Power Train Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

Warning light svc 4wd and dashboard message 4wd system unavailable service required. Jeep dealer found diagnostic code c14a7. Dealer checked power transfer unit (ptu) operation and ptu fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for ptu on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. Nhtsa campaign number 26v290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, I. E. Transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, with a loud screeching sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit was inoperable and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 165,000.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Previously reported that my vehicle was throwing the code for the 40d. I returned today, vehicle vehicle start to slam, jerk. Jeep cares escalated after dealership tech confirmed active failure. Fuse pulled, but can't really drive my car to avoid damages. Now waiting for them to give dealership approval to order part. I still have the 5,/60 warranty. It's red tape and leaving me driving a dangerous vehicle or be grounded. I'm now waiting fit the case manager to call dealership. This is very upsetting and I blame Chrysler, but the actual dealership. There are 61k vehicles and no scene of urgency. I'm filing the complaint.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The vehicle just shut off. There are 23 alerts codes.

Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the “4wd service” warning light illuminated, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 20v343000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

The ptu is bad and I’ve replaced it twice with no successful fix.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the ptu. In 2023, I brought it to larry h. Miller Jeep 104th for ptu-related safety recall 45a and also reported abnormal noise. The noise was not documented and the ptu was not replaced, despite warranty extension xj1 already being in effect. In 2026, after the noise worsened, I returned to an authorized Jeep dealer and specifically reported the ptu concern and xj1. The dealer stated the ptu tested normally and attributed the noise to other issues. I obtained an independent ase-certified inspection from wesley automotive. Wesley documented ptu noise/vibration, a magnetic plug coated in metal, excessive ferrous metal in the ptu fluid, and a faulty ptu requiring replacement. After unrelated wheel-bearing and brake repairs, wesley documented that the ptu concern remained and provided a photograph showing metal debris on the plug and written diagnostic findings. A subsequent authorized Jeep representative stated xj1 would not apply without fault code p1720-00 or p215c-00 even if metal were present in the ptu, while acknowledging that the metal condition presented a safety concern. Despite documented ptu failure and metal contamination, it remains unrepaired because Jeep has conditioned xj1 replacement on specified fault codes rather than physical findings. This follows the 2023 ptu-related recall visit, a later authorized dealer reporting no applicable codes and stating the ptu tested normally, and autonation requiring me to authorize a $295 diagnostic fee for yet another evaluation. Stellantis continues to require additional dealer evaluation despite this history and independent physical evidence of ptu deterioration. I am concerned continued operation puts my family and me at risk of ptu failure, sudden power loss, or loss of drivability. The vehicle remains in service with a faulty ptu and metal contamination.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(p), the 4wd warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while merging onto a two-lane highway, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was driven in limp mode to the nearest dealer. Prior to the failure, the contact was notified of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall; however, the dealer failed to provide the contact with any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Fwd service light is on and my Jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go.

The power transfer unit (ptu) failed on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Started hearing grinding and roaring noises coming from the front wheels and was having trouble stopping. There is a recall already going for the same make and model but for other specific VIN numbers, mine not included. The problem was inspected and confirmed by the dealer previously bought from the original warning light was ‘svc 4wd’ and came on 7/29/2026 and within a couple minutes the noice and issue started. When I called the Jeep recall and warranty specialists they said they wouldn’t do anything until “the car is in an accident or myself, my one year old daughter or someone else is seriously injured or dies before they open an investigation”.

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter became stuck in neutral. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 19v447000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Power transfer unit failure failed. Warning light of "4wd service" came up. Part is not available anywhere, and is on backorder until at least September.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 57 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. There was an abnormal burning odor inside the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic or dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not taken a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 25v011000 (power train); and the contact was provided an unlimited warranty on ptu. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with a damaged ptu pending the repair. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair that was to be covered under the recall warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

Good afternoon, my 2016 Jeep Cherokee is currently at the local Jeep dealer in savannah, georgia. I have been informed by the dealership that my power transfer unit has failed and has to be replaced. I went to your website and this is an active campaign for this issue, it is #23v302000. This is a known recall issue and thus the recall was issued. Problem, my vehicle's VIN is not listed on your or mopar's website. I get it, if the VIN is included it is an automatic issue and it will be repaired. My Jeep has the exact mechanical issue covered by the recall, but its not on the list. My question, can my Jeep / VIN be added to the recall? my VIN is [xxx]. I'm a us veteran with [xxx] of service, I'm on social security, and I'm [xxx] old. This repair will be very expensive and I have limited resources. Anything you can do, would be greatly appreciated. I thank you in advance for your time and consideration in this matter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph, the steering wheel suddenly turned to the right and the vehicle became difficult to steer. There was an abnormal roaring sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact waited until the vehicle decelerated before stopping the vehicle. The contact waited for a while before being able to continue driving and coasting into a parking space. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle with ptu failure. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were on backorder for 2 months. The dealer suggested that the contact not drive the vehicle until the vehicle was repaired to avoid further damage. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 111,299.

My 2020 Jeep Cherokee car made a sound and seemed to lose some power a warning came on serv 4wd took to mechanic was told ptu is causing error I put my VIN in and it says no recalls I have contacted Jeep corporate who said they do not have a fix for this at this time and would email me. My husband has the same year make, and model and also has this error. I did call Jeep corporate and spoke to a mia who said she had no information on the issue and gave me a case #.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The 4wd warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted. 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 failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

On July 21st while making a left turn the ptu of the Jeep failed. Vehicle was towed to a dealership and is now waiting for repairs.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving on a ramp at 40-45 mph, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle lost drive power. No warning light was illuminated. The electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted, and the electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ptu had failed; however, parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to provide limited reimbursement for rental car expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with powertrain unit failure. The contact was informed that the powertrain unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,173.

My 4wd service light is on and apparently there is a recall on Jeep for this. I should have recall I have less than 32000 miles on my vehicle.

Had cruise control on set on 64 up and down hills and around curves it just started going faster & faster I had to stomp the brakes 3 times to get it to quit afterwards the power train is now not shifting right it still was at times going to shop staying at 27 to 35 rpm’s, made it to shop.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph, the vehicle's wheels locked up. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and whiplash and pain. The service 4wd warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by a catastrophic ptu failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was able to obtain a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer opened a star case and determined that there was no coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the message "service 4wd" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving at 65 mph on several occasions. 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 associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); and declined to pay for the repair fee. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered partial assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.

Jeep Cherokee 2021 with less than 44,000 miles. Ptu accentuates went out. VIN not in recall despite the make, model, and problem being recalled on 60,000 other Jeeps already. If not fixed the car can freeze and possibly roll over or roll away when in park. I feel Jeep should pay for this as part of their recall.

We noticed a recall will be issued for certain Jeep Cherokee regarding the failed ptu system. Our vehicle is not showing it will be included however we are having the identical issue. The 4wd service light comes on and when you excellerate, the vehicle chokes down and hesitates acting as if it will turn off. The vehicle has 73,000 miles and has never been driven in 4wd or off road.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train). The contact called several local dealers. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure.

While getting an oil change, the mechanic below noticed a crack in my rear differential. He sent me a picture. I have looked online and there are thousands of complaints for the same issue. I immediately contacted the local certified Jeep mechanic and was told that the rea diff housing has a crack around snap ring and the the ptu has a leak and evidence of metal. I was quoted over $6,000 to repair the vehicle and was told I could drive it until I couldn't anymore. The "service 4wd" light has been coming on since I bought the car less than 2 years ago but nothing could be found wrong until last Friday. There is a recall for this issue on other makes and sub models for the Jeep Cherokee but for some reason mine is not included. Please investigate as soon as possible as it is not possible for me to afford the repairs.

Gear shift locks up and car must be turned off and restarted.

Subject: safety complaint – Jeep Cherokee ptu failure not included in recall 40d (NHTSA 26v-290) I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (3. 2l v6, ~86,000 miles). My vehicle is experiencing symptoms that closely match those described in recall 40d (NHTSA 26v-290) and 01c (NHTSA 25v-011), however my VIN is not included in the recall. During low-speed turns, the vehicle behaves as if the four-wheel-drive system is locked. The drivetrain binds and the vehicle jerks, hops, or “skips” through turns. This affects control and creates safety concerns, especially in traffic and parking situations. An independent third-party mechanic has inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the power transfer unit (ptu). This aligns directly with the defect described in recall 40d. Symptoms include: drivetrain binding during turns jerking/hopping when cornering sensation of locked differential or 4wd system abnormal driveline behavior consistent with ptu failure these conditions indicate a drivetrain malfunction that could worsen and potentially lead to loss of motive power or unintended vehicle movement, both identified risks in the recall. Given the clear similarity to recall 40d, I am concerned that additional vehicles outside the current VIN range are affected. I respectfully request that NHTSA: investigate expanding the recall population determine whether the ptu defect is more widespread require remedies for affected vehicles not currently included vehicle information: 2019 Jeep Cherokee, 3. 2l v6, ~86,000 miles.

The vehicle has developed a safety-related defect involving the rear differential. During low-speed turns from a stop, in both forward and reverse, the rear drivetrain exhibits grinding, binding, and wheel hop, causing the vehicle to jerk and resist normal movement. This condition affects the vehicle’s predictable handling while maneuvering in parking lots, intersections, and other confined areas. If the rear differential continues to deteriorate, it could result in catastrophic drivetrain failure and a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, leaving the vehicle unable to move and potentially stranded in an active traffic lane or other hazardous location. This defect presents an unreasonable risk to the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users and should be investigated as a potential safety-related defect.