143 of the
20,992 complaints filed about the Jeep Cherokee
are about the wheels —
1% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking abnormally, and the rear end of the vehicle was uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with two fractured bolts on the rear passenger’s side wheel. The contact was informed that the two bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the two bolts were fractured on the rear passenger's side wheel. The contact was informed that the two bolts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed that the two fractured bolts were severely damaged and had been damaged for a while. The contact stated that the dealer had performed an alignment on the vehicle the day before the failure occurred. The contact stated that the dealer failed to inform the contact of the issue. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,790.
NHTSA complaint #11746163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11742163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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
NHTSA complaint #11740568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Back in July of 2025, my vehicle Abruptly Stopped and lost all power on the thruway. Vehicle was towed immediately to local dealership (emerling Jeep in springville ny ), where it then sat for almost 9 months awaiting a safety recall related to the PTU, as was confirmed by dealership. Fast forward to this year, early April 2026, I finally received vehicle back, and was informed a new PTU /software program update had been performed on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. Upon driving my car off dealership lot, I noticed my inspection sticker had expired, and my vehicle wasn't operating at a normal pace. A constant thud, transmission delay was evident almost immediately. Attempting to finally try and get my vehicle back to its normal condition, I drove to a nearby Mechanic to try and get car inspected. Not even 30min after receiving vehicle back, it started to lose power again. I was luckily able to get to mechanic, and after close inspection of Vehicle, he informed me that my car wasn't safe to drive. The rear differential was now in jeopardy. Mechanic said the constant strain from bad PTU likely damaged my rear differential, and that it needed to get replaced. When I informed emerling of what transpired, they denied my recommendation to drop car back off too them. Haven't responded to several emails asking them to take car back. In my opinion, emerlings lack of care and the need to remove me as quick as possible caused more emotional distress, and I could have gotten into accident on thruway due to their negligence. The reason emerling never preformed inspection, in my opinion, was because they already knew it wouldn't pass, yet still allowed me to leave their lot. That's complete negligence on they're part, and I'm not seeking any type of tangible request. I Merely want the dealership to be held accountable so someone else doesnt go thru what I went thru. Vehicle is now at another dealership awaiting diagnosis, that will then be forwarded to Jeep/Mopar.
NHTSA complaint #11732478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11729278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Parking Assist, parking, ABS warning continues. There is a recall on the year model but not my VIN. I have not even been able to afford the sales tax (over $1000 USD) and dealer refuses to assist with the cost of diagnostic or malfunction repair.
NHTSA complaint #11723533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The PTU was bad and was replaced by the dealership under Chrysler extended warranty. The dealership then said the transfer case module and motor needed to be replaced and while at the dealership replacing those components they informed me that the rear differential axle is bad resulting from the bad PTU
NHTSA complaint #11712655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Axle, driveshaft, and differential concern. The 4x4 warning light came on the dash and the four-wheel-drive system stopped functioning properly. Dealer diagnosed a failing PTU (Power Transfer Unit) and recommended installing an SOP PTU unit. Symptoms included grinding, vibration, and inconsistent 4x4 engagement, creating a safety concern during normal driving. Mileage at time of replacement (lights on dash 500 miles prior) : 49,536. Total repair cost: $2,416
NHTSA complaint #11701000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Had to have the PTU replaced in May of 2023 due to the sv 4wd light that came on. Now fast forward to January of 2025 I needed to replace the rear differential. Also new tires once again! Correlation? Who knows. I keep hearing from dealerships I’ve dealt with this is a common issue for the 2019 Jeep Cherokees. I’m hoping enough customers put in complaints so we can get compensated. It makes me want to tell everyone to avoid purchasing Jeeps. ( At least 2019) This has been expensive and frustrating and worrisome about my family and I safety. I do have pictures upon request from the dealership(s) that have worked on my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11639912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while the vehicle was receiving an oil change and inspection, the contact was informed that the lug nuts were swollen. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with 18 swollen lug nuts. The contact was informed that the lug nuts needed to be replaced. The lug nuts were replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,900.
NHTSA complaint #11621055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The lug bolts that hold the tires on are swollen in place and cannot be removed without breaking them. As a result I cannot get the tires off of my vehicle. To remove the tires I have to take the vehicle to a dealership where they have to break the bolts to get the tires off. The jeep dealership told me this was a common problem with jeeps and Chryslers because the factory installs lug bolts with caps on them which are prone to swelling and prevent the tires from being removed. If I had gotten a flat tire I would have been stranded as the tires cannot be removed due to the swelling of the bolts. This is obviously very dangerous as it results in people being stranded on the side of the road because the tire cannot be removed to put on a spare. To fix this problem and prevent it from reoccurring I now have to buy 20 new lug bolts that are not capped and take my car to the dealership where they have special tools to break the lug bolts and remove the tires. This is also causing financial hardship as the new uncapped lug bolts cost $204 and the labor to remove the tires is $312. These capped lug bolts are defective because they are known to be prone to swelling and locking the tires in place. As such this is a dangerous factory defect and these capped bolts should not be used.
NHTSA complaint #11607094 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a routine service; however, while being serviced, the mechanic discovered that the lug nuts on all four wheels had swollen and that the factory lug tool could not be used to remove the lug nuts. The cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was then taken to another independent mechanic where a special tool was used to remove the lug nuts. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure; and the manufacturer acknowledged that there was a failure with certain lug nuts; however, there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 23,500.
NHTSA complaint #11591216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which resulted in the tire coming off of the vehicle. A claim was turned into insurance carrier and repairs have been completed to the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11586379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a known issue with Jeep. But they refuse to repair it at no cost. My emergency brake has become corroded due to water leaking into the module and from time to time the emergency brakes will get stuck to the point my car will not move. This recently happened last night when my vehicle was parked in the garage. I had recently been driving through a major rain storm. And upon trying to use my vehicle the next day... The emergency brakes would not release. My mechanic brought his computer over and verified the check engine light was related to the emergency brakes not releasing. This is a definite safety hazard! I have also noticed that certain safety features are being disabled due to the emergency brake not working properly. For example if I leave my Jeep in drive and open the door the emergency brakes should automatically engage disabling roll away. This feature no longer works. Another future, if my driver seat seat belt was not buckled my emergency brake would engage. This is no longer working. I am very concerned about this. There are countless other reports of emergency brake errors. Please issue a recall!
NHTSA complaint #11581055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.