JEEP Cherokee Reliability by Year
Best & Worst Years, Problems & Recalls — NHTSA Data

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

Safety Recall

I am writing to escalate a safety and reimbursement concern regarding my 2018 Jeep Cherokee, VIN [Your VIN], which is subject to recall 01C / 25V‑011 (Power Transfer Unit Snap Ring Defect). Before the recall remedy was available, my vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power, grinding, and jerking, which led to a full transmission replacement. I was stranded on the side of an interstate ramp as a result of this loss of drive power. The PTU was not replaced and remains original. I now intermittently receive a “4WD won’t work” alert 65-80% of vehicle starts. I attempted to schedule my vehicle for the recall repair and spoke in length with the Jeep dealership in [XXX] on 2/23/26. The dealership has informed me that PTU replacement parts are unavailable and could take months to arrive. If the dealership detects a concern during inspection, they will not allow me to keep the vehicle, yet they cannot provide a loaner. This leaves me without transportation for an indefinite period, despite the recall being an active safety concern. It is important to note that the PTU is directly connected to the transmission and transfers power to the rear wheels; a PTU failure can place stress on or impair the transmission, which can cause symptoms identical to sudden transmission failure. I request escalation to a senior case manager or Tier 2 Top Car Specialist, review of my prior repair for reimbursement, and documentation of the ongoing 4WD alerts to support safety and claim review. Attachments: repair receipt. Thank you for your time, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The steering rack failed about one week after I purchased the vehicle. The dealer replaced the steering rack once, but the same problem happened again about six months later. The vehicle has now been at the dealership for about one year waiting for another replacement steering rack. The dealer informed me the part is unavailable and must be specially manufactured. A loaner vehicle was provided while waiting. This repeated steering system failure is a serious safety concern.

while i was driving my vehicle put the parking brake on and then i was unable to get it deactivated at first, after a few seconds i got it and moved forward in traffic. after a few feet the vehicle put the parking brake on and i was unable to move once again. this was in the middle of traffic and i ended up blocking the single lane road. I called a family member who was near by and they came and some how got the parking brake off and drove me and the vehicle home. my safety and everyone one around safety was jeopardized because they had to go into oncoming traffics lane to pass me until i got moving. parking wouldn't engage when we got home and service parking brake light was on.

I am filing a safety complaint regarding Safety Recall 01C (NHTSA 25V-011) and the handling of my vehicle by both the dealership and Stellantis. My vehicle exhibited fault codes and conditions consistent with the defect described in Recall 01C, including: DTC C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch Over Temperature) DTC C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) Documented drivetrain control module failure status (“TestFailed: True”) Excessive clutch temperature readings exceeding 400°F These are consistent with PTU-related failure conditions the recall is intended to detect and address. Despite this, the dealership concluded that the PTU was not the cause and instead replaced the rear differential. I repeatedly requested written documentation explaining how the PTU was ruled out and how the rear differential was determined to be the root cause. This was not clearly provided. Additionally, the recall remained marked as “incomplete” for over a month while the vehicle was in the dealership’s possession. Immediately after I escalated the issue to corporate, the recall was suddenly marked “complete,” without clear explanation or supporting documentation. I was also not clearly informed that the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) had been replaced. I do not know: When the DTCM was replaced relative to testing Whether recall testing was performed with a faulty DTCM Whether the new DTCM was properly updated under Recall 01C Whether testing was repeated after replacement If recall validation was performed using a faulty DTCM, this raises concerns that the PTU testing procedure may have been invalid. The vehicle remained at the dealership for nearly two months during this process. Throughout this time, I experienced significant difficulty obtaining clear answers, and my concerns were not fully addressed before the recall was marked complete. I am concerned that: The recall may have been improperly executed or validated

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the 4WD warning light illuminated, rendering the 4WD inoperable. The vehicle automatically switched to the Rear Wheel Drive mode. The vehicle was taken to both an independent mechanic and the dealer, who determined that the PTU had failed and needed to be replaced, but the part was on backorder. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to shift properly when the accelerator was applied. The contact was unaware of any warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit and drivetrain had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a reimbursement case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 99,477.

