10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,889 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

Get free help with your lemon!
close ad

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #179

Nov 082022

Cherokee

  • miles
The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries. Yes - currently at Lithia Jeep in Bend, OR where another Jeep is in for the same safety issue and has been deemed unsafe to drive while waiting for a new PTU to come in. 4WD Service light was on.

- Bend, OR, USA

problem #178

Apr 012022

Cherokee 4-cyl

  • 19,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle was jerking, and the engine revved inadvertently. The contact also stated that when she applied the brakes, a loud abnormal noise was heard. After parking the vehicle, the parking brake engaged independently. Additionally, the contact also stated that she needed to refill the engine oil on a weekly basis. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on two different occasions; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was then taken to Lone Star Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (8811 Interstate 35 Access Rd, San Antonio, TX 78211) where various unknown repairs were performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that she was offered to trade in the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 19,000.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #177

Aug 212022

Cherokee

  • miles
My car shifted into neutral while driving and flashed "park to shift to drive" on the dash. I had to park, turn the car off, then turn it back on in order to drive. This happened 7 times trying to get home. The next day it just shut off while driving and the check engine light came on. I could have been rear-ended or caused an accident. My car would not accelerate until it was turned off and back on. I had people blaring their horns and swerving around me. The dealer told me the codes were an evaporative pressure switch and CAN bus code. They diagnosed the CAN bus issue as the PTU and replaced it. When I picked up the car, I had a rattling noise under the hood. I took it back to the dealer. When they fixed it, the ESS (Engine Stop/Start) was no longer working. A few weeks later, the jeep won't start and can't be jumped by other vehicles. Roadside assistance could get it started, but as soon as they disconnected their commercial jumper, it died. Had to tow back to dealer. Now I am told it is the alternator and battery.

- Jersey City, NJ, USA

problem #176

Oct 012022

Cherokee

  • miles
The alarm of "4WD system not available. Service required" is shown in the panel. Went to my Jeep dealer and check the issue. After revision they said that the problem is with the PTU that needs to be replaced. Checking in Internet, found that problems with the PTU is a recurring issue with the jeep cherokee. I found a recall for this problem and my VIN is not included, but the safety problem is there. I would really appreciate if you can help with this matter. Thank you.

- Riverdale, NY, USA

problem #175

Sep 222022

Cherokee

  • miles
While driving, my car had a service light come on that said "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" meaning my 4WD randomly stopped working, my transmission has also randomly been slipping. My car was purchased from a dealer, brand new, with 16 miles on it- several which I put on it while test driving. I have had nothing but trouble with it since purchasing and now at 74,3XX miles on it, I am yet again having issues. When codes were ran, it came up as a Drive Train Control Module code and says PTU- Motor- Component or System Obstructed or Blocked. The dealership told me the cost would be at least $2,200 to fix the issue and the part is backordered which makes me think I'm not the only one having this issue. I cannot afford to keep fixing the random things that happen to my car that should not be happening to a vehicle that was purchased brand new and has been gently used. There are recalls for this same issue on other VIN numbers of this vehicle, I feel like there should be more recalls issued.

- Bucyrus, MO, USA

problem #174

Oct 062022

Cherokee

  • miles
I bought this car end of July 2022, around 31,000 miles from a Jeep dealer. Within weeks I began receiving alerts on my dash that the 4WD needed to be serviced as well as the start/stop function. Dealer had my car in Sept for almost two weeks. Today, something flashed on my screen stating electric failure and it completely shut down. Nothing will turn on. It had to be drug up onto the tow truck as it could not be placed into neutral. Upon reviewing online resources, this appears to be an issue with this year/model, often happening while the car is in motion. This is terrifying! I have owned two Dodge Journeys and am currently leasing a wrangler. I have been a long time Dodge/Jeep customer and am terrified to drive this vehicle! If I could hand the keys back I would. The service center at the dealership said that they -??should-?? be able to look at my car next week- just to look at it!

- Romeo, MI, USA

problem #173

Sep 202022

Cherokee

  • miles
Problem with Transfer Case, Transmission, code C14A7 PTU, I had my engine replaced a couple of years ago due to excessive oil consumption. I am currently going through oil checks again due to excessive oil consumption.

- Turners Falls, MA, USA

problem #172

Aug 082022

Cherokee

  • miles
Every time I come to a red light or a stop sign and apply pressure to the break the voltage of the battery goes down. The vehicle cuts off and it will not start back up. I can be in a traffic jam and apply pressure to the brake and the vehicle will cut off leaving me in the middle of traffic. It will not start back up.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #171

Jul 222022

Cherokee

  • miles
At @45,000 miles the 4WD system unavailable service required message and svc 4WD message came on, then every time the Jeep was driven messages would come on. Dealer replaced the PTU. NHTSA has already had a recall on Jeep Cherokee PTU's, but only to model years 2017. I believe Jeep still has a problem with the PTU and the recall should be reexamined to include years to at least 2020.

