2018 Jeep Cherokee: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 9, 2026 · Transmission · VA

Car threw a service 4 wheel drive light. Certain vehicles have been issued an extended warranty for the same problem. We took it to a local mechanic and it threw 3 codes. Replace transfer case. Replace PTU and replace the module. All 3 stated there was a bulletin issued in April 2026 for the extended warranty on certain vehicles. This can cause a sudden loss of power. My vehicle does not come up when you search the vin. I am wondering if this is an issue why it is not covering mine

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was informed by a certified mechanic that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a significant risk of crash due to transfer case failure. Failure of the transfer case and PTU can result in sudden loss of power, drivetrain lockup, or loss of vehicle control while driving. This placed my safety, my child’s safety, and others on the road at serious risk. I was specifically instructed not to drive the vehicle due to the hazard. 3.Yes. The problem was confirmed by both an independent repair shop and the selling dealership. The dealership acknowledged there is an active recall related to the PTU/transfer case and ordered a replacement transfer case. However, they stated the part is on national backorder with no current estimated availability due to the recall. 4. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair facility and is currently at the dealership where it was purchased for further inspection and recall-related repair. The dealership has acknowledged the recall and the need for transfer case replacement. 5.Yes. The primary symptom was a loud howling or whining noise coming from the drivetrain area, which began before purchase and was reported to the dealer during the test drive. The dealer initially stated it was a wheel bearing issue. After purchase, the noise progressively worsened over several weeks, leading to the diagnosis of transfer case failure. No warning lights appeared, but the audible noise was severe and consistent.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Transmission · PA

The 4x4 system, bad PTU actuator. Yes. 2. Power loss can cause an accident at any given moment putting Not just you but other drivers at risk. 3. I took it too dealership today bad PTU actuator. Don’t have that amount of money to get it fixed. 4. Yes by the dealership. 5. Just an intermittent Svc 4wd light I just bought the car off auction about a month ago and had this issue since the very first day of buying. Read a lot about these cars and the 2018 Jeep Cherokee whole PTU should have a recall in my opinion very dangerous and Jeep needs to take it seriously.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Transmission · CO

In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!! What the hell is safe about driving a vehicle that can loose power?? Or one that you can't use Park??? It's been a damn year!!! I find it real hard to believe that it takes that long. What is REALLY going on??? I need my car daily!!!! It needs to safe to drive!!! PERIOD!!!

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · DE

Due to the unresolved recall I have experienced alot of issues. The most terrifying is the loss of power, my jeep has just stopped moving sometimes allowing me to het to 30 mph but no more. This has happened to me 3x all of which were on the highway. I no longer have use of my 4wd, which is extremely frustrating since it was the only reason I purchased this vehicle. It has released itself from the parking position. And my "service shifter" light it constantly on. I did put my car in the shop over a year ago they "fixed" it, unfortunately it broke shortly after since it is a recalled part.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Transmission · MI

The car is having loss of power and issues with parking or turning at low speeds. I took it in and it needs a new power transfer case. There are metal shavings in it. I see there is a recall for 2017-2019 but the dealership is saying my vin is not affected

Filed Sep 5, 2025 · FL

My Jeep Cherokee is under the federal safety agency Recall 25V‑011 / Manufacturer Recall 01C for a defect in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that can cause sudden loss of power while driving or loss of PARK while stationary, both posing crash risks. The recall was issued in January 2025 and as of September 2025 the remedy is still not available. The defect has not been inspected or confirmed by a dealer since FCA/Stellantis has not released the fix.

Filed Aug 30, 2025 · Transmission · CO

Vehicle: 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk VIN: [XXX] Recall: Manufacturer #01C / the federal safety agency #25V‑011 Complaint: On January 16, 2025, FCA US (Stellantis/Jeep) issued a recall (01C, the federal safety agency 25V‑011) for 2017–2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to improperly seated input shaft snap rings in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The recall summary itself acknowledges that this defect can cause uncontrolled input shaft movement, spline damage, and/or range fork damage, leading to loss of motive power while driving or loss of PARK function while stationary — both creating a serious crash and injury risk. The recall notice states that the remedy will be a reprogramming of the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) with software to detect excessive wear and replace the PTU if needed, along with a warranty extension. However, as of this filing, the recall status for my vehicle remains “Incomplete, Remedy Not Yet Available.” Owners are being left to drive vehicles with a known risk of sudden power loss or loss of PARK, and Stellantis has failed to provide a timeline for the remedy, a loaner vehicle, or interim safety protections. This constitutes an unreasonable delay in providing a remedy to a recognized safety defect under 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301. I request the federal safety agency investigate Stellantis for failing to make the remedy available in a timely manner, and to compel the manufacturer to expedite corrective action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Transmission · 14,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was purchased from an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed about the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, on several occasions while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle lost power and the brake warning light flashed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted, and the accelerator pedal was pumped several times; however, the vehicle was losing power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was linked to the recall; however, the part to repair the vehicle was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Jun 17, 2025 · Transmission · SD

The dealership diagnosed a failing PTU (power transfer unit) with metal shavings in the oil and a severe fluid leak onto the exhaust system, which presents a clear fire hazard. I’ve been told not to drive it due to the safety risk, but I rely on this vehicle to work and I have no alternative transportation. This issue is part of Recall #01C, but I was informed that Chrysler has no replacement parts available at this time. In addition to the fire risk, this issue is also causing noticeable power loss, drivetrain instability, and worsening mechanical symptoms. I am requesting immediate assistance — either a loaner vehicle or rental support — until the recall repair can be completed. Please escalate this to Chrysler Recall Support and respond promptly. I am not in a position to purchase or rent another vehicle for a defect that Chrysler is already aware of and has recalled.

Filed May 27, 2025 · VA

We received the warning light "Service 4WD" on May 21, 2025. Our mechanic scanned it on May 27, 2025 and got code C14A7-97 which is for the PTU. This problem has been recalled on certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee's but our 2018 vehicle is not included in the recall, even though we are experiencing the exact same issue as the recalled vehicles. According to reports this issue can cause a loss of power and cause the vehicle to crash without warning. the federal safety agency recall number is 25V011000.

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · KY

I started noticing a knocking, vibrating sound as I accelerated. I took it to several places, and they couldn’t figure it out. Then, last Saturday, I was driving on the interstate, and completely lost power. I was stranded with no shoulder to go to. I tried to put it in park, and it almost rolled away. I took it to a Jeep dealer, and they told me it was the ptu, which they can’t do anything with because there is no fix. I am stranded with no vehicle. I offered to pay out of pocket for the repair, but there is no repair.