What 678 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Jeep Cherokee

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.

NHTSA ODI 11720749

- 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.

NHTSA ODI 11720551

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.

NHTSA ODI 11720255

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!

NHTSA ODI 11719821

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718720

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

NHTSA ODI 11718732

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718548

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.

NHTSA ODI 11718366

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.

NHTSA ODI 11717791

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.

NHTSA ODI 11717512

In Jan 2025 I received a recall notice regarding the PTU unit. The notice indicated that I could esperience loss of power and the inability to use park. However, when speaking to Mopar abot it they say it is safe to drive!!! What the hell is safe about driving a vehicle that can loose power?? Or one that you can't use Park??? It's been a damn year!!! I find it real hard to believe that it takes that long. What is REALLY going on??? I need my car daily!!!! It needs to safe to drive!!! PERIOD!!!

NHTSA ODI 11717115

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716699

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The contact stated that while driving over bumps on the roadway, the transmission shifted out of gear. There was an abnormal banging sound while shifting gears. The transmission disengaged while in the park(P). There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, opened a claim, and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,075.

NHTSA ODI 11715588

Service 4WD indicator showing PTU issue. My vehicle is not included in the recall, but this issue seems to be the same one noted.

NHTSA ODI 11714781

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.

NHTSA ODI 11714213

The PTU went bad and had to have replaced. And after researching, see that it is a known issue and not sure why my VIN number isn't covered when I had the exact issue that is being recalled.

NHTSA ODI 11714220

The vehicle experienced a powertrain failure involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). On June 19, 2025, the vehicle was inspected at Dobbs Tire & Auto at approximately 154,548 miles after a grinding noise and drivetrain noise were observed. The shop found metal shavings in the rear differential fluid and advised the vehicle be taken to a Jeep dealership. Because the vehicle was originally purchased from Cassens Jeep, it was taken there for further diagnosis. On August 28, 2025, the vehicle was inspected at Cassens Jeep at approximately 158,011 miles. The dealership confirmed internal drivetrain noise, metal contamination, and a PTU-related fault code. The vehicle experiences knocking noises at low speeds, lurching while driving, and intermittent drivetrain and 4WD warning indicators. The dealer advised replacement of the PTU and rear drivetrain components. This condition is associated with the active PTU powertrain recall originally issued on January 23, 2025. On January 22, 2026, a representative from Cassens Jeep confirmed that there is currently no available repair remedy, no estimated timeline for completion, and that required parts remain on backorder. This creates an ongoing safety risk due to potential loss of drive power and possible unintended vehicle movement related to park function failure. Service work orders and inspection reports from both repair facilities have been attached to support this complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11713907

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.

NHTSA ODI 11710286

PTU/transfer case issues under 50,000 miles, jeep randomly shuts off 4wd in dangerous areas without any warning

NHTSA ODI 11709496

Less than 57,000 miles on vehicle. January 3, 2026. Parking brake engaged and froze. Interrupted driving. Got vehicle home. "Service Brake" came on. Attempted all recommended actions to disengage Parking Brake. Parking Brake continued engagement and the Vehicle cannot be driven.

NHTSA ODI 11709063

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 local dealer was not 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 contact stated that the representatives at the Mopar Hotline would disconnect the call ,and the Mopar website was always down. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ODI 11709082

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.

NHTSA ODI 11709154

Loss of 4x4 system, dashboard warning light

NHTSA ODI 11709172

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11708731

The vehicle is experiencing a malfunction involving the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which is currently subject to an open safety recall. The vehicle has developed severe drivability issues consistent with PTU failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This condition places my safety and the satety of others at risk because the PTU defect can result in loss of drive power and/or failure of the vehicle to remain securely in park, increasing the risk of a crash or unintended vehicle movement. I contacted an authorized Jeep dealership to schedule service for the safety recall. When I presented the vehicle for the recall appointment, I was informed that no remedy was available and the vehicle was not inspected. As a result, the problem has not yet been confirmed through a full dealership inspection. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, law enforcement, or insurance representatives. Prior to seeking recall service, the vehicle exhibited drivability symptoms consistent with PTU malfunction, including: loss of drive power while moving, the Electronic Stability Control light appearing, consistent and loud shaking/clanking of the vehicle while driving, which becomes incredibly severe with speed, preventing me from driving on the interstate. These symptoms prompted me to schedule the recall appointment. I was turned away without inspection due to the lack of an available remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11708621