PTU system was faulty and needed to be replaced. There is currently a recall on this issue with 2019 Jeep Cherokees, but Jeep informed me that my VIN was not associated with this recall. Even though I personally paid to have the issue fixed 3 weeks before the recall.
2019 Jeep Cherokee
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Cherokee years
Owner complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee are substantially higher than the model-year median of 113.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cherokee years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
750 reports with mileage · 888 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 800 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 457 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 340 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
1,638 reportsPower train has a recall. There is no remedy for said recall yet. Car has issues shifting
Rear differential locked up. I was told the front differential is bad to and probably the PTU
Vehicle turned off on highway while in drive. Would not start again after this happened and was only five years old. This created a significant safety risk of the veg I leg stopping on the highway. Due to this insurance would not cover, and vehicle was returned to bank. Was assessed at a dealership stating potentially could be r…
Read full complaint
Vehicle turned off on highway while in drive. Would not start again after this happened and was only five years old. This created a significant safety risk of the veg I leg stopping on the highway. Due to this insurance would not cover, and vehicle was returned to bank. Was assessed at a dealership stating potentially could be repaired costing more than the value of vehicle. We became aware of a pending recall of the following issue that describes what occurred. “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.”
Power Transfer Unit stopped working. No 4 wheel drive now. Sometimes loss of power. I know there is a recall on this.
In the past two weeks, my car has stalled three times, all occurring approximately 5-10 minutes after starting my drive. Everything works fine until I apply the brakes, at which point the car immediately stalls while in traffic. Fortunately, each time, I was able to turn on my hazard lights, pull over to the side of the road, an…
Read full complaint
In the past two weeks, my car has stalled three times, all occurring approximately 5-10 minutes after starting my drive. Everything works fine until I apply the brakes, at which point the car immediately stalls while in traffic. Fortunately, each time, I was able to turn on my hazard lights, pull over to the side of the road, and restart the car—though it took some effort. Each incident also happened when my automatic start-stop system was turned off. These stalling incidents seem similar to a recall issue from 2020, where a computer system update was required. However, in 2020, I was unable to restart the car without a jump after it stalled. There have been no warning lights on the dashboard, and the car has not yet been independently reviewed by a dealer.
I was driving approximately 30 mph on an exit ramp and as I pressed the gas to accelerate when I got below speed, the drive power completely ceased, started making a noise that I have never heard, almost like a baseball card in a bicycle wheel. The screen flashed a 4WD alert, and then shut off / went completely black. I could no…
Read full complaint
I was driving approximately 30 mph on an exit ramp and as I pressed the gas to accelerate when I got below speed, the drive power completely ceased, started making a noise that I have never heard, almost like a baseball card in a bicycle wheel. The screen flashed a 4WD alert, and then shut off / went completely black. I could not accelerate, I could not turn the wheel at all as it locked up, and once the car finally stopped, I had to keep the break pressed because it would not shift into park. it wouldn't move forward but i was afraid if i let my foot off, it would randomly start again. A truck behind me nearly crashed into the back of my car which would have killed me. I quickly had to pull off to the right in the shoulder as my car came to a dead stop. My car was towed by AAA and brought to the nearest mechanic, as that is the only way they will tow a car. I was told the engine is shot. I have 40,000 miles on my 2019 car. this is completely unacceptable. I know there is a recall for EXACTLY what happened to my car on THE SAME YEAR AND MODEL CAR, but apparently my VIN is not included in the recall. I'm out $13,000 that I owe on this car now and have no options at all financially.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission shifted incorrectly. The message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The ve…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the transmission shifted incorrectly. The message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,300.
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite has had a recall on the PTU for some time now with no remedy in the near future. Serious safety issues are at stake. This recall may cause a crash without warning due to loss of motive power. Also, loss of park function can cause vehicle to cause injury or death as well while outside the …
Read full complaint
My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk Elite has had a recall on the PTU for some time now with no remedy in the near future. Serious safety issues are at stake. This recall may cause a crash without warning due to loss of motive power. Also, loss of park function can cause vehicle to cause injury or death as well while outside the vehicle. How can MOPAR not have to fix this in a timely manner? How it this not illegal? I still have to finish paying the money I owe on something that isn't worth more than the amount I can get for the metal I can scrap from it. Jeep knew about this in my 2014 Cherokee, unfortunately I bought another one. 12/2023 Canada was aware. It took until January 2025 for us to be formerly informed of a recall. I get warning lights and transmission seems to be in neutral at times.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was without power for approximately 2 seconds, and then the transmission re-engaged. In addition, the contact stated th…
Read full complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the transmission disengaged, and the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle was without power for approximately 2 seconds, and then the transmission re-engaged. In addition, the contact stated that when the transmission re-engaged, the transmission shifted hard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The failure mileage was 83,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Official recalls
1126V290000 · Power Train
May 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.
25V011000 · Power Train
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.
19V637000 · Steering:rack And Pinion:pinion Shaft; Steering:rack And Pinion:rack
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.
19V449000 · Air Bags
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.
19V248000 · Seats
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.
18V917000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
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.
18V739000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
18V523000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper
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.
18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
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.
18V492000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
18V344000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
Illustration