The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle would independently switched to 4WD Mode. The vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The dealer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the vehicle was only under recall for a rear-view camera sensor. 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Jeep Cherokee hesitation problems
337 of the 14,523 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating, most of them for the 2015 model year.
- owner complaints
- 337
- worst model year
- 2015
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,700
- typical mileage
- 30,000
Is there a fix? There are 12 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Jerking 97Stalling 51Harsh shifting 42Check engine light 41Transmission failure 25Loss of power 22Won't shift 17Grinding brakes 13
Trouble codes mentioned
P06DD 1P0520 1C14A7 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was hesitating while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was started and slowly accelerated to the intended speed. While driving, the transmission was shifted to Sports Mode and manual shift mode to drive the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the message "4WD Service Required" was displayed. The transmission failed to shift out of 2nd gear and shifted roughly between gears. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); and associated the failure with the PTU. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was 117,800.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated with an audible alert. The vehicle hesitated while accelerating and rolled after shifting to park(P). The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the A/C unit while in operation. The contact also stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the vehicle shifted into neutral(N) without warning and rolled backward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V529000 (Power Train) and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer initially informed the contact that the vehicle was included in the recall; however, the contact was later informed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 144,233.
The contact owns a 2021 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 not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission momentarily shifted into neutral(N) before returning to normal functionality. The message “Service All Wheel Drive” was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Power tranfer unit failed and needs to be replaced. Dealer confirmed. Service 4wd light came on prior to taking it in for service. PTU failures can cause sudden loss of propulsion, drivetrain binding, hesitation, or rollaway while parked, all of which can lead to accidents and damage. This is a known and common occurrence in 2017-2023 Jeep vehicles and somehow it still takes forever for them to get replacement parts. I have not had access to my vehicle for 2 months, causing emotional and financial strain.
We noticed a recall will be issued for certain Jeep Cherokee regarding the failed PTU system. Our vehicle is not showing it will be included however we are having the identical issue. The 4WD service light comes on and when you excellerate, the vehicle chokes down and hesitates acting as if it will turn off. The vehicle has 73,000 miles and has never been driven in 4WD or off road.
I have brought in my jeep to the dealership for Issues while driving on the freeway going around 70 75 mph the dealership did some maintenance repairs on Tuesday, June 2 of 2026 since then I have noticed when I’m driving around 70 mph the vehicle vehicle hesitate like it and shifting and loses acceleration feels like I’m driving on ice and vehicle isn’t controllable feels like it’s hesitating.. I had to bring it to another dealership cause I feared for my safety.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, all of the warning indicators on the instrument cluster panel illuminated. Additionally, the contact noted that the parking brake occasionally felt as though it had not engaged, and while driving, the parking brake would disengage on its own. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated during acceleration and failed to shift smoothly into the next gear. The contact referenced the federal safety agency ID Number: 25V011000 (Power Train) to be the cause of the issue however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,000.
Related recalls
Power train
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
- Risk
- A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on beginning May 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V290000 · Recall details
Power train
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Recall number 25V011000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power or loss of park function.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 11, 2023. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 45A. This recall expands previous recall number 20V‑343.
Recall number 23V302000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooler/radiator: hoses and fittings
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
- Risk
- A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y18.
Recall number 21V310000 · Recall details
Power train: driveline: differential unit
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Relative movement in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may cause some input spline teeth to wear off, which may eventually cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU. If this occurs, power cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission which results in a loss of drive while the vehicle is in motion and a loss of the Park function while stationary.
- Risk
- A loss of drive can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning. A loss of the Park function can cause unintended vehicle rollaway which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
- Remedy
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in Park by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. This recall began July 14, 2020. Owners may contact FCA USA LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is W47.
Recall number 20V343000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.2L engines. In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral.
- Risk
- An unexpected shift to neutral would result in a loss of drive, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the transmission software, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V69.
Recall number 19V447000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Recall number 18V739000 · Recall details
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
- Risk
- If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.
Recall number 18V494000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
- Risk
- If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
Recall number 18V492000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jeep Cherokee and 2015 Chrysler 200, Jeep Renegade, RAM ProMaster, and 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles equipped with 9-speed automatic transmissions. The transmission sensor clusters may have insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness, and as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral. On August 29, 2016 Chrysler added the 2016 Fiat 500X vehicles to this recall.
- Risk
- If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, dealers will reprogram the Powertrain Control Module and the Transmission Control Module and if necessary replace the transaxle range sensor wire harness, free of charge. The recall began on November 7, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S55.
Recall number 16V529000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Cherokee hesitation
Which Jeep Cherokee years have hesitation when accelerating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2015 (112 complaints), 2014 (95 complaints) and 2019 (50 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix hesitation when accelerating on the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,700 (median of 7 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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