2020 Jeep Cherokee

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a grinding sound coming from the vehicle while accelerating, while the vehicle was idling, and while depressing the brake pedal. The failure was intermittent but became more frequent. The traction control warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the START/STOP button intermittently failed to start the vehicle, requiring several attempts to start the vehicle. The "A" for the Start/System remained illuminated long after the button was pressed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure might be caused by a failure of the power transfer unit. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I am submitting this complaint regarding my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Limited which has now been undrivable for over 3 months due to a part that is on national backorder. The issue began in May 2025 when I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealership for repairs related to the Power Control Unit (PCU). Since then, the part has not been available, and the car has remained at the dealership with no clear repair timeline. I have been told by Jeep corporate that I am only eligible for rental coverage and nothing more. This delay has left me without a working vehicle for over 90 days, and I am concerned that this issue may involve a defect or systemic parts shortage that is affecting multiple vehicles. I also believe this is a safety-related issue, as a failure of the power control unit could result in sudden loss of power or drivability. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate: Whether this part shortage is linked to a wider defect or recall Whether Jeep (Stellantis) should be required to take further action If any safety recalls should be issued for this model and issue I have already filed a complaint with the New York Attorney General. Jeep is not a participant in BBB Auto Line, and I am left without a reliable resolution while still paying for a vehicle I cannot use. Please let me know what further information is needed.

PTU/Transmission failure. Vehicle is available for inspection. Traveling 70mph on a local highway when the vehicle gave two large jolts/shutters and loud bangs. Lost all power to the vehicle while on the highway and had trouble safely exiting the highway with other vehicles passing by and having no power to the vehicle. Transmission/gear fluid from the ptu/Transmission completely emptied itself onto the road after the failure. The Jeep brand is well aware of these issues plaguing the 2015- present Jeep cherokee 4x4 models. However, only the 2015-2019 are currently recalled. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or service center but is able to be.