2020 Jeep Cherokee

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.

Incident Sep 1, 2026

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.

Incident Sep 1, 2026

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.

Incident Mar 5, 2026

On September 27, 2026 I drove the vehicle 2020 Jeep Cherokee 10 miles to church at 9:30 AM park the car when I came out of church at 10:30 AM. The car was totally burnt to the ground and the fire department was there and police and put it out.

Incident Sep 27, 2026

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 significant play in the transfer case prior to the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The vehicle remained with the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Incident Aug 8, 2026

Driving after work on 53S my jeep decided to only go 5mph engine light turned on among other light. Svc 4wd. Had to pull over the interstate shoulder that’s under construction and had very small space to park without getting hit by others.

Incident Sep 24, 2026

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 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

Incident Sep 29, 2026

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

Incident Apr 30, 2026

PTU has failed after 47,500 miles.

Incident Sep 30, 2026

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 differential. On 9/28, I paid $1237 for the repair (Jeep kicked in 80% of the total $5000+ repair cost as “goodwill” - which to me, is an admission that the 40D recall was to blame and the manufacturer knew it) and we drove it home last night. Today, on 9/29, while driving to work, the “service 4WD” warning light came on, based on the recall 40D, this indicates that the car should be immediately taken out of service for safety concerns for potential loss of power or failure to stay in park. So, we are taking it directly back to the dealer tonight. As it has been three months since the recall was announced and there’s no fix or even a timeline on a fix, it may be months before Jeep releases a fix. We are looking for pressure from NHTSA for a loaner and/or a buyout on the vehicle, as well as a refund on the $1237 repair cost already paid. We went 3 weeks without the vehicle the first time and cannot be continue to be without the vehicle.

Incident Sep 6, 2026

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 $50/day. This is a ridiculous offer, and one that does not satisfy a like for like substitute of my vehicle without their being great personal cost to me. The Jeep under recall is currently not driveable, and there is no remedy provided by the manufacturer. I need to be offered a long term loaner and direct billed rental of adequate likeness to my 2020 Jeep Cherokee.

Incident Sep 19, 2026

Engine caught fire while parked

Incident Sep 24, 2026

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

Incident Sep 1, 2026

On September 23, 2026, my wife was driving our 2020 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on I-65 South at mile marker 105.1 when the vehicle lost drive power and could no longer be driven. She became stranded on the side of the highway, and I had to pick her up. The vehicle also rolled while the gear selector was in PARK. We had it towed to Tom O’Brien Jeep dealership in Greenwood. Our vehicle is included in open safety recall 40D, NHTSA campaign 26V-290, involving the power transfer unit (PTU). The loss of drive power and rolling in PARK match the failure symptoms described in that recall. The specific mechanical cause still needs to be confirmed by the dealership. The Mopar recall lookup shows the recall is incomplete, the remedy is under development, and repair parts are not available. The vehicle is currently at the dealership. I am reporting an actual highway loss-of-propulsion incident and the vehicle rolling while in PARK. I am concerned about the risk of a crash or injury and the lack of an available recall remedy. Please document this incident under the existing recall and review the manufacturer’s response to vehicles that have already experienced these failures.

Incident Sep 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed.

Incident Sep 23, 2026

While driving my 2020 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus (2.0L turbo engine), the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle began misfiring with a severe loss of power and abnormal engine noise. A compression test confirmed lost compression in one or more cylinders. The dealer inspected the engine and diagnosed internal piston damage, consistent with piston ring land failure. Research shows this is a known failure pattern in 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee turbo engines, including a pending class action investigation (Sauder Schelkopf) for premature engine failure caused by lost cylinder compression, misfire codes, and dealerships declining coverage. Reports describe melted pistons and collapsed ring lands, often in cylinder #2, possibly related to low-speed pre-ignition or the PCM incorrectly detecting fuel octane and over-advancing ignition timing. The failed engine components are available for inspection upon request. This failure occurred at highway speed with no prior warning beyond the check engine light, creating a safety hazard from sudden power loss. The engine is a 2.0L turbo GME (Hurricane) engine. Please investigate this defect pattern for a potential safety recall.

