2016 Jeep Cherokee: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

Filed Aug 12, 2026 · Transmission · VA

My PTU/transfer case has failed and our Jeep is currently in the shop. They are stating that this exact issue is part of an ongoing recall and that our vehicle should also be added to the recall list due to this part being the exact reason for the recall. They told me that it is unsafe to drive due to power transfer failure while driving, and potential vehicle rollaway. The problem initially was severe grinding noises noted while driving and it was confirmed by our mechanic at our local dealership. He then inspected the unit and noted the failure. I received no warning messages on my vehicle dash prior to this issue. The grinding has been ongoing for about 6 months to a year prior to this but was much less and I kept being told it was either the tires rubbing whilst turning or that my 4WD was "just having a hard time" by other mechanics which I now know was not the case). Please consider my vehicle to be added to this recall. This fix is entirely too expensive for a mom of two young kids, in the state of this economy, who needs their car back as soon as possible.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Transmission · CO

My 2016 Jeep Cherokee developed severe grinding/scraping noise and vibration associated with the PTU. In 2023, I brought it to Larry H. Miller Jeep 104th for PTU-related Safety Recall 45A and also reported abnormal noise. The noise was not documented and the PTU was not replaced, despite Warranty Extension XJ1 already being in effect. In 2026, after the noise worsened, I returned to an authorized Jeep dealer and specifically reported the PTU concern and XJ1. The dealer stated the PTU tested normally and attributed the noise to other issues. I obtained an independent ASE-certified inspection from Wesley Automotive. Wesley documented PTU noise/vibration, a magnetic plug coated in metal, excessive ferrous metal in the PTU fluid, and a faulty PTU requiring replacement. After unrelated wheel-bearing and brake repairs, Wesley documented that the PTU concern remained and provided a photograph showing metal debris on the plug and written diagnostic findings. A subsequent authorized Jeep representative stated XJ1 would not apply without fault code P1720-00 or P215C-00 even if metal were present in the PTU, while acknowledging that the metal condition presented a safety concern. Despite documented PTU failure and metal contamination, it remains unrepaired because Jeep has conditioned XJ1 replacement on specified fault codes rather than physical findings. This follows the 2023 PTU-related recall visit, a later authorized dealer reporting no applicable codes and stating the PTU tested normally, and AutoNation requiring me to authorize a $295 diagnostic fee for yet another evaluation. Stellantis continues to require additional dealer evaluation despite this history and independent physical evidence of PTU deterioration. I am concerned continued operation puts my family and me at risk of PTU failure, sudden power loss, or loss of drivability. The vehicle remains in service with a faulty PTU and metal contamination.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and attempting to make a left or right turn the rear driver’s and passenger’s side wheels locked up as if the brake pedal was depressed, with a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken a dealer where it diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The PTU was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The failure had occurred on several occasions with the past two months. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but declined to cover the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Transmission · 25,749 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the PTU was faulty and needed to be replaced. The PTU was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle later experienced transmission failures and failed to properly accelerate or reverse as needed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 25,749.

Filed Dec 1, 2025 · Transmission · IA

My Jeep has had 3 PTU replaced in its life, the third one has failed and I'm now left either putting in a 4th or junking it, either way I take a loss. The 2nd PTU failed over a long period of time, the 3rd PTU failed a week past my 1 year warranty coverage and it did so abruptly. I have written in before regarding this vehicle but I write again due to the danger of this failure. The PTU rattled, grinded before seizing all tires and motion. I was lucky by myself and my child wasn't present and that I wasn't on the interstate (had gotten off moments before it failed) and in a quiet neighborhood. I lost all momentum forward even giving it gas. Had I stopped abruptly on 380, going 60 mph... I would have rolled the vehicle or another would have rear ended me and I might not be here today. When my father and brother arrived on the scene we had to push it while I laid on the gas to unlock the wheels and then delicately maneuver it closer to the curb. The grinding occurs in both neutral and drive. There were no warning lights, no prior indication of failure. Insurance doesn't cover this because I wasn't in an accident either time, there are no warranties left, I still owe on my vehicle and repairs will cost more than the vehicle is worth. I was quoted $9,000 to have it replaced plus no ETA on when they could get the part in. Not only can I not afford to replace at that cost vs vehicle value, I wouldn't have mode of transportation for who knows how long. I missed the original manufactures recall by months, yet my vehicle has had more PTU's than one should ever have. If I could get a message back regarding this situation, ASAP that would be great.

