The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the service 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed to be associated with an unrepaired recall. The contact was informed that parts were available only for vehicles with certified warranties and that parts were on backorder. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints
Page 2 of 8: complaints 11 to 40 of 202, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the service 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where diagnosis determined the transfer case had failed and required replacement. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
SVC 4x4 light came on and brought to Jeep dealer immediately and they immediately tell us ptu and rear differential near to be replaced. They said it brakes need to be replaced when we replaced them 2 months ago. There's a recall for our year jeep but it says we have no recalls at the moment.
SERVICE AWD light came on, took to a mechanic and he stated the PTU failed causing the AWD to be shut off. He said this is a known issue and gave me the FCA's number 40D for this issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle lost motive power. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the repair. The contact was advised to continue driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 73,420.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal humming sound that grew louder at 30 MPH. The message "Service AWD" was displayed, and there was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact drove to the residence and turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle the following day, there was no warning light illuminated. The failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PTU was leaking oil, and the mechanic determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided because the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle jerked forward. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was not available for the repair. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and pulling out of the driveway, the contact became aware of fluid on the driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and there were metal shavings found in the PTU, and the mechanic determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed, but the recall remedy was unavailable. The contact was advised that the vehicle could be repaired at the owner's expense and reimbursement might be provided whenever parts became available. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated panel and the hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test confirmed the failure of the PTU; however, the part to do the recall repair was on back order. The vehicle remained with the dealer for over a month until the contact received a call from the dealer that the vehicle was repaired. The contact was then informed that the part was not repaired under recall and was provided an estimate for the repair. The contact was informed that there might be a reimbursement once parts for the recall repair was available. The contact notified the manufacturer about various issues related to the recall and was provided three case numbers. The vehicle was repaired but remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was 82,296.
Took my vehicle in for service a second time for warning light about 4 wheel drive needing service. I was told ptu is bad and that it’s a jeep problem. Saw there was a recall 40 D My VIN isn’t showing under that recall.
Service four-wheel-drive light came on mileage was at 83,000 miles approximately took it to the Chrysler dealer and they replaced my PTU motor. I believe this motor was recalled on an earlier years as a recall I think this year should be a recall . Also, now, September 27, 2026 I drove my vehicle /Jeep to church I parked it and it lit on fire and burned to the ground. Nothing left of it. Don’t know if it had anything to do with that PTU unit.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a left turn from a complete stop at 5-6 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop in the middle of the intersection. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and provided towing assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure and the transfer case had failed. The dealer determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was significant play in the transfer case prior to the failure. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The safety system keeps notifying that the 4-wheel drive is not available. Had a diagnostic completed, 9/1/2026, and it was determined to be a PTU Failure. The system continues to show the issues. I checked the federal safety agency site and it states there is campaign number 26V290000 on 2019 - 2023 Jeep Cherokees for PTU Failure. However, for some reason, our car is not listed in the campaign.
Engine light comes on, whenever you attempt to accelerate from a stop (like a traffic light), the vehicle will coast into the intersection, causing a traffic hazard. It has done this multiple times. At 60,300 miles, dealership told me that engine was not covered. I purchased a new engine, which never fixed the problem. 5 different times they reset dash board, but the it cont'd before I can get home. Dealership gaslights with they could not get pr0blem repeated. But as soon as warranty expire(eed), dealership admides car needs 2nd new engine. $9k.
Lost ability to drive almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. Cause of problem was a failed PTU. Had the vehicle repaired, PTU replacement, at a cost of $2,017.18
PTU has failed after 47,500 miles.
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.
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.
Power transfer unit failed similar to recall on other 2020 Jeep Cherokees, though our Jeep was not covered under the existing recall.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there were recurring failures with rear wheels. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Catastrophic PTU failure on an interstate (we had not yet received the recall notice at the time of the incident) - no power at all, going the speed limit of 65 mph - We were miraculously able to coast into a weigh station - We could have caused a crash, or been the victims of one - The car also rolled backwards, even in park, subsequent to this incident - Many of these cars are STILL being driven by owners who have no choice, since Stellantis has provided no remedy nor buyback incentives to owners - The current "fix" is to replace the PTU with a part that may also fail - Since this is a known, significant safety issue, how is the federal safety agency working with Stellantis to get this situation remedied? Thank you -
I have a cherokee that isn't on the current recall list or anything. But I have the service 4wd light. Its a 2020 jeep cherokee limited v6 3.2 4x4
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission slipped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no open recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off (PTO) unit and actuator had failed, causing the failure of the power transfer unit (PTU). The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,511.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an abnormal swooshing sound occurred. No warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed an oil odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. Following a yearly inspection, the contact was referred to a service center for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the service center, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit, rear driveshaft, rear differential, and rear CV axle failed and required replacement. The service center informed the contact that the dealer stated the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the 4WD warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that a "4WD Needs Service" warning message also displayed. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected by a second service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
My jeep was diagnosed with a PTU FAILURE. JEEP has only 51,293 miles. This is a well documented recall on 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee brand. My VIN is not included yet.
The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
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)
The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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