Steering Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

4wd and power steering is off due to some recall issue that affects my make/model/year but for some reason my VIN# wasn’t able to be repaired. Alignment is off and I constantly buy used tires.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

On 05/30/2026 approximately 12:15. My Jeep radio screen prompted "service needed, no phone connected" and a few other words I did not have an opportunity to memorize. The check engine light came on and he oil light appeared. This all happened within a minute. It was very quick and scared both of us. As my mother was driving, she smelled heat, then the radio quit working, the air conditioning shut off and heat turned on without assistance, my mother attempted to open the electronic windows without success, the power steering stopped worked and locked up, then the entire vehicle shut off. She struggled to maintain control of the vehicle in order to guide us to a safe place off the side of the road. We were in imamate danger due to not having any control of the vehicle. The hood, driver and passenger doors, front and back were able to be accessed, however we could not open the hatch. And the interior lights would not remain shut off until the battery ceased to have amps. No the vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police or insurance representatives. We were on a major highway. She had no control of the vehicle. I bought this vehicle used from blue knob and have never received any recall notices however I researched and found 13 recalls I have never been informed of. This is unsettling and a dangerous form of noncommunication.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on multiple occasions, the brake pedal became inoperable and felt spongy while attempting to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to operate, and a crunching sound was heard while turning the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that multiple incorrect warning messages illuminated on the instrument panel, including the start/stop warning message and a door open warning message. The contact stated that the failures began after the vehicle had been repaired under a tailgate recall. The vehicle was taken to another dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer advised the contact to return to the previous dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,600.

See all problems of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

2020 Cherokee owner from dealer purchased as cpo w/23k miles in 2023. Shortly after purchase rear differential failed and was replaced under warranty at 25k miles. At 42k full steering rack failure. Daughter on 5 hour drive home from college experienced a completely random failure at highway speeds. Failure occurred with zero warning. It was a dangerous situation. Dealer quoting $3600 to repair. Original warranty has expired and cpo warranty does not cover. The company issued a recall on about 5,000 vehicles for faulty steering racks. My VIN was not included, though I have a hard time believing a full failure at 42k miles is simply a coincidence. Steering racks should last 100-150k. This vehicle is well services and driven lightly. Pleaded with the dealer for help and contacted customer care. Was denied coverage and offered zero cost assistance. Dealer hourly rates in my area are $250 for some context on the quote and a 10 hour job apparently. The part costs $1100. Further, a quick perusal of reviews for other common issues with this vehicle unfortunately lists many. I would not recommend this vehicle!.

2020 Jeep Cherokee limited awd, VIN [xxx] , approx. 111,355 miles. Reporting serious safety concern: repeated/worsening electrical system failure with intermittent loss of power steering assist. For nearly a year, auto start/stop warning and battery warning lights have appeared. During episodes, power steering assist can stop working, especially at complete stops, making steering extremely difficult when stopped, parking, or pulling out. Battery, alternator, battery cables/connections, and belt have been replaced, but issue continues and is worsening. Recently while driving, radio shut off, dash/instrument cluster began shutting down, blower motor cycled on/off repeatedly, and windshield wipers slowed while raining. Warnings included battery/charging, auto start/stop, service electronic stability control, service park brake, abs, traction control, check engine, and blind spot alerts unavailable. Vehicle vibrated/ran rough, sounded like it might stall, then revved back up. Burning smell noted after failure and possible smoke near rear after shutdown. Vehicle was towed home due to safety risk. After tow, vehicle restarted but same warnings returned within minutes and radio/dash failures repeated. Concerned this is system-wide electrical, charging, power distribution, ground, or steering assist failure that could cause loss of steering assist, visibility systems, or safety systems while driving information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am submitting this complaint regarding a persistent and unresolved issue with the left front axle of my 2022 Jeep Cherokee x, which has been present since the day I purchased the vehicle new. Shortly after purchase, I brought the vehicle to the dealership due to a noticeable clicking sound coming from the front end. The dealer retained the vehicle for several days but stated they were unable to identify the source of the noise, although they indicated that a repair had been performed. Immediately upon leaving the dealership, the clicking sound was still present. I returned the vehicle, at which point it remained in their possession for approximately one week. During that visit, components in the left front end were replaced. Approximately one year later, while pulling out of a driveway under normal driving conditions, the left axle failed completely. The vehicle had to be towed back to the dealership, where it remained for another week. I was informed that the cv joint had been replaced. Now, roughly one year after that repair, I brought the vehicle in for a routine oil change. During this visit, the service manager showed me that grease is actively leaking from the same left front axle. I am also once again hearing the same clicking noise that initially prompted my first visit. This vehicle has low mileage, is driven approximately six miles per day, and is used primarily for local driving. It has never been used off-road and has not been subjected to any abnormal driving conditions or impacts. Given the repeated failures involving the same component, despite prior repairs, I am concerned about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. Additionally, this ongoing issue has significantly diminished the vehicle’s value, making it difficult to sell. I am extremely disappointed that a vehicle of this age and usage history continues to experience recurring axle failures without a lasting resolution.

