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

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.

NHTSA complaint #11763467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11763133 — 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 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.

NHTSA complaint #11763058 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11763222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Driving to work, stopped at a stop light, upon resumption of driving there was a loud bang and my vehicle would not move. I had to have the vehicle towed and the PTU replaced. This was on May 8, 2026 just prior to the official recall notification. The repair was completed at AAMCO. On May 18, 2026 I became aware of the recall 40D / NHTSA 26V-290 for the PTU failure. I submitted claims for reimbursement on 5/18/26, 7/7/2026, 8/4/2026 and Stelanis automated response no parts or remedy available. I again contacted Stellanis on 8/25/26 Case Number 97657475 and asked to elevate for review by the reimbursement team, a follow up call today they again told me the case was closed there is no current remedy or parts available and they will not process any reimbursement claims and again closed my case.

NHTSA complaint #11762978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

The PTU has failed and now my warranty claim is being denied. I drive a 2014 Jeep Cherokee and this is a COMMON issue with this car. It unfortunately has not fallen under a recall that I can see anywhere even though so many others have.

NHTSA complaint #11762715 — 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

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11762061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11761982 — 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

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and attempting to stop at a stop light, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact attempted to shift into reverse or drive, and there was an abnormally harsh sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle became inoperable. The parking brake and 4x4 service light were illuminated during after the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was reached by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

NHTSA complaint #11761854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.