The PTU failed on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited. The SVC 4WD warning light came on my vehicle and the 4x4 system is not working. I took the vehicle to my local Jeep dealership. The Jeep dealership performed a diagnostic and inspection of the vehicle and determined that the vehicle has a bad PTU and needs to be replaced. The dealership gave me a quote of $2,800 to replace the bad PTU. The dealership informed me that it wasn’t covered under warranty and there is no recall on my vehicle. I did not get the PTU replaced. When I did a Google search I found there is an extremely large number of Jeep Cherokee owners with bad PTUs without a recall. Apparently Jeep did recall some 2014 - 2017 Cherokees, but the recall is VIN specific. There is clearly an issue with the Jeep Cherokee PTUs. This is unacceptable!
2017 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints
Page 11 of 23: complaints 281 to 310 of 653, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Gear shifter errors and brings up "Service Shifter." Vehicle has to be completely shut off to clear error. Whewn the notificaion appears vehicle chages gears roughly and doesnt initiate park. Error has happend on highways, city street, or whenever the vehicle is placed into drive. It had only happend a couple times until receintly where its becomming more frequent, every other day as of now.. Dealer was unable to replicate the error, its to sporadic, and a OBDII reader shows nothing. I have pictures from a couple of the most recent times
Service shifter warning continuous for 12 months. Recalled on the 2017 Grand Cherokee but this is am issue with the Cherokee latitude. This is a very serious safety issue & needs recalled for more vehicles!
We first noticed the "svc fwd'' warning light. Intermittently at first and going off after driving a mile or so. We were first told it was probably a wiring problem, possibly a worn and exposed connector or a bad fuse but neither was found. Only after the ''svc fwd'' light started to remain on, did we have a diagnostic run and then were told the PTU had gone out and that this is a known common problem with Jeep Cherokee's 2014 - 2017.In fact, so bad a problem, it warranted a recall. Thousands of jeeps are having this problem but the recall is VIN specific. Ours is a 2017 and is NOT on the recall although it is now dangerous to drive. We are essentially paying for a vehicle we cannot drive and have been waiting over 5 weeks now for a replacement PTU. Even so, some of the replacement PTU's are ,themselves being recalled for being faulty. Our warranty has run out. The mileage is now just over 60,000 and now we feel we are being pushed to cover the cost even though this is a known faulty part.
Power Transfer Unit falls off because of acknowledged manufactured defect: 1.While it seems extremely unlikely for all bolts of the power transfer unit to eject and/or shear, it is worth noting that increased stress & strain upon an un-torqued bolt could lead to such a condition. Review of the Jeep Cherokee Forum resulted in discovery of identical incidents associated with the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, specifically in the affected model range of Safety Recall W47. 3.Safety Recall W47 States: “The PTU on about 67,240 of the above vehicles may have been built to allow relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. This condition may result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission, which will result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the PARK function while stationary. A loss of motive power or PARK function can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning and/or injury to others outside the vehicle. 4.The repair completed via Safety Recall W47 was: “Reprogram the affected vehicles with software for the Drive Train Control Module (DTCM) and the Electric Park Brake (EPB) that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive function and prevent rolling in the PARK selection by activating the electric park brake if a failed input spline occurs” 5.Safety Recall W47 did not correct the root cause of the problem, which was a manufactured defect creating relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft. Improper tolerance of high velocity rotational components results in high vibrations that propagate through ancillary equipment. Damage and ware caused by high vibrations is a scientifically plausible explanation for sheared bolts.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started jerking with the service shifter message displayed. The contact stated that the gear shifter indicator lights were flashing. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who repaired the bezel kit shifter and the jumper wiring harness. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,685.
UNKNOWN. When driving my Jeep there will be times where I go to accelerate and my transmission will jump. Also while I’m driving all of my gears on my shifter will turn red and a message will pop up saying service shifter. It’s been happening for a few years but the last time it happened was today 7/22/2022.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The service parking brake, service transmission, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The police arrived on the scene to guide the traffic around the stopped vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer and diagnosed with a power transfer unit failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Service 4WD” message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was caused by a faulty Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,252.