Incident Aug 21, 2026

Catastrophic PTU failure on an interstate (we had not yet received the recall notice at the time of the incident) - no power at all, going the speed limit of 65 mph - We were miraculously able to coast into a weigh station - We could have caused a crash, or been the victims of one - The car also rolled backwards, even in park, subsequent to this incident - Many of these cars are STILL being driven by owners who have no choice, since Stellantis has provided no remedy nor buyback incentives to owners - The current "fix" is to replace the PTU with a part that may also fail - Since this is a known, significant safety issue, how is the NHTSA working with Stellantis to get this situation remedied? Thank you -

Incident Jun 14, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated there were recurring failures with rear wheels. 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 that the PTU needed to be replaced. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Incident Jun 18, 2026

I have a cherokee that isn't on the current recall list or anything. But I have the service 4wd light. Its a 2020 jeep cherokee limited v6 3.2 4x4

Incident Aug 18, 2026

May 07, 2026 Manufacturer Recall Number40D NHTSA Recall Number26V-290 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available This Jeep is not drivable, it said service 4 x4 and there was grinding then it broke down in the middle of the road and had to towed to the dealer. The dealership says it part of the recall but they have no timeline on when the part will be available, so the jeep is not able to drive. Where do I go from here?

Incident Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, an abnormal swooshing sound occurred. No warning lights illuminated. The contact noticed an oil odor coming from the vehicle after the failure. Following a yearly inspection, the contact was referred to a service center for assistance. The vehicle was taken to the service center, where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit, rear driveshaft, rear differential, and rear CV axle failed and required replacement. The service center informed the contact that the dealer stated the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

Incident Aug 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the transmission slipped. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that there were no open recalls associated with the failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power take-off (PTO) unit and actuator had failed, causing the failure of the power transfer unit (PTU). The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 105,511.

Incident Sep 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the 4WD warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that a "4WD Needs Service" warning message also displayed. The vehicle was taken to a service center where it was diagnosed that the power transfer unit had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated that the vehicle was inspected by a second service center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Incident Sep 4, 2026

My jeep was diagnosed with a PTU FAILURE. JEEP has only 51,293 miles. This is a well documented recall on 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee brand. My VIN is not included yet.

Incident Sep 8, 2026

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired, and the failure reoccurred. The failure was persistent, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Incident Aug 23, 2026

I was driving down the interstate. Left Lincoln NE and made it about 20 miles east or [XXX]. A few miles before I broke down a light came on on my dash. I wasn’t sure what it was for. I was going 80 mph when my vehicle appeared to shift out of gear. I could push the gas but it didn’t cause me to accelerate. I got pulled over to the side of the road and tried shifting into park and then back into drive. It still appeared to be in neutral I guess. I called a tow truck who took me to a transmission shop in [XXX]. After plugging it in to a code reader I was told that the PTU Actuator had went out and would need replaced. I later received a Recall for the PTU on my vehicle in the mail. I tried submitting a reimbursement claim but was told since there is no remedy for the issue that they couldn’t process my reimbursement. The failed part isn’t available for inspection because the shop did the work and I’m assuming disposed of the part. I had no idea at that time that I would or should save the part. It cost me a tow truck, a repair bill, a hotel room, a rental car, and my vacation as well as was super scary for that to happen going down the interstate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident Oct 21, 2025

On [XXX], our 2020 Jeep Cherokee with approximately 62,562 miles experienced a sudden loss of motive power while traveling at highway speed on [XXX] out of Dayton, Wyoming. There was a clunk, the engine RPM increased, and the vehicle would no longer engage drive or park. The vehicle became inoperable and had to be towed to Sheridan Motors in Sheridan, Wyoming, where it remains. Sheridan Motors diagnosed an internal power transfer unit (PTU) failure and recommended replacement of the PTU followed by additional testing. The vehicle’s VIN is included in FCA Recall 40D / NHTSA Recall 26V-290, which identifies internal PTU failure as a condition that may cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power. We live in Bozeman, Montana, and had to obtain a rental vehicle to return home. On September 2, 2026, FCA Recall Assistance advised us that no approved repair or interim remedy is currently available. FCA would not authorize a repair or alternate transportation and stated that we must pay for a PTU replacement ourselves and later submit a reimbursement request, with no assurance that reimbursement will be approved. The vehicle has experienced the exact safety failure identified by the recall but cannot presently receive the recall remedy. Please record this as an actual field failure of the recalled PTU and review the absence of an available remedy for an inoperable vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident Aug 22, 2026

I was driving on the interstate and lost my engine power

Incident Jul 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Incident Aug 27, 2026

