Vehicle Speed Control Problems of Jeep Cherokee - part 1

A service shifter message appeared out of nowhere, and now all the lights turn on regardless of which gear I'm in. After a quick internet search, it appears many people have experienced this exact same issue with various Jeep models. It seems this is an issue the company should take responsibility for and fix with a recall. The parts to replace this faulty design are expensive, and a repair shop cost would be exorbitant.

See all problems of the 2017 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Vibrating issue and missing fire originating from engine. Intake camshaft broken and left cylinder head is damaged and needs replacement. This should not be happening to this car. Cannot drive a faster rate either. There should be a claim out for all these issues.

See all problems of the 2016 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

This vehicle had multiple reprograms for transmission control module and still had same issue I have only had the vehicle 1 year and driven it 7k and I take. It to jim browne Jeep dealership they said they transmission control module needs replacement the Jeep when I brake jumps forward and speeds up its unpredictable and unsafe it also does not shift into gear it slips and I did a search and see. This has been a reoccurring issue . As well as my back up camera appears while I am driving and parked ,or screen just says Jeep or goes blue unable to change dash supply control at all ,this vehicle is a lemon and we were not told of any of these issues.

See all problems of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

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.

On multiple occasions when driving and trying to increase speed (such as after pulling out of my driveway) the car makes a sudden jerking almost or like something "misses" and it slows down and takes a couple seconds to regain again. On the most recent occasion, the engine light then came on and wouldn't go off. The code when tested, said it had to do with the transmission.

See all problems of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

Car shuts off, once while in the middle of a turn almost went off road and couldn’t use brake or turn wheel. There were three other times it shut off at red lights and I have to put car in park and press the start button. Two of those times car had just started with oil light, was told that it is linked to the oil and to always keep it full until recall is issued. However yesterday on my way to work with full oil it shut off again. I then did my regular way to fix it and kept driving to work, out of nowhere my car starts only being able to drive up to 29 miles per hour I’m just about to get on the highway so I pull over and have to shut off again fixing the problem. This seems incredibly dangerous due to it also when having this shut off issue a notice on my car says service 4wd unavailable. We live in new england the snow can be pretty bad. This car feels unsafe, I hope you realize this model has many issues and will address them, thank you!.

Service shifter light came on dash, all gears on shifter , red lights came on. I was driving at 55 mph and could tell the car wasn’t accelerating and was slowing down . That’s when I noticed the service shifter light on dash. I was in a lot of traffic and couldn’t safely pull over , I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. I coasted to the side of the road and turned car off and back on . The light went off . This was yesterday , today I start the car and it starts rough ( which it usually doesn’t ) and the service shifter light is back on. This is a very serious , dangerous and possibly deadly issue . I was so scared when it happened as I had no control of speed of the vehicle . I see many , many reports on this issue for several years and it shows past repairs have not corrected the issue. A recall should be issued ASAP before someone gets hurt or dies from this very common problem . Customers should not have to pay to repair and issue that has been reported thousands of times for many years . Please give direction on how to get this properly and fully fixed . I am afraid to drive the vehicle for fear of a traffic accident .

My 2014 Jeep Cherokee began exhibiting repeated transmission and electrical malfunctions, particularly after startup or while idling. The most concerning issue is the appearance of a “switch to park” warning message, which occurs while the vehicle is already in drive. When this happens, the transmission fails to engage properly, and I’m unable to shift into gear without cycling through park multiple times. **seems to start happening after filling gas tank to full** this poses a major safety risk, especially in intersections or during stop-and-go traffic. The car has also experienced flashing odometer issues, rough idle, and erratic behavior when shifting — all of which point to a communication failure between core modules (bcm, tcm, pcm). A Chrysler-certified dealership performed a proxy alignment after acknowledging that the modules were “talking at the same time. ” while no fault codes appeared on my obd-ii scanner, the dealer determined that the issue required a software-level alignment. However, I was told this is not part of any current recall or TSB, despite my symptoms being identical to other complaints already logged (e. G. , NHTSA id 11425007). This problem has occurred multiple times, both before and after dealership service. I was also informed there are no current recalls, but VIN-based systems like vinseeker. Com have suggested there may be open recall alerts related to transmission or software issues. This type of malfunction places the driver and passengers at risk of unexpected stalling, transmission disengagement, or inability to accelerate — especially dangerous in high-traffic areas. The issue appears to be known, systemic, and potentially tied to faulty transmission control software or defective module synchronization.

