NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
800 reportsClear category filter59,000 miles · Mar 16, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a mechanical clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the 4WD failed to engage as needed. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a mechanical clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the 4WD failed to engage as needed. The message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 59,000.
NHTSA ODI #11724691
121,000 miles · Mar 12, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Not Available" displayed, and the 4WD warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power transfer uni…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "4WD Not Available" displayed, and the 4WD warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle vibrated while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the power transfer unit (PTU) was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
NHTSA ODI #11723940
42,885 miles · Mar 10, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit and the shift actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was no…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds on several occasions, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit and the shift actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the parts being on backorder. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the contact’s grandson disassembled the transmission and concluded that the shift actuator did not need to be replaced, but the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving approximately 15 MPH, there was a thumping sound coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the residence and parked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,885.
NHTSA ODI #11723362
49,000 miles · Mar 4, 2026
Power Train
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while accelerat…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud sound coming from the vehicle, and there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that while accelerating, the "Service AWD" warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced NHTSA ID Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
NHTSA ODI #11722106
150,000 miles · Mar 4, 2026
EnginePower Train
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not di…
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The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 70 MPH, there was an abnormally strong burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle. On another occasion, while the vehicle was parked, there was condensation underneath the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact inspected the vehicle and observed that the PTU seal was damaged. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #11721981
127,000 miles · Mar 4, 2026
Power Train
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” …
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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 NHTSA 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.
NHTSA ODI #11721920
Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2026
Power Train
On March 1, 2026, while traveling south on Colonel Rodman Highway, I heard a sudden explosive noise and the Jeep bucked and jerked violently, nearly causing an accident. We were able to reach the breakdown lane, but the situation created a highly hazardous driving condition. My research identified a significant PTU recall and T…
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On March 1, 2026, while traveling south on Colonel Rodman Highway, I heard a sudden explosive noise and the Jeep bucked and jerked violently, nearly causing an accident. We were able to reach the breakdown lane, but the situation created a highly hazardous driving condition. My research identified a significant PTU recall and TSB 9004402, which acknowledges complexities and compatibility issues between 20-plate and 24-plate RDM designs for this model year. This confirms the component is not a standard wear-and-tear part, but a specialized system with known engineering concerns. I brought the vehicle to Tasca Jeep and was advised that the rear differential failed and the PTU blew apart, with an estimated repair cost of $9,637. It is unacceptable for owners to bear the cost of what appears to be a known safety-related defect. This is not an inconvenience — it is a serious safety issue. I am requesting a full investigation and written clarification as to why no recall or broader corrective action has been issued. There were no lights or warnings on the dash, no indication this could/would happen. I look forward to your prompt response.
NHTSA ODI #11721840
Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2026
Power Train
Service 4WD/AWD light appears every time I drive the car. Similar to a recent recall that was issued on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee for the PTU problems. Brought to dealership to diagnose the service light and the dealership confirmed the problem, which was similar to the recent recall.
NHTSA ODI #11721426
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2026
Power Train
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #11721189
Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2026
Power Train
Driving at intestate speed when vehicle started to make noise and started jerking. Stopped to see what was happening and found that it was trying to bind up or lock up in transmission area. Trailered vehicle to jeep dealer there diagnosed answer was the ptu is bad. And none available do to recall of which my vehicle is not part …
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Driving at intestate speed when vehicle started to make noise and started jerking. Stopped to see what was happening and found that it was trying to bind up or lock up in transmission area. Trailered vehicle to jeep dealer there diagnosed answer was the ptu is bad. And none available do to recall of which my vehicle is not part of? They say part needed is 68333254ai Can you help?
NHTSA ODI #11721122
Official recalls
11May 7, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Apr 29, 2025
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 29, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
Steering:rack And Pinion:pinion Shaft
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.
Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.
Jun 13, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The impact and acceleration sensors may fail and reduce the air bag system's ability to properly detect certain crash events.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the inability to properly detect a crash may result in improper air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected sensors, 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 V63.
Mar 28, 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The front passenger seat mounting bolts may be loose.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat may move, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will tighten the mounting bolts, free of charge. The recall began April 11, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V31.
Dec 20, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The instrument cluster may fail resulting in a lack of activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without the activation of warning chimes, messages, and gauges to provide vehicle information to the driver, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the instrument cluster, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UC4.
Oct 19, 2018
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Aug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Dodge Grand Caravan and Jeep Compass, 2018 Dodge Journey, and 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons on these vehicles may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U86.
Aug 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Jul 26, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
May 25, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These engines may also have a reversed camshaft cap that can damage the camshaft bearing causing camshaft failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Cylinder damage or camshaft failure can cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and repair or replace the affected engine components, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U52.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