Vehicle suffered complete failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / drivetrain system, resulting in vehicle lockup, failure to engage drive gears, and automatic parking brake lockout when placed in PARK. ​The vehicle experienced its first documented PTU failure and replacement (Part #68333285AE) under warranty at 47,577 miles in November 2022. The PTU failed while we were driving 70 mph plus going down the highway. It sounded like the gas pedal was pushed to the floor even thought it wasn't then numerous dash lights came on and the vehicle came to a stop and wouldn't move. It took almost 2 months to get our vehicle back and that was only after contacting Chrysler customer care to start a care case and try to get parts expedited. The PTU failed again in April 2026. It was sounding like grinding gears when backing up and it was automatically putting the parking brake for no reason on when vehicle was put into park. After being retained by an authorized Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram franchise dealership ([XXX]) for nearly two months for warranty repair, the vehicle was released on XXX. They replaced the actuator instead of the entire PTU per Chrysler techs recommendation. We got it back and it was still automatically putting on the parking brake. ​Four days later, on XXX (after driving approximately 100 miles), the drivetrain suffered an identical breakdown, causing system faults, numerous dash lights and rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. The vehicle has remained inoperable at the dealership for over 100 cumulative day and remains there to this day. XXX ​This failure directly mirrors NHTSA Recall Campaign 26V290 (FCA Recall 40D) for 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokees with two-speed PTUs. Dealer states no factory remedy is available from the manufacturer, leaving the safety risk uncured. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident Jun 29, 2026

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 became aware of an abnormally loud sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred at a busy intersection. The contact attempted to shift the gear shifter into park; however, the vehicle rolled backwards. The contact enabled the parking brake. The Police were called to assist with traffic. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of an unrepaired recall. The contact was advised to contact the dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that parts were unavailable. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair could be paid for out of pocket and reimbursed when parts became available. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Incident Aug 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while reversing at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The message "4WD Service" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed and determined that the power transfer unit motor needed to be replaced. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.

Incident Aug 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was intermittently displayed, and the vehicle only operated in front-wheel drive. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the failure was associated with the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 49,000.

Incident Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a loud grinding sound coming from the vehicle, and the message “4WD Unavailable - Service Required" was displayed. The sound became louder and more frequent over time. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with Power Transfer Unit failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

Incident Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed in the snow, the 4WD feature became inoperable. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was determined the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The dealer referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 73,146.

Incident Oct 1, 2025

My Jeep was subject to a recall for a failing Power Steering Unit (PSU). Before the recall was announced, the PSU failed and I paid for the repair at an authorized Jeep dealership. Jeep is now refusing reimbursement, stating they will only reimburse once a recall remedy becomes available. The vehicle has since been totaled in a crash unrelated to the PSU repair, so I can no longer receive the recall remedy. Jeep is withholding reimbursement even though the defect is acknowledged under the recall, the repair was completed at a Jeep dealership, and federal reimbursement rules require manufacturers to reimburse pre‑notification repairs. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance because Jeep is not complying with recall reimbursement requirements.

Incident Dec 6, 2025

Fwd service light is on and my jeep keeps jerking and at times acts like it doesn’t want to go

Incident Jul 29, 2026

Warning light SVC 4WD and dashboard message 4WD System Unavailable Service Required. Jeep Dealer found diagnostic code C14A7. Dealer checked Power Transfer Unit (PTU) operation and PTU fails to acuate. Needs to be replaced and part ordered. Time for repair could not be determined. I was told at least two months, possibly longer. In researching this issue I found there is a safety recall for PTU on 2020 Jeep Cherokees, but my VIN is not included in the recall. NHTSA Campaign Number 26V290000. I am concerned continuing to drive my vehicle and hopefully not experience a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Also concerned about further damage to car, i.e. transmission, if I continue to drive. Dealer told me if vehicle leaks fluids, hear grinding noises, and/or it feels like gears slipping to bring vehicle back in.

Incident Aug 10, 2026

Service 4 wheel drive light came on. Car loses acceleration randomly. Weird winding noise. Higher than normal rpm. See there is recall for this but states mine not included. Had mechanic look at it and was told it’s the PTU. Normal issue with these. Unfortunately over 10000 on back order. Hhmmm

Incident May 16, 2026

Sudden total loss of power steering assist while driving over a small pothole on Pearman Dairy Road. Full details, diagnostic trouble codes (U0420-00, U0010-00, U1428-00, B2309-64), and Jeep case reference 97368807 are fully documented in the attached formal PDF letter

Incident Jul 8, 2026