2019 Jeep Cherokee

​NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX ​Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification ​This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the Mopar Two-Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. ​On May 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized FCA dealership, St. Helens Auto Center (Repair Order #XXX). The certified technician, Don Stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the PTU feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around.” ​Despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, Service Manager April McCall formally refused to submit a corporate Goodwill or Warranty Extension claim to FCA unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three CV axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry." ​To verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (Dr. Auto LLC, Invoice #XXX) on May 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All CV axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. ​The dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central PTU to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee PTU failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through Dr. Auto LLC, in Warren, OR. That it is in fact PTU unit attached to the propeller shaft. Plan to go through a dealership soon. ​This failure mirrors the symptoms described in NHTSA Recall 23V-302 (FCA Recall 01C). Although my specific VIN is currently not included in this recall, the mechanical symptoms—specifically vibration and grinding at the PTU output—indicate a premature failure of the input shaft splines. ​This presents a significant safety risk, as the failure of these splines can lead to an abrupt loss of motive power while in motion and a loss of the "Park" function, which could lead to an unintended vehicle rollaway. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether the current recall scope should be expanded to include additional 2019 Jeep Cherokee units, such as mine, that were manufactured with the same defective PTU components. Im afraid to lose power to my wheels while im driving with young kids in my vehicle and I am afraid to lose parking function that could injure someone or cause property damage.

While driving home from Church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The rear differential completely froze, forcing the vehicle to skid recklessly without operator control or ability to brake. Steering was near impossible as the car veered first to the guard-rail on the median, and then across 2 lanes of traffic towards the guardrail on the shoulder. A terrible accident was avoided by an alert and skillful driver who was behind me. After what i later came to find out from the dealer (having the vehicle towed) was the rear drive train gears sheered, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder.

While driving the car, the shifting mechanisms are not working correctly. Stalling, hard shift etc. Causing jolts, and sudden stop/start movements. I was driving in the snow when my car jolted and was unable to stop on the ice leaving me in the snow bank. Went to put it in 4wd and the 4wd wouldn’t work. Brought it to the dealer repair shop where the recall was determined as the culprit. I have waited a year for the recall with no news, updates and being unable to drive my car.

My vehicle is under an open safety recall 01C involving the PTU system, and there has been no remedy available for nearly a year. This defect caused a dangerous and sudden loss of acceleration while I was driving, and the manufacturer has still provided no fix, and no support through the dealership. The incident occurred when I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green,I pressed the gas and the vehicle immediately made a loud grinding/shaking noise, shuddered violently, and lost all propulsion. The car would barely move. I was extremely lucky that there was a parking lot directly next to the intersection, and with the tiny amount of movement left,I was able to coast into it. If this failure had happened anywhere else—on a highway, in the middle of an intersection, or without a place to pull off—I could have been rear-ended or caused a collision. My safety was put at immediate risk due to this recall defect. I contacted the dealership, but they stated they could not repair the vehicle because Jeep/Stellantis had not released a remedy, parts, or service procedure for the recall. I was told multiple times that there was nothing they could do until Jeep provided a fix. After the breakdown, an independent shop confirmed the PTU failure, since the dealer still had no ability to repair it. All failed components and documentation are available for inspection. I lost use of my vehicle and was forced to take safety into my own hands. When I submitted reimbursement documentation to Jeep Customer Care, they denied it because the repair was not done at a certified dealer and did not use MOPAR parts—even though no certified repair or MOPAR parts exist for this recall. This leaves me without a safe vehicle, without a remedy, and without support. I am requesting NHTSA intervention due to the ongoing safety risk and the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely fix and proper reimbursement for their admitted issue with the vehicle.

Vehicle is hard to turn since it is locked in to all wheel drive . I had Northtown Jeep ( dealership) look at it and they knew what it was just after one quick ride around the building. The car has 28543 miles on it and is out of warranty. They told me that the PTU was faulty and that also caused damage to the rear differential. This vehicle from day one sounded and felt a bit (odd) but I just figured that this was normal but it wasn't until this year when leaving the driveway that it got to the point that we could not even drive the car.The dealership said it would cost roughly 6800.00 to repair both the ptu and the differential, which I can not afford.