2015 Jeep Cherokee: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · NV

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / all-wheel-drive transfer case assembly failed internally. Yes, the vehicle and the defective component are physically located at an authorized dealership facility and are available for federal or manufacturer inspection upon request.How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?The sudden internal mechanical failure of the PTU stripped the drive splines while operating the vehicle. This caused an immediate loss of power and four-wheel-drive engagement, creating a severe road hazard and an unexpected safety risk to myself and surrounding traffic.Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes. The failure was formally diagnosed, reproduced, and confirmed by certified technicians at the authorized factory dealership, Lithia Chrysler Jeep of Reno.Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?Yes. The vehicle and failed component have been inspected and verified by the authorized manufacturer dealership representing Jeep/Stellantis.Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?Yes. The "Service 4WD" warning lamp and dashboard messages illuminated immediately when the failure occurred. Symptoms included total loss of rear-wheel torque engagement and mechanical grinding noises originating from the front drivetrain.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Transmission · 154,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update but the warning light remailed illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and later experienced transmission gear slippage and grinding. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Transmission · WI

Power Transfer Unit stopped working. Brakes locked up and car would not move. Is not drive-able at this time. Currently at a dealership awaiting part, of which there is NO ETA on. I was just entering a roundabout when the part failed, and I could have been hit as the vehicle fully stopped and could not be moved. There was a grinding noise and no warning prior of this part failing. The problem was confirmed by a local mechanic who recommended a Jeep Dealership to take care of the issue as the part may be under warranty. I am unsure of who inspected the part currently. This is my primary vehicle and the dealership will not "cover" a loaner car so I am stuck.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The message "4WD Low" was displayed, and there was a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.

Filed May 19, 2025 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4-Wheel Drive mode had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed. The dealer advised the contact to continue driving the vehicle until the PTU failed completely because the vehicle could only be repaired under warranty after a complete failure of the PTU. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift into gears as needed and had rolled away while parked. The contact stated that the vehicle required the parking brake to be engaged while parked. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle suddenly stalled and revved temporarily in the middle of an intersection. The contact was able to resume driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer the following day, the failure recurred, and the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under warranty; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing hard and erratic transmission shifts, was shuddering, and was making abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the PTU was replaced a second time under warranty. The contact stated that while driving from the dealer, the 4-Wheel Drive Mode engaged unintendedly. The contact stated that the vehicle remained stuck in 4-Wheel Drive mode and was undrivable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was determined that the PTU, the transmission, and the drivetrain control module had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Jan 21, 2025 · Airbags, Engine · 85,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that the Service 4WD message was displayed and remained displayed. The contact stated the vehicle jerked while driving at slow speeds. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine cooling, engine, and electrical system failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failures to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V676000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 15V041000 (AIR BAGS), and 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that he would be receiving an email. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Transmission · 105,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal grinding sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Jul 4, 2024 · Transmission · FL

Driving on highway and SVC 4WD indicator appeared then an alert message on dash saying sensor overheated and 4WD is no longer available. Had a loss of acceleration, poor shifting, and hard grinding noise coming from either the ptu or transmission.

Filed Mar 21, 2024 · Transmission · MI

I went to muffler man hearing a noise in the undercarriage and they found it to be in the powertrain area when I'm driving it, it sounds like the wheel spinning is missing skipping some of the teeth. When it happened I was in a left turn lane waiting to turn when I finally turned it sounded kinda like a pop noise then it started making grinding noise.

Filed Jul 24, 2023 · Suspension, Transmission · OK

-transmission sporadically slams into gear while changing gears. Feels like you got rear-ended. -Issues with front drivers side metal grinding noise.... Had it fixed @ the dealership.... 6 months later it's back.

Filed Jul 2, 2023 · Transmission · NY

Yesterday, I began experiencing transmission-related issues: rough, delayed or sudden shifting; grinding noise during shifting; harsh engagement of gears; and reduced power when shifting. The ‘Service Shifter’ indicator came on while driving. This is an ongoing transmission issue I have experienced with my 2015 Jeep Cherokee and I believe that this persistent problem is compromising the safety of myself and my passengers.

Filed Feb 16, 2023 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving out of the driveway, there was a loud grinding noise coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the input splines needed to be replaced. The mechanic made the contact aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) and the contact was advised to have the repair completed by a dealer. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and the recall; however, the contact was informed that the warranty had expired for the parts for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.