2019 Jeep Cherokee: whining or grinding noise

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Transmission · MI

The rear differential is cracked and has seperated causing breakage at the snap ring due to faulty manufacturing. If the rear differential should fail while driving, the safety of myself, family and others on the road could be at extreme risk of injury or possible fatality caused by loss of control. The vehicle was inspected by an independent certified mechanic and Snethkamp Dealership for conformation. Signs of the issue were first discovered in early July when a whining type noise and slight shaking occured when pressing the accelerator which prompted me to take the vehicle to my mechanic who then discovered the rear differential had spllit at the snap ring.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Transmission · OH

In January of 2026 the vehicle had a 4WD system unavailable/ Service required message pop up. It would come on and go back off. At the time there was also a whining/ grinding noise present especially at high speeds on the highway along with vibrations. We had the vehicle checked with. Code reader and was told it was sending a false code, and that a fuse probably needed replaced for it to go off. The whining and grinding we thought could be wheel bearings or breaks. Both have been replaced and still have all of the same symptoms. The 4WD service light goes off but comes back on and stays on anytime a bump in the road is hit.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 4 MPH into a parking lot, the “Service 4WD” light illuminated and turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and a code for the PTU was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The “Service 4WD” light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving, accelerating, or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined the failure was associated with the PTU. The dealer determined that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for a Goodwill repair. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2026 · Transmission · NH

I was driving the vehicle under normal road conditions, started to hear a whine from under the vehicle, then felt an explosion from under the vehicle. A lot of lights came in on the dash, and I could barely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and turn it off. I had the vehicle towed to my garage, and they said the PTU had exploded, and my transfer case has a hole in it now. There is an active recall on certain models, but mine is not included

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Transmission · NC

While driving my vehicle last Thursday, November 20th, the "SVC 4WD" warning light came on without warning, following an audible and tangible thump from beneath the vehicle. Following this, a high-pitched grinding/whining could be heard from centrally beneath the vehicle, and the vehicle was unsteady accelerating/decelerating. The vehicle would not remain in park, and no drive was going to the back wheels. I believe this to be the same issue as in recall 01C for Jeep Cherokee KLs 2017-2019, which my vehicle falls into. This is a recall on an improperly seated input shaft snap ring in the power transfer unit (PTU) which my Jeep dealership has confirmed, damaged the transmission and differential components, including the axle rods. The vehicle is unusable in its current state, and is currently sitting at a valued repair cost of approximately $7000.

Filed Sep 26, 2025 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · PA

My Service AWD light came on. I had the system checked in February of 2025. I was informed it was a bad PTU system. My car makes a clunking then whining noise when driving. It cannot go over 55 mph before losing power. My VIN doesn’t come up in the recall list but it has the same diagnostic issues The issue was diagnosed at Heritage Jeep in Harrisburg on 2/15/2025 Receipt order # 218197. Customer number 42k8761762

Filed Mar 24, 2025 · Transmission · 25,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission made a whining sound, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a failed power transmission (PT) gear 2. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the recall was not associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the diagnostic test was not performed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2024 · Transmission · NY

While driving the vehicle, it started to make a muffled whining sound then as you slowed down you would feel a thud then the whine would stop. This would repeat itself. This happened [XXX]. I brought it to my mechanic- First Class Alignment and Repair in Port Jervis, NY 12771. They informed me the vehicle should not be driven due to the vehicle could fail to operate while driving. They discovered a cracked Rear Differential. They had no explanation for this- they have never seen this before. I would say it is a manufacturers defect. I have pictures of the defect. I was unable to upload the pictures for some reason. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)