I am reporting a severe cascading drivetrain failure on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN:[XXX] ) caused directly by defective components that are the subject of active federal safety recalls (the federal safety agency Campaigns 01C / 40D / 25V011).This vehicle has a documented service history of two separate, consecutive Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures. The first PTU was replaced at a previous dealership, and a subsequent unit failed and was replaced later. The mechanical binding, slipping, and severe shock-loading caused by these factory-defective PTU modules repeatedly hammered the transmission's internal components during low-gear acceleration.As a direct result of this cumulative mechanical trauma, the transmission's 1st-gear clutch (Clutch A, a mechanical interlocking dog clutch) has prematurely failed at 80,500 miles, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and unable to safely engage forward gears. The dealership confirmed internal failure of the 1st-gear clutch but refused 100% repair coverage, stating the current PTU is functional. However, because this is a sealed ZF 9-speed transmission, the dealer cannot visually inspect Clutch A for cumulative metal fatigue or micro-fractures without a total teardown.The manufacturer, Stellantis/FCA, is refusing to take corporate responsibility for the cascading damage caused to the transmission by their recalled, defective transfer units (Corporate Case Number: XXX). I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate how the structural defects in the 2019 Cherokee PTU systems are causing premature, catastrophic internal transmission failures in consumer vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2019 Jeep Cherokee: transmission slipping
11 of the 1,683 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee describe transmission slipping.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- recalls
- 4
Transmission slipping by model year
What owners say
Has been in shop since I have owed it replaced axles (rear) rear differential(1 time), and transfer case(3 times) still slipping and dragging at take off and speed over 55 grinding and bumping sounds , mechanics can’t figure it out no lights on dash and diagonist still shows rear differential and transfer case
Transmission is slipping bad, I am told that it is nothing of my doing, but I cannot get it replaced with the powertrain warranty that I have because I was over 1000 miles on my oil change
An alert showed on the message board SVC 4WD and 4WD unavailable. We live part time in the mountains and rely on 4WD. Last winter we had snow and could not get up our driveway. When leaving the mountains we were going through the steps to tow our Jeep behind our RV. The system indicated failure to disengage the transmission so we were unable to tow the Jeep and we were still 1000 miles from home in Florida. We went to Jeep dealers in PA, DE, GA, and again in FL. All dealers found the issue with the PTU issue 01C but said there was not a remedy. Even if they replaced the PTU it could happen again as they did not know what inside the PTU was the problem. We've had some transmission slipping or hesitating as well.
Our dealership, Billion Motors ran diagnostics after I indicated that my service 4WD light had been on, and found out that I needed a new transfer case. Jeeps from 2017 to 2019 have a known transfer case issue and my Jeep is a 2019 and unfortunately the serial number is not listed in the recall. This is a huge security risk as I'm afraid that my vehicle will slip out of gear and heading into winter my AWD is not working due to this part failure. (I live in the midwest where we receive a lot of snow!) I'm concerned that this part has been on order since June of this year and it's now the end of November and hasn't been received it. This is a huge security risk going into the winter plus anytime I park. My vehicle only has 67,000 miles on it.
Transmission slip between 1st and second gear
Power Transfer Unit Failure. Grinding and slipping. PTU accuator motor failure first, then slipping occured. Leaking oil from unit
While driving, my car had a service light come on that said "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" meaning my 4WD randomly stopped working, my transmission has also randomly been slipping. My car was purchased from a dealer, brand new, with 16 miles on it- several which I put on it while test driving. I have had nothing but trouble with it since purchasing and now at 74,3XX miles on it, I am yet again having issues. When codes were ran, it came up as a Drive Train Control Module code and says PTU- Motor- Component or System Obstructed or Blocked. The dealership told me the cost would be at least $2,200 to fix the issue and the part is backordered which makes me think I'm not the only one having this issue. I cannot afford to keep fixing the random things that happen to my car that should not be happening to a vehicle that was purchased brand new and has been gently used. There are recalls for this same issue on other VIN numbers of this vehicle, I feel like there should be more recalls issued.
Transmission slipped started to slip on my 2019 jeep cherokee with 10000 miles. Car is just about brand new and the service transmission/shifter message and check engine light came on as well as all the transmission gear lights are lit.
While driving, mostly down the highway, my cherokee will have slipping/breakaway int the steering tension. It happens when moving the wheel in both directions. I drive an hour for work, and it happens probably 30 times minimum driving one way. This had happened previously and I had it looked at and they couldn't find anything. It stopped happening for a while after that (not sure if they did something), but is again doing it. I had it recently in to a jeep dealer for service on other issues and let them know about this and they indicated they didn't find anything right then, and didn't have more time to look into it. I let them know I feared for my safety (hoping I don't lose control). I also had let them know about the recall for the steering rack that I haven't seen shown up on the federal safety agency list yet as a formal recall. My appointment is now 3 weeks out, but I want to make sure its documented that I made a complaint in case something happens between now and then. My jeep has about 27,000 miles on it now.
It feels like it is slipping when you are taking off and turning the wheel on any type of terrain
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 slipping
Is transmission slipping a common problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
11 of 1,683 owner complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee (1%) mention transmission slipping. 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 45Harsh shifting 42Power 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 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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