2019 Jeep Cherokee

On September 14, 2025, while driving on the highway, the vehicle began shaking violently, the check engine light illuminated and began flashing, and the vehicle progressively lost power and became undriveable. The vehicle had to be towed. No warning lights appeared prior to the incident. This failure follows a documented history of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) issues. In May 2024 at approximately 88,000 miles, diagnostic codes including C14A7-97 (PTU Motor - Component/System Blocked) were retrieved at an independent service center. The 4-wheel drive system was found to be stuck engaged. The transfer case actuator motor was replaced in December 2024 at approximately 93,000 miles by the same shop at my expense. The vehicle is a single-speed PTU configuration and was excluded from Equipment Safety Recall 02C (Two Speed PTU Failure), despite experiencing substantially similar symptoms: loss of drive power, vibration, and drivetrain malfunction. The PTU and transfer case are available for inspection. The failure has been confirmed by an independent service center. Prior to the highway failure, the vehicle exhibited difficulty accelerating, particularly at highway speeds, and an audible whirring sound from the drivetrain. It also jerked forward when shifting into Park. Safety was put at risk due to sudden loss of motive power at highway speed.

An NHSTA #26V290000 report received on 07/05/2026-Power Train from AAA, NHSTA Campaign #25V011000- Power Train, and NHSTA #18V523000- Service brakes, hydraulic foundation and components disc caliper. On July 9th, 2026, I was driving on the highway and about to approach the Delaware Memorial Bridge. All the lights on the dashboard started flashing: temperature, engine, coolant, etc. I lost braking performance and the car's ability to use it because the entire electronic system locked. I could not put the car in neutral, nor could the truck drivers move it. I was in a dangerous location. Both repair shops also impacted the powertrain and differential; during the test drive, they noted noise from the rear differential when turning and a sense of locking up. These are symptoms of early differential failure. The initial gauge fluctuated, and due to the high temperature, it burned out the engine and radiator; the car smoked heavily inside and out. I have had to pay more than $ 3,500 in repairs for two recalls that were indicated to me when I called about them; they were for 2019 Jeeps, but not my vehicle. It appears as though the recall should be for all 2019 Jeep Cherokees. This is my 4th Jeep, and I have driven each one well over 140,000 miles before getting another vehicle. Before that, any recalls were for all Jeep makes and models that carried those parts or were manufactured with a possibility of failure. I want a refund for what I have had to put into the vehicle. If I had not pulled off the highway at the last exit as was laid on my mind by a higher power, I would have been a fatality due to not being able to move the car off the highway.

Service 4WD light appeared on dashboard. Vehicle will shake while braking- I am told brakes are sounds. Struts, rotors, and sway links replaced this year. Vehicle has been experiencing a loss of power. Start/Stop system will sometimes initiate loss of power. Battery light comes on- car stalls- break pedal locks. Stereo and lights remain in tact. Results from 2 credited garages that I’m dealing with a failed PTU. Software update was done on the vehicle February of 2026. Problems persist.

The vehicle was found to have severe, pre-existing structural and frame damage that compromises its overall crashworthiness and structural integrity. This includes improper prior repairs that mask structural deficiencies. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Operating a vehicle with unaddressed structural frame damage and substandard prior repairs poses an immediate safety risk. In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s crumple zones and structural pillars may fail to protect the cabin as originally engineered, severely increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death to myself and my passengers. Yes. The structural damage and improper prior bodywork were formally identified and documented during an automotive inspection. The vehicle's structural integrity and repair defects have been documented via a professional inspection. Despite these documented findings, the dealership (Carvana) and the warranty administrator (SilverRock) are currently refusing to properly address or resolve the structural safety failures. There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or messages, as this is a physical, structural safety defect stemming from undisclosed prior damage and inadequate repairs rather than an electronic system failure.

2019 Jeep Cherokee. In December 2023, when I took my foot off the brake at a light, the car stalled out and would not start afterward. I was using the auto start/stop feature. Of course it started when the tow arrived, but I took it to the dealer anyway for safety. I had a new starter put in under warranty by the dealer. Code was a faulty starter. In April 2026, the same thing happened and was not covered because the 2 year warranty expired. Stalled out, while taking my foot off the brake at a red light. I had forgotten to turn off the auto start/stop. Thankfully, I was in a safe area and people were able to go around me. Private mechanic said a wire was out of place and a battery cell was a little low. They fixed it, but 1 month later it happened again in May 2026. It was taking a split second longer to start and it did not feel very powerful in comparison (same thing in April). This time, I returned to it after work, and it simply would not start. I assume the starter had simply died due to hearing 1 "click". Not sure why another starter blew in 2.5 years! I am fortunate to not have been stalled on a major highway! They've been coded as faulty starters, but how long are these things actually supposed to last? 2.5 years is way too short. Currently waiting to get my second replacement starter since buying the car used in November 2020. Has over 155,000 miles. No complaints other than this. I do not use the auto start/stop.

The vehicle experienced a failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) associated with the 4WD system. Prior to the failure, the 4WD warning light illuminated on the dashboard, indicating a malfunction within the drivetrain. The condition progressed and was diagnosed as an internal PTU failure. The issue was confirmed by Jacksonville Chrysler Jeep Dodge, which determined that the PTU had failed internally and required full replacement. This failure could have affected the vehicle’s ability to properly transfer power to all four wheels, increasing the risk of loss of traction or control, particularly during wet or slippery road conditions. A sudden loss or reduction of 4WD capability presents a potential safety concern. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by the dealership during inspection. The PTU was replaced due to the internal failure. It is UNKNOWN if the failed component is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives (UNKNOWN). The 4WD warning light appeared prior to the failure, indicating a developing issue before the component ultimately failed. Based on the nature of the failure and the need for full replacement of the PTU, this appears to be a significant drivetrain defect rather than normal wear. Similar failures may be occurring in other vehicles with the same system, which could indicate a broader issue affecting vehicle safety.