I submitted a complaint about the service shifter that I been having since 2020 right after I finance the car with dealership. The problem continued and it hasnt been resolved even after taking it back for repairing. Recently on 6/24/2025 my car stopped on the expressway, the service shifter came on and also electrical throttle service control. My car started trembling and it would turn on but I couldnt drive it. The expressway road assistance was able to push me out the expressway and in the process my car started to run but shaky still and I was able to get it back home.

The power transfer unit ( ptu) is affected, yes it is available for inspection. The vehicle is unsafe to drive. Yes, it has been confirmed by midas and a local Jeep dealer. It has been inspected by the auto repair shops. Yes, an alert came up svc 4w and confirmed that it is the ptu issue, same day examined.

While driving on the highway the vehicle suddenly loses power when trying to get up to speed limits. The following warning messages occur: 4wd system unavailable service required, acc/fcw limited functionality service required, service electronic stability control, service electronic throttle control. Could have caused rear collision or other accidents from trying to pull over. Creates a very dangerous situation on highways with no shoulders. Once the vehicle has slowed down it impossible to get back up to speeds, as it has to be pulled over and restarted. Upon inspection by reed Jeep dealership, the ptu needs to be replaced. Other similar year, make and models have already been recalled for this same issue.

Hard shift 70-80 mph, lost drive power output. No response to gas pedal while engine remained on. I turned on hazards and moved to the emergency lane as the car was coasting to a stop. I caught a glimpse of 4wd or awd something and it disappeared before I could read it all. I was about to approach an off ramp from the highway emergency when at a slow speed perhaps 30 mph or so output returned and I was able to complete driving home. This is the first time it was more than just jerky clunky shifting. Vehicle has 69,858 miles.

See all problems of the 2020 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

The infotainment screen in my 2019 Jeep Cherokee intermittently shuts off while driving. This occurs unexpectedly and has happened multiple times, sometimes while using navigation or the backup camera. On several occasions, the screen has turned completely blue and remained unresponsive for several minutes. The screen controls audio, climate, and safety features, and its failure creates distractions and limits access to key vehicle functions. This issue occurs randomly and has not been resolved. I brought the vehicle to a dealership, and was told that unless there is a recall, there is little they can do beyond basic troubleshooting. I have not received any warning messages or error codes related to this issue. The problem appears to stem from either a software malfunction or a hardware issue with the uconnect system. The component is available for inspection upon request. This screen failure impacts visibility and access to controls, creating a potential safety risk.

Hello my Jeep got a message of service 4 wheel drive so I brought it to the dealership. The looked at it and it turns out to be a failing ptu. Jeep did a recall and extended warranty on it but they are saying they will not cover the cost of the repair because its the wrong code. I have code c14a797 and they are saying they need code p14a797. This doesnt even make sense its the same exact faulty part but different codes??? codes they the car company creates?.

See all problems of the 2015 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

After driving a vehicle for a few minutes the lights will flash pretty badly, the service transmission light comes on, on the dash and the car enters limp mode, and the fan comes on, you are unable to move the vehicle it will not go forward or backwards. The vehicle runs perfectly smooth until this happens without warning. Additionally, the service air bag light came on, on the dash but if you turn the car off and back on the lights will go away and you can resume activity as usual. The cars lights and horn goes crazy even when you are not in the vehicle or driving it and does not have to be on when it does this. Now the vehicle has a service engine light on and diagnostics have been done and one part has been changed but this did not resolve the issue which was a purge solenoid and the oil filter housing which also did not resolve the issue. This vehicle is very dangerous to drive as it will go into limp mode while driving it.

Transmission failure due to faulty ptu while vehicle was moving at approximately 70 mph. My car rapidly decreased speed and drive power while in middle lanes of highway. The car is at a service center and available for inspection. The problem was diagnosed by an authorized service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by other parties. There were no warnings, indicators, or symptoms prior to the failure.

Unknown.

Nhtsa recall # 19v-447 I do believe it has to do with this recall that states the clutch is getting stuck in the transmission it does say that the recall has been completed but it is obviously doing it again.

