2019 Jeep Cherokee

A few weeks ago, on several separate occasions while I was driving, the engine suddenly lost power; power was restored only after I restarted the engine. Subsequently, the yellow PTU warning light illuminated—a situation that is extremely dangerous. I contacted Jeep’s manufacturer for assistance, but they merely deflected the issue, directing me to visit an authorized dealership. When I went to the dealership, however, they in turn referred me back to the manufacturer. They are simply passing the buck between one another. The sudden loss of power in a Jeep while in motion constitutes an extreme safety hazard, yet the manufacturer is shirking its responsibility.

The vehicle was found to have severe, pre-existing structural and frame damage that compromises its overall crashworthiness and structural integrity. This includes improper prior repairs that mask structural deficiencies. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. Operating a vehicle with unaddressed structural frame damage and substandard prior repairs poses an immediate safety risk. In the event of a collision, the vehicle’s crumple zones and structural pillars may fail to protect the cabin as originally engineered, severely increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death to myself and my passengers. Yes. The structural damage and improper prior bodywork were formally identified and documented during an automotive inspection. The vehicle's structural integrity and repair defects have been documented via a professional inspection. Despite these documented findings, the dealership (Carvana) and the warranty administrator (SilverRock) are currently refusing to properly address or resolve the structural safety failures. There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or messages, as this is a physical, structural safety defect stemming from undisclosed prior damage and inadequate repairs rather than an electronic system failure.

The car will randomly display that the start/stop function is disabled. It will also just randomly stall out for no reason. Sometimes multiple times in a row. Restarting the car may cause it to stop. Have had it looked at many time and because the start/stop error may not be happening at the time or the engine will not stall all of the shops have stated there is nothing wrong with the car. It seems to do it more when the temperature outside is above 80 degrees. This happened for many months. It will typically stall out while at stop lights, to date it has not stopped while actively moving.

The power transfer unit (PTU) failed at approximately 53,000 miles, which is a premature failure for a major drivetrain component. The issue was confirmed upon inspection. The “Service 4WD” warning light remains illuminated on the dashboard. Additionally, the vehicle pulls slightly to the left while driving. A failure of the PTU affects the all-wheel-drive system and can lead to improper power distribution, loss of traction, or driveline binding. The pulling condition and drivetrain issues create a safety concern during normal driving. Similar PTU failures have been reported in other 2019 Jeep Cherokees and have resulted in recalls and technical service bulletins for similar components, although this specific vehicle was not included. This suggests a broader pattern of premature PTU failure.

​NHTSA ODI Case Update – Supplement to Complaint #XXX ​Vehicle: 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) Subject: Dealership Deflection Tactics and Denial of Recall Repair Verification ​This statement is submitted to update my ongoing federal safety complaint regarding the catastrophic failure of the Mopar Two-Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the resulting loss of motive power/rollaway risks. ​On May 19, 2026, the vehicle was evaluated by an authorized FCA dealership, St. Helens Auto Center (Repair Order #XXX). The certified technician, Don Stockdale, explicitly confirmed the mechanical failure of the recall-associated components, stating in writing: “the propeller shaft at the rear of the PTU feels as though it is dry inside. Very loose and clanking around.” ​Despite verifying this severe manufacturing safety defect, Service Manager April McCall formally refused to submit a corporate Goodwill or Warranty Extension claim to FCA unless I paid out-of-pocket to replace three CV axles, which she claimed were "loose and dry." ​To verify this claim, the vehicle was immediately taken to a secondary licensed automotive facility (Dr. Auto LLC, Invoice #XXX) on May 27, 2026. The independent inspection confirmed that the dealership’s diagnosis was fraudulent. All CV axle boots are completely intact and sealed, meaning the internal grease has not escaped. The front axles have zero play, and the rear axles exhibit only normal, minor factory play. ​The dealership intentionally used a loaded 4-post lift to misdiagnose the vehicle, leveraging the high-frequency vibrations of the failing central PTU to fabricate secondary, non-covered user-pay repairs. This is a deliberate corporate tactic used to deflect financial liability for a known federal safety defect onto the consumer. I am requesting that the NHTSA review these attached service documents as evidence of predatory dealership behavior surrounding the Cherokee PTU failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552

Power train (PTU) failed on the highway huge crash sound and then no power to wheels, transfer case visably broke due to catastrophic failure shockwave cracked housing of my rear difrential too. It is available for inspection. Safety reason is the same as recall 01C / 40D. Sudden loss of automotive power due to sudden blow up of transfer case, causing danger to everybody on the road. not sure if there is loss of metal but im sure it was violent enough to blow some fragments of metal around. Problem cant be reproduced since its visably broken due to sudden blowing up of the PTU. No official inspection but I'll do a teardown soon. My own diagnoses as I'm good with cars is sudden PTU failure. Reasoning is that my engine still starts and my transmition works since it still audibly shifts between park and neutral. havnt tested drive or reverse yet since everything is still connected but will do that soon and write another report as an update to this one. No warning lights at all ever and nothing that i or my wife noticed before, just a sudden bang and no power doing 55 miles an hour. Then it automatically put the handbrake on while im trying to pull to the side of the highway. Im requesting my vehicle to be added to the list of recalls under recall 01C / 40D. For sudden catastrophic PTU failure. My car was build during the period on the recall at 10/2018. for more questions i can be called or emailed

Front transfercase blew on the highway. It just happened randomly with no warning.we were stuck with barely amy signal at 2:30am on the side of the highway in the dark. Rear tires also locked up when we were almost stopped. Were able to push it off the road more with 3 people. Thats why the puddle of oil is behind the car. I know its broken because the housing is split open. didnt hit anything road was clear not even a pothole was hit, it has no scuff marks either. It just blew on its own. No warning lights or codes showed up. Im consistent with looking at the temps from the board computer and nothing was weird. Oil, coolant and transmition was all looking good. It is available for review or for pictures to be sent. So far only self diagnose from looking under the car (but its pretty clear). Will tow tomorrow to a car lift and take further pictures with the plastic tray off.

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 25 MPH, the service four-wheel drive warning light illuminated and then the day after the four-wheel drive is no longer working warning message illuminated as well. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (POWER TRAIN), however the VIN is not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.