2020 Jeep Cherokee

The Power Transfer Unit (PTU) suddenly became disconnected while we were in the passing lane on a highway. We lost power temporarily and dashboard lights came on saying service was needed. Moved slowly into a safe location and called for tow truck. There was some “knocking” as we moved. While diagnosing the vehicle, the dealer experienced the same indications and stated that it sounds like a separation in the PTU. There were no prior indications that something was wrong until it happened. I researched on line and found recalls for this issue in prior years (2017-2019) on the same vehicle as mine (Jeep Cherokee 2020).

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop at a red light, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop. The contact stated that the vehicle briefly rolled backward before returning to normal functionality. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.

History of the vehicle in the shop for braking issues, on 08/09/2024; 2 vehicles in front braked for an animal on a busy road, and saw braking. Was at around 30mph and started to brake, car in front had an emergency brake event and came to a sudden stop. My vehicle sent a BRAKE!, warning and started to apply brakes, I went to an evasive maneuver, my steering was cut, my brakes kicked my foot to half pedal and I could no longer brake. Coasted into the back of the vehicle in front of me at around 25 mph.

Vehicle stopped at a red light, auto stop/start activated. Took foot off brake when light turned green, car struggled to restart, all lights/system went off and finally restarted. Kicked the auto emergency break on and the auto stop/start warning light came on. Has happened 5-10x in the last month. Started around July 2023. Sometimes forward collision breaking turns on out of nowhere, when cars are 2 car lengths in front of me.

I will try to answer each question: The electronic emergency brake engaged on its own at a stop light, then later while driving on the highway. Could have easily been re-ended and lost control on freeway causing extreme damage. It was a night, and driving alone. Called dealership, they said to bring it in or tow it but wouldn't be able to get to it until Oct. 20th and then if a part needed to be ordered it would be longer. I then took it to our mechanic, who said it was the electronic brake module and most likely was caused by water leak. They showed me complaint article with complaints of same thing. I notified my insurance company of same. The warning lights only came when it happened last night. 10/04/22. They are not currently on, and I only drove it to the mechanic shop where they diagnosed the problem.

In December 2021 the "AWD not available" warning message came on. During a trip, the cruise control did not work. Took car to dealer on January 4, 2022. Diagnostics revealed the following: oil leak in the engine, repaired under the warranty. Body controller module and body wiring failed, replaced under warranty. Power transfer unit failed, power transfer unit replaced under warranty. Car returned to me repaired on January 14, 2022.