Body control module had a recall I had to get it fixed for the 2nd time and it’s giving us issues again,Jeep has 46k miles and steering column control module is faulty and unconnect dash/radio/ac temp is also faulty,replaced blower motor and still having ac issues only mechanic has been jim browne dealer since we have had this Jeep for a year . Jeep jerks when braking and does not brake it goes faster. When pressing gas to drive Jeep goes slower. Jeep dash of connect is blue screen and when reversing rear camera appears and does not disappear not even when in drive or park must turn off Jeep for camera to turnoff.

I was driving approximately 30 mph on an exit ramp and as I pressed the gas to accelerate when I got below speed, the drive power completely ceased, started making a noise that I have never heard, almost like a baseball card in a bicycle wheel. The screen flashed a 4wd alert, and then shut off / went completely black. I could not accelerate, I could not turn the wheel at all as it locked up, and once the car finally stopped, I had to keep the break pressed because it would not shift into park. It wouldn't move forward but I was afraid if I let my foot off, it would randomly start again. A truck behind me nearly crashed into the back of my car which would have killed me. I quickly had to pull off to the right in the shoulder as my car came to a dead stop. My car was towed by aaa and brought to the nearest mechanic, as that is the only way they will tow a car. I was told the engine is shot. I have 40,000 miles on my 2019 car. This is completely unacceptable. I know there is a recall for exactly what happened to my car on the same year and model car, but apparently my VIN is not included in the recall. I'm out $13,000 that I owe on this car now and have no options at all financially.

Have been dead spots in the gas pedal since we bought it, had almost caused accidents a few times. The transmission has been banging in gear for 4 years. The rear brake calipers do not work. I have asked the dealer many times why my 19 doesn't have the recalls for thus like the 18 and 20 do. They have no answers. I.

My service awd light came on. I had the system checked in February of 2025. I was informed it was a bad ptu system. My car makes a clunking then whining noise when driving. It cannot go over 55 mph before losing power. My VIN doesn’t come up in the recall list but it has the same diagnostic issues the issue was diagnosed at heritage Jeep in harrisburg on 2/15/2025 receipt order # 218197. Customer number 42k8761762.

My 2017 has experienced multiple loss of power events( two on the highway!). The vehicle’s transmission will disengage and I will have to coast to the side of the road. My ignition is still on but have been told previously that my ptu needs replacing. I will have the amber service transmission light illuminated but only after having transmission disengage. This power failure is a extremely serious safety issue- now the local Jeep dealers have “no fix” and I am having to rent a car because of this safety issue.

I started the vehicle and started to drive. The gear slid to park and stop in the middle of the road. An indicator said to check transmission. After pushing it off the road, the next day is driving again. All the check engine sign went off.

During acceleration to pass another vehicle, my engine had lost all power and acceleration and I had to make a split decision to brake and maneuver my vehicle back into my lane behind multiple vehicles who were behind me before I attempted to pass. Had there have been oncoming traffic within that mentally unaccounted time that I was in the opposite lane, I could have been in a very large deadly accident. Cylinder 1 and 2 are testing at 0 compression, oil is leaking into the turbo and out of the exhaust. I have had regular oil changes and a tune up with the mentioning of a low power and jolting issue during acceleration and the dealership did not look into my concerns other than their simple findings of one burnt spark plug, I had all 4 replaced at that appointment, the engine is broken about 6 months later.

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while engaging the cruise control at 60 mph, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 80 mph. The contact attempted to lower the speed on the cruise control setting; however, the speed failed to be reduced as intended. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle to deactivate the cruise control. After waiting for the digital display to completely shut down, the vehicle was restarted, and the cruise control was reset. The cruise control functioned properly after completely shutting off the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,211.

While driving my vehicle, the vehicle suddenly stopped accelerating. I pulled over and when I put it into park it felt like it was the transmission. However, I had the transmission inspected and there were no issues. Prior to the happening the "service 4wd" light kept coming on. After the incident, the vehicle could not be driven over 45mph, the steering was so stiff I could hardly turn it, and every time I put the vehicle into drive or park it would feel like the transmission was about to drop.

See all problems of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee 🔎.

While driving doe the highway the dashboard lights go out and headlights turn off. Headlights and bulbs go out frequently. Rear license plate lights go out even after bulb replacement. Kicks cruise off while driving and shift gear control warning.

