The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number 26V290000 (Power Train). The 4WD service light was illuminated while driving 45 MPH. There was a dinging sound coming from the vehicle. There was a clunking and grinding sound while driving during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the failure was confirmed, but the part to repair the vehicle was on back order. The manufacturer was contacted and declined to provide a loaner vehicle. The contact continued driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
2019 Jeep Cherokee: harsh or hard shifting
42 of the 1,683 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee describe harsh or hard shifting.
- owner complaints
- 42
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- typical mileage
- 22,000
- recalls
- 4
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls and 48 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below
Harsh or hard shifting by model year
What owners say
The PTU has shown a code of failure to communicate. My 4WD light was on stating Ned’s to be serviced. While driving and excellerating I would hear and feel a clunk. There was a whooping sound while driving, at first when turning and then increasing to more and louder. At 57,000. Miles when getting an oil change told the mechanic of the service light and asked if it could be on due to having changed a flat tire? He said my 4WD was working fine and not to worry about it. When I lost power at 30 miles an hour and it started to shudder I took it in to the dealership and they produced an inspection of problems neededing to be fixed costing approximately 10,000. Including the PTU failure. The vehicle was at 90,000. Now and no longer out of warranty. I was told they could get a PTU unit for at least 4 months if even then. That was leaving me without a vehicle. I took the vehicle (which I was told was safe to drive) to another private service station. They diagnosed more to me show pictures of a cracked differential and the seal to it warped and half off. They said this condition was a catastrophic accident waiting to happen. I have been put off ignored and told I have no proof that this was an issue under warranty.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the VIN was included in a recall associated with the power transfer unit and the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was retrieved and the contact became aware that the drive train was making a clunking noise and that carbon monoxide was coming from a fractured exhaust pipe due to rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that when the PTU was replaced the slip note was not fully advanced. The dealer reinstalled the drive shaft, however the vehicle had not been driven for 2 days. The contact stated that the sound was due to a detached part while completing the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but provided no assistance for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
1.First PTU Recall Repair (February 27 – March 3, 2026) Jeep to dealership for Recall 01C PTU replacement. I reported no drivability concerns, brake noises, vibrations, or drivetrain issues. The repair order contains no documentation of any problems with the driveshaft, CV axle, brakes, or related drivetrain components. 2.PTU Failure and Second PTU Replacement (May 1 – May 25, 2026) After recall repair, PTU failed, multiple warning lights appeared. Returned vehicle to dealership. I again did not report any squeaking brakes, vibrations, clunking noises, or drivetrain symptoms. Second PTU replacement done. The technician documented on the repair order: “Vehicle is now working as design.” 3.New Symptoms Immediately Following Second PTU Replacement (June 4 – June 13, 2026). Immediately after picking up the vehicle on May 25, 2026, I noticed several new symptoms that had not existed before the PTU replacement: • Clicking noises • Clunking noises when applying the brakes • Vibrations throughout the vehicle while in reverse with the brake pedal applied • Abnormal driveline behavior. Returned vehicle to the dealership on June 4, 2026 for evaluation. I was informed that the vehicle required: • Front brake replacement • Rear driveshaft replacement. Repair order : “Upon inspection, the technician found excessive play in the drive shaft. Also noticed front brakes squeaking.” No explanation was provided as to how these conditions developed immediately after the PTU replacement or why no such conditions had been documented during either prior repair. 4. Immediately took car to independent mechanic for evaluation. Report: "Right front axle inner joint not completely installed into the transmission/PTU assembly • Hanger cut and missing • Rear driveshaft not fully seated, with splines visibly exposed • PTU replacement unit marked “LKG” • All brake components inspected and found to be operating normally". 5. The vehicle is now mechanically compromised and unsafe to drive
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The contact stated that during routine maintenance, information pertaining to a "Do Not Drive" recall, and diagnostic trouble codes: C1417-97 and C1494-07 were retrieved. The contact stated that while taking the vehicle to a dealer, the contact noticed clunking sounds coming from the infotainment system surrounding area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced, but the parts were not available. The vehicle was then taken to the residence of the contact's sister and was parked. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,800.
Delayed response to gas pedal, stalling, delayed shifting. Stalling when suppose to accelerate. No response from transmission for a few seconds when accelerating.
Car loses power and made a loud clunk noise. Warning light said service 4wd. Problem Transfer case needs to be replaced. Happened at 62,000 miles. 2019 Jeep Cherokee ltd with 4x4 and 6 cyl.
When accelerating, the RPMs surge unusually high before the transmission shifts. After the delayed shift, the vehicle jerks hard forward and feels like it is being hit from behind. The shifting feels aggressive and inconsistent, especially during acceleration. In addition, the A/C system was completely rebuilt but continues to intermittently shut off and stop blowing cold air. The infotainment/information center screen also stops functioning in hot weather, especially when outside temperatures are above 90 degrees.
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it takes about 30seconds and it comes back on and stays on until the vehicle is shut off. There has been a couple times the vehicle has hesitated to go forward when the gas was pressed. I have taken it to an auto shop and they found code: C14A7-97 for PTU failure. They recommended to contact Jeep since there is a recall for that year. When the dealer checked my VIN it does not fall under the recall. I am afraid of driving it as I don't want it to stall on me or cause an accident as I usually have my young child with me. The shop said it would be around $6000 to repair. If not under the recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a mechanical clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the 4WD failed to engage as needed. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were 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: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while attempting to shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM, TCM, and DTCM software had failed and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000
Upon driving car about a month after purchase the transmission hesitated, with jerking and a Loud hard clunk sound. Took vehicle to dealer and dealership stated none of the mentioned malfunctions noticed. They updated some software. Continued driving vehicle and malfunctions started again. Looked online for similar issues and found quite a few similar comments.
Service bulletins that may apply
- D-26-20
- ID-26-40
- D-26-10 (XX1)
- ID-26-19 (XX1)
- (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU)
- Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following:...
- Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination...
- Service 4wd Light On, AWD System Service Required Message Illuminated
Related recalls
Power train
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
- Risk
- A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning May 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V290000 · Recall details
Power train
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Recall number 25V011000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Recall number 18V739000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
- Risk
- If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
Recall number 18V492000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee harsh shifting
Is harsh or hard shifting a common problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
42 of 1,683 owner complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee (2%) mention harsh or hard shifting. The model year with the most reports is 2014.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
There are 4 recalls and 48 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee
Stalling 304Loss of power 126Check engine light 113Jerking 86Grinding brakes 75Hesitation 50Oil consumption 48Start-stop 48Won't start 45Power steering loss 37Engine failure 35Warning lights 31Fire or smoke 20Won't shift 20Backup camera 18Transmission failure 17Adaptive cruise 16No deployment 14ABS 13Overheating 13Rollaway 13Steering lock-up 13Battery drain 11Slipping 11Airbag light 10Brake failure 10Knocking 10Shudder 10Wipers 10Misfire 9Headlights 8Screen failure 8Key fob 8Seat belt 8Pulling 8Sudden acceleration 8Whining noise 8
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