2020 Jeep Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V290000May 7, 202661,711 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

  Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

  Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle jerked forward. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed…

   NHTSA complaint #11769609 · source
2. Filed Oct 7, 202663,000 miNDTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving and pulling out of the driveway, the contact became aware of fluid on the driveway. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and there were metal shavings found in the PTU, and the mechanic determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The mechanic contacted the dealer, and it was confirmed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power…

   NHTSA complaint #11769522 · source
3. Filed Oct 6, 202682,296 miTXTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several warning lights illuminated panel and the hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, and it was discovered that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test confirmed the failure of the PTU; however, the…

   NHTSA complaint #11769422 · source
4. Filed Oct 6, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Took my vehicle in for service a second time for warning light about 4 wheel drive needing service. I was told ptu is bad and that it’s a jeep problem. Saw there was a recall 40 D My VIN isn’t showing under that recall.

   NHTSA complaint #11769347 · source
5. Filed Oct 5, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   Service four-wheel-drive light came on mileage was at 83,000 miles approximately took it to the Chrysler dealer and they replaced my PTU motor. I believe this motor was recalled on an earlier years as a recall I think this year should be a recall . Also, now, September 27, 2026 I drove my vehicle /Jeep to church I parked it and it lit on fire and burned to the ground. Nothing left of it. Don’t know if it had anything to do with that PTU unit.

   NHTSA complaint #11769135 · source
6. Filed Oct 5, 202665,000 miSDTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a left turn from a complete stop at 5-6 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and came to a stop in the middle of the intersection. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and provided towing assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure and the transfer case had failed. The dealer determined that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was…

   NHTSA complaint #11769054 · source
7. Filed Oct 5, 2026MOTransmission & Drivetrain

   The safety system keeps notifying that the 4-wheel drive is not available. Had a diagnostic completed, 9/1/2026, and it was determined to be a PTU Failure. The system continues to show the issues. I checked the NHTSA site and it states there is campaign number 26V290000 on 2019 - 2023 Jeep Cherokees for PTU Failure. However, for some reason, our car is not listed in the campaign.

   NHTSA complaint #11768994 · source
8. Filed Oct 5, 2026GAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine light comes on, whenever you attempt to accelerate from a stop (like a traffic light), the vehicle will coast into the intersection, causing a traffic hazard. It has done this multiple times. At 60,300 miles, dealership told me that engine was not covered. I purchased a new engine, which never fixed the problem. 5 different times they reset dash board, but the it cont'd before i can get home. Dealership gaslights with they could not get pr0blem repeated. But as soon…

   NHTSA complaint #11768960 · source
9. Filed Oct 1, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   Lost ability to drive almost causing an accident. Vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic. Cause of problem was a failed PTU. Had the vehicle repaired, PTU replacement, at a cost of $2,017.18

   NHTSA complaint #11768346 · source
10. Filed Sep 29, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

    On 9/6, The Cherokee lost power and had a grinding noise when in gear. It was towed to the Jeep dealer, they said it needed a new rear differential.. I told the dealer that my research showed that this catastrophic failure was likely caused by the 40D-recalled PTU and not the rear diff, but they claimed the rear diff was the problem and they could fix it. So, I reluctantly agreed and they proceeded to order the parts - which took a few weeks - to replace the rear…

    NHTSA complaint #11767862 · source
11. Filed Sep 28, 2026MNTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle stopped working, gears started grinding and a warning to service the 4WD system turned on. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealership under the direction of Stellantis, so that the dealer could confirm the diagnosis of the failed power transfer unit covered under recall 40D. Dealership confirmed, however I was not offered an appropriate replacement vehicle, and was told that my only option was to rent a vehicle myself, and Stellantis would reimburse me up to…

    NHTSA complaint #11767420 · source
12. Filed Sep 24, 2026INTransmission & Drivetrain

    Power transfer unit failed similar to recall on other 2020 Jeep Cherokees, though our Jeep was not covered under the existing recall.

    NHTSA complaint #11766781 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology