There are 50 owner-reported powertrain & transmission complaints for the 2019 Jeep Cherokeein NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact became aware of a fluid leak on the driveway. The contact inspected the rear of the vehicle and discovered that the fluid leak was coming from the transmission case. The contact associated the failure with an unknown recall. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced loss of motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact also stated that the vehicle had failed to start occasionally. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had unexpectedly shifted into neutral(N) while driving. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.
Power Train- error message stating 4x4 is unavailable, message will appear anytime between when first starting the car to active on the road. While active, there sounds like there’s some sounds coming from the rear tires before message appears. This issue has been consistent since purchasing the car at 76k mileage. Airbag- at random and then noticeably when hitting some bumps, dash light stating “Service airbag system”
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated. The “Service 4WD” warning light was illuminated. The contact pressed and held down the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that when the vehicle stopped, the vehicle rolled forward. The contact turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle started. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with the failure of the transfer case, rear differential, and the engine oil cooler. The contact was informed that the transfer case, rear differential and engine oil cooler needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that on March 4,2026, the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that the vehicle was not inspected, and the recall repair was not performed; however, the recall was marked as completed by the dealer. The contact was informed that the failure was not associated with the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,465.
I was driving on the highway going approximately 75mph, everything was 100% normal. All of a sudden, and at once, my steering wheel started to shake, the car lost power/acceleration and speed quickly dropped. The engine was making loud noises. We pulled over, called my mechanic I've had for 35yrs. We were able to get the car to the garage driving very slowly, it wouldn't go above maybe 30mph. My mechanic initially did a diagnostic test which indicated issues with coils??After further investigation he, and 2 of his fellow mechanics determined it was a much more serious issue that has resulted in a total malfunction of the motor. I bought my car in 2021 with 46,740 miles on it, it currently has 84,756 miles. I still owe $4349.63, 1yr left on my loan. My mechanic said he is aware of a number of recalls on jeeps . I looked up my VIN bought found nothing. Similar issues, but nothing with that VIN.
When going over bumps such as speed bumps or bumps in the road there has been a clunking noise and sometimes a grind, for a few seconds.With this the ABS light also comes on. Then goes off. This has went on for the past 6-7months. Its not every time,it is very random. It will do it and not again for a while. On 3/16/26 the SVC FWD warning light came on while driving. After restarting it it takes about 30seconds and it comes back on and stays on until the vehicle is shut off. There has been a couple times the vehicle has hesitated to go forward when the gas was pressed. I have taken it to an auto shop and they found code: C14A7-97 for PTU failure. They recommended to contact Jeep since there is a recall for that year. When the dealer checked my VIN it does not fall under the recall. I am afraid of driving it as I don't want it to stall on me or cause an accident as I usually have my young child with me. The shop said it would be around $6000 to repair. If not under the recall.
The service 4WD light came on and vehicle doesn’t have 4WD capabilities right now because the PTU is bad. They also can’t get the part because so many people are having the same issue. I have a Jeep for the 4WD capabilities and had difficulty driving to work during a winter snow storm because the dealer can’t fix it because too many people need the part. Other Jeeps are under recall for the same issue.
The failure involves the drivetrain system, specifically the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and rear differential. The PTU is under Safety Recall 01C. The differential damage is present and the vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This issue creates a safety risk due to potential loss of drive power and malfunction within the 4WD system, which could affect vehicle control, especially during normal driving conditions. The problem has been evaluated by a Jeep dealership. The dealership confirmed drivetrain-related issues and stated they cannot rule out that the unresolved recall condition contributed to damage within the drivetrain system. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. The manufacturer has been contacted and a case was opened and denied without conclusive proof that the failure is unrelated to the recall. Prior to failure, the vehicle displayed an active “Service 4WD” warning message, indicating a fault in the drivetrain system. This warning has been present and is ongoing. This vehicle had an unresolved safety recall (01C) due to no remedy being available at the time. The vehicle continued operating with a known defect and is now experiencing failure within the same system. The manufacturer has denied responsibility despite the dealership being unable to rule out a connection.
