the repair was not covered under a recall or under warranty, despite having unlimited coverage. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer confirmed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Ptu (power transfer unit) failure has been diagnosed by the dealership on 10/4/2025 my make model and year fall under the existing recall but my VIN is not covered. I’ve brought the issue up with the manufacturer and they’ve stated nothing can be done. I’m experiencing a "service 4wd" warning light and occasionally loud noises, and vibrations while driving with occasional temporary loss of power.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4wd warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact noticed an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a transfer case failure. The contact was informed that the transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic which was a Jeep dealer mechanic, for a second opinion. The second independent mechanic confirmed the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,500.

Ptu is failing, car is having trouble going and stopping. Will not go into 4wd.

In March 2025 I experience shaking while driving every time I stopped. Took to dearlership and power transfer unit was replaced. Now September 2025, I experience shaking while accelerating. No clear answer on what is causing this.