2016 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

Filed Nov 5, 2026 · Transmission · MO

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 126,000 miles, throwing code C14A7-97 and causing a sudden, dangerous loss of 4WD drivetrain engagement. A certified Jeep dealer confirmed the mechanical failure (Repair Order 8051781) but stated my VIN is excluded from Safety Recalls W47 / 45A and Warranty Extension XJ1. This VIN exclusion leaves a vehicle with an identical, dangerous drivetrain defect on the road without manufacturer remedy.

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 Oct 26, 2026 · Transmission · 142,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked on a slight incline, the vehicle started moving. The contact depressed the brake pedal and became aware that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift into 4WD. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted and determined that the vehicle had experienced a PTU failure. The dealer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Unsafe to drive. PTU failure had it towed to the dealership and I can't afford the repair. They want me to drive it home anyway.

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · PA

1. Start/stop light always comes on since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 2. Svc 4wd light is always on within the past several months 3. Vehicle System Report indicates 10 items needs attention including the DTCM 4. Receiving error code C1494 for PTU Symptoms: A. Vibrating floor bed at left drivers side foot B. Slipping and sliding in the rear tires. The VIN has been excluded from all safety recalls, but I am experiencing a severe failure of the AWD/4WD. The dealership that I bought it from will not assist me in paying because my car was excluded. I have all the signs of a failed PTU.

Filed Oct 14, 2026 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · OK · fire

Warning message of 4 Wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. I pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. It is a total loss. I believe that this is a safety recall but I was never notified of any repairs needed.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · TX

i took my 2016 jeep cherokee trailhawk to big star chrysler jeep dodge ram in webster tx. for campaign 23v302 (fca recall 45a). The first time i took the vehicle they performed the recall update on the ptu and charge me a service fee of over $200. after picking up the driving it for about a week the vehicle started stalling and actually died in the middle of an intersection twice. Then the vehicle started displaying all sorts of dtcs about no communication, 4 wheel drive not available, speed sensor not reading and so on.. So i had the vehicle parked in my driveway for a few months until i was able to take it back to the same dealership and explained to them what was happening. So after about two weeks they said they replaced my PTU and speed sensor and my vehicle was ready to be picked up and the cost was going to be over $900 . When I got there and I disputed the cost and replied absolutely not. They botched the update on the ptu that should have been fixed the first time. so they said ok well will cover the speed senor cost and I would just pay for the inspection fee. Again I disputed this cost. Then agent left and came back and told me that i would owe nothing but they could not service my vehicle anymore. Well after a week went by i heard a slapping sound in between me slowing down and the transition of me speeding back up. Well after doing some investigation/troubleshooting i found that the drive shaft that connects to the ptu (which they replaced) had play in it because i was able to move it up and down to make slapping sound i was hearing in the transition of slowing down and speeding back up. Now I stuck with an unsafe vehicle (that i took in for a recall and they did not fix properly)to drive because the big star chrysler in webster tx. blacklisted and told me they will not service my vehicle anymore and now i wait while corporate decides on what actions to take.

Filed Oct 2, 2026 · Transmission · 102,900 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined the cause was the PTU and transmission, and there were metal flakes inside the transmission. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be removed for the repair. The dealer advised the contact not to drive the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the check engine warning light was not illuminated, and the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was towed to the residence. There was an abnormal burning odor before the failure. The customer service was contacted by phone. Upon research, the contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V302000 (Power Train). The approximate failure mileage was 102,900.

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.