2020 Jeep Cherokee: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Transmission · MT

On [XXX], our 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 62,562 miles experienced a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at highway speed on [XXX] out of Dayton, Wyoming. There was a clunk, the engine RPM increased, and the vehicle would no longer engage drive or park. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to Sheridan Motors in Sheridan, Wyoming, where it remains. Sheridan Motors diagnosed an internal power transfer unit (PTU) failure and recommended replacement of the PTU followed by additional testing. The vehicle’s VIN is included in FCA Recall 40D / the federal safety agency Recall 26V‑290, which identifies internal PTU failure as a condition that may cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power. We live in Bozeman, Montana, and had to obtain a rental vehicle to return home. On September 2, 2026, FCA Recall Assistance advised us that no approved repair or interim remedy is currently available. FCA would not authorize a repair or alternate transportation and stated that we must pay for a PTU replacement ourselves and later submit a reimbursement request, with no assurance that reimbursement will be approved. The vehicle has experienced the exact safety failure identified by the recall but cannot presently receive the recall remedy. Please record this as an actual field failure of the recalled PTU and review the absence of an available remedy for an inoperable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 27, 2026 · Transmission · 42,000 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle began to lose propulsion upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that an abnormal, clunking sound began to emti from the without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over and attempted to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle lost all forward propulsion. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer where they also experienced the same failure. The dealer managed to get the vehicle to move while in reverse(R); however, the vehicle failed to accelerate forward. The dealer had diagnosed the vehicle with a defective PTU(Power Transfer Unit) and it was later discovered that a recall had been placed on the vehicle for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000(Power Train). Although a recall was placed on the vehicle; the part for the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was informed that the repair would not be covered under warranty. The contact was given an estimate to have a new PTU placed inside the vehicle; however, that would only be a temporary fix. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Engine · ND

The engine started making clunking sounds when driving. Brought it in and they said piston 2 has low psi, damage to cylinder, oil in cylinder, and the vehicle has roughly 47,500 miles on it. It has had on time oil changes and maintenance. I am told it needs a new engine.

Filed Nov 13, 2025 · IL

Brought to dealer to evaluate for loud popping in/out of park, clunking and grinding noises on accelaration and stops. Dealer determined it was the PTU. Was told it is covered under warranty, but the part is on backorder for 3 months, so I'm still waiting. I'm unsure if safe to drive. Seems like a known issue with ealier models of Jeep Cherokee, likely issue with 2020s as well.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · WI

Hard shift 70-80 mph, lost drive power output. No response to gas pedal while engine remained on. I turned on hazards and moved to the emergency lane as the car was coasting to a stop. I caught a glimpse of 4WD or AWD something and it disappeared before I could read it all. I was about to approach an off ramp from the highway emergency when at a slow speed perhaps 30 mph or so output returned and I was able to complete driving home. This is the first time it was more than just jerky clunky shifting. Vehicle has 69,858 miles.

Filed Apr 29, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · SD

The message/warning light keeps coming on: Stop/start Unavailable - Service stop/start system. This feature is suppose to help reduce the amount of harmful emissions released into the air! Some times this causes the engine/transmission to clunk. Seems to maybe a common issue with the Jeeps. Save fuel from burning while the car is stationary. Such a great feature and is doesn't work!

Filed Oct 4, 2024 · Transmission · NJ

My 2020 Jeep Cherokee limited started making a loud clunking sound when on the break coming to a stop. It also makes a grinding noise for a mine while accelerating speed and then will shift back to normal. I have had it looked at and the dealership is saying that it is either the transmission or the PTU, neither of which I can afford to repair and with 70,000 miles on the car has no warranty. I was in an accident 2/24 and thought it was related to that however it is not. I did not have my car most of the summer while trying to figure this out and now there’s too many miles. I am a travel nurse and I drive 2 hours to work and o do not feel safe. There isn’t a recall however there are many recalls for the same issue but different years. I am frustrated because this is something that they should fix for obvious related reasons with other years having the same issue.

Filed Aug 2, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · MD

When coasting at low speeds the vehicle makes multiple click sounds and now there has been a clunking sound seems like when. Trying to downshift or upshift almost as it can't find a gear. When in a stoped position I put it in drive ease the gas and it will jump into gear. Has been multiple complaints about clicking and clinking with the vehicle and nothing fixing the problem unless ptu,transmission,u joint or driveshaft is replaced this is scary to spend so much on a vehicle for my family and worry about when it's going to break down.

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Transmission · MN

While driving when I come to a stop and i then start to accelerate when the light changes, the vehicle will start to move, then there is a load hard clunk and then the vehicle looses power. The safety of myself or other ps is put at risk because I could be in moving traffic when this happens. It has not been confirmed by a mechanic, I did ask at the dealer, but they said because the issue is sporadic they would not be able to figure out what the problem was and then recommended a $500 dollar transmission service and said that may not fix the problem. There were no warning lights. This problem happens sporadically, it will do it and then be good for a couple months or longer before doing it again. I emailed molar and asked what they thought, but never heard anything from them. I did see by googling that Jeep had issues with previous years, but it did not cover my year vehicle. I did see just tonight that there was a vehicle in Ohio that had reported this same type of issue to your office. I have 700 miles left on my warranty and I am very concerned about this issue and do not know what to do about. The dealer was not a help, only had a poke and hope approach, so I did not have them look at my vehicle. Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Filed Aug 29, 2022 · Transmission · OH

On 3 separate occasions after being stopped to make a turn vehicle has started to go and then stops moving like its out of gear. It will then make a clunkng noise like its going into gear and start moving again. I have taken it to jeep and they said after 1st two times it needed an update. It has since done it again and they tell me unless it does it while they have it they dont know what it is. This started with only 18000 miles on vehicle and it currently has around 22000. This is scary because its going to cause me to be in a wreck if it happens while I'm turning in traffic. Please feel free to contact me for further information.

Filed Jul 9, 2022 · Transmission · CO

My 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk began experiencing a "clunking" noise coming from the center of the vehicle. The first time I took it in, the dealer could not replicate the noise. The second time, the dealer did hear it and determined it was the Power Transfer Unit. The dealer *claimed* it was the result of uneven tire wear from the factory Firestone tires. The dealer has offered to replace the PTU under the warranty; however, they stated they "may not" replace the new PTU if we continue on the same tires. Even with 34k miles, the front tires have 10/32 and the rear tires have 12/32. They said that we needed to purchase new tires through them at $920. When I mentioned about getting tires from another tire store, he needed to check with his manager to see if the PTU would still be warrantied. The PTU is a known problem for the Cherokee but the dealer has been trying to seek ways to get more money.