Jeep Cherokee whining noise problems

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Transmission · 85,000 miles · NY

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 complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, an abnormal whining noise emanated from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over and restarted the engine; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Transmission · 113,400 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving 70 MPH, there was an abnormal whining and grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The message "4WD Service Unavailable" was displayed. The failure mileage was approximately 113,400.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Transmission · MI

The rear differential is cracked and has seperated causing breakage at the snap ring due to faulty manufacturing. If the rear differential should fail while driving, the safety of myself, family and others on the road could be at extreme risk of injury or possible fatality caused by loss of control. The vehicle was inspected by an independent certified mechanic and Snethkamp Dealership for conformation. Signs of the issue were first discovered in early July when a whining type noise and slight shaking occured when pressing the accelerator which prompted me to take the vehicle to my mechanic who then discovered the rear differential had spllit at the snap ring.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While driving i lost power and heard whining and grinding. Loss of power. Had to get it to towed to the dealership where it remains as their no remedy.

Filed Aug 14, 2026 · Transmission · 107,952 miles · ID

The contact owns a 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the “Service 4-WD” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that the PTU was failing. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unknown recall with a similar description; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling out of state. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,952.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Transmission · IA

My PTU in my 2014 Jeep Cherokee is failing. The car has been jerking when accelerating. Sometimes very slow when I first accelerate then jerks heavily and takes off at a high rate of speed. I also noticed weird grinding and unusual sounds. The sound starts randomly when accelerating or when traveling and I let off the accelerator. The sound is more of a howling then grinds and quickly goes away. I replaced all the wheel bearings on the vehicle and it still existed. I then took the car to a Jeep dealer where one of the techs had test drove it and confirmed that the PTU has failed.

Filed May 14, 2026 · Transmission · OH

In January of 2026 the vehicle had a 4WD system unavailable/ Service required message pop up. It would come on and go back off. At the time there was also a whining/ grinding noise present especially at high speeds on the highway along with vibrations. We had the vehicle checked with. Code reader and was told it was sending a false code, and that a fuse probably needed replaced for it to go off. The whining and grinding we thought could be wheel bearings or breaks. Both have been replaced and still have all of the same symptoms. The 4WD service light goes off but comes back on and stays on anytime a bump in the road is hit.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Transmission · 127,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 4 MPH into a parking lot, the “Service 4WD” light illuminated and turned on and off. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and a code for the PTU was retrieved. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The “Service 4WD” light was illuminated. Additionally, while driving, accelerating, or depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. The driver inspected the vehicle but was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was determined the failure was associated with the PTU. The dealer determined that a diagnostic test was needed, and that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer for a Goodwill repair. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

Filed Feb 28, 2026 · Transmission · NH

I was driving the vehicle under normal road conditions, started to hear a whine from under the vehicle, then felt an explosion from under the vehicle. A lot of lights came in on the dash, and I could barely pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and turn it off. I had the vehicle towed to my garage, and they said the PTU had exploded, and my transfer case has a hole in it now. There is an active recall on certain models, but mine is not included

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

1. The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and transfer case have failed. The vehicle was initially suspected to have a wheel bearing issue due to a howling noise during the test drive. However, after purchase, the noise worsened significantly. An independent repair shop diagnosed the vehicle and confirmed that the transfer case and bearings are defective and unsafe. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and is available for inspection upon request. 2. I was informed by a certified mechanic that the vehicle is unsafe to drive and poses a significant risk of crash due to transfer case failure. Failure of the transfer case and PTU can result in sudden loss of power, drivetrain lockup, or loss of vehicle control while driving. This placed my safety, my child’s safety, and others on the road at serious risk. I was specifically instructed not to drive the vehicle due to the hazard. 3.Yes. The problem was confirmed by both an independent repair shop and the selling dealership. The dealership acknowledged there is an active recall related to the PTU/transfer case and ordered a replacement transfer case. However, they stated the part is on national backorder with no current estimated availability due to the recall. 4. The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by an independent repair facility and is currently at the dealership where it was purchased for further inspection and recall-related repair. The dealership has acknowledged the recall and the need for transfer case replacement. 5.Yes. The primary symptom was a loud howling or whining noise coming from the drivetrain area, which began before purchase and was reported to the dealer during the test drive. The dealer initially stated it was a wheel bearing issue. After purchase, the noise progressively worsened over several weeks, leading to the diagnosis of transfer case failure. No warning lights appeared, but the audible noise was severe and consistent.