Power Train Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

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 unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

My Jeep Cherokee trailhawk 2022 got completely and unexpectedly stalled while driving on a highway without any type of warning. Many warning signs flashed at the same time: etc (electronic throttle control), service park brake, check engine, battery, and a few more. The battery is one year old - had to replace it at 20k for a similar reason. The incident could have been so much worse had a car been driving behind me. Service dealership is currently inspecting the car.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Car does not go into 4wd. Svc light is on. Now loud clanging under feet and car won’t go over 35 moh.

See all problems of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Put transfer case.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission slipped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no open recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off (pto) unit and actuator had failed, causing the failure of the power transfer unit (ptu). The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,511.

My 2021 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the ptu issue associated with fca recall 40d/NHTSA recall 26v-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding this vehicle. It has now been 5 months with no repair remedy available. Due to being told by the certified dealer, mopar, Jeep/stellantis (who closed my claim because they claim the vehicle is safe to drive despite of having an outstanding safety recall) I thought I would attempt to drive the vehicle again. On September 15, 2026, the vehicle lost all motive power while I was traveling approximately 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. Fca/stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot safely operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and recall 26v-290/40d.

On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of power transfer unit (ptu) issues. In may 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including c14a7-97 (ptu motor - component/system blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed ptu configuration and was excluded from equipment safety recall 02c (two speed ptu failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The ptu and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 mph, the vehicle stalled. The "4wd" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was started but failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was able to shift into reverse and was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted and associated the failure with 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 manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 30 mph, the vehicle started jerking and then roll backwards with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rubbing sound coming from the vehicle, with the "4wd" and "neutral warning vehicle may move even in park" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately pulled over and shifted to park(p); however, the vehicle continued to roll backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake and called for police assistance and an officer arrived and sat with the contact until a tow truck arrived. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the driveway and parked the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.

Car started making a grinding noise with service 4 wheel drive lamp, aware of a recall stopped driving, towed to dealer. Found code c14a7-97 described in NHTSA recall # 26v-290. Shift motor actuator replaced by dealership. Submission of receipts to fca with their outrageous response of withholding reimbursement pending a remedy for the recall. Recall issued since may 2026.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the "service 4wd" message displayed. While attempting to reverse out of a parking space, the gear shifter shifted to neutral(n), and the message "still may move when in park" was displayed. The contact shifted the vehicle back into park(p) and turned off the vehicle, and there was an abnormal boom coming from the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred the next day. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000(power train) and associated the failure with the recall. The failure reoccurred the next day; however, the vehicle failed to shift into drive(d). The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact notified the dealer of the failure and the recall; however, the dealer stated that the symptoms did not appear to be related to the recall. Two diagnostic tests were performed, and it was determined that the failure was not associated with the recall. The contact was texted a link that had a detailed list of the multiple issues with the vehicle; the contact was then given an estimate for the repair. The contact called several dealers about the failure, and the dealers agreed that, based on the symptoms described, the failure was associated with the recall. The contact attempted to make an appointment with other dealers; however, none was able to provide a loaner vehicle.

The contact owns a 2022 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

My Jeep was diagnosed with a ptu failure. Jeep has only 51,293 miles. This is a well documented recall on 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee brand. My VIN is not included yet.

I own a 2019 Jeep Cherokee (VIN [xxx]). While driving, the vehicle displayed a “four-wheel drive service unavailable” / “service 4wd” warning. I recently had the 4wd warning inspected by a service department via a transfer case actuator repair, but I was advised that the ptu showed signs of wear and may be developing an issue. I have also previously experienced a “service electronic stability control” warning and have had an ongoing vibration when braking. Approximately one year ago, the vehicle’s rear differential required a complete rebuild. I am concerned these issues may indicate a larger drivetrain/4wd system defect, particularly in light of NHTSA recalls *-011 (fca 01c)** and *-290 (fca 40d)** involving ptu/drivetrain concerns affecting Jeep Cherokees. My VIN does not currently show an open recall. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether these symptoms and the observed ptu wear may be related to the recalled condition or another known safety defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the message “4wd-svc” was displayed while leaving a veterinary appointment. The screen was turning on and off, and there was a dinging sound coming from the vehicle while the message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to assist. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with ptu failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train). The manufacturer was contacted and declined to help. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. While driving approximately 30-55 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was able to be restarted, but the failure persisted. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 76,300.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the 4wd warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that a "4wd needs service" warning message also displayed. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected by a second service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

I purchesed the vehicle in April of 2024, test drove it and it drove fine, the dealership said they had to service a recall of the transfer case before I could take the car home. Once I picked the car up and drove it for a few days it was driving very weird and had low speed shuttering, I took it back to the dealership after googling that it might be related to the transfer case and they looked at it and said everything was fine, so I just dealt with the issue. Recently the "service 4wd" light came on so I took it to a friend to take a look at it and they noticed that the transfer case that was put in to service the recall was actually from a junk yard and used which is what has been causing the issues I've been having. I researched it a bit further and was told to make a complaint due to having junk yard parts put in to satisfy a recall being illegal.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

