There are 50 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2018 Jeep Cherokeein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(R) functioned as designed. The vehicle was restarted but failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I took [XXX] into to Auffenburg of IL for the recall. They told me the code the car is throwing is not the recall code, but that it is a failure of the PTU, which is the recalled part. I have tried since March 2nd to get straight answers from Stellantis (Case number XXX jeep Cherokee, case manager [XXX] ). But This promise to get back with me has been going on for over a month with no real movement. Stellantis [XXX] Derek XXX Ashley Mansker (Who is leaving CDJR to work for their VW dealership) Copy of the letter sent from Ashley to me: Customer brought vehicle in for the Safety Recall 01C-2 Speed PTU Failure to be completed. While technician was attempting to complete the recall, the vehicle failed to finish the wiTech Routine. Vehicle would not shift into 4 High. Vehicle has a code in system as C14A7-97 - PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked. Would need to diagnose the current code, before continuing the Recall. Since vehicle will not finish the wiTECH routine, We can not complete recall. After routine is completed, there is two outcomes. Check for DTC C1494-07 (PTU Fork). ➢ If C1494-07 is set, replace the PTU. ➢ If no code C1494-07 is set, return the vehicle to the customer. Unfortunately, Without vehicle completing the recall, we can not replace PTU under recall. Except of call with Stellantis: February 27th. Now um the revision was not out yet. Uh, it was released March 18th. So on March 18th, it was a while. Yeah. If the vehicle arrives at the dealership with a PTU and uh dealership diagnosed and recommends that the PTU needed to be replaced 1st prior to doing the software update, it will be covered. It's on the revision. Okay. Okay, so I just want to make sure everything is clear and straightened out, so Colleen, don't worry anymore. We guarantee and assure you that your PT will be replaced for free, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving uphill when they heard a loud pop coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter or turn off the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact removed the foot from the brake pedal, and the vehicle rolled backward with the gear shifter in park(P). The parking brake failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times, and the vehicle failed to stop. Once the vehicle was pulled over onto gravel on the side of the road, the vehicle stopped. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed, and the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer informed the contact, and the manufacturer requested that the dealer release the vehicle back to the owner. The contact was informed that two fault codes were retrieved; however, another code was not displayed, and the manufacturer stated that since the other code was not displayed, the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN), and that the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.
- The PTU has been making a grinding noise, and the car feels different to drive. - Other issues with a different model of this PTU involve the car rolling out of park or losing driving power while in motion. I do not believe this is an isolated issue with my vehicle, due to looked at forums and communities online with people having the same issue as me. This could put other drivers and me on the road at risk. - Grinding noise identified as PTU by ASE-certified tech. - Vehicle to be inspected by dealer 3/3/26 -Do not remember the date of first hearing the noise, but it has been present for a few days. Noise varies from super loud to absent. No warning lamps prior to failure or present.
Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2018 at GM Motors (Old Bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at Bloomfiel, I talked to Tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them last month they told me this recall have been released that was a lie, he told me any Jeep Dodge Chrysler have this part anywhere in the country, I said Oky I can try to get it I don’t have to pay for the installation he said no cause the part should from Chrysler, when I didn’t know yet if it was a recall whe I saw the light 4wd SVC coming up on my dash board he tried to charge me 1300$ for a recall they should repair for free
Service 4WD indicator showing PTU issue. My vehicle is not included in the recall, but this issue seems to be the same one noted.
The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) failed on my 2018 Jeep Cherokee causing AWD system malfunction. The dealership diagnosed the failure and advised repair. However, the replacement part is on national backorder with no estimated delivery date, and I was told it may take several months. The vehicle is not reliably drivable and I am left without transportation despite a known defect. Numerous owners are reportedly waiting for the same part. This represents a safety concern and failure to provide a timely repair remedy.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact research was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that there no recall associated with the VIN. However, the contact stated that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
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.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. 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 contact stated that the “Service 4-WD” warning light was illuminated. While driving at various speeds and accelerating, there was a clunking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. Additionally, the mileage was flashing while the instrument panel was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the remedy was not available and referred the contact tothe NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 131,021.
PTU/transfer case issues under 50,000 miles, jeep randomly shuts off 4wd in dangerous areas without any warning
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD feature was inoperable. The contact stated that the PTU splines were worn, preventing the engagement of the 4WD feature, and potentially preventing the vehicle from remaining unmovable while shifted to park(P). The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 149,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 55-60 MPH and shifting gears. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the power train. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood with a burning odor. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to allow the smoke to clear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the recall remedy part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.
The 4x4 system, bad PTU actuator. Yes. 2. Power loss can cause an accident at any given moment putting Not just you but other drivers at risk. 3. I took it too dealership today bad PTU actuator. Don’t have that amount of money to get it fixed. 4. Yes by the dealership. 5. Just an intermittent Svc 4wd light I just bought the car off auction about a month ago and had this issue since the very first day of buying. Read a lot about these cars and the 2018 Jeep Cherokee whole PTU should have a recall in my opinion very dangerous and Jeep needs to take it seriously.
My PTU has failed and my safety is at risk as my car could at any point loose power causing harm to me and others involved. This appears to be a manufacturing defect identical to those listed under the recall. I am requesting immediate inclusion and repair under the recall provisions
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle coasted to the side of the road, where the vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the engine made an abnormal sound, and the transmission failed to function as intended. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the boyfriend's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit had failed. The contact was informed that the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. 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. The failure mileage was approximately over 100,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. 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 exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after shifting to park(P), the vehicle rolled unintendedly. The contact activated the parking brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling away. While driving and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and accelerated slowly. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The failure occurred intermittently and occurred while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit(PTU) failure. The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not available. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,500.
Driving on the highway going around 60mph and my transmission disengaged and all of my sensors turned off and i had no power at the gas pedal. I was able to pull over and the warning message told me to put put it in park and turn it off in order to fix the issue
Showing 1–20 of 50 complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 25, 2026