- Porter, TX, USA

problem #170

Aug 112022

Cherokee

  • miles
Service 4wd light came on. PTU needs to be replaced. No dealer within a 20 mile radius had loaners and only 1 had an appointment before October. This is the same issue that was covered in 14-17 jeep recall 20V343 and is now happening in later models. Dealer has had car for 2 WEEKS while i pay out of pocket for a rental. Warranty will only offer $40 per day reimbursement. I am in NY there are exactly 0 rentals for that price. I should not be paying out of pocket for something that should clearly have a recall... AGAIN. On top of all this i have not spoken to my case agent once. Always "on phone" when i call. This is absolutely ridiculous.

- Holbrook, NY, USA

problem #169

Aug 232022

Cherokee

  • miles
This Jeep is going to kill myself and or my family. 1st I have already have had the tranny recalibrated less then a year ago and once again it's shifting rough around the same spread 47-53 miles per hour. 2nd. Since the day this was purchased in Dec of 2019 with 10 miles on it. There are dead spots in the acceleration. We have almost been hit a few times as the vehicle will not react to pushing on the accelerator. The recalibration of the transmission does not affect the dead spots that are in the acceleration either. They continued to be there. I cannot afford to keep taking this vehicle into the the shop to have it recalibrated 2x a year. Theese deaths trap should be recalled or removed from being driven as they are going to kill someone. There is no approximate days as it is a daily occurance since purchased.

- Cattaraugus, NY, USA

problem #168

Jul 312022

Cherokee

  • miles
DROVE VEHICLE AND VERIFIED NOISE. RACKED VEHICLE AND CHECKED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE. FOUND THE PTU OUT PUT BROKEN INSIDE THE PTU, ALSO CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE SHAFT. SMOKE IS FROM THE PTU FLUID LEAKING OUT ALL OVER THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AND Note BURNING OFF. NOTE CHECKED FOR THE CAUSE OF THE PTU FAILURE AND FOUND THE FRONT AND REAR TIRES DIFFERENT CIRCUMFERENCE. TIRES WILL HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE NEW PTU

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #167

Mar 012022

Cherokee

  • 20,000 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH and accelerating, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the mechanic updated the transmission control module however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

- Basehor, KS, USA

problem #166

Jul 052022

Cherokee

  • miles
This vehicle was making rubbing noise when cornering at 50-60 mph, and a clunk when accelerating after a coast. The service department found fluid in PTU and the RDM was black, burnt, and full of metal shavings. They recommended to replace PTU, RDM, and some sway bar links. My research online indicates there has been a lot of PTU failures on Cherokees. I was at 61698 miles, just over the 60000 mile warranty and they refused to allow me a good will warranty repair as I was a "second owner". Quoted ~$4000 for repairs. I am a senior citizen, and I don't drive the car aggressively or go 4-wheeling.

- Lanesboro, MN, USA

problem #165

Jul 262022

Cherokee

  • miles
While attempting to accelerate from a stop on a slight incline the battery light came on and I was unable to move forward I was in drive pushing the accelerator but rolling backwards and the power steering stopped working. I put the Jeep in park turned it off and restarted but the same thing happened. After the third or fourth try the Jeep resumed normal operation.

- Smyrna, GA, USA

problem #164

Jul 112022

Cherokee

  • miles
Front End Differential/PTU. Recall on many Jeeps except this year for the PTU. If system was to fail, cause the transmission to lock up causing a possible accident. Confirmed through a dealership garage, report about it is not in hand yet. But I can get it. Only noticed habit of it was turning the wheel and it would jump trying to turn. Brought to the dealership and confirmed the PTU and Differential Shaft.

- Danville, VT, USA

problem #163

Jun 032022

Cherokee

  • miles
Svc 4wd light illuminated on instrument cluster. Brought the 2019 Jeep Cherokee in to the Jeep Dealership Service Department. I presented them with my extended warranty paperwork. Upon initial examination, the service department determined the PTU had a catastrophic failure and needs to be replaced. The warranty company sent an investigator out to ensure the repair was needed only to determine that it needs a teardown with digital images for $500 customer pocket to be sent to the underwriters to make an accurate determination. Previous Cherokee model years faced the same PTU failures and were covered by a Jeep Recall for faulty manufacturing.

- Forest Lake, MN, USA

problem #162

Jun 202022

Cherokee

  • miles
PTU failure just like 2014-2016 Cherokee Models

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #161

May 302022

Cherokee

  • miles
The engine and electrical system will completely shut down while in drive and will not restart right away. This happens in the middle of intersections most often when attempting to make a turn. This has happened up to ten times and in the most recent occurrence the car would not restart at all in the middle of an intersection with our baby in the back seat on a hot day. We were stuck with no A/C and no ability to get the car to start until help arrived. The car was towed to a local JEEP dealership and they said it was due to the thermostat and battery which we replace but it has since happened again. In all occurrences, there were no warning signs before, during or after the engine/electrical failure. Additionally, they stated the ar may be overheating but all occurrences have happened in the first few minutes of driving with no indication of the vehicle being over temperature.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #160

Jun 042022

Cherokee

  • miles
While driving at 55mph. The vehicle shutoff and would not restart. Very dangerous to lose power at that speed. Engine light came on and stayed on. Vehicle would not restart. Engine codes read high voltage on PCM modules, brake modules, automatic transmission modules.

- Herrin, IL, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »