While driving my vehicle, the check engine light came on after driving for about 10 minutes. It remained on and I called the dealer and they said that I should bring the vehicle in to be checked. They looked at the check engine light and said it was probably because the gas cap was not on properly. I do not have a gas cap so the turned it off and said I should be ok. It came on again and they said they would have it checked further. After further investigation the discovered a loose flap associated with the cruise control and adjusted the flap. I was told if it came on again it would need to be replaced. The light came on again and I took the vehicle in to have it replaced. It has not yet been repaired. The engine light comes on and even goes out while driving.Generally the light will come on and stay on for a few days and go off but it happens and I have not had one vehicle for more than a few months. I believe another problem is being generated from this because now I am having problems with the vehicle jerking because the vale has not been replaced.
Jeep Cherokee jerking problems
832 of the 14,509 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe jerking or lurching, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 832
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $2,000
- typical mileage
- 25,000
By model year
Often reported together
Harsh shifting 99Hesitation 97Check engine light 91Stalling 83Transmission failure 64Loss of power 55Won't shift 47Grinding brakes 47
Trouble codes mentioned
C14A7 5U1428 1U0403 1U0402 1P1C86 1P0887 1P06DD 1P0520 1P0430 1P0340 1
What owners say
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.
On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues. In May 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component/System Blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed PTU configuration and was excluded from Equipment Safety Recall 02C (Two Speed PTU Failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The PTU and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into Park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving uphill at 30 MPH, the vehicle started jerking and then roll backwards with the accelerator pedal depressed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal rubbing sound coming from the vehicle, with the "4WD" and "Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move Even in Park" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact immediately pulled over and shifted to park(P); however, the vehicle continued to roll backwards. The contact engaged the parking brake and called for Police assistance and an officer arrived and sat with the contact until a tow truck arrived. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and the contact was able to drive the vehicle onto the driveway and parked the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part for the recall repair was unavailable. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
The motor experiences a malfunction, which the passengers feel as a slight ‘bump’ in the engine. The dash flashes Service Electronic Stability Control and the engine experiences a loss in power followed by a gain in power, experienced as slight lurching. The dash ESC icon lights up yellow simultaneously as the ESC button on the center dash instrument cluster. The vehicle continuously lurches as it tries to stabilize, at this point the most ginger touch to the accelerator is necessary, otherwise the engine may stall out. I have been left stalled in the middle of a road where there was moving traffic passing by both ways. The mechanic said the engine codes read- P0340- Camshaft Position Sensor B1S1 & U1428- Received Engine Torque request signal stuck.
My 2018 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is subject to FCA Recall 01C/the federal safety agency 25V‑011 for two-speed PTU failure. I have experienced 3 serious drivetrain events requiring towing. In April 2024, before the recall was announced, the vehicle suddenly lost acceleration while entering an interstate/on-ramp, with loud grinding/revving and jerking. An independent repair facility replaced the transmission. On May 18, 2026, another drivetrain failure occurred. An authorized Jeep dealer confirmed PTU failure and performed Recall 01C. Dealer records state the PTU had “MAJOR INTERNAL DAMAGE” and document damage at the PTU/transmission interface, including a transmission-side stub shaft and damage/scored gears attributed to the old PTU gear. The vehicle remained at the dealer until approximately August 7. About 2 weeks later, the Service 4WD warning appeared, followed by loud drivetrain noise, jerking and severe loss of propulsion. The vehicle also rolled backward while in PARK unless the parking brake was applied and required another tow. The dealer diagnosed a failed left-front CV axle/halfshaft and attributes it to progressive wear, unrelated to the PTU repair. I am not claiming the PTU caused the axle failure; I am asking the federal safety agency to evaluate the timing and repeated loss-of-propulsion/PARK events. Additionally, the dealer performed a multipoint inspection about one week before the axle failure that marked the CV drive axle category as passing. As of Sept. 2, 2026, BOTH the federal safety agency and FCA/Mopar systems still listed Recall 01C as incomplete/unrepaired despite the dealer having performed the recall repair. I request review of these repeated safety failures, the recall remedy, and the continued incomplete recall status.
Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go
Previously reported that my vehicle was throwing the code for the 40D. I returned today, vehicle vehicle start to slam, jerk. Jeep Cares escalated after dealership tech confirmed active failure. Fuse pulled, but can't really drive my car to avoid damages. Now waiting for them to give dealership approval to order part. I still have the 5,/60 Warranty. It's red tape and leaving me driving a dangerous vehicle or be grounded. I'm now waiting fit the case manager to call dealership. This is very upsetting and I blame Chrysler, but the actual dealership. There are 61k vehicles and no scene of urgency. I'm filing the complaint.
Subject: Safety Complaint – Jeep Cherokee PTU Failure Not Included in Recall 40D (the federal safety agency 26V‑290) I am submitting this complaint regarding a safety issue with my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (3.2L V6, ~86,000 miles). My vehicle is experiencing symptoms that closely match those described in Recall 40D (the federal safety agency 26V‑290) and 01c (the federal safety agency 25V‑011), however my VIN is not included in the recall. During low-speed turns, the vehicle behaves as if the four-wheel-drive system is locked. The drivetrain binds and the vehicle jerks, hops, or “skips” through turns. This affects control and creates safety concerns, especially in traffic and parking situations. An independent third-party mechanic has inspected the vehicle and diagnosed a failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). This aligns directly with the defect described in Recall 40D. Symptoms include: Drivetrain binding during turns Jerking/hopping when cornering Sensation of locked differential or 4WD system Abnormal driveline behavior consistent with PTU failure These conditions indicate a drivetrain malfunction that could worsen and potentially lead to loss of motive power or unintended vehicle movement, both identified risks in the recall. Given the clear similarity to Recall 40D, I am concerned that additional vehicles outside the current VIN range are affected. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency: Investigate expanding the recall population Determine whether the PTU defect is more widespread Require remedies for affected vehicles not currently included Vehicle Information: 2019 Jeep Cherokee, 3.2L V6, ~86,000 miles
Automatic transmission shifts hard at approximately 30 mph causing a sudden lurch.It has happened several times. It is such a sudden movement that it feels unsafe as if someone has hit my car from behind. I took my car to the dealer of purchase for the first time for this issue on 7/18/26. This has happened at least 4x and there were no warnings prior to it happening. Also, when I hit a small speed bump the lights went off on the dashboard and car was still running. No findings were reported.
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 jerking
Which Jeep Cherokee years have jerking or lurching problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (322 complaints), 2015 (232 complaints) and 2019 (86 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix jerking or lurching on the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 22 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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