No accident or incident cause issues with the power train. Seems like a recurring problem that this specific model of Jeep has been facing.

- Dover , NH, USA

Transfer case failure, I had started to notice as if the transmission were shifted to neutral, high engine rpm and no output to the wheels. This happened a few times but not consistently. After the 3rd time this occurred, I decided to bring the vehicle in to a well-known local shop transmission shop. It was diagnosed as the transfer case a known issue with previous years. Still such a popular failure that local dealerships were told by Mopar they could only order one replacement per month. I was without my vehicle for nearly 3 months while it was inoperable. The vehicle is now repaired with a Mopar remanufactured transfer case. $3000 and 10 weeks later.

- Oshkosh, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while changing lines and attempting to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond with a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over into a parking lot and attempted to shift to park, and the vehicle started to reverse unintendedly. The contact stated that after returning to the residence, the vehicle was parked and the parking brake was activated to keep the vehicle from moving unintendedly. The -??Service 4WD-?? warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number:25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to another dealer to seek assistance with repairing the vehicle. The failure mileage was 68,000.

- Loveland, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle stalled. The transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and there were metal particles in the transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic called an unknown local dealer and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

- Kewaskum, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light was flashing on the instrument panel, and the vehicle lost 4WD functionality. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4WD was inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,500.

- Santa Fe, NM, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The message "Service 4WD System" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- Oakdale, CT, USA

Bad PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokee. It is out of any warranties and a know issue among this vehicle line. Current recall is for vehicles through Feb 2019, and this would be right outside that window (my specific VIN is outside of the recall).

- Louisville, KY, USA

Received "SVC FWD" light on the dash. Four wheel drive stopped working. I was able to continue driving with front wheel drive only. Jeep had 13,000 when it happened. Took it to the dealership for inspection in September 2025. They diagnosed it as a bad PTU and needed replaced. They were going to call me when the new part came in. It's been over 5 months and I never heard from them.

- Avalon, PA, USA

Warning light came on that said "Service 4WD System" at approximately 86,969 miles on a 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. Took to dealer and was advised that PTU (power transfer unit) must be replaced at a cost of $3,945.19. Was also advised that DTCM "transfer case control module must be replaced at a cost of $776.95. Total cost to resolve "Service 4WD System" problem as quoted is $4,722.14. It has been noted that older versions of this same vehicle model have been recalled by the manufacturer for this same problem. I would like to know why this particular model year has not been included that recall as it appears that the earlier noted manufacturing defect was not corrected for the 2020 model year.

- Hoffman Estates, IL, USA

Issue #1: Fuel pump failure, had to completely replace the fuel pump at approx. 60,000 miles. Approx. $1,300 repair. Issue #2: Rear differential failure due to faulty/poor construction of materials, per the repair shop. Failed at approx. 63,000 miles. There was no external damage to the differential, it was caused by poor construction/defects of the materials used to build the car. Approx. $4,500 repair. Both issues are KNOWN issues with Jeeps of this model year, to the extent that I have not been able to find replacement parts due to them being in such high demand.

- Mentor, OH, USA

The "4WD Needs Service" light appeared on the dashboard of our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk. We took vehicle to the Enumclaw Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealer located in Enumclaw, WA. Their service technician determined that the PTU (Power Transfer Unit) was failing and found active code c14a7-97 "ptu motor-component or system operation obstructed or blocked". Had the PTU completely failed we could have been left without any power to the drive wheels. This would have been very dangerous if the vehicle had lost power while driving on a freeway or major highway and the vehicle could not have been driven to a safe location. The dealer replaced the PTU and confirmed that the problem had been repaired. We don't know if the defective part is still available for inspection.

- Kent, WA, USA

Failed Power Train Unit, and this is available for inspection. I was driving on the highway with my grandson and husband going 70 mph when the unit failed it basically felt like the car was thrown into neutral. Thankfully no one was hurt. Dealership has confirmed the issue. No issues driving the vehicle before the issue after the issue the light did come on and the vehicle is undriveable.

- Clayton, NC, USA

While driving in northwestern Pennsylvania during a snowstorm, the driver engaged the vehicle-??s factory -??Snow Mode.-?? Immediately thereafter, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and loss of steering control. The driver was forced to pull off the I79 interstate in severe winter conditions and exit the vehicle to avoid being struck by a snowplow. This created a dangerous roadside exposure and a significant risk of collision or injury. The vehicle was towed to a Jeep dealership and diagnosed with a failed rear differential requiring replacement. The dealership stated the part has been on national backorder since 2024, with no estimated availability. The failure occurred without warning and rendered the vehicle completely inoperable. The dealership further advised that this rear differential failure is a known issue, and recommended against installing a used replacement due to reliability and safety concerns. Safety Concern: This failure resulted in: -??Sudden loss of vehicle control in hazardous weather -??Loss of motive power -??Forced roadside exposure in active traffic conditions The inability to obtain replacement parts compounds the safety risk by leaving the vehicle unusable and preventing timely repair. Request: I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a systemic safety defect related to the rear differential in this vehicle platform, including failure mode, warning adequacy, and parts availability affecting safe remediation.

