Jeep Cherokee transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Transmission · OH

My 2020 JeepCherokee has been disabled at Jeff Wyler Springfield Jeep since 10/13 after suffering a drivetrain failure on 10/11.My vehicle exhibited a severe mechanical grinding noise,locking front wheels,& a 'Service 4WD' warning light while driving, un-commanded engagement of snow mode,& of the e-brake upon parking. Upon inspection 10/14,the tech claimed no codes appeared but stated the transmission required replacement.I contacted my warranty company to start a claim. On 10/15,the advisor said I needed to authorize a transmission tear down per warranty company.I refused due to out-of-pocket financial liability for a blind diagnosis.On 10/16,I asked the advisor how they diagnosed it as transmission needing replaced,she text “I went out with the technician he pulled the fuse and the vehicle still would not drive, this message also popped up on the dash further confirming the technicians disgnostic on the transmission replacement recommendation”(attached a photo of the dash “service transmission).”3rd party inspector evaluated the Jeep intact on 10/20.The dealership provided inspector with transmission replacement estimate & Federal Safety Recall 40D info.The advisor stated the inspector didn’t inform her of findings or if codes appeared.On 10/21,the advisor stated the warranty company directed them to perform software update on the PTU.On 10/22,the advisor said the tech attempted to perform update but update was not available so the tech put a request in to Jeep.D/t the un-remedied status of Safety Recall 40D,advisor stated my warranty company has froze my claim,stating they are waiting for recall remedy to release before proceeding.The advisor stated my only resource for alternate mobility is through Jeep Corporate.Despite my vehicle being undrivable d/t a federal safety hazard,Jeep Corporate Management Case#98327109 has flatly refused to provide a direct-billed vehicle,leaving a consumer entirely stranded indefinitely due to delay in manufacture recall remedy.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · 38,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was initially taken to the dealer because the check engine light illuminated and the radio became very hot. The dealer replaced a valve and installed a new screen, which temporarily resolved the issue. Months later, the failures recurred, and the transmission was replaced. The vehicle was returned to the dealer for a software update. During a later visit, the dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a failing transmission gasket, a rear differential leak, an engine oil leak, and a failed battery requiring replacement. After the contact heard a loud scraping noise, the vehicle was returned to the dealer, who performed a rear differential fluid change but stated no mechanical failure was present. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer after a "Service 4WD" warning light illuminated. The dealer replaced the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) motor, despite claiming the PTU was unrelated to the failure. The contact stated that the transmission assembly, PTU motor, gaskets, and other essential powertrain components were all replaced within a one-year period. The contact stated that the engine consistently emitted an abnormal unknown odor. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer confirmed the failure. The failure mileage was 38,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · 117,800 miles · WI

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.

Filed Sep 24, 2026 · Suspension, Transmission · 90,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the transmission failed to shift into gear properly. The contact stated that the vehicle nearly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While on a XXX road trip through [XXX] with my son, my Jeep was initially operating normally. We were leaving a hiking site when the Jeep gears would not engage. Soon the engine roared and popped into gear however it would not go over 30 mph and the engine went from idling to roaring with rpms going up to 8,000. We were in a small town and went to the local NAPA dealer who after examining the Jeep said he couldn’t address the issue and felt a new transmission maybe needed. Another local master mechanic advised it wasn’t the transmission and we could drive to the nearest Jeep dealer in [XXX]. While driving there, the car uncontrollably rotated between roaring, operating normally, and stalling out on hills. The Grand Junction dealer advised a total replacement of PTU Motor Component, according to the invoice. Since the Jeep was not operating properly, I approved the replacement. Fortunately the replacement was accomplished before the weekend. Upon arriving to pick up the Jeep, I was told there was a recall on this particular Jeep and issue. However since no repair had been decided upon - where we still are today, 4 months after I had to pay for the replacement parts and service. A total of $1,450.31 had to be paid by me. I’ve been informed by all parties that until a repair option is agreed upon, I remain out of pocket of these funds. I’m retired, living on a fixed income, paid for a warranty protection plan that I am still in compliance with, but I can’t be reimbursed until a repair plan is decided upon. The Jeep was basically inoperable, at least not safely. After the repairs were made, the Jeep is operating better than it had even before the incident occurred. I was not aware of the recall - guess since a repair decision had not been made, I was not notified of the issue. This is BS, sorry but that closely resembles how I feel. Please do something to aid my situation and help me get my funds back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Transmission · TX

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)

Filed Sep 3, 2026 · Transmission · CO

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.

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 Jun 6, 2026 · Transmission · MN

My vehicle has 81000 miles and the PTU/transmission went out. After doing some research about this issue I discovered that it is a very common problem with jeeps from 2014 to 2024. To get it repaired is $3,000. Seems like Jeep was installing bad transmissions. They should recall these and cover the coast for repair.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Transmission · 110,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train), and the part was listed as available at the time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed to have the PTU/full transmission failure as listed in the recall notice; however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the dealer not being able to remedy the part. The part was ordered. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at an undisclosed speed on the highway, she attempted to accelerate but no power was given. She pulled off to the side, and authorities were called for traffic control. The vehicle was unable to move. When engaging into drive, the vehicle sounded like it was coming apart. The contact stated the vehicle was not able to engage its own brake. When the vehicle was towed, there was no evidence that the wheels were locked up. Shortly after that, the vehicle's PTU became fully inoperable, causing the vehicle to not be able to be placed in park or any other driver setting. The vehicle was towed to the dealer a second time. The tow company parked the vehicle at the dealer on a hill. With a failed transmission, this caused the vehicle's E-brake to disengage, causing it to roll off the hill and stopped rolling shortly after once on flat ground. The dealer declined to perform the recall repair and prompted the contact to fix the E-brake on her own, although the failure portrayed to the recall notice. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.