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Engine & cooling

Jeep Cherokee Engine problems by year

3,288 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Jeep Cherokee's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Engine complaints by model year

YearEngine complaintsCrashesInjuriesRecalls
20263000
20228000
202130000
202049000
2019473421
2018159101
2017265310
2016321200
2015371821
2014524870
2001115310
2000277130
1999177240
1997141460
199659100
1995137000
199478020
199328010
199212000
199114000
199021000
19896000
19888000
19878000
19861000
19851000
19842000

Engine recalls

Engine

18V34400014 vehicles affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines. The engines in these vehicles may be missing valve stem keepers, which can allow the valve to drop into the engine cylinder causing engine damage. These...

Latest Cherokee engine complaints

2019 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

My daughter bought this Jeep Latitude in [redacted] with 44k miles. A few days ago she heard a clicking and her 4WD light went on. She brought it to the shop and to our horror the PVU, differential are in need of replacement???? There is a recall on this model for the PVU, but not on her VIN: [[redacted]] I feel that since these both happened at the same time, this jeep is a lemon. However, i cannot go for a lemon law d/t the fact that we have no warranty. I think Jeep should consider adding this to the recall...

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list. Ridiculous. My [[redacted]] now has to take out a 7K loan to pay for her repairs and has a $500 month car payment on top of that. Never buying another Jeep EVER! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11776775
2026 Jeep CherokeeEngine & cooling

The contact owns a 2026 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the steering wheel locked. The instrument cluster displayed the messages "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" and "Vehicle Cannot Go Over Speed." Prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact waited 10 minutes and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the failure, and the vehicle was...

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returned without repair. The failure recurred, nearly resulting in a collision. The vehicle was pushed to a service station, restarted, and driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone and email, and two cases were filed. The contact stated that an arbitration case was filed with the National Center for Dispute Settlement. The failure mileage was approximately 3,700.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11776738
2021 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I recieved a 4WD service error on my dashboard. I took it to my mechanic and they said the following codes came up. C14A7-97 PTU Motor P0606-49 Internal Control processor -internal electronic failure U0010-00 CAN interior bus I see that there are recalls for the PTU on other Cherokees for this year, so I want you to know it is happening to my vehicle too.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11776310
2016 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

My jeep stalled while attempting to accelerate from a stopped position at a stop light at a busy intersection on or around June/July 2026. The car remained on, the gear shifts were moveable, but the vehicle would not move despite pressing on the gas. I scheduled a tow. After ten minutes, it randomly accelerated about a block before stalling again. This continued about two more times as I tried to get the vehicle out of the middle of the road. The car then overheated and I was able to park it a few blocks away at my...

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mom's house. In August/September 2026, I had the car towed to Complete Automotive, and Corwin Jeep for inspections. Progressive Insurance also inspected the issue and ruled out any residual effects from a 1.25.25 parked car front end hit and run collision. Complete Auto found an empty coolant reservoir, oil and coolant leaks, drive belt issues, PTU code, and warning light indicators; Corwin found PTU code and recommended a transfer case. The exact cause remains unknown. The vehicle has had ongoing hose and overheating issues since the day of purchase in 2018; and has underwent hose and radiator replacements that have not seemed to properly fix the issues surrounding sloshing noises, shuddering, shaking, grinding, intermittent lightening, brake fluid, oil, and coolant leaks, and overheating and engine light. Immediately before the vehicle stalled, there were no warning lamps; those messages indicating overheating lit up while attempting to move myself and the car to safety. The unexpected loss of propulsion presents a serious collision risk, especially in traffic, in rush hour at a busy intersection. The recurring overheating and coolant loss also create risk of sudden failure while driving, which has happened on a busy highway requiring repairs. These problems and safety risks have continued despite substantial repairs and repeated dealership inspections. The vehicle remains inoperable awaiting repairs at the Corwin Jeep Dealership.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11774678
2026 Jeep CherokeeAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & coolingFuel system

While driving my vehicle, the check engine light came on after driving for about 10 minutes. It remained on and I called the dealer and they said that I should bring the vehicle in to be checked. They looked at the check engine light and said it was probably because the gas cap was not on properly. I do not have a gas cap so the turned it off and said I should be ok. It came on again and they said they would have it checked further. After further investigation the discovered a loose flap associated with the cruise...

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control and adjusted the flap. I was told if it came on again it would need to be replaced. The light came on again and I took the vehicle in to have it replaced. It has not yet been repaired. The engine light comes on and even goes out while driving.Generally the light will come on and stay on for a few days and go off but it happens and I have not had one vehicle for more than a few months. I believe another problem is being generated from this because now I am having problems with the vehicle jerking because the vale has not been replaced.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11773012
2021 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. NHTSA notes recalls for my year make and model for my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux but does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Jeep says nothing they can do since the NHTSA does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Vehicle was taken to Jeep Chrysler AutoNation in Golden Colorado. Apparently having a faulty PTU can be a MAJOR safety issue. Please advise.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11771412
2017 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

Hello, I am writing to follow up on an issue I reported a month ago regarding an unaddressed recall on my 2017 Jeep Cherokee. The vehicle is currently not drivable due to significant consequential damage to the transmission caused by a failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). I purchased this vehicle nine months ago at 51,000 miles and have driven it fewer than 5,000 miles since. The PTU failure has led to the following severe mechanical issues: - Stripped Transmission Output Shaft: Due to wear on the differential...

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input splines (associated with NHTSA Recall 20V343 / Manufacturer Recall W47), the transmission's output shaft has been stripped. Consequently, replacing the PTU alone will not resolve the issue, and the transmission requires repair or replacement. - Debris Contamination: Metallic shavings from the damaged PTU gears have entered the interconnected mechanical linkages of the gearbox. - Loss of Power and Park Function: The internal break caused the transmission to disengage from the differential, resulting in a loss of motive power and a complete failure of the PARK function, creating a roll-away hazard. Given that this critical recall was never performed prior to these failures, I request that this matter be escalated and addressed immediately. Please let me know the next steps for resolving this issue and covering the required repairs.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11771329
2019 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

I was coming out of a gas station and the battery light came on/ stayed on and the car just stopped. I couldn't shut it off, put it in drive, put it in park.......The car still seemed to be running... I had to wait about 10 mins before I could do anything I.e. start it up again. This was very scary and unsafe as the car stopped dead between a street entrance/ exit of the gas station, and cars had to swerve to get around me.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11770794
2019 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

So I was driving down the road doing 60 miles an hour and I have lost power total drive power while driving doing 60 miles an hour with a car just goes into a neutral rubs up and I have to pull on side of the road and turn off the car wait like 10 to 15 minutes and then the car resets itself I believe my car has a recall for the PTU and I believe that's what's wrong with it. It's a recall so it needs looked at and I took it to the dealership saying my concerns and they have told me that there is no fix available...

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yet for it which that cannot be true because I got something in the mail saying that there is a fix available so I'm not sure if they just don't wanna do it cause it's gonna be a hard job to do but it needs done ASAP because that's putting my life in danger just having total loss drive power while driving down the highway doing 65 to 70 miles an hour it has happened three total times now.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11770689
2014 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

The transmission light went on. Car was brought into dealership two times while still under warranty. They did not have a fix and PTU was on back order for over a year in 2017. I am now resorting to pay out of pocket. I had a PTU shipped from a Jeep dealer in Louisiana. PTU from them was not new but had come off another car and was charged $2,300. I sent it back because it was used at that time I was working and was going to pay out of pocket. I was not going to pay to install a used transmission. Regardless there...

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is as no fix. Then in May of this year the check engine light came on. This was another problem that the Jeep dealership cannot fix. Now I have a paid for car that cannot be driven because it cannot be smogged. It has the Pentastar V6 engine. There is no fix for either problem I understand and I am retired and cannot afford these repairs. I asked the manufacturer in writing to buy the car back and they said no. Can I get some help? This was going to be my last car. Jeep dealer offered $200 for the car. My all weather tires are worth more than the car. I've changed oil on time using synthetic oil and have otherwise taken good care of this car. I thought they would come up with a fix for the transmission is why I waited so long. Everything that is wrong is the manufacturer's product defect. Also, I have documentation on everything I just wrote you. Please help me!!! [[redacted]] [[redacted]] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11769410
2020 Jeep CherokeeEngine & cooling

Like previous model years, the 2 L Turbo engine started buring excessive oil (more than 1 quart per 500 miles). Two mechanics have indicated that engine and turbocharger need to be replaced. Both said that this engine is same as previous model years for which recalls were initiated.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768970
2020 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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 as warranty expire(eed), dealership admides car needs 2nd new engine. $9K.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11768960
2020 Jeep CherokeeEngine & cooling

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint regarding a catastrophic Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on my Jeep Trailhawk that has rendered my vehicle undrivable and raised serious safety concerns. While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden PTU failure that resulted in a loss of safe vehicle operation. The failure was severe enough that the vehicle could not be driven and had to be towed to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis and repair. The dealership has confirmed that the PTU has...

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failed; however, there is currently no available repair solution or replacement part to permanently correct the issue. As a result, my vehicle remains out of service indefinitely. In addition to the safety concerns related to this failure, I am extremely concerned about the manufacturer's response. Although Jeep has acknowledged the failed component, I have been informed that I must pay out of pocket to have the same defective PTU reinstalled temporarily until a permanent repair becomes available. Jeep has stated they may reimburse me at a later date, but they are requiring that I bear the upfront cost for a known faulty component. Furthermore, neither Jeep nor the dealership has provided a loaner vehicle, despite my vehicle being disabled through no fault of my own. This situation has left me without reliable transportation and has created significant financial hardship. More importantly, the apparent lack of an available repair raises concerns that other Jeep owners may experience similar failures while operating their vehicles. A sudden PTU failure can create dangerous driving conditions and poses potential risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate this issue, including: The frequency of PTU failures in Jeep Trailhawk vehicles. Whether this failure represents a broader safety defect affecting other vehicles. The adequacy of Jeep's response to affected owners. The safety implications of requiring

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11768283
2017 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I took my foot off the brake and pressed the accelerator. bI heard a loud cracking/crushing noise coming from underneath the vehicle. When I tried to accelerate, the Jeep would not shift properly into gear. The engine revved, but the vehicle did not accelerate normally / did not move as it should. The Jeep was essentially no longer able to transmit power normally, so I stopped driving it. The important sequence is: red light-green light-released brake-pressed accelerator-loud cracking/crushing noise underneath-Jeep wouldn't properly engage/shift- engine revved- vehicle accelerated normally.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11768278
2021 Jeep CherokeeTransmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine & cooling

My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding this vehicle. It has now been 5 months with no repair remedy available. Due to being told by the certified dealer, Mopar, Jeep/Stellantis (who closed my claim because they claim the vehicle is safe to drive despite of having an outstanding safety recall) I thought I would attempt to drive the vehicle again. On...

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September 15, 2026, the vehicle lost all motive power while I was traveling approximately 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11766914

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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