Jeep Cherokee overheating problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · MO

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · OK · fire

Warning message of 4 Wheel drive overheating and disengaging. a few minutes later a loud pop occurred, and flames overtook the engine and drive train. I pulled off the road and the fire department came and put out the fire. It is a total loss. I believe that this is a safety recall but I was never notified of any repairs needed.

Filed Aug 15, 2026 · Body, Brakes · CA

Online is saying there is 0 recalls after a year of having the vehicle a recall was sent by mail. I got it fixed by jeep van nuys, the engine and the other equipment attached looks unsafe and it is completely overheating

Filed Jun 23, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CO

I have a 2014 Jeep Cherokee that i have had since 2019. Since I have owned it, there have been several transmission recalls. I am currently dealing with a new transmission issue, where it is jerky and fails to go when pressing the gas after being at a stop. I am also dealing with the second oil filter housing leaking. Apparently this is a known issue, due to a plastic housing that cracks and warps easily. This causes significant oil and coolant leaks. This can potentially cause engine failure as well as the possibility of oil causing a fire due to hot oil on the exhaust. I previously paid over $1000 to have this repaired a few years ago and its now doing the same thing! This is highly frustrating. I will not be able to drive my car until this is fixed to the safety hazard of driving with such a bad oil leak.

Filed May 7, 2026 · Engine · CA

Vehicle is overheating, have had issues right after purchasing from carmax burbank and issues after the recall was worked on at van nuys jeep dealership.

Filed Apr 30, 2026 · Transmission · CO

I am writing to formally raise a concern regarding the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) on my Jeep Cherokee, which currently has approximately 123,000 miles and has been driven fewer than 10,000 miles per year. Despite what I would consider normal usage, the PTU appears to be failing—an issue I understand is not uncommon for this vehicle. I have been informed that replacement PTU units are currently on extended backorder, with dealerships reportedly facing a backlog of hundreds of pending repairs. This raises serious concerns, not only about parts availability but also about the apparent frequency of this failure. More importantly, I am concerned about the risk of continued operation while awaiting replacement. Based on my understanding, a failing PTU can place additional strain on the transmission and drivetrain, potentially leading to more extensive damage, overheating, or even sudden mechanical failure. Given that the part is unavailable for an extended period, I am left in a position where continued use of the vehicle may result in further costly damage and possible safety risks. I would appreciate clarification on the following: What steps can be taken to mitigate further damage while the PTU is on backorder? Whether there are any alternative repair options, including temporary solutions or access to remanufactured or used parts Whether any goodwill assistance, extended warranty consideration, or manufacturer support is available given the known issues and current supply constraints I rely on my vehicle for regular transportation and am concerned about both safety and the potential for escalating repair costs due to circumstances beyond my control. I would appreciate a prompt and thorough response outlining available options. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 24, 2026 · Engine · 114,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2014 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the message “Turn off Air Conditioner - Engine Overheating” was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the water pump and wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Electrical, Suspension · MD

I brought the vehicle in November 2023 and the vehicle has been taken back to the dealership on numerous occasions due to the vehicle jumping/launching forward at low speeds, the power decreasing and then launching, the wheels for front end feels and sounds like something is breaking and the rear feels like something is broken and none of this has been addressed. I’ve been complaining some the end of November 2023. Vehicle also hesitate when pulling off. The electrical system in the car keeps overheating and then resetting. The screen gets hot to touch and freezes as wells as freezing when it very cold outside. At any temperature the screen goes black and will not comeback on for hours.

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Transmission · CA

PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure what next steps are but I thought you should be aware of this recurring issue since the 2021 PTU is very similar to the earlier model PTU's that have been recalled.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Transmission · NM

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has malfunctioned. Specifically, the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) is reporting a "TestFailed" status with active fault codes C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) and C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature). The vehicle and its diagnostic logs are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure creates a risk of sudden loss of motive power while driving or a loss of the PARK function when stationary, both of which can lead to a collision. Furthermore, internal diagnostic data has recorded clutch plate temperatures as high as 437.1°F. This extreme thermal condition represents a significant fire hazard and the potential for mechanical seizure while the vehicle is in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep after the 01C recall software was installed, which subsequently triggered the "TestFailed" status. Additionally, an independent inspection by Universal Transmission confirmed the specific PTU fault codes and verified that the overheating issue is originating from the PTU. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealership (Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep) and an independent service center (Universal Transmission). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the vehicle displayed "4WD Overheating," "Temp Unavailable," and "Service 4WD" warning lamps and messages. These symptoms were formally documented in technical scan reports beginning in early March 2026.