Warning light indicating "SVC 4WD" came on. Drive became erratic. Immediately took to Jeep dealer and found that PTU had failed though this VIN apparently not covered by ongoing recall (01C) of vehicles of the same year, make, and model. Parts to make repairs unavailable and on indefinite backorder. Seems clear that recall 01C should have been much broader and covered all vehicles with this well-known and frequent catastrophic failure. Vehicle essentially rendered inoperable and unusable and no projected date from manufacturer for receiving needed parts. Utter collapse of supply chain.
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.
I was driving on the highway and experienced what felt like a brief power outage where my vehicle instantly dropped speed. I estimate it was approximately 10-15 mph. Everything appeared to return to normal at the time until approximately 5 minutes later when I exited the highway and it began making a loud noise. I drove a couple miles before getting concerned and thinking I don't want to risk breaking down on the side of the highway going home or doing further damage to an expensive component such as engine or transmission. I used roadside assistance to tow my vehicle to my nearest dealership. The tow driver confirmed he heard the noise inside the vehicle while I stood outside and could not hear it. The dealership called me to approve the diagnostic fee and also asked questions about what happened. In hindsight, they had asked a very specific question regarding the noise sound and location which, in my opinion, shows they instantly suspected the issue that they would later report. After approving the fee, they sent a quote focused primarily around the rear differential housing being cracked for an estimate of $5221.85. I asked how this would happen and the service representative explained that the choke inside the differential broke and a piece of metal inside it cracked the housing. I began researching differentials in vehicles and specifically in Jeep Cherokees, I learned very quickly that this is a very common problem which explains how a representative was able to tell me the cause without seeing it. No warnings were ever issued on the dashboard and no symptoms were present prior to the sudden deceleration. There are no warnings on the dash after the event and the only symptom other than the noise while in motion is the acceleration/deceleration feels slightly less sensitive. Every potential cause stated by mechanics who have looked at this points to a manufacturing issue or quality issue. A complete failure could cause an accident harming people.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a clunking sound coming from the vehicle while attempting to shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly hesitated while attempting to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the PCM, TCM, and DTCM software had failed and needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another 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 made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000
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 CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 25V011000 PTU RECALL has been addressed by local dealership 2xs. They have ran the update and receive no errors however they continue to experience loss of power when excelerating and loud grinding noises as described. Currently the dealership still has my keep until there is a fix. I’ve contacted the manufacturer whom said there is nothing they will do if there is no error after the software update. I’m out of factory warranty and there is no reason I should be held responsible financially to fix a recall. I’ve read many other threads online that this has happened to others. I’m looking for some guidance as my Jeep Cherokee 2019 is unsafe and is going to cause an accident. Thanks [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle has not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed the recall status. The contact had not experienced a failure.
incidental to nys inspection it was found that rear differential was severely "decayed." the case was fractured and retaining ring on passenger side was broken or out of place. took to Jeep dealer and it was confirmed that the differential was trashed, had to be replaced, and that vehicle unsafe to operate. No warning signs or symptoms (ie, no noise, no handling issues, no dashboard warning lights.) vehicle has only 63,000 miles. it is my understanding that this is not isolated situation, and "it just happens." dealer contacted Jeep warranty office and they agreed to "good will" partial contribution to repair, but leaving over $2,000 not covered. I know that just recently announced (2/2026) recall of grand cherokees for internal snap ring problem. this was external snap ring (see photos) but wonder if related.
Rear differential lock rings broke and caused leaking fluid, as reported to me by a dealer service department. This could lead to handling problems and even total system failure. No warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms. Upon an internet search, I found that this seems to be a COMMON issue with Jeep Cherokee's - therefore, I'm not sure why it isn't already a recall.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: C14A7-97 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the code indicated that the transfer case range position sensor was obstructed or blocked. The contact was informed that the failure was due to the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The second diagnostic code was U0010-00, which involved the Instrumental Panel Cluster (IPC) and the Controller Area Network (CAN) interior box. The third code was U0140, which involved the "Lost Communication with Body Control Module (BCM)”. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialty shop, where the DTC codes were confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic codes were confirmed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and failed to drive forward. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 93,000.
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