2014 Jeep Cherokee: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Transmission · IA

My PTU in my 2014 Jeep Cherokee is failing. The car has been jerking when accelerating. Sometimes very slow when I first accelerate then jerks heavily and takes off at a high rate of speed. I also noticed weird grinding and unusual sounds. The sound starts randomly when accelerating or when traveling and I let off the accelerator. The sound is more of a howling then grinds and quickly goes away. I replaced all the wheel bearings on the vehicle and it still existed. I then took the car to a Jeep dealer where one of the techs had test drove it and confirmed that the PTU has failed.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · Transmission · IL

It began with front end grinding sounds. I took the vehicle to multiple mechanic shops and all the shops agree that the Power Transfer Unit is leaking and metal shaving are visibly coming out of the seal. This is supposed to be a sealed unit that doesn’t require service. There are already two separate recalls for this exact issue 2017 - 2019 and 2019 - 2023. Apparently, this could disengage from the transmission or worse, lock my transmission up and possibly cause an accident. Flashing the CM did not solve anything. My car has been at the mechanic shop for a little over a month with a new unit already ordered. I have been paying close attention to this and relevant recalls.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

Vehicle: 2014 Jeep Cherokee VIN: [XXX] Component: Power Train – Transfer Case (PTU) Safety Issue: Loss of motive power / PTU failure Complaint: My 2014 Jeep Cherokee is experiencing the same failure mode described in FCA PTU recalls W47 (20V343) and W48 (20E037). The PTU output shaft bearing is failing under load. The grinding noise disappears when the driveshaft is removed and returns immediately when the driveshaft is reinstalled, confirming a load dependent PTU failure. This defect can cause sudden loss of motive power and inability to hold Park, which matches the safety description in the recall documentation. My vehicle falls within the recall build date ranges, yet the manufacturer refuses to cover the repair. This is a safety related defect that should be included in the population recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 1, 2026 · Transmission · TX

Failed PTU is signaling AWD service light. Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2014 Later Trims have recalled failure Jeep won't go over 25mph without shaking. Sounds are grinding. Very dangerous to drive

Filed Feb 27, 2026 · Fuel system · NH

In December 2023 encountered a failure of the vehicles Rear Differential Module (RDM). Failure of the RDM on this vehicle poses several significant safety issues, not dissimilar to concerns raised by the failure of the PTU on this vehicle which eventually resulted in a recall by the manufacturer after many reports by owners. Vehicle mileage at this time was 72,829. As this failure occurred outside of the drivetrain warranty offered by Stellantis on this vehicle, I had the defective RDM replaced at my cost (an expensive repair). Then in December 2025 I returned to my Jeep dealer once again with grinding and binding issues from the rear end of the vehicle. Vehicle mileage at this time was 94,500. The dealer initially diagnosed this as a failed driveshaft bearing and a replacement was ordered. It took weeks for this part to arrive at the dealer. The new driveshaft was finally installed on January 26 of 2026 (another costly repair). When I arrived to pick up the vehicle it became immediately apparent that the originally reported issue in December 2025 had not been repaired. The dealer's repair shop performed another diagnosis and subsequently determined that the cause of my reported problem was the RDM. A new RDM was ordered. As the vehicle posed noted safety issues, it was left in the possession of the dealer's repair shop. Weeks later, a second replacement RDM was delivered to the dealer. However, the RDM received by the dealer had a cracked case and could not be installed. Hence, yet another RDM was ordered. Vehicle remains in the possession of the dealer awaiting a third RDM. As was the case with the previously mentioned PTU, there are reports by owners of this vehicle all over the internet of issues with the RDM on this vehicle. I believe the manufacturer should be compelled to execute a recall for these defective RDM units as was the case for the PTU units.

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Transmission · OH

I have reported this before and I am reporting once again as it is a very serious safety hazard. Vehicle: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Component/System: Power Train – Transfer Case / Drivetrain (4WD/AWD System) I am submitting this complaint to report a recurring and potentially hazardous malfunction involving the transfer case on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The vehicle exhibits multiple symptoms consistent with transfer case failure, including intermittent grinding and clunking noises from the drivetrain, jerking and binding during acceleration or low-speed turns, and difficulty engaging or maintaining 4WD/AWD modes. The vehicle has also displayed dashboard warnings such as “Service 4WD” and “4WD Temporarily Unavailable.” At times, vibration can be felt through the floorboard at highway speeds, and the vehicle has intermittently lost power to either the front or rear wheels. These issues pose a significant safety concern. The inconsistent torque delivery causes unpredictable handling, including sudden hesitation, surging, or traction loss during normal driving. The vehicle has also exhibited momentary drivetrain binding that feels similar to braking or wheel lockup, creating a risk of loss of control—particularly when turning, merging, or driving in adverse weather. There is concern that the transfer case could suffer sudden internal failure, potentially resulting in immediate power loss, immobilization, or inability to maneuver out of traffic. Given the frequency of transfer case and power transfer unit failures reported by other Jeep Cherokee owners of this model year, I believe this issue may represent a broader safety defect. The malfunction directly affects vehicle stability, traction control function, and the ability to safely accelerate or maintain speed. I request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter for a safety recall as soon as possible due to the potential for loss of vehicle control and the risk of a crash or injury.

Filed May 1, 2025 · Transmission · OH

Was starting through a stop sign when the car popped and started making a grinding noise. Would not go anywhere. Finally pushed it into a parking lot where it is sitting not. I’m sure it is the ptu. Will jeep do anything to fix it since this is obviously a problem with more than just my vehicle

Filed Mar 13, 2025 · Transmission · CO

My daughters 2014 Jeep Cherokee’s Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed at 90,000 miles—grinding noise, Service 4WD warning, and loss of power. Jeep dismissed my case (#91999636) despite the XJ1 warranty extension (15 years/unlimited miles) and multiple recalls/TSBs for PTU issues. Dealer quoted $5,500 to repair, leaving me stranded and out of pocket. This is a known defect—Jeep’s refusal to honor XJ1 puts owners at risk

Filed Sep 20, 2023 · Transmission · CA

My 2014 Jeep Cherokee TrailHawk has a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) This failure causes harsh grinding noises and extremely jerky gear shifting at any speed. The vehicle lurches forward when changing gears and is a safety hazard. Pulling the F10 fuse seems to bypass the PTU but renders the 4x4 and other safety capabilities like slip/traction control useless. The problem has been confirmed by independent and dealer mechanics at extreme cost. There is a warning lamp that now indicates 'svc 4x4'. The only symptoms of the issue were the jerky forward lurching followed by grinding noises.

Filed May 26, 2023 · Transmission · MN

Upon coasting to a roundabout I was safe to continue however, when accelerating, the power to the wheels stopped and a harsh grinding noise occurred disabling me from driving anymore. I was almost hit and caused extreme concern for my safety and the safety of the passengers.

Filed Apr 19, 2023 · Transmission · OR

06/01/2018 at 87,104 miles the PTO/PTU was replaced (warranty) due to 4LOW not being available and, once forced into 4LOW, could not be taken back to normal. New part # 68307403AC. Exact cause was not explained, but it 99% likely to be a failed seal letting oil into the electronic control and actuator compartment. 08/19/2022 at 106.582 miles the PTO/PTU diagnosed with faulty internal bearing for the rear driveshaft, causing grinding noises and eventually risking catastrophic failure. Replaced 02/15/2023 at ~107500 miles. New part # 68307403AG. This was all at my expense - over $3500. Jeep refused to cover anything even thought the part had lasted less than 20K miles and has been revised four times (version AC to AG since the first replacement).

Filed Jan 25, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

the Vehicle has a lot of issues primarily involving the Transmission. The transmission does not shift correctly. The automatic shifting is very erratic. Shift very low sometimes at 2000RPM, and then other times a very high at over 5500RPM. During acceleration, it makes a grinding noise and a very rough shift which can pretty much push you forward from your seat. I took the Vehicle to be serviced several times while still under warranty to the Manhattan Jeep Service Center and every single time they said the computer needed to be updated, and after a few miles, it would go back to doing the same thing, rough shifting.