started squeaking, so we replaced brakes, control arms with bushings, then it started smelling really bad and losing power. When the engine starts, manual shift is not available. Extremely pungent toxic fumes released into the cabin requires recycled air to be on always or the car is not drivable. Oh, and loss of power, like dropping into a low gear when should be in a higher gear. Smell is noxious. Dealer reports Stellantis has not provided parts, updates or any further information. Don't drive much so didn't notice until Government Shutdown ended, I was asked to return to the NSF offices 40 miles from my home. Smell became really evident at that point.
Jeep Cherokee ball joint problems
41 of the 14,523 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe ball joint or control arm failure, most of them for the 2001 model year.
- owner complaints
- 41
- worst model year
- 2001
- typical mileage
- 45,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Grinding brakes 3Pulling 2Jerking 2Knocking 2Check engine light 2Whining noise 1Sudden acceleration 1Won't shift 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. 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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to another local dealer, Imlay City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2093 S Van Dyke Rd, Imlay City, MI 48444), where the sway bar links, front struts, 6 cylinders tune up, brake fluid flush, transmission service, fuel injector, and radiator replacement were repaired or replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for sway bar links, 2 lower control arms, 2 front steering knuckles, front wheel bearing replacement, and a 4-wheel alignment. The vehicle was repaired, but was taken back and was diagnosed and determined that two front struts and the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,952.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The “Check 4WD” warning light was illuminated, and the Auto START/STOP system failed to restart the vehicle. The contact would disengage the parking brake, place the vehicle in park, and restart the vehicle to continue driving. The failure was intermittent. The contact stated that water was leaking into the cabin from the sunroof, causing a shortage in the electrical system. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who had repaired the electrical system, including systems with the starter. The dealer confirmed that parts for the repair of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) were unavailable. The contact was able to start the vehicle; however, the Auto START/STOP system needed to be disengaged to drive the vehicle. Additional repairs were made; however, the contact was unable to confirm what the additional repairs were. Some repairs were performed by another dealer, Jacksonville Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Arlington (9600 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225). The contact stated that there was a rattling noise coming from the front end, and the vehicle would surge forward and take an extensive amount of time to come to a complete stop. The failures were intermittent. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who repaired the front suspension, ball joints, and steering knuckle on both sides of the vehicle. The mechanic advised the contact to return the vehicle if an oil leak occurred. The contact stated that approximately a month after the repairs were performed, there was liquid on the ground underneath where the engine compartment and the vehicle were taken to a certified mechanic, who had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine filter housing and filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The man
I had my 2017 Jeep repaired at the mechanic on January 30. I drove it straight home from the mechanic and within five minutes the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The service provided was tires, struts control arms, and of course placing the tire sensors on the car, no electrical work and no prior incidents of electrical concerns. The car is a total loss. It started in the engine compartment. I'm sure and burned all the way through the backseat.
My car has 123,000 done everything by book. Been report issues for over yr. Car almost got my killed by not stopping, turning, jerking on Accelerating and decelerating when shifting. All my motor mounts, transmission mount busted , messed up suspension control arm, ball joints, struts , axle, brakes all once. Drained battery. Spent 4500. Then my service shifter just came on. So back at shop. This is insane my shifter should last life time of my car. Due to the damage of that it cause a downfall of front end issues. This is well known issues of Jeep 2016 but not mine for a recall. It has cost me thousands and should not be happening at 122,000 miles . Car is at dealership again now and i have rental so not sure what that will cost. This started 2/11 not codes just could tell already filed reports with you all. My brakes lasted years , rotors was changed 2/11 hoping it helped per papers already damaged due to all this other crap. I’m very upset my car shouldn’t be having all these issues at 122,000 we are 1 car family
2021 Jeep Cherokee purchased with 33,000 miles. Around a month to a month and a half after we thought the brakes were needing replaced, couldn't get an appointment anywhere. At inspection we are told that the brakes are fine but the lower control arm (drivers) is bad and it was nothing that I had done. I have documentation from the mechanic stating this and can be provided. We believe this should be part of the recall. What front control arm goes bad before 35,000 miles?
Vehicle started to make “knocking” noises from front axle when going over bumps. Brought to a shop that stated the ball joints just needed to be greased up. The sound returned within 24 hours and become continuous while driving. The car begins to shake and feel unstable at speeds above 45/50mph. Brought vehicle in that day to a new shop, which diagnosed the problem as a faulty/broken Power Transfer Unit (aka transfer case). They advised that this piece was under a safety recall for my make and model. Upon contacting a local dealership, they informed me that the safety recall does not apply to my specific VIN, and that the part is on national back order. The second shop advised that I can still drive the car with the broken part, however I believe the car may pose a safety risk in its present form- especially considering the part in question is under safety recall for my make and model
Control Arms - lower control arm both sides of the vehicle Confirmed by the dealership service department and given an estimate of cost for repair Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. No warning lights have come on. Just a crunching & clicking noise coming from under the front end of the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the front end of the vehicle and the steering wheel would violently shake and vibrate while depressing the brake pedal. The contact indicated that the check engine warning light was illuminated when the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the passenger’s side and driver side front wheel ball joints were damaged. The passenger’s side ball joint was more severely damaged. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer who confirmed the diagnoses. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
2016 jeep cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to broken control arm bolt.
Related recalls
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving.
- Risk
- A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W81. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.
Recall number 20V657000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: shock absorber
- What is wrong
- Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2014 Jeep Cherokee and Ram 1500 and 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles. Due to an insufficient weld, the rear shocks may detach from the vehicle at one end and possibly damage other chassis components, the tire or result in reduced braking.
- Risk
- Damage to the tire or reduced braking increases the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear shocks and replace any affected ones, free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is P37.
Recall number 14V392000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Cherokee ball joint
Which Jeep Cherokee years have ball joint or control arm failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2001 (7 complaints), 2014 (6 complaints) and 1999 (4 complaints).
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