When the running lights and headlights are set to Auto, moving the lever to High Beam causes the lights to go out. I have been asking the dealer and trying to find a solution since buying the car new, but no recall had been issued for my VIN and the dealer will not correct the problem with a recall specific to my VIN and year/model. There is a known issue with the Smart Lighting Module that prevents the High Beam from activating and shuts off the headlight in the Auto position, and a software update has been issued for the newer models, but not for the 2018 Cherokee with the same software.

While driving, often at highway speeds, all of the lights on the shifter will light up and the dash will display "Service Transmission." I took it to the dealer several times and their response has been that it is a software issue that they do not have a fix for and that I should stop the car, turn the engine off, open and close the door and then restart the car. This does temporarily reset the display but doing this on the highway poses a safety problem in trying to get to the shoulder in traffic.

Back up camera turns to static when going in reverse. Has been happening for years. No warnings. Just malfunctioning. Reported this in 2019 to Jeep.

The PTU has failed and caused damage to splines. This failure caused the engine light to come on intermittently and failure to shift. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership where the car is and has been sitting for repair for almost a year due to no repair parts available from Jeep.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) has malfunctioned. Specifically, the Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) is reporting a "TestFailed" status with active fault codes C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor) and C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature). The vehicle and its diagnostic logs are available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure creates a risk of sudden loss of motive power while driving or a loss of the PARK function when stationary, both of which can lead to a collision. Furthermore, internal diagnostic data has recorded clutch plate temperatures as high as 437.1°F. This extreme thermal condition represents a significant fire hazard and the potential for mechanical seizure while the vehicle is in motion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The problem was confirmed by Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep after the 01C recall software was installed, which subsequently triggered the "TestFailed" status. Additionally, an independent inspection by Universal Transmission confirmed the specific PTU fault codes and verified that the overheating issue is originating from the PTU. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by a manufacturer-authorized dealership (Larry H. Miller Casa Chrysler Jeep) and an independent service center (Universal Transmission). Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, the vehicle displayed "4WD Overheating," "Temp Unavailable," and "Service 4WD" warning lamps and messages. These symptoms were formally documented in technical scan reports beginning in early March 2026.

I took [XXX] into to Auffenburg of IL for the recall. They told me the code the car is throwing is not the recall code, but that it is a failure of the PTU, which is the recalled part. I have tried since March 2nd to get straight answers from Stellantis (Case number XXX jeep Cherokee, case manager [XXX] ). But This promise to get back with me has been going on for over a month with no real movement. Stellantis [XXX] Derek XXX Ashley Mansker (Who is leaving CDJR to work for their VW dealership) Copy of the letter sent from Ashley to me: Customer brought vehicle in for the Safety Recall 01C-2 Speed PTU Failure to be completed. While technician was attempting to complete the recall, the vehicle failed to finish the wiTech Routine. Vehicle would not shift into 4 High. Vehicle has a code in system as C14A7-97 - PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked. Would need to diagnose the current code, before continuing the Recall. Since vehicle will not finish the wiTECH routine, We can not complete recall. After routine is completed, there is two outcomes. Check for DTC C1494-07 (PTU Fork). ➢ If C1494-07 is set, replace the PTU. ➢ If no code C1494-07 is set, return the vehicle to the customer. Unfortunately, Without vehicle completing the recall, we can not replace PTU under recall. Except of call with Stellantis: February 27th. Now um the revision was not out yet. Uh, it was released March 18th. So on March 18th, it was a while. Yeah. If the vehicle arrives at the dealership with a PTU and uh dealership diagnosed and recommends that the PTU needed to be replaced 1st prior to doing the software update, it will be covered. It's on the revision. Okay. Okay, so I just want to make sure everything is clear and straightened out, so Colleen, don't worry anymore. We guarantee and assure you that your PT will be replaced for free, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My power train unit warning light is on. I took it to a independent licensed auto mechanic that stated there are is a open recall on this vehicle for this part. I have went to the Jeep Dealership and was told to call jeep directly. After numerous calls Jeep denies there is a open recall on this part and refuses to repair this part on the recall and I will have to pay the entire cost of repair. I also researched a Safety Recall number W47, NHTSA number 20V-343PYU Input Spine. There is also NHTSA campaign number 25V)1 1000 and a Jeep recall number is 01C.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was illuminated. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the vehicle while driving approximately 55-60 MPH and shifting gears. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not associated with the recall. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the failure was with the power train. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 180,000.

