2020 Jeep Cherokee: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Transmission · WI

My 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is displaying mechanical grinding and binding during tight turns, matching the internal Power Transfer Unit (PTU) spline failure criteria described in the federal safety agency Campaign 26V290 (Mopar Campaign 40D). Corporate handling timeline showing unreasonable delay and failure to address an active safety defect: October 8, 2026: Opened escalated Case #98302905 with Mopar Customer Care regarding active PTU failure symptoms. Agent promised a specialist response via email within 1–2 business days. October 20, 2026: Reached out via chat after receiving zero response. Case was tagged "urgent" for specialist email follow-up. October 26, 2026: Contacted chat again due to continued silence. Explicitly requested a response related to a diagnostic fee waiver, process-of-elimination technical alignment for 40D, and interim mobility coverage. The agent confirmed these three requirements were documented in the case and flagged the file for immediate supervisor review. November 2, 2026: 25 calendar days have elapsed since the original escalation with zero specialist contact, resolution, or email follow-up. The local dealership indicated a potential out-of-pocket diagnostic fee and difficulty attributing binding symptoms to the recall. Corporate support's failure to respond accordingly has delayed inspection.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Transmission · OH

My 2020 JeepCherokee has been disabled at Jeff Wyler Springfield Jeep since 10/13 after suffering a drivetrain failure on 10/11.My vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical grinding noise,locking front wheels,& a 'Service 4WD' warning light while driving, un-commanded engagement of snow mode,& of the e-brake upon parking. Upon inspection 10/14,the tech claimed no codes appeared but stated the transmission required replacement.I contacted my warranty company to start a claim. On 10/15,the advisor said I needed to authorize a transmission tear down per warranty company.I refused due to out-of-pocket financial liability for a blind diagnosis.On 10/16,I asked the advisor how they diagnosed it as transmission needing replaced,she text “I went out with the technician he pulled the fuse and the vehicle still would not drive, this message also popped up on the dash further confirming the technicians disgnostic on the transmission replacement recommendation”(attached a photo of the dash “service transmission).”3rd party inspector evaluated the Jeep intact on 10/20.The dealership provided inspector with transmission replacement estimate & Federal Safety Recall 40D info.The advisor stated the inspector didn’t inform her of findings or if codes appeared.On 10/21,the advisor stated the warranty company directed them to perform software update on the PTU.On 10/22,the advisor said the tech attempted to perform update but update was not available so the tech put a request in to Jeep.D/t the un-remedied status of Safety Recall 40D,advisor stated my warranty company has froze my claim,stating they are waiting for recall remedy to release before proceeding.The advisor stated my only resource for alternate mobility is through Jeep Corporate.Despite my vehicle being undrivable d/t a federal safety hazard,Jeep Corporate Management Case#98327109 has flatly refused to provide a direct-billed vehicle,leaving a consumer entirely stranded indefinitely due to delay in manufacture recall remedy.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MN

While driving, emergency parking brake engaged. Required vehicle to be driven on and parked on road shoulder. Grinding sound was coming from engaged parking brake. Vehicle was towed to nearest dealership.

Filed Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · MI

On 9/6, The Cherokee lost power and had a grinding noise when in gear. It was towed to the Jeep dealer, they said it needed a new rear differential.. I told the dealer that my research showed that this catastrophic failure was likely caused by the 40D-recalled PTU and not the rear diff, but they claimed the rear diff was the problem and they could fix it. So, I reluctantly agreed and they proceeded to order the parts - which took a few weeks - to replace the rear differential. On 9/28, I paid $1237 for the repair (Jeep kicked in 80% of the total $5000+ repair cost as “goodwill” - which to me, is an admission that the 40D recall was to blame and the manufacturer knew it) and we drove it home last night. Today, on 9/29, while driving to work, the “service 4WD” warning light came on, based on the recall 40D, this indicates that the car should be immediately taken out of service for safety concerns for potential loss of power or failure to stay in park. So, we are taking it directly back to the dealer tonight. As it has been three months since the recall was announced and there’s no fix or even a timeline on a fix, it may be months before Jeep releases a fix. We are looking for pressure from the federal safety agency for a loaner and/or a buyout on the vehicle, as well as a refund on the $1237 repair cost already paid. We went 3 weeks without the vehicle the first time and cannot be continue to be without the vehicle.

Filed Sep 28, 2026 · Transmission · MN

Vehicle stopped working, gears started grinding and a warning to service the 4WD system turned on. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership under the direction of Stellantis, so that the dealer could confirm the diagnosis of the failed power transfer unit covered under recall 40D. Dealership confirmed, however I was not offered an appropriate replacement vehicle, and was told that my only option was to rent a vehicle myself, and Stellantis would reimburse me up to $50/day. This is a ridiculous offer, and one that does not satisfy a like for like substitute of my vehicle without their being great personal cost to me. The Jeep under recall is currently not driveable, and there is no remedy provided by the manufacturer. I need to be offered a long term loaner and direct billed rental of adequate likeness to my 2020 Jeep Cherokee.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · UT

May 07, 2026 Manufacturer Recall Number40D the federal safety agency Recall Number26V-290 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This Jeep is not drivable, it said service 4 x4 and there was grinding then it broke down in the middle of the road and had to towed to the dealer. The dealership says it part of the recall but they have no timeline on when the part will be available, so the jeep is not able to drive. Where do I go from here?

Filed Aug 25, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · WI

Vehicle suffered complete failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / drivetrain system, resulting in vehicle lockup, failure to engage drive gears, and automatic parking brake lockout when placed in PARK. ​The vehicle experienced its first documented PTU failure and replacement (Part #68333285AE) under warranty at 47,577 miles in November 2022. The PTU failed while we were driving 70 mph plus going down the highway. It sounded like the gas pedal was pushed to the floor even thought it wasn't then numerous dash lights came on and the vehicle came to a stop and wouldn't move. It took almost 2 months to get our vehicle back and that was only after contacting Chrysler customer care to start a care case and try to get parts expedited. The PTU failed again in April 2026. It was sounding like grinding gears when backing up and it was automatically putting the parking brake for no reason on when vehicle was put into park. After being retained by an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise dealership ([XXX]) for nearly two months for warranty repair, the vehicle was released on XXX. They replaced the actuator instead of the entire PTU per Chrysler techs recommendation. We got it back and it was still automatically putting on the parking brake. ​Four days later, on XXX (after driving approximately 100 miles), the drivetrain suffered an identical breakdown, causing system faults, numerous dash lights and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle has remained inoperable at the dealership for over 100 cumulative day and remains there to this day. XXX ​This failure directly mirrors the federal safety agency Recall Campaign 26V290 (FCA Recall 40D) for 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokees with two-speed PTUs. Dealer states no factory remedy is available from the manufacturer, leaving the safety risk uncured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 17, 2026 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The sound became louder and more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Transmission · OH

Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. the federal safety agency Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.

Filed Jul 31, 2026 · Transmission · MD

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failed on my 2020 Jeep Cherokee. Started hearing grinding and roaring noises coming from the front wheels and was having trouble stopping. There is a recall already going for the same make and model but for other specific vin numbers, mine not included. The problem was inspected and confirmed by the dealer previously bought from The original warning light was ‘svc 4wd’ and came onXXX and within a couple minutes the noice and issue started. When I called the Jeep recall and warranty specialists they said they wouldn’t do anything until “the car is in an accident or myself, my [XXX] daughter or someone else is seriously injured or dies before they open an investigation” INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · Transmission · MA

I own a 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 87,000 miles. Approximately one month ago, my "Service 4WD" light illuminated on the dashboard, and I heard a severe grinding noise coming from the drivetrain. A mechanic scanned the vehicle's computer and pulled active diagnostic fault code C14A7-97 (PTU Motor Component or System Operation Obstructed or Blocked). The mechanic cleared the code to test the system, but the C14A7-97 code immediately returned, proving a hard mechanical or electrical failure exists. This vehicle is experiencing the onset of a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. The timing of this active malfunction perfectly coincides with the release of the federal safety agency Recall 26V290 (FCA Campaign 40D), which was issued just last month for 2020 Cherokees experiencing the identical PTU defect. However, my specific VIN is currently excluded from the recall list. According to the recall documentation, this component defect poses an immediate safety hazard, including a sudden loss of drive power while moving and a park roll-away risk. Because my vehicle has the exact same active fault code (C14A7-97) as the recalled vehicles, the manufacturer must expand this safety campaign to include my VIN before a full failure and a serious accident occurs.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · OH

I was driving on the highway on my way to work around 7:45 am. As I was driving my car lost all power and I heard a grinding sound. As the grinding sound was happening, I had no control over my car. I managed to move to the side lane and put my hazards on. I then had to wait for a tow truck. Ultimately, the brakes, the transfer case, and the rear differental needs replaced.