See all problems of the 2022 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

While driving or idle at the light the abs light, traction control light and parking brake light come on and have a loss power steering.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee latitude plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the power transfer unit (ptu) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through dr. Auto llc, in warren, or. That it is in fact ptu unit attached to the propeller shaft. Plan to go through a dealership soon. ?this failure mirrors the symptoms described in NHTSA recall 23v-302 (fca recall 01c). Although my specific VIN is currently not included in this recall, the mechanical symptoms—specifically vibration and grinding at the ptu output—indicate a premature failure of the input shaft splines. ?this presents a significant safety risk, as the failure of these splines can lead to an abrupt loss of motive power while in motion and a loss of the "park" function, which could lead to an unintended vehicle rollaway. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether the current recall scope should be expanded to include additional 2019 Jeep Cherokee units, such as mine, that were manufactured with the same defective ptu components. Im afraid to lose power to my wheels while im driving with young kids in my vehicle and I am afraid to lose parking function that could injure someone or cause property damage.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the power steering suddenly failed, and the vehicle began to decelerate. The service 4-wheel drive warning was illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road where smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle near the power steering unit. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the power transfer unit (ptu) and transfer case had failed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

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.

?NHTSA odi case update – supplement to complaint #xxx ?vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee latitude plus (VIN: [xxx] ) subject: dealership deflection tactics and denial of recall repair verification ?this statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the mopar two-speed power transfer unit (ptu) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. ?on may 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized fca dealership, st. Helens auto center (repair order #xxx). The certified technician, don stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the ptu feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around. ” ?despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, service manager April mccall formally refused to submit a corporate goodwill or warranty extension claim to fca unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three cv axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry. " ?to verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (dr. Auto llc, invoice #xxx) on may 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All cv axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. ?the dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central ptu to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee ptu failures. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552.

My car is safely in my driveway. It only has 18,000 miles driven. It became stuck in wheel drive, greatly reducing my ability to drive the vehicle. The 2014 Cherokee is known for ptu failures in which the unit overheats or leaks fluid into the electronics, causing the system to lock in 4wd and display "service 4wd" or "4wd system unavailable". Will my dealership fix this problem under a past recall?.

Unknown: not had problems since I got it. 66000 miles on it and now it’s losing electrical power at random. I’ll be driving normally, but my dash will go black, all lights go out and the engine will go into neutral. When I let off the throttle and coast, it will come back to life and go back to normal.

Heated steering wheel suddenly became too hot with no adjustment option. Minor burning on hands. Turned off the function. Driver heated seat suddenly became too hot, turned down to low but still too hot, caused burns requiring medical attention.

My Jeep is disabled due to a drivetrain failure covered under Jeep’s xj1 warranty extension. The required part is on extended backorder (weeks) and Jeep is unable to provide a remedy or transportation while the vehicle is inoperable. This results in a safety hazard and unreasonable delay of repair. Power transfer unit (ptu) failure under warranty extension xj1. Vehicle is disabled and cannot be safely driven. Jeep is unable to provide the part required for repair, resulting in an unreasonable delay of remedy.

My vehicle is under an open safety recall 01c involving the ptu system, and there has been no remedy available for nearly a year. This defect caused a dangerous and sudden loss of acceleration while I was driving, and the manufacturer has still provided no fix, and no support through the dealership. The incident occurred when I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green,I pressed the gas and the vehicle immediately made a loud grinding/shaking noise, shuddered violently, and lost all propulsion. The car would barely move. I was extremely lucky that there was a parking lot directly next to the intersection, and with the tiny amount of movement left,I was able to coast into it. If this failure had happened anywhere else—on a highway, in the middle of an intersection, or without a place to pull off—I could have been rear-ended or caused a collision. My safety was put at immediate risk due to this recall defect. I contacted the dealership, but they stated they could not repair the vehicle because Jeep/stellantis had not released a remedy, parts, or service procedure for the recall. I was told multiple times that there was nothing they could do until Jeep provided a fix. After the breakdown, an independent shop confirmed the ptu failure, since the dealer still had no ability to repair it. All failed components and documentation are available for inspection. I lost use of my vehicle and was forced to take safety into my own hands. When I submitted reimbursement documentation to Jeep customer care, they denied it because the repair was not done at a certified dealer and did not use mopar parts—even though no certified repair or mopar parts exist for this recall. This leaves me without a safe vehicle, without a remedy, and without support. I am requesting NHTSA intervention due to the ongoing safety risk and the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely fix and proper reimbursement for their admitted issue with the vehicle.

The vehicle suddenly started showing parking brake, traction, abs, and check engine lights after being started. Earlier in the day, I had also started the vehicle but cancelled the errands and returned to start it later when the dashboard and warning lights came on. Putting it in reverse, the steering was stiff as if in neutral. Never left the driveway as I wasn't taking a chance in steering or braking. The battery is less than a year old. This is the second time this has happened.

Driving from pittsburgh to philadelphia, then to DC, then va, power steering service show up and caused my Jeep hard to turning. Completely unexpected. I just got them 2 month ago.

Steering powering went out. Dealerships said power steering was blown.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 mph, the "steering wheel with an exclamation mark" was displayed. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or right. The contact pulled over and turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however the steering function failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was left on the side of the road. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic went to the vehicle; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code with a handheld scanner. The mechanic advised the contact that there was a recall associated with the steering for the make and model. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19v637000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact called a local dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,088.

Rear tires locked up in reverse. While in gear they lock up randomly. Car shut off and broke down while driving on expressway and lost control. No accident but could’ve been bad. 4x4 light on says svc. Mechanic says shows signs of new safety recall 02c? talked to Jeep dealership and they weren’t aware of such recall on this model. Need help on who to contact and what to do.

During certain temperatures my cars emergency brake light will come on, engine light the abs light all at once and the steering wheel will stiff up this used to happen to my 2004 Jeep grand Cherokee now it’s with my new 2019 Jeep laredo.

Am concerned about theses vehicles even being on the roadways with no resolution to the safety recall being resolved. Reported in Jan 2025, no resolution yet. For 8 months? "parts are not available". It appears by documentation that if you are in the states you can get a dealer to check via software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within a ptu. If ptu failure is confirmed by software, fca us will replace the ptu for all impacted customers experiencing messaging related to the defect to replace the ptu. Warranty extension terms and unlimited years/unlimited mileage. Why can we not check the vehicle out at a canadian dealer to confirm what we are potentially driving down our busy highways?.

Vehicle has a known safety bulletin out from stellantis for the ptu but this model does not fall under it. I am having issues with the ptu and concerns with safety of driving and others. Will need repaired. Frustration that my certain subsection of this model is not covered under the safety bulletin despite known problems and significant safety risk.

See all problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

I’m having power steering issues , when I start my vehicle the power steering light comes on and my steering wheel locks up.

Ptu needs to be replaced after less than 55k miles. Several recalls issued, but VIN is not included, but meets every "check box" for recall.

Delamination of the display can have settings that affect the way the vehicle physically brakes and steers that are configured via the uconnect system. Needs replaced.

While idling, especially at red lights or in park, my 2019 Jeep Cherokee vibrates noticeably. This happens almost daily, and the vibrations are felt throughout the cabin, particularly through the steering wheel and seat, and has caused my phone to fall off its mount while driving. The issue has been consistent and now appears to interfere with the auto start-stop feature. On several occasions, the vehicle has struggled to restart after the engine auto-shuts off at a traffic light, raising concerns about reliability and safety. I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealer, and I was told that because this is not a recall issue, there is nothing they can do. No warning lights or diagnostic codes were found. However, the problem persists and affects the vehicle’s comfort and function. It also poses a potential safety risk due to distraction and instability at idle. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The component is available for inspection upon request.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages for the abs, traction control, and parking brake were displayed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,000.

Stalls and loss of control of vehicle.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space at approximately 5 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used excessive amount of effort to maneuver the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who failed to diagnose and remove the steering gear rack and pinion. The mechanic determined there was a short circuit in the electrical system for the power steering. The contact stated that the short circuit had caused the rack and pinion to burn out and fail. The mechanic then replaced the wire and the rack and pinion again. Approximately, 3 days later, while driving approximately 30 mph the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then brought the vehicle to the dealer who would be better equipped to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the exhaust particulate filter (epf) connecter from the steering wheel to the battery had failed. The connector's wiring harness was replaced. The contact searched online and found related recalls under NHTSA campaign numbers: 18v524000 (electrical system) and 19v637000 (steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 87,846.

Vehicle is hard to turn since it is locked in to all wheel drive . I had northtown Jeep ( dealership) look at it and they knew what it was just after one quick ride around the building. The car has 28543 miles on it and is out of warranty. They told me that the ptu was faulty and that also caused damage to the rear differential. This vehicle from day one sounded and felt a bit (odd) but I just figured that this was normal but it wasn't until this year when leaving the driveway that it got to the point that we could not even drive the car. The dealership said it would cost roughly 6800. 00 to repair both the ptu and the differential, which I can not afford.

While driving the Jeep at any speeds, or while parked and not running, the steering has a sticking or notchy feel when the steering wheel is turned. While driving staraight, any adjustment to the steering wheel cause the vehicle to jerk/pull to one side or another. Had vehicle evaluated at repair shop where the complaint was dulicated. All electrical functions passed inspection. The shop concluded that the malfunction would be a mechanical failure in the steering gears.

While driving the car, the shifting mechanisms are not working correctly. Stalling, hard shift etc. Causing jolts, and sudden stop/start movements. I was driving in the snow when my car jolted and was unable to stop on the ice leaving me in the snow bank. Went to put it in 4wd and the 4wd wouldn’t work. Brought it to the dealer repair shop where the recall was determined as the culprit. I have waited a year for the recall with no news, updates and being unable to drive my car.