The rear defroster or related electrical wiring in the rear glass/liftgate area appears to have malfunctioned and shorted, causing a fire while the vehicle was parked, turned off, and unattended. The fire resulted in the rear glass shattering/blowing out. The incident was recorded on a residential security camera. This posed a significant safety risk because the fire started while the vehicle was off, creating danger to occupants, bystanders, nearby vehicles, and surrounding property. There were no prior warning indicators, messages, or symptoms known before the failure. A dealership has inspected the vehicle and provided a repair estimate consistent with failure in the rear defroster/rear glass area. The vehicle and damaged components should be available for inspection. Based on the observed damage and location of the fire, this appears to be an electrical short involving the rear defroster system or related wiring.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN); and the vehicle jerked while driving before the vehicle lost automotive power. The vehicle was coasted to the shoulder of the roadway, where only reverse(R) functioned as designed. The vehicle was restarted but failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while she and her children were stopped at a light and making a left turn, another vehicle accelerated through the yellow light and collided with the front of her vehicle. The air bags did not deploy in her vehicle, but they deployed in the vehicle that collided with her vehicle. The contact stated no one in her vehicle sustained any injuries, and medical attention was not needed. The police arrived, and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My Jeep veers left and right sharply while I drive. It does not take off pulling into traffic-I have to wait for total total clearance-there is no take off. My gas tank was filled three days ago and it is already below 50%. I drive 7 miles to and from work Monday-Friday, nowhere else. I have avoided several accidents due to these problems. These problems happen everyday. I have take it in to my jeep Dealership-Hendricks at least four times over the years and they drive it, say they find nothing and return it to me to bring back if the problems arise again. HELP before this car kills me.

Hi I bought a Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 2018 at GM Motors (Old Bridge), I have on open recall and I take it to the dealer, Jeep Dodge Chrysler located at Bloomfiel, I talked to Tony the supervisor and they refused to fix it,this incident happened last July he told me come back in 6 months so in December when I get there he told me they have a lot of work call them in January, and when I call them last month they told me this recall have been released that was a lie, he told me any Jeep Dodge Chrysler have this part anywhere in the country, I said Oky I can try to get it I don’t have to pay for the installation he said no cause the part should from Chrysler, when I didn’t know yet if it was a recall whe I saw the light 4wd SVC coming up on my dash board he tried to charge me 1300$ for a recall they should repair for free

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN). While driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact exited the freeway and was driving uphill when they heard a loud pop coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle failed to accelerate, and the contact was unable to move the gear shifter or turn off the vehicle. The vehicle rolled to the side of the road. The contact removed the foot from the brake pedal, and the vehicle rolled backward with the gear shifter in park(P). The parking brake failed to function as intended. The contact depressed the brake pedal several times, and the vehicle failed to stop. Once the vehicle was pulled over onto gravel on the side of the road, the vehicle stopped. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed, and the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The dealer informed the contact, and the manufacturer requested that the dealer release the vehicle back to the owner. The contact was informed that two fault codes were retrieved; however, another code was not displayed, and the manufacturer stated that since the other code was not displayed, the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (POWER TRAIN), and that the recall repair would not be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.