2019 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11763604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the contact believed that the recall repair was insufficient. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the message "4WD – Service Required" was displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed and DTC: C14A7-97 was retrieved. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with TSB: 03-001-26: however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

NHTSA complaint #11763670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11763711 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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)

NHTSA complaint #11763312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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 **25V-011 (FCA 01C)** and **26V-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)

NHTSA complaint #11763013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The component/system that is malfunctioning is the Power Transfer Unit. This is a well-known issue with Jeep Cherokees of many generations, including the 2019. It is available for inspection upon request, but it's being fixed at a Jeep dealership. No safety was put at risk, but if the PTU failed totally while driving, it would have put our safety for ourselves, and others ' safety at risk. This malfunction was confirmed/diagnosed at a dealership. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative, or anyone else outside of ourselves and mechanics. There was a warning light that would come on intermittently but wasn't constant with no other symptoms showing. This happened for less than a week before a thumping started and we were able to bring it in to a shop.

NHTSA complaint #11762649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11761881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11761968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11761757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The rear differential is cracked and has seperated causing breakage at the snap ring due to faulty manufacturing. If the rear differential should fail while driving, the safety of myself, family and others on the road could be at extreme risk of injury or possible fatality caused by loss of control. The vehicle was inspected by an independent certified mechanic and Snethkamp Dealership for conformation. Signs of the issue were first discovered in early July when a whining type noise and slight shaking occured when pressing the accelerator which prompted me to take the vehicle to my mechanic who then discovered the rear differential had spllit at the snap ring.

NHTSA complaint #11761223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU or actuator failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be disassembled to confirm the diagnosis. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The case was filed by phone with the technical support team. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle vibrated and stalled. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle immediately. The "Service 4WD" warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train), which was previously completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA complaint #11760289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Svc 4 wd light come on suddenly and now noise is under car while driving

NHTSA complaint #11759316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

An NHSTA #26V290000 report received on 07/05/2026-Power Train from AAA, NHSTA Campaign #25V011000- Power Train, and NHSTA #18V523000- Service brakes, hydraulic foundation and components disc caliper. On July 9th, 2026, I was driving on the highway and about to approach the Delaware Memorial Bridge. All the lights on the dashboard started flashing: temperature, engine, coolant, etc. I lost braking performance and the car's ability to use it because the entire electronic system locked. I could not put the car in neutral, nor could the truck drivers move it. I was in a dangerous location. Both repair shops also impacted the powertrain and differential; during the test drive, they noted noise from the rear differential when turning and a sense of locking up. These are symptoms of early differential failure. The initial gauge fluctuated, and due to the high temperature, it burned out the engine and radiator; the car smoked heavily inside and out. I have had to pay more than $ 3,500 in repairs for two recalls that were indicated to me when I called about them; they were for 2019 Jeeps, but not my vehicle. It appears as though the recall should be for all 2019 Jeep Cherokees. This is my 4th Jeep, and I have driven each one well over 140,000 miles before getting another vehicle. Before that, any recalls were for all Jeep makes and models that carried those parts or were manufactured with a possibility of failure. I want a refund for what I have had to put into the vehicle. If I had not pulled off the highway at the last exit as was laid on my mind by a higher power, I would have been a fatality due to not being able to move the car off the highway.

NHTSA complaint #11759545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited with approximately 89,000 miles. On two separate occasions, while driving at approximately 20 miles per hour and before I had applied the brakes, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled without warning. These incidents both occurred during the second or third week after I purchased the vehicle in February. A dashboard message instructed me to put the vehicle in park and restart it. The sudden loss of power while the vehicle was in motion created a serious safety hazard. Both a Jeep dealership and an independent mechanic diagnosed a failed power transfer unit requiring replacement. Although my VIN is not currently covered by a recall, I am concerned this may represent a safety-related defect. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this complaint, investigate whether similar incidents are occurring, and determine whether further action is warranted.

NHTSA complaint #11758901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Service 4WD warning light came on in May and comes on every time the vehicle is driven, almost immediately. My vehicle's VIN is not included in the current recall campaign for the Jeep PTU even though the exact same issue is occurring and has been diagnoses by the dealership as the same issue for the Jeep recall that is affecting 2019-2023 Jeeps Cherokees. This is a safety issue which could cause sudden loss of power or allow the Jeep to roll away in park. I contacted Jeep who provided a case number (97672488) and referred us to the dealership to be diagnosed. The dealership has diagnosed the issue to be the same as the recall; however, when submitted to Jeep for a Goodwill repair (06943), Jeep will only cover 30% of the cost to repair. I disagree with the response from Jeep and feel this safety issue recall should include my VIN and be repaired properly at no cost to myself.

NHTSA complaint #11758566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the message that the “4WD Disabled” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power transfer unit and rear differential had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000.

NHTSA complaint #11757904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11756404 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Out of the blue my service 4 wheel drive indicator came up and I have been having power issues ever since. Everything points to my car should be u see this recall but it is not. This was a non collision related issue with my car. With the price of PTU replacements, I would like to have my vehicle included in the recall due to it checking all of the boxes.

NHTSA complaint #11756487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

While driving my car stalled at 2 different times only weeks after purchasing this used car. I took it back only for them to replace the battery with an aftermarket battery then having to get it replaced again at another location; following a parasitic draw, the PTU was noted as requiring replacement. Looking back at the recalls I’m not sure why my car isn’t included in this recall.

NHTSA complaint #11756114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11756157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was a recurring failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic and was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer stated that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,182.

NHTSA complaint #11756161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the messages "Reset - Start Unavailable" and "START/STOP System Unavailable" were displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving on another occasion, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact was unable to pull over, and the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was restarted after a while and was driven to the residence; however, the failure reoccurred. The battery was disconnected and taken to an Auto Zone Store, where it was determined that the battery voltage was low. The contact replaced the battery; however, the new battery drained prematurely. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence, and the throttle body was replaced, but the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was determined that the PCM and TCM needed to be reprogrammed to restart the vehicle; however, the repair could not be completed due to a loss of communication, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA complaint #11756217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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

NHTSA complaint #11756093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11755003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Power tranfer unit failed and needs to be replaced. Dealer confirmed. Service 4wd light came on prior to taking it in for service. PTU failures can cause sudden loss of propulsion, drivetrain binding, hesitation, or rollaway while parked, all of which can lead to accidents and damage. This is a known and common occurrence in 2017-2023 Jeep vehicles and somehow it still takes forever for them to get replacement parts. I have not had access to my vehicle for 2 months, causing emotional and financial strain.

NHTSA complaint #11754767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the message “Service 4-Wheel Drive” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who confirmed that the Power Transfer Unit had failed. The failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer opened a case for the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA complaint #11754466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11753853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.