I received a recall on my Jeep Cherokee in June (40d/NHTSA 26v-290) for power transfer unit failure. I contacted fca recall center [xxx]). The notice indicated that at present there was not remedy for the recall. In August we noticed that the vehicle was engaging into 4wd on dry pavement causing it to lunge when making turns at low speed. I reached to to fca and was directed to get the vehicle evaluated by the dealership. The dealer created a star case since this is the 4th time we have had this type of issue. The ptu identified for replacement. There is no timeline for when a replacement part will be available. Fca is trying to make us pay upfront for a rental car that they "promise" they will reimburse at a later date. We told them we did not have the budget for a rental and have requested a loan or that they direct pay for the rental. Fca needs to cover the cost of their safety issue not the consumer. We need a safe vehicle to drive in the interim, based on the recall notice we would be risking our lives and those of others if we drove this vehicle. I can provide lots of documentation if needed. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ptu failed on my 2017 Cherokee Jeep. It should be involved in a recall but it is not and I’m paying out of pocket to this repair.

See all problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Power transfer unit failed similar to recall on other 2020 Jeep Cherokees, though our Jeep was not covered under the existing recall.

The ptu is bad the vehicle can roll when in park.

Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee latitude lux equipped with a 1-speed power transfer unit (ptu) / active drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the awd system, triggering an immediate "service 4wd" warning light on the dashboard. Dealership diagnostics confirmed trouble code c14a7-97 (power transfer unit rear axle motor circuit - component internal failure), requiring a complete ptu replacement estimated at $2,200. This vehicle is currently excluded from safety recall 40d (NHTSA campaign 26v290000) solely because it utilizes a 1-speed ptu rather than a 2-speed ptu. However, code c14a7-97 confirms that the 1-speed units are suffering from the exact same internal mechanical and electrical component failures described in the active recall. The vehicle has been forced into permanent front-wheel-drive mode, causing a noticeable drop in handling and acceleration performance. This mechanical failure presents a sudden loss of drive power and a severe vehicle rollaway risk if the electronic parking brake is not manually cycled. Nhtsa should investigate and expand recall 40d to include 1-speed ptu Jeep Cherokees, as they share the same defective internal components and safety hazards.

I am reporting a severe cascading drivetrain failure on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk (VIN:[xxx] ) caused directly by defective components that are the subject of active federal safety recalls (NHTSA campaigns 01c / 40d / 25v011). This vehicle has a documented service history of two separate, consecutive power transfer unit (ptu) failures. The first ptu was replaced at a previous dealership, and a subsequent unit failed and was replaced later. The mechanical binding, slipping, and severe shock-loading caused by these factory-defective ptu modules repeatedly hammered the transmission's internal components during low-gear acceleration. As a direct result of this cumulative mechanical trauma, the transmission's 1st-gear clutch (clutch a, a mechanical interlocking dog clutch) has prematurely failed at 80,500 miles, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and unable to safely engage forward gears. The dealership confirmed internal failure of the 1st-gear clutch but refused 100% repair coverage, stating the current ptu is functional. However, because this is a sealed zf 9-speed transmission, the dealer cannot visually inspect clutch a for cumulative metal fatigue or micro-fractures without a total teardown. The manufacturer, stellantis/fca, is refusing to take corporate responsibility for the cascading damage caused to the transmission by their recalled, defective transfer units (corporate case number: xxx). I am requesting that NHTSA investigate how the structural defects in the 2019 Cherokee ptu systems are causing premature, catastrophic internal transmission failures in consumer vehicles information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am filing this safety complaint regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee latitude plus 2. 4l awd. This vehicle is experiencing severe, life-threatening safety hazards involving sudden engine stalling and a complete loss of motive power while in motion. Despite my vehicle exhibiting the exact failure symptoms of multiple major fca/stellantis safety recalls for this model year, my specific VIN is currently showing as excluded from the recall database, leaving me with a highly dangerous vehicle and no dealership remedy. The vehicle is suffering from two distinct, interrelated defects that have recently caused terrifying incidents in heavy traffic. First, while driving, the dashboard suddenly illuminated both the "svc 4wd" (service 4wd) and the "auto start-stop" warning lights simultaneously. Immediately following these warnings, the vehicle lost forward power and unexpectedly rolled forward while I was fully stopped at a red light, failing to hold its position. This mirrors the exact mechanical behavior of the known Jeep ptu spline-wear defects that cause sudden rollaways and a loss of drive power. Second, the vehicle completely stalled out and shut down while I was driving on a highway exit ramp. The engine lost all power without warning, forcing me to coast through traffic, shift into park, and completely cycle the ignition to restart it. This engine shutdown creates an imminent risk of a rear-end collision on high-speed roads. The vehicle has a severe issue with oil consumption, which I suspect is dropping hydraulic pressure and forcing the engine to shut off while the car is shifted into drive. The manufacturer’s current recall parameters for the ptu failures and engine stalling issues on 2019 Cherokees are clearly too narrow. My vehicle is dealing with identical, dangerous safety failures as the units already recalled, but I am being denied a safe, free repair due to a VIN exclusion. I request that the NHTSA investigate this specific batch of 2019 vins and force a recall.

