2016 Jeep Cherokee: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · CT

The vehicle suffered a complete internal failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) drivetrain assembly. Authorized dealership Milford Auto Group diagnosed the vehicle on Invoice #45604 and confirmed in writing: "THE PTU HAS FAILED INTERNALLY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED".The manufacturer (FCA US LLC) issued a 15-year extended warranty campaign (XJ1) specifically to address safety hazards related to internal PTU mechanical failures causing loss of power. However, FCA US LLC and the dealership are refusing to remedy this documented defect under the warranty extension due to fault code C14A7-97, demanding $4,600+ tax out-of-pocket. Chrysler’s own internal publication, STAR Case S1721000016 Rev. A (MC-10247452-9999), explicitly confirms that fault code C14A7-97 is triggered by damage and debris on the internal PTU mode/range shaft splines and collars, requiring complete PTU replacement. Operating the vehicle with a compromised, internally disintegrated PTU creates an immediate safety hazard of sudden drivetrain lockup, loss of vehicle propulsion while driving, or rollaway risk. The manufacturer's refusal to honor their written warranty extension based on code technicalities forces the vehicle to remain in an unsafe, hazardous condition.

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 May 13, 2026 · Transmission · WA

My vehicle year and model are part of the PTU recall and is having the Service 4WD message, rolling when parked, and losing power. When I contacted FCA, they informed me that my VIN is not part of their recall, despite being the exact issue in the recall, and I would have to pay to replace my PTU myself. I just want it included so they will replace my PTU because the exact symptoms are what mine is having.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Steering · OH

While driving or idle at the light the ABS light, traction control light and parking brake light come on and have a loss power steering.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · 110,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while either of her children were driving at various speeds, the transmission warning light illuminated. On one occasion, the FWD warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The contact added that the vehicle then lost power and did not accelerate as intended during each occasion. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted each time, after which it resumed normal driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transfer case unit needed to be replaced due to the Jeep Active Drive One. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where the contact was provided with the same diagnosis: the transfer case unit needed to be replaced due to the Jeep Active Drive One. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 65,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the message “4WD/Pull Over” was displayed, and the Low Oil warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact became aware of the warning lights after receiving an oil change. Additionally, the oil level needed to be topped off after driving approximately 3,000 miles. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and it decelerated and stalled. The contact pulled over, turned off the vehicle, waited for several minutes, then made several attempts to restart the vehicle until the power steering functionality returned and was able to drive as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the engine was consuming an excessive amount of oil, and that the oil level sensor was inoperable. The dealer reprogrammed the ECM, but failures persisted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Transmission · KY

A “Service 4WD” warning light is currently illuminated on the dashboard. The front axles and shock/strut assemblies have already been replaced; however, the warning light remains on. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I was informed that many vehicles of similar make, model, and year are covered under a recall for this issue, but my specific vehicle is not included. The estimated repair cost is approximately $4,000. This presents a significant safety concern, as the failure can result in a complete loss of power and loss of parking brake functionality.

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Transmission · TN

Transmission, yes it’s available for inspection I was on the highway driving approximately 70 MPH going up hill, and my car starts to downshift and lose power on a high traffic highway without warning no lights flickered or anything Yes it was seen by dodge dealership No it was not inspected by the manufacturer or others No, The check engine came on Approximately 15 minutes AFTER the failure. so no warning before it started to downshift so I could pull over!

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · MI

Driving on freeway October of 2025 and PTU failed causing loss of power and electronic emergency brake engagement. There were no previous indications or warnings with vehicle prior to total loss of propulsion. Vehicle is at jeep dealership in Gaylord Michigan not repaired. Fortunate there was shoulder on right I was able to swerve into and stopped without collision as vehicles sped by at high rates of speed. Towed to dealership where purchased, Serra Ford Gaylord Michigan in August 2025, diagnostics revealed PTU failure. Serra Ford advised could not perform warranty repairs as not jeep dealership. Towed to jeep dealership, Snethcamp Jeep Gaylord Michigan, who advised not warrantied in United States as Canadian vehicle. Snethcamp Jeep diagnosed PTU failure. FCA Canada denied claim 94684480 and advised vehicle not registered to Canadian citizen. Chrysler Customer Service US denied claim 94727687 and advised this is a Canadian vehicle. Recall was performed on PTU, recall number 45A, April 24, 2025. Ordered replacement OEM parts through Snethcamp Jeep and was advised 400 units on back order with no replacement parts in stock and wait would be approximately four months.

Filed May 29, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

vehicle losing power even when on. Does not accelerate in drive or reverse. My issue is the dealer found corroded wires, but when did they not say that the last time it was in which was 3 months ago. They also all of sudden tell me my battery does not fit my Jeep so they needed to replace to new battery in order to be able s add mf diagnose. All this makes no sense.

Filed Mar 6, 2025 · Transmission · MI

Transmission is slamming into gear aswell as loss of all power to the wheels

Filed Jan 23, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MD

My vehicle continues to sporadically lose power steering, power and braking. “4wd temporarily disabled” light keeps coming on but then goes off. I have taken to dealer and they say it doesn’t throw a code and there is nothing they can do. It’s a safety issue. Other Jeep Cherokee years and models keep getting recalled but not mine. Mine needs to be recalled. Very dangerous.has been happening increasingly more often in last two months.