On our 2017 Jeep Cherokee all the red lights illuminate on the shifter console making it impossibe to know what gear you are in. The warning 'Service Shifter' appears on the dash/instrument panel. Mechanics have told us that this has become a common issue with this model and other Jeeps and can lead to a shut down of the vehicle and/or further issues with the drivetrain or electronics. It would appear from all the related issues being voiced on the internet and in Jeep forums that it involves defective parts installed at the time of manufacture. We were required to pay $500.00 to replace associated parts by the dealership as our warrranty had just expired. Given the extent of this issue, a recall should be demanded of the company and reimbursment for the cost of repairs.
Air bag light came on at 36,500 miles Went off and on several times then stayed on reported to chrysler but out of warranty 66,000 miles 4wheel drive light come on gear shift light come on and off several times took to dealer service department they said PTU UNIT needs replacement 3,000 dollars Called chrysler no help out of warranty
Vehicle keeps having warning light for service shifter violently shift at time and anyone with this model is having the exact same problem
Hello, My vehicle is at 77,000 miles and has been intermittently flashing the Service AWD light on the dash. The dealer ran diagnostics and said it needs a new PTU at the cost of about $3000. I see there are open recalls on other 2017 Jeep Cherokees, but not my specific VIN. I have never had a PTU go bad on our prior Jeeps, even ones that were more than twice this mileage. This seems like a part defect...everything else on the vehicle is still in good condition. Please let me know if there is an open investigation on this vehicle type.
My issue is with the PTU on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I had barely over 60,000 miles (around 62,000 when this issue happened) and the "SVC 4WD" light was illuminated on my dash board. After doing some research, I saw that many Cherokees, within my same year era, were recalled for this same issue. The issue being that the vehicle could lose all power while being driven and also a failure to engage while the vehicle is placed into park, could mean my vehicle rolling out of park and hitting someone or crashing. This issue is a very known issue with the years 14-17, yet my 2017 doesn't fall under the recall. This is a huge liability and the dealership I went to, did not offer any type of "good will" repair on a situation that I feel really calls for it, especially being only 2,000 over my powertrain warranty. I'm reporting this issue because if other 2017 Jeep Cherokee had this issue prematurely, what separates my vehicle from that, why is my safety placed into jeopardy? I wish Jeep would do the right thing and make sure that the vehicles exhibiting the same issues of the recalled VINS would also get that recall repair, because it's literally the same issue...and it's a part that is faulty and breaking down prematurely. This is my first Jeep I've purchased brand new, I've had two others in my driving career. I thought that by purchasing new, that my vehicle could be backed by Jeep if any known issues occurred and I'd love someone to explain why my 2017 Jeep doesn't fit the criteria to have a dangerous, prematurely faulty part, replaced..when others in the same situation have had it done. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
When I started my 2017 Jeep Cherokee Limited this morning, a "service shifter" message appeared on my instrument panel. All the lights that indicate park, reverse, neutral, and drive were illuminated red - all at one time. I turned the car off and restarted it. The message was no longer indicated. However, I scheduled the car for service with my dealer. I wanted to add my voice to the others that have experienced this same issue. The car is not currently under a recall for this issue. But it seems to be a prevalent one for this year and model Jeep.
My 2017 Jeep Cherokee started flashing the light service 4Wd the vehicles has always been maintained and this just started about 6 monrhs ago this jeep has had recalls in the past. But now as of today these warnings began after getting back into my jeep. TO COMPLETE NEUTRAL SHIFT PUT TRANS IN NEUTRAL. THAN 4WD NEUTRAL WARNING VEHICLE MAY MOVE EVEN IN PARK and I feel this is putting my life and others in danger
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that the temperature gauge was increasing and then it decreased. An engine heater warning was displayed as the engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop as all motive power was lost. The vehicle rolled to a stop crashing into debris on the side of the roadway. The contact stated that there was no body damage to the vehicle. The contact stated that AAA was contacted and stated that they would contact the police however, the police did not show up. The vehicle was towed by AAA to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the AAA driver informed him of a recall that was related to the failure and the vehicle's PTU. The contact stated that the dealer was contacted to verify if the vehicle was included in a recall. The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure has not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact was relating the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission would stall and rev loudly upon the depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where a software update was performed on the vehicle; however, upon returning home from the dealer, the failure returned without warning. After multiple start-ups, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Car needs a whole new PTU Input Spline system. It has worn down. Is a known issue in other sales models.