My vehicle (2019 Cherokee trailhawk) was subject to 2 ptu recalls. I had the first one replaced after the dash light came on, then had that one replaced after it failed and began leaking fluid. When it started having issues again, I took it to a dealership and they stated the transmissions first gear dog clutch had gone out/was damaged. It only has 80,500 miles on it and I believe the shock load from multiple failing factory recalled components directly caused cumulative strain to the clutch subsequently leading to premature failure. At this point in time I am facing an $8,800 repair cost, which needless to say would be a severe financial strain.

This issue has occurred on several occasions. I successfully reverse but when I switch back to "drive" the vehicle enters a neutral state. When driving on the highway, the vehicle has slowed itself to 40mph and continues to slow itself until it becomes disabled. I currently see there has been a recall for this vehicle in 2019 (19v447000) which did not include my VIN. However, my vehicle is experiencing the exact symptoms described in that specific recall. The vehicle is unsafe to drive.

The motor experiences a malfunction, which the passengers feel as a slight ‘bump’ in the engine. The dash flashes service electronic stability control and the engine experiences a loss in power followed by a gain in power, experienced as slight lurching. The dash esc icon lights up yellow simultaneously as the esc button on the center dash instrument cluster. The vehicle continuously lurches as it tries to stabilize, at this point the most ginger touch to the accelerator is necessary, otherwise the engine may stall out. I have been left stalled in the middle of a road where there was moving traffic passing by both ways. The mechanic said the engine codes read- p0340- camshaft position sensor b1s1 & u1428- received engine torque request signal stuck.

Ptu failure. Jeep Cherokee manufacture in 2019 through February and again in December have recalled ptu failure. The ones manufactured in between were not recalled but have same dangerous failure.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. 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.

My 2018 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk is subject to fca recall 01c/NHTSA 25v-011 for two-speed ptu failure. I have experienced 3 serious drivetrain events requiring towing. In April 2024, before the recall was announced, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while entering an interstate/on-ramp, with loud grinding/revving and jerking. An independent repair facility replaced the transmission. On may 18, 2026, another drivetrain failure occurred. An authorized Jeep dealer confirmed ptu failure and performed recall 01c. Dealer records state the ptu had “major internal damage” and document damage at the ptu/transmission interface, including a transmission-side stub shaft and damage/scored gears attributed to the old ptu gear. The vehicle remained at the dealer until approximately August 7. About 2 weeks later, the service 4wd warning appeared, followed by loud drivetrain noise, jerking and severe loss of propulsion. The vehicle also rolled backward while in park unless the parking brake was applied and required another tow. The dealer diagnosed a failed left-front cv axle/halfshaft and attributes it to progressive wear, unrelated to the ptu repair. I am not claiming the ptu caused the axle failure; I am asking NHTSA to evaluate the timing and repeated loss-of-propulsion/park events. Additionally, the dealer performed a multipoint inspection about one week before the axle failure that marked the cv drive axle category as passing. As of sept. 2, 2026, both NHTSA and fca/mopar systems still listed recall 01c as incomplete/unrepaired despite the dealer having performed the recall repair. I request review of these repeated safety failures, the recall remedy, and the continued incomplete recall status.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Service 4w drive light came on vehicle stores going up in kleins as well as it shut off on me on an interstate thank goodness there was no vehicles I was able to get it started and get to safety on side of the road. My car is a 2019 Jeep Cherokee and it is not on the power trend recall and I’m not sure why when it’s having these issues it’s a very dangerous situation.

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the “service 4wd” warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with ptu failure. The contact was informed that the ptu needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

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. The contact became aware of an abnormally loud sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred at a busy intersection. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter into park; however, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact enabled the parking brake. The police were called to assist with traffic. 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 contact was informed of an unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 26v290000 (power train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid for out of pocket and reimbursed when parts became available. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

On [xxx], our 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 62,562 miles experienced a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at highway speed on [xxx] out of dayton, wyoming. There was a clunk, the engine rpm increased, and the vehicle would no longer engage drive or park. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to sheridan motors in sheridan, wyoming, where it remains. Sheridan motors diagnosed an internal power transfer unit (ptu) failure and recommended replacement of the ptu followed by additional testing. The vehicle’s VIN is included in fca recall 40d / NHTSA recall 26v-290, which identifies internal ptu failure as a condition that may cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power. We live in bozeman, montana, and had to obtain a rental vehicle to return home. On September 2, 2026, fca recall assistance advised us that no approved repair or interim remedy is currently available. Fca would not authorize a repair or alternate transportation and stated that we must pay for a ptu replacement ourselves and later submit a reimbursement request, with no assurance that reimbursement will be approved. The vehicle has experienced the exact safety failure identified by the recall but cannot presently receive the recall remedy. Please record this as an actual field failure of the recalled ptu and review the absence of an available remedy for an inoperable vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).