Filed Nov 22, 2025 · Suspension, Transmission · MI

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

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · VA

On [XXX] my Jeep started making a grinding noise near the rear axle. Initially, thinking something had broken when I had hit a pot hole earlier that evening. We parked the car at a garage and the next day inspected it and said it sounded like the rear differential may be effected, advising it should be safe to drive in “sport” mode. I drove it to Blueridge Chrysler Jeep in Abingdon VA where I informed them I had discovered a Recall 45A on the Jeep, they kept the Jeep and called me in a few days saying it was only for an “software update” and it was fixed. Om [XXX], I drove my Jeep and upon getting less than a mile down the road it sounded like the backend was dragging. They called a tow truck & took it back to the garage & now with the MOPAR Extended warranty they would have to replace the PTU. It was part of the initial recall and it could affect the PTU and the RDM (rear differential). This part took months to be delivered and during that time I had to rent and borrow a car to get back and forth from work for over two months. In May, the service dept. called saying the Jeep was still making the dragging noise and may be the transmission or the Rear Differential, but they’re still looking into it. In June, after re-working the PTU, Blueridge has determined it is the Rear Differential that now needs replaced and when I asked about it all being a part of the MOPAR extended warranty and they told me I needed to call Chrysler Customer Care. I followed up and called and spoke to several people advising that the dealership would have to call MOPAR warranty. Today, 7/7/25, I spoke with Blueridge again and they are saying the Recall was only for an update. I referred to the details of the initial 45A recall that specifically says that if the update is not complete, it would lead to problems with the PTU & the rear differential. My stance is that MOPAR warranty should cover both the PTU and the Rear Differential under Both recalls the 45A and 20V343000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Transmission · WV

After buying the car from a used dealer, within 1,000 miles the car began grinding in slow accelerated turns. It has been diagnosed as the PTU which has many recalls before and after this particular D4 part. With all of the recalls and extended warranty adjustments for this part, why would mine not be covered? This was to be safe reliable car for my teenagers to drive, now that is no longer the case. Very disappointing

Filed Feb 16, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Vehicle making grinding noise when wheel is turned last week. Previously a "Service Shifter" light came in sporadically. No codes were ever found. Recently the 4wd service light came on and stayed on. PTU failure. I searched and realized this specific vehicle was not included in the recall and I don't understand why because it should be. It's been wonky for years, right after the warranty. I may end up without a vehicle for all this beauracracy. It should be included in the recall...

Filed Jan 26, 2025 · Transmission · NY · fire

*While driving vehicle on highway heard a loud noise and grinding sound and PTU exploded and *was not able to maneuver vehicle properly. *Fluid that was leaking out . Caused fire . Once car turned off this stopped flames .This could have been a very dangerous situation if it had not gone out for us and others on the highway. * we brought the vehicle to our mechanic who diagnosed it and said there was a problem to bring it to the Jeep dealer who also diagnosed the same problem. * it is currently still at the Jeep dealer . Because there are no parts available, which makes us wonder if this has happened to many other people.. * there were no warning, lamps or messages that came on.

Filed Nov 13, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · MI

PTU problems. Grinding noise from rear when turning slow and accelerating. Remove fuse for ptu and noise goes away. Put fuse back in it is back. Vehicle moves a lot when put in park and sometimes when using remote start you can see the vehicle jump forward a couple feet. My vehicle has all symptoms from recalls the federal safety agency 20V‑343, the federal safety agency 20E-037, the federal safety agency 23V‑302. But my PTU part number of:68283349AA is not included in any recall. This needs to be looked at further and extend the recalls to all PTU’s on the Jeep Cherokees 2014-2017. Chrysler knows these are bad