2018 JEEP CHEROKEE Complaints

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 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.

My 2018 Jeep Cherokee suffered a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure in February 2025 while my family was on vacation. The vehicle was delivered to Walker Jeep in Alexandria, Louisiana and has remained there for approximately one year. I reside in Texas, approximately five hours away. The failure involves the same PTU defect covered under Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011). Stellantis’ Part 573 filing acknowledged the defect and scheduled final remedy notification in February 2026. After holding my vehicle for approximately 12 months awaiting recall remedy availability, I was recently informed that my vehicle does not qualify for recall coverage. Stellantis is now offering either a $4,000 buyback or requiring approximately $6,000 out-of-pocket for repair. The vehicle has been undriveable for one year due to a defect covered under a federal safety recall. I am requesting investigation into recall compliance, unreasonable delay of remedy, and denial of coverage after prolonged deprivation of use.

Have 1 safety recall, have taken to jeep dealer and they have confirmed PTU not working light on dash is valid and 4x4 is not working, but they will not order new PTU. Jeep has not offered loaner vehicle or to buy back vehicle that is a lemon! It has been over a year since recall was issued without any results!

Service shifter message and all gear indicator lights on PRND. Seeing common problem and a Technical Bulletin on 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokees

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). 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 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.

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 while driving at various speeds, the transmission shifted into neutral(N) unintendedly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle after the failure. Additionally, while the vehicle was in park(P), the vehicle roll backwards, and the parking brake was engaged to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Several local dealers were notified of the recall and the failures and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

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 had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not available for a year. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and provided a reference number; however, it did not provide any information on parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.