1. Start/stop light always comes on since I purchased the vehicle in 2024 2. Svc 4wd light is always on within the past several months 3. Vehicle System Report indicates 10 items needs attention including the DTCM 4. Receiving error code C1494 for PTU Symptoms: A. Vibrating floor bed at left drivers side foot B. Slipping and sliding in the rear tires. The VIN has been excluded from all safety recalls, but I am experiencing a severe failure of the AWD/4WD. The dealership that I bought it from will not assist me in paying because my car was excluded. I have all the signs of a failed PTU.
Jeep Cherokee slipping problems
177 of the 14,517 owner complaints about the Jeep Cherokee describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2014 model year.
- owner complaints
- 177
- worst model year
- 2014
- typical repair cost reported
- $500
- typical mileage
- 24,000
Is there a fix? There are 12 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Jerking 34Check engine light 24Harsh shifting 13Hesitation 12Transmission failure 11Stalling 11Grinding brakes 8Won't shift 7
Trouble codes mentioned
C14A7 1C1494 1
What owners say
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.
I am reporting a severe cascading drivetrain failure on my 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk (VIN:[XXX] ) caused directly by defective components that are the subject of active federal safety recalls (the federal safety agency Campaigns 01C / 40D / 25V011).This vehicle has a documented service history of two separate, consecutive Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failures. The first PTU was replaced at a previous dealership, and a subsequent unit failed and was replaced later. The mechanical binding, slipping, and severe shock-loading caused by these factory-defective PTU modules repeatedly hammered the transmission's internal components during low-gear acceleration.As a direct result of this cumulative mechanical trauma, the transmission's 1st-gear clutch (Clutch A, a mechanical interlocking dog clutch) has prematurely failed at 80,500 miles, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and unable to safely engage forward gears. The dealership confirmed internal failure of the 1st-gear clutch but refused 100% repair coverage, stating the current PTU is functional. However, because this is a sealed ZF 9-speed transmission, the dealer cannot visually inspect Clutch A for cumulative metal fatigue or micro-fractures without a total teardown.The manufacturer, Stellantis/FCA, is refusing to take corporate responsibility for the cascading damage caused to the transmission by their recalled, defective transfer units (Corporate Case Number: XXX). I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate how the structural defects in the 2019 Cherokee PTU systems are causing premature, catastrophic internal transmission failures in consumer vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. the federal safety agency Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.
Slipping of transmission
Has been in shop since I have owed it replaced axles (rear) rear differential(1 time), and transfer case(3 times) still slipping and dragging at take off and speed over 55 grinding and bumping sounds , mechanics can’t figure it out no lights on dash and diagonist still shows rear differential and transfer case
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle the warning message "Service Four Wheel Drive" had displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed a software update but the warning light remailed illuminated. The contact retrieved the vehicle and later experienced transmission gear slippage and grinding. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 154,000.
Car shifts out of gear and when trying to accelerate the car won’t go any faster. Feels like it slips out of gear. Happened out of the blue, NO check engine light and no warning
The 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee V6 80th Anniversary Edition. The Engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, Decided to head directly to the dealership. When I approached my first light off the exit (still no sign of trouble) the vehicle rolled backwards. Applying breaks to avoid collisions with vehicles behind, I tried accelerating with little to no power from the transmission. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Jeep dealership and available for inspection. This condition created a safety risk because the vehicle hesitated entering traffic and rolled backward while stopped, increasing the risk of collisions. An engine warning light illuminated while driving prior to complete drivability failure. Symptoms included delayed engagement and slipping from a stop, which worsened rapidly after the warning light appeared. The failure has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Jeep dealership, which determined the transmission requires full replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. No crash occurred, so no police or insurance inspection was involved. Jeep dealership would not offer any goodwill assistance despite being just outside the threshold for drivetrain warranty.
Transmission is slipping bad, I am told that it is nothing of my doing, but I cannot get it replaced with the powertrain warranty that I have because I was over 1000 miles on my oil change
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 slipping
Which Jeep Cherokee years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2014 (62 complaints), 2015 (40 complaints) and 2016 (20 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix transmission slipping on the Jeep Cherokee?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $500 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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