This vehicle has an extremely dangerous & ongoing issue related to the 9-speed transmission. Many times the vehicle does not know when to shift, sputtering/sluggish/jerky when accelerating from being stopped and coming to a stop. Frequently the vehicle engages itself into neutral and/or parking brake while driving at both city and highway speeds. This is a very dangerous safety hazard as any motorist trailing behind me can not anticipate the sudden deceleration that ensues. The vehicle then either becomes "stuck" in a gear at too high an rpm at given speed, or engages the parking brake or seems to then be in neutral. These instances regularly frequent, leaving me having to pull off side of roadway in sometimes dangerous position, perform handful of restart cycles in order to clear the condition and be back in a proper enough gear-state to get back on the road. The following cluster warning lights coincide with the issues: "check engine" - "service transmission" - "service parking brake". After a handful of restart cycles, the lights clear from the cluster, but the issues remain. The vehicle is unable to come to a comfortable complete stop without a premature-sudden jerk stop. This throws anyone in the vehicle forward in their seats. Also, when ascending an incline or traversing a decline, the vehicle shifts off-sequence in such a way to violently jerk-kick, feeling as though something in the drivetrain will disconnect itself from the chassis. I have recently attempted to submit a recall request over the phone with Chrysler as these conditions are well documented past recalls that are "no longer open". Most notably Chrysler recall numbers v69, s55, and p31. They will not "waive" repair costs for me. I purchased the vehicle in March-April of 2024 with 87,000 miles. If previous owner & dealership did not address the recall when it was open, I feel it should not be my financial responsibility to correct, nor should I be absorbing the negative equity when traded in.

While the car was in motion, the car slowed almost to a complete stop & the check engine light came on, along with the alert “service electronic stability control”. When pressing on the gas, almost no power was present. Vehicle barely moves. This has happened several times in the last 4 weeks. The first time on 11/12/2024, the most recent time 12/4/2024. The throttle was replaced, but the incident repeated. The vehicle also occasionally rolls when it is put in park.

Vehicle randomly imitates being in neutral when it is actually in drive mode. It has lost power on long hill climbs wthout any downshifting as would be necessary. Vehicle will occasionally accelerate on its own without notice. This has happened both on the open road and setting at red lights. These are sometimes able to reset with the turning off and back on of the motor. These symptoms started very randomly, but have increased in events over time.

The service parking brake warning pops up on start up (p)!, along with the engine light and the traction control light. A warning that says service parking brake appears, around with a service transmission warning, and occasionally another message saying 4wd unavailable at the moment. Another message says restart car in park at zero speed, which the car is already in park & not moving. The car is not drivable when all of these are on. If I attempt to change gears, the gear light flashes & when the car shifts gears it is very loud. It is also hard to turn the wheel. The emergency park has also come on, in it's own, while driving. Almost killed me on the highway. Had also done it in my driveway, when starting to pull out. Also when the engine auto shifts, it makes like a whining noise. The engine sounds to go in overdrive whenever going down hills or up hills. Down is worse though. This has been doing this since I got the car in 2021. I expressed these issues to the place I bought the car from, just days after buying it, and they refused to fix anything even though it was under the 30 day warranty. They claimed no issues. I have proof of mentioning these issues, to the person who sold me the car through the dealership.

I was driving in city traffic and when I tried to accelerate, the Jeep would not increase in speed. It caught per se and nothing happened. Then, the Jeep started downshifting very hard upon slowing. When we went to the dealer and spoke with the technician, he immediately said that the computer needed updating. He said he's been seeing this a lot in these models. Sure enough, $300 dollars later and an upgraded computer, it is driving fine. I want to add that the dealer and service department was great, I just think this problem is somehow on Jeep's end.

Ptu problems. Grinding noise from rear when turning slow and accelerating. Remove fuse for ptu and noise goes away. Put fuse back in it is back. Vehicle moves a lot when put in park and sometimes when using remote start you can see the vehicle jump forward a couple feet. My vehicle has all symptoms from recalls NHTSA 20v-343, NHTSA 20e-037, NHTSA 23v-302. But my ptu part number of:68283349aa is not included in any recall. This needs to be looked at further and extend the recalls to all ptu’s on the Jeep Cherokees 2014-2017. Chrysler knows these are bad.

Once I stop my vehicle doesn’t accelerate normally and jerks right after. Also the service shifter light came on and won’t go off.