I bought a 2017 Jeep Cherokee latitude two weeks ago by the time I drove it home the service shifter light came on. I bought this car and it was certified free of defects this has happened a half a dozen times now I called the dealer and told them about it and I saw what the fix was online. The fixe is to put in a new shifter bezel and a new wiring harness. The dealer refuses to do this and the vehicle is certified what can I do?
Vehicle would not shift into drive after backing out of driveway. Had to stop after rolling down hill and shift to park, then back to drive again to get the vehicle in gear. Service shifter light was repaired at the dealership 6 or 7 months ago. That problem has returned as well.
The "Service shifter" notification continues to come on while driving. All shifter lamps light up which scares the driver not knowing what gear you are in. The driver has to pull over to turn off the vehicle and turn it back on to clear the notification and light. On busy Interstates and Highways, this puts my family at risk! I have found that there are many forums out there for jeeps 2014 to present that have had these issues for years without a clear fix. Some have stated they have spent $$$ without resolution. I just called a jeep dealership about my issue and they told me that they would have to charge me over $150 to confirm that I'm having this issue before addressing it! If this is a continued flaw or issue with the vehicle, why hasn't it be addressed and resolved before some is hurt or worse?
After the vehicle stalled I waited a minute and tried to start the vehicle again. The engine started and came up with the error "Service Shifter." The status lights for all the gears were red. The vehicle was parked on a flat parking lot and it was 55 degrees outside. The vehicle had previously run fine a few minutes before.
The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. The contact stated while driving at 40 MPH and going up a hill, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated he veered the side of the road and switched gears to park. The contact stated as soon as he exited the vehicle, the vehicle rolled down and ran over his right arm. The contact stated his wife who was sitting in the passenger seat promptly depressed the brake pedal with her hands and the vehicle stopped. The contact sustained a bruised wrist but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and the failure was related to the recall for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that they would follow up with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
I was driving like normal about 15 mph after just pulling out of the gas station onto the main road and have no issues with my car as of late and all of a sudden it just stopped. All the lights lite up on the shift, every light lite up on the dash saying everything needed to be serviced, I was unable to move or do anything with the car, not even turn it off and i was in the middle of the road! Luckily no one was behind me and I was still able to engage my hazards. After about 10 min's my car turned off on it's own. I sat for another 10 before finally being able to turn it back on and move it to the side of the road and eventually get it back to my house 2 miles away. Clearly this is a serious safety issue and is not ok, especially the fact that my car was bought brand new and is not even 5 years old!
Unknown
Frequent service shifter light comes on but goes away after restarting car, transmission slipping
Car stalls without warning or indicator lights and will not restart in a safe manner. There are dozens of reports concerning this situation online and it is a SERIOUS safety issue that has received no attention. There is apparently and “incomplete” notice from JEEP that has failed to reach all customers. This has now happened to me three times — 2 of which were in situations that created significant safety risk.
While driving the warning chimed with a “service shifter” message on the dashboard screen. All of the lights (P, D, N, R) were light in the shift indicator. Due to the warning message I was not able to see any other information on my dash. I wasn’t sure if I could even keep driving leading me to panic for fear that I couldn’t even put the car in park. After some research I have come to find this is a recurring problem with 2014-2019 Jeep Cherokees. Since this occurred on a weekend I intend on leaving the car parked for safety and calling a dealership Monday morning.
The Service Shifter warning comes on the dash and all of the LED's on the shifter turn red. It used to only happen when the vehicle was turned on. We would shut off the car and restart it and it would go away. Lately, it's been getting progressively worse. We have to turn off the car and restart it multiple times, sometimes running it through the gears to get the warning to go off. But, now it's turning on while driving. We haven't been to the dealership yet, but there are numerous complaints about SERVICE SHIFTER on the 2017 Jeep Cherokee. I hope they don't wait too long to issue a recall.
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