- Brockway, PA, USA

My PTU failed while driving 70mph on a 4 lane interstate during a heavy rush hour, I'm 7 months pregnant and this was mortifying for me. I lost all power moving forward and could not accelerate. My RPMS would near red-line. When I pulled on to the shoulder, while trying to not get hit or cause an accident from 3 lanes over, I put my car in park and shut it off, it sounded like a dying weedwhacker. It started rolling backwards without me noticing and I almost rolled back into the outside lane. I put on the e-brake, had it towed to Firestone where they said it was likely the PTU that failed as I have every gear, except moving forward. When they had my vehicle on the lift they moved the tires in reverse motion and there was no noise, when they moved the tires in forward motion there was a loud knocking coming out of the PTU and the tires wouldn't budge. If in park on a decline, park works. If in park on an incline or flat, it rolls backwards. It can drive in reverse, but no forward movement at all. I got it towed to another shop where they took out&opened the PTU and checked the gears on the shaft inside, one of the gears was COMPLETELY MISSING. Just completely disintegrated. There was NO warning that anything was failing on my car. No check engine lights, no noises. Just loss of acceleration. PTUs are on back order 3-5 months right now because they're a known issue on the 2017-2019 models of Jeeps. My Jeep is a 2020 Trailhawk with the v6 3.2l.

- Omaha, NE, USA

The Power Transfer Unit on my 2020 vehicle is not working. I bought this car specifically to have four wheel drive. In the Buffalo NY brutal winter I count on 4 wheel drive to get me through the snow. Now, I have a serious safety issue. I wanted to fix the car but not only is it expensive, but the parts are on back order with 2700 in the backlog waiting for parts. This is a known issue and there was a recall for a number of years including 2018 and 2019. They haven't issued it for 2020. I am being forced to sell the car at a loss! I can't drive something that is unsafe. Jeep should make us whole! I shouldn't lose money because of known safety fault. Plus, I can't keep it because i do a lot of driving and can't risk my life with no 4 wheel drive.

- Getzville, NY, USA

4wd service light came on. The code was c14a7-97. A well known PTU problem. There was a previous recall for the same problem. It can be a dangerous situation if it completely fails while driving. Also a very expensive repair bill. My 2020 Jeep Cherokee only has 72k miles and a has a major known failure already.

- Greencastle , IN, USA

When I attempted to turn left onto the highway from a complete stop on an incline, I pressed the accelerator and the car made a loud grinding noise. The vehicle would not move forward or reverse. The parking brake engaged on its own and would not disengage. After exiting the vehicle, I found a loose bearing behind the car. The vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. I was informed by the mechanic that the failure was caused by the PTU (Power Transfer Unit), and the repair cost me $2,600. I was later told that the initial failure had also stripped another component, which required an additional $100 repair. I was not given the specific name or details of that additional part.

- Pearcy , AR, USA

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was failing and was slipping between 3rd and 4th gear. Additionally, the contact stated that the torque converter was also failing. There were no warning lights illuminated. There was an abnormally sharp chirping metal-on-metal and a rumbling sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact speculated that the manufacturer was attempting to allow the warranty to expire. The contact was concerned that the warning lights were not activating as expected during the failure. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and determined that the transmission and the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called another local dealer, Premier Cape Cod Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, A Premier Company at (556 Yarmouth Rd, Hyannis, MA 02601), but no additional assistance was provided. The manufacturer was contacted and declined the repairs and referred the contact to another dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

- Falmouth, MA, USA

My service FWD light came on so I took it to the shop to get it looked at. Upon diagnosing this issue, I was informed it is a faulty power transfer unit and was informed of the dangers of driving with this issue. I have a newborn son so I immediately stopped driving my car and left it at the shop to be fixed. It has been there since October 6th.. It is now December 1st and the part is still not in stock to fix. This same part is recalled for the same reason in Jeep models 2017-2019. However mine is 2020, no recall yet, but is having the same issue and is now on backorder. I have been paying for insurance, etc.. on my car to just be sitting there rusting away and Jeep cannot give a timeframe on when the part will be in. I am out on a car and struggling to find transportation to and from work and a safe way to transport my newborn child.

- Plainville, CT, USA

2020 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Per a discussion the dealer service manager, I realized the vehicle is undrivable because the PTU could fail at anytime. The danger is losing propulsion to the wheels on an interstate or other high speed or high capacity road. The problem was discovered by the dealer when I took my Cherokee in on 11/24/25 to have them fix the "SVC 4WD" warning light. Once they explained the issue I decided to leave the vehicle at the dealer to replace the PTU. There is no timeframe for them to receive a new PTU. Jeep had recalled 2017-2019 Cherokees due to issues with the PTU. The 2020 Cherokees should also be recalled so owners don't have to pay for an issue Jeep is aware of with the power train.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA