CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2019 Cherokee is racking up engine complaints for suddenly shutting down while driving. But the problem could possibly be related to the increasingly defective 9-speed transmission which suffers from hard shifts, lurching problems, and a wiring harness defect that can cause sudden shutdowns or an unexpected shift into neutral.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
3 / 0
Average Mileage:
9,612 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2019 Jeep Cherokee drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2019 Jeep Cherokee:

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

2019 Jeep Cherokee Owner Comments (Page 1 of 15)

problem #281

Dec 142024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

During acceleration to pass another vehicle, my engine had lost all power and acceleration and I had to make a split decision to brake and maneuver my vehicle back into my lane behind multiple vehicles who were behind me before I attempted to pass. Had there have been oncoming traffic within that mentally unaccounted time that I was in the opposite lane, I could have been in a very large deadly accident. Cylinder 1 and 2 are testing at 0 compression, Oil is leaking into the turbo and out of the exhaust. I have had regular oil changes and a tune up with the mentioning of a low power and jolting issue during acceleration and the dealership did not look into my concerns other than their simple findings of one burnt spark plug, I had all 4 replaced at that appointment, the engine is broken about 6 months later.

- Cheboygan, MI, USA

problem #280

Dec 302024

Cherokee

  • miles
On 12/30/2024, I received a -??4WD SVC-?? light on the dashboard of my 2019 Jeep Cherokee (odometer reading 61,000). Upon a quick Google search, this is a very common problem with the Jeep Cherokee-??s Power Transfer Unit. I took my Jeep in to be diagnosed at an independent service center (1/3/2025), where it was confirmed that my vehicle was reading a code: C14A7-97 (PTU motor component, or system operation obstructed, or blocked). It has been noted that the PTU failure can result in a loss of power to the front wheels, potentially causing reduced traction, difficulty turning, and noticeable noises like grinding or knocking, especially when turning, due to the malfunctioning gears inside the unit; in severe cases, the front wheels might completely lock up depending on the nature of the failure. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representative; however, a Google search indicates that there is an ongoing class action investigation (Saunder, Schelkopf - Attorneys at Law) for PTU failures in 2019-2022 Jeep Cherokee-??s.

- Littleton, CO, USA

problem #279

Dec 232024

Cherokee

  • miles
Power Transfer Unit failed at 79,100kms. Previous year models had a recall of PTU but my VIN is excluded. Common failure.

- Quincy, MA, USA

problem #278

Dec 192024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Last week, my wife was turning left at a busy intersection and her 2019 Jeep Cherokee suddenly wouldn't accelerate, and she had to coast across 4 lanes of traffic during evening rush hour. After placing in park and shutting off to refuel, she restarted and upon putting in drive, 4WD Srv light was still on, yet this time the vehicle was able to move again. So luckily she was able to get home. Next morning, I went to take the car to local mechanic. Sitting at the end of our street and ready to turn left onto a high-traffic main road, I experienced the same condition, with 4WD Srv light, also check engine symbol indicator, and also the same error message on info screen of: "4WD Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move Even in Park." And similarly, when I tried to start pulling out with cars approaching from both directions, when taking my foot off the brake and onto the accelerator, I felt no resistance at the pedal, as RPMs increased yet the vehicle didn't move an inch. I shifted into Park, and momentarily killed the engine. Then restarted it, and once back into drive-?"although 4WD indicator was still on-?"I was able to get power to the drive wheels and was able to pull out. Seeing as my [XXX] was also in the car with me, I'm very grateful that the failure to accelerate didn't occur at the moment I would've just pulled out in front of fast-approaching traffic. I took the vehicle to a local mechanic and explained the situation. A few hours later, they called me stating the Power Train Unit (PTU) was bad and would need to be replaced. They also informed me that the part, according to a local Jeep dealer they contacted was unavailable and "not even on the horizon." They said a used and remanufactured part could be used to make the repair, but that it would cost $600 more than if a new part were available. They also said that there were no aftermarket parts available, and that the part itself was not repairable, but had to be replaced. Quoted $3700. The Power Train Unit INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

- Saint Charles, MO, USA

problem #277

Dec 122024

Cherokee

  • miles
I'm the single owner of the jeep with roughly 50,000 miles on it. It has not been abused nor been in an accident. I took the jeep in for a brake job (by an ASE certified mechanic) and during the service they noted that the casting of the rear differential had failed in what appears to be a bad casting/manufacturing defect. The part that failed is what retains the seal for the differential. Had it completely let go, the fluid could have drained out causing a complete failure of the differential. Of course, depending upon when the failure were to occur, the severity risk is vast. I had it replaced to the tune of over $3,000. On-line searches indicated that this is a known issue yet I was not able to find any sign of a recall to inspect or repair. My next step is co contact Stellantis to seek restitution although I suspect that since the failure was found beyond the warranty period, that I will be unsuccessful....fingers crossed.

- Rochester, MI, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #276

Aug 262024

Cherokee

  • miles
Hello, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee that I have has a cracked rear differential and no accident that the vehicle was in could-??ve caused. I also know another person personally that has the same year make, and model as me that has the exact same problem of a cracked rear differential. Also, after talking to a mechanic in our local area, who stated he sees cracked rear differentials in Jeep Cherokees A lot more than he thinks he should and is surprised there-??s no recalls on it. The safety concern has led me to decide to get rid of the car since I am concerned there should be a recall on this part of the Jeep Cherokee, but there is not, and I feel other recalls could be overlooked as well. Also, after some research online, I see there are many cases of the same cracked rear differential in the jeep Cherokee, especially in and around the year of 2019. There was no specific incident that happened to report on. I could hear a noise so we-??ve had three mechanics/appraisers people look at it. All quote around $3,000 to repair. Also, all say this kind of crack is unsafe to drive.

- North Syracuse, NY, USA

problem #275

Feb 142024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While unloading groceries from the rear of the vehicle that was in park and turned off the vehicle started rolling backwards down the gradual slope of our driveway. Thankfully it was rolling slowly enough that I was able to grab my spouse and pull her to a safe position while we watched the vehicle roll into the street. Since then we have set the auto parking brake to engage whenever the vehicle is turned off. Recently the service 4wd light has come on. The vehicle just passed 60k miles and it appears that Jeep Cherokees have had a history of issues with their PTUs and it appears they continue to with the model we have as well.

- Maplewood, MN, USA

problem #274

Oct 252024

Cherokee

  • miles
SVC 4WD driver light came on - error code c1415-92. Needs PTU replaced at cost of almost $4000. Only 37400 miles on the vehicle. No recall for the 2019 model.

- West Linn, OR, USA

problem #273

Oct 252024

Cherokee

  • miles
At 66,000 miles my 2019 Jeep Cherokee gave me a service 4WD light. The error code is related to needing to replace the PTU. This causes a huge safety issue as to when the car decides to be in 4WD or front wheel drive. I have experienced loss of directional control in light rain with normal acceleration due to this fault. I was told that this will cost around $4,000 to replace and the wait time on the manufacture part is 4-5 months out.

- Prior Lake, MN, USA

problem #272

Oct 312024

Cherokee

  • miles
PTU failed causing 4WD to be disabled.

- Muskogee, OK, USA

problem #271

Oct 022024

Cherokee

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The rear differential failed. Our safety was put at rick because this is what drives the rear wheels causing them to lock up and lose control. The vehicle is currently at the local jeep dealer and they have deemed it to fail. The issue is apparently a very common as there are over 1k units on back order. Over 6 months back log so with no help from the dealership we have a 6k paper weight.

