The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer because the check engine light illuminated and the radio became very hot. The dealer replaced a valve and installed a new screen, which temporarily resolved the issue. Months later, the failures recurred, and the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for a software update. During a later visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failing transmission gasket, a rear differential leak, an engine oil leak, and a failed battery requiring replacement. After the contact heard a loud scraping noise, the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who performed a rear differential fluid change but stated no mechanical failure was present. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer after a "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The dealer replaced the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) motor, despite claiming the PTU was unrelated to the failure. The contact stated that the transmission assembly, PTU motor, gaskets, and other essential powertrain components were all replaced within a one-year period. The contact stated that the engine consistently emitted an abnormal unknown odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.
2019 Jeep Cherokee: complete transmission failure
17 of the 1,683 complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee describe complete transmission failure.
- owner complaints
- 17
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 38,000
- recalls
- 4
Complete transmission failure by model year
What owners say
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)
My vehicle has 81000 miles and the PTU/transmission went out. After doing some research about this issue I discovered that it is a very common problem with jeeps from 2014 to 2024. To get it repaired is $3,000. Seems like Jeep was installing bad transmissions. They should recall these and cover the coast for repair.
My vehicle has an open PTU recall and when driving down the road my vehicle completely lost power was unable to drive or put vehicle in park in the middle of a turn which resulted in on coming traffic coming towards my vehicle. There were no injuries thankfully. My car was towed to the Jeep dealership in Anchorage, AK to have the PTU recall done as that was the suspected reasoning of the failure. After weeks of back and forth I was told the transmission was damaged and needed replaced and the PTU recall was not able to be done due to the recall instructions. I was quoted 8-12 thousand dollars in repairs which was unrealistic to me. I then had vehicle towed to an auto body shop that could replace the transmission for a lesser price. Once at the auto shop they discovered there was a complete PTU failure which caused the transmission damage and told me to take it back to the dealership for repairs to be covered under the recall. The dealership submitted the information and I was denied the recall and repairs. The dealership informed me I would have to pay for a new transmission out of pocket. However once I had the new transmission testing the PTU recall could damage and that I also need to pay out of pocket for the PTU. This has been extremely frustrating and given the pictures and evidence submitted for PTU failure causing the transmission failure and still being denied I find it absolutely appropriate to submit a claim
Newnan Peachtree Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram: The dealership initially identified the recall-related failure but subsequently "deleted operations" from my service record. They replaced these with different labor codes and "tag numbers" to misclassify the repair. By deleting the recall codes, the dealer successfully billed my third-party extended warranty for a transmission replacement. This allowed the dealer to collect a higher labor rate while unnecessarily depleting my private warranty’s limit of liability. The dealer failed to address the root cause (the Power Transfer Unit/PTU). My vehicle was returned to me still exhibiting grinding noises, which is a known precursor to sudden power loss on the highway. During the unauthorized warranty work and a concurrent oil change, the engine oil cooler was damaged. Furthermore, the dealership failed to perform a mandatory cooling line flush, causing metallic debris to contaminate new components.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The dealer performed a transmission flush, which the contact stated could cause additional issues with the current recall that had not been repaired due to parts not being available. The contact reported an issue with the Warranty Group because the Warranty Group would not cover additional failures under warranty. The contact stated that the transmission failed to shift properly while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.
Component / System Failure: The transmission system of my 2019 Jeep failed while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled twice during operation and has now completely lost transmission functionality. The issue has only been inspected by independent mechanics and not by the manufacturer or other official entities. The component is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: Both stalling incidents occurred while driving at highway speeds, placing me and other motorists at serious risk. Sudden loss of power in high- speed traffic created a hazardous situation with potential for collision or injury. Problem Confirmation: The vehicle was repaired after the first incident at a cost of $400. Despite the repair, the problem recurred, ultimately resulting in complete transmission failure. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or manufacturer, only by independent mechanics. No inspections have been conducted by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Only independent mechanics have evaluated the vehicle. here were no warning lamps, dashboard messages, or noticeable symptoms prior to either stalling incident. The failures occurred without any advance indication.
Subject: Formal Complaint – Unresolved Safety Recall for 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4x4 (VIN: [XXX] ) To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding an unresolved safety recall affecting my vehicle: •Make: Jeep •Model: Cherokee Limited 4x4 •Year: 2019 •VIN: [XXX] •Recall Date: January 16, 2020 In mid-January 2026, my vehicle experienced a transmission failure and became inoperable. It was towed to Jeep Erin Park for inspection. The dealership determined that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) assembly had suffered internal damage. They removed the PTU, inspected the shift actuator and gears (which were found to be intact), replaced the actuator, and reinstalled the PTU. The repairs were completed on February 12, 2026. I was charged CAD 3,371.46 for the service — an expense I incurred personally, despite the issue being directly related to the outstanding recall. As of today, nearly seven years since the recall was issued, Jeep has yet to provide a remedy or resolution. This prolonged delay is unacceptable and raises serious concerns about the manufacturer’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. I have contacted Jeep on multiple occasions, but have received no definitive timeline or actionable response. The continued lack of resolution leaves my vehicle potentially unsafe and undermines public confidence in the recall process. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate this matter and take appropriate action to ensure Jeep fulfills its obligation to address and remedy this safety defect without further delay. Thank you for your attention to this urgent concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle abruptly lost motive power. The 4-WD warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was taken to Premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Lamesa (1611 Lubbock Hwy, Lamesa, TX 79331), where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. 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 made aware of the failure and provided rental vehicle assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,571. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where the transmission was replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that the dealer had previously replaced the engine due to the cylinders misfiring. The contact stated that the message "Engine Overheating" was recently displayed while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been diagnosed for the current transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via emails, and the contact also sent an email to the CEO of Jeep. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Transmission failure due to faulty PTU while vehicle was moving at approximately 70 mph. My car rapidly decreased speed and drive power while in middle lanes of highway. The car is at a service center and available for inspection. The problem was diagnosed by an authorized service center. The vehicle has not been inspected by other parties. There were no warnings, indicators, or symptoms prior to the failure
Transmission needs to be replaced at 33,000 miles on the vehicle. While driving on a major expressway I experienced harsh up shifts from gears 1-2 & 2-3. It felt like the vehicle was being rear-ended. The vehicle died out and check engine light went on. Vehicle restarted and seemed to go back to normal for the rest of the drive. Vehicle was inspected at 2 Jeep dealers recommending new transmission and all related gaskets & Hardware. No warmings of any kind happened prior to this incident. Apparently there was a recall for this exact problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee yet my VIN number is not included. Recall: 2019 model year (KL) Jeep® Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 948TE 9-speed transmission. the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V‑492
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 transmission failure
Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
17 of 1,683 owner complaints about the 2019 Jeep Cherokee (1%) mention complete transmission failure. 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 18Adaptive 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
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2019 Jeep Cherokee?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history