- Granite Falls , NC, USA

problem #270

Jan 152020

Cherokee

  • 350 miles
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH at night, the headlights turned off momentarily. Additionally, the contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen display turned on after 15 seconds. The contact also stated that the instrument panel and the infotainment system screen display were turning off intermittently while driving. The contact stated that the forward collision system chime failed to engage while there was another vehicle in the rear proximity of the vehicle; however, the forward collision avoidance system chime engaged while driving by another vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting into 2nd gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 350.

- Burtchville, MI, USA

problem #269

Aug 042024

Cherokee

  • miles
PTU first stopped allowing the vehicle to shift into 4 wheel drive, now it is showing a warning (while driving) on the instrument cluster that says "4WD Neutral Warning Vehicle May Move Even in Park". This notice pops up when driving or cruising at highway speed. Automatic transmission, no shift attempted at time warning appears.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #268

Sep 152024

Cherokee

  • miles
4wd indicator light is on - PTU MOTOR OR SYSTEM BLOCKED, FOLLOWED TROUBLESHOOTING PER WSM, TRACED TO FAULTY ELECTRONICS IN POWER TAKE OFF UNIT, NEED TO REPLACE

- South Berwick, ME, USA

problem #267

Sep 012024

Cherokee

  • 60,000 miles
The contact's granddaughter owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the PTU warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU sensor unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

- South Berwick, ME, USA

problem #266

Sep 132024

Cherokee

  • miles
4wd service light on, faulty power transfer unit. Known issue in Jeep Cherokees, many 2016-2017 vehicles were recalled for the same exact issue

- Severn, MD, USA

problem #265

Aug 092024

Cherokee

  • miles
Transmission needs to be replaced at 33,000 miles on the vehicle. While driving on a major expressway I experienced harsh up shifts from gears 1-2 & 2-3. It felt like the vehicle was being rear-ended. The vehicle died out and check engine light went on. Vehicle restarted and seemed to go back to normal for the rest of the drive. Vehicle was inspected at 2 Jeep dealers recommending new transmission and all related gaskets & Hardware. No warmings of any kind happened prior to this incident. Apparently there was a recall for this exact problem on the 2019 Jeep Cherokee yet my VIN number is not included. Recall: 2019 model year (KL) Jeep? Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 948TE 9-speed transmission. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V-492

- North Aurora, IL, USA

problem #264

Aug 122024

Cherokee

  • miles
Keep getting 4WD is disabled indication and service 4WD indicator. The error code starts after starting the car and stays on continually Took it to the dealer and got Diagnostic Trouble Code C14A7-97. The transmission has been not shifting as usual and some time the wheels squeel when making a turn from the stop position.

- Dubuque, IA, USA

problem #263

Jul 272024

Cherokee

  • miles
On 7.27.24, at 30,800 miles, my 2019 Jeep Cherokee displayed a warning light on the dashboard to service 4WD, stating that 4WD is unavailable. A trip to the dealer on 8.2.24 for diagnosis states the PTU has an internal fault and needs to be replaced. The vehicle is out of warranty. The replacement PTU part is on back order with no ETA. Dealer advised that driving with this warning light may or may not result in further damage. It could lead to damage of an axle or worse. Upon further research online, the PTU failure appears to be a known issue for many Jeep Cherokee owners.

- Irwin, PA, USA

problem #262

Jun 062024

Cherokee

  • miles
while driving the car at 40 mph it just quit running! engine completely out causing driver to swerve. Vehicle behind had to swerve around to avoid collision. There was no accident and nobody was injured but a close call! Two different shops (one being the certified Jeep/Chrysler mechanic) confirmed total engine faulure! The first shop told me that the turbo fatally failed and sent metal shrapnel through the air intake ports and scored and scratched the inside of the cylinder walls. Then oil passed through the motor and through the entire exhaust system ruining the catalytic converter and all sensors in the motor and exhaust system. There were no warning lamps or warnings of any kind. The car is less than 5 years old and has approx 76,000 miles. Cost to repair: $17,260

- Erie, PA, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

Not what you are looking for?