2019 Jeep Cherokee Steering Problems

​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

NHTSA ID

11740568

Incident

Feb 20, 2026

My 2019 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Plus is exhibiting a persistent metallic rattling and grinding noise originating from the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) and the propeller shaft interface. The noise is most prominent during acceleration and coasting at speeds under 20 mph. Confirmed through Dr. Auto LLC, in Warren, OR. That it is in fact PTU unit attached to the propeller shaft. Plan to go through a dealership soon. ​This failure mirrors the symptoms described in NHTSA Recall 23V-302 (FCA Recall 01C). Although my specific VIN is currently not included in this recall, the mechanical symptoms—specifically vibration and grinding at the PTU output—indicate a premature failure of the input shaft splines. ​This presents a significant safety risk, as the failure of these splines can lead to an abrupt loss of motive power while in motion and a loss of the "Park" function, which could lead to an unintended vehicle rollaway. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate whether the current recall scope should be expanded to include additional 2019 Jeep Cherokee units, such as mine, that were manufactured with the same defective PTU components. Im afraid to lose power to my wheels while im driving with young kids in my vehicle and I am afraid to lose parking function that could injure someone or cause property damage.

NHTSA ID

11729278

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

While driving home from Church Sunday afternoon, I was on the highway driving 65 mph. Suddenly, and without warning lights or any other ability to know or prepare for the catastrophe about to take place, my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk lost all control and function in the drive-train and braking. The rear differential completely froze, forcing the vehicle to skid recklessly without operator control or ability to brake. Steering was near impossible as the car veered first to the guard-rail on the median, and then across 2 lanes of traffic towards the guardrail on the shoulder. A terrible accident was avoided by an alert and skillful driver who was behind me. After what i later came to find out from the dealer (having the vehicle towed) was the rear drive train gears sheered, I was able to bring the vehicle to a stop on the shoulder.

NHTSA ID

11727737

Incident

Feb 22, 2026

The steering is very "glitchy" almost sticky. When driving the steering wheel does not move freely when turned and will slightly stick in place.

NHTSA ID

11727455

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

While driving the car, the shifting mechanisms are not working correctly. Stalling, hard shift etc. Causing jolts, and sudden stop/start movements. I was driving in the snow when my car jolted and was unable to stop on the ice leaving me in the snow bank. Went to put it in 4wd and the 4wd wouldn’t work. Brought it to the dealer repair shop where the recall was determined as the culprit. I have waited a year for the recall with no news, updates and being unable to drive my car.

NHTSA ID

11717559

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

My vehicle is under an open safety recall 01C involving the PTU system, and there has been no remedy available for nearly a year. This defect caused a dangerous and sudden loss of acceleration while I was driving, and the manufacturer has still provided no fix, and no support through the dealership. The incident occurred when I was stopped at a red light. When the light turned green,I pressed the gas and the vehicle immediately made a loud grinding/shaking noise, shuddered violently, and lost all propulsion. The car would barely move. I was extremely lucky that there was a parking lot directly next to the intersection, and with the tiny amount of movement left,I was able to coast into it. If this failure had happened anywhere else—on a highway, in the middle of an intersection, or without a place to pull off—I could have been rear-ended or caused a collision. My safety was put at immediate risk due to this recall defect. I contacted the dealership, but they stated they could not repair the vehicle because Jeep/Stellantis had not released a remedy, parts, or service procedure for the recall. I was told multiple times that there was nothing they could do until Jeep provided a fix. After the breakdown, an independent shop confirmed the PTU failure, since the dealer still had no ability to repair it. All failed components and documentation are available for inspection. I lost use of my vehicle and was forced to take safety into my own hands. When I submitted reimbursement documentation to Jeep Customer Care, they denied it because the repair was not done at a certified dealer and did not use MOPAR parts—even though no certified repair or MOPAR parts exist for this recall. This leaves me without a safe vehicle, without a remedy, and without support. I am requesting NHTSA intervention due to the ongoing safety risk and the manufacturer’s failure to provide a timely fix and proper reimbursement for their admitted issue with the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11704248

Incident

Oct 5, 2025

Driving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, then To DC, then VA, power steering service show up and caused my jeep hard to turning. Completely unexpected. I just got them 2 month ago.

NHTSA ID

11690961

Incident

Sep 25, 2025

Steering powering went out. Dealerships said power steering was blown.

NHTSA ID

11687589

Incident

Sep 11, 2025

Vehicle is hard to turn since it is locked in to all wheel drive . I had Northtown Jeep ( dealership) look at it and they knew what it was just after one quick ride around the building. The car has 28543 miles on it and is out of warranty. They told me that the PTU was faulty and that also caused damage to the rear differential. This vehicle from day one sounded and felt a bit (odd) but I just figured that this was normal but it wasn't until this year when leaving the driveway that it got to the point that we could not even drive the car.The dealership said it would cost roughly 6800.00 to repair both the ptu and the differential, which I can not afford.

NHTSA ID

11687102

Incident

Mar 28, 2025

During certain temperatures my cars emergency brake light will come on, engine light the abs light all at once and the steering wheel will stiff up this used to happen to my 2004 Jeep grand cherokee now it’s with my new 2019 Jeep Laredo

NHTSA ID

11682585

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

Am concerned about theses vehicles even being on the roadways with no resolution to the safety recall being resolved. Reported in Jan 2025, no resolution yet. for 8 months? "Parts are not available". It appears by documentation that if you are in the states you can get a dealer to check via software to detect and monitor for excessive wear within a PTU. If PTU failure is confirmed by software, FCA US will replace the PTU for all impacted customers experiencing messaging related to the defect to replace the PTU. Warranty extension terms and unlimited years/unlimited mileage. Why can we not check the vehicle out at a Canadian Dealer to confirm what we are potentially driving down our busy highways?

NHTSA ID

11682215

Incident

Aug 16, 2025

I’m having power steering issues , when i start my vehicle the power steering light comes on and my steering wheel locks up

NHTSA ID

11675252

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

PTU needs to be replaced after less than 55k miles. Several recalls issued, but VIN is not included, but meets every "check box" for recall.

NHTSA ID

11669699

Incident

Jun 27, 2025

Delamination of the Display can have settings that affect the way the vehicle physically brakes and steers that are configured via the Uconnect system. Needs replaced

NHTSA ID

11665257

Incident

Jun 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the messages for the ABS, Traction Control, and Parking Brake were displayed. The cause of the failures were not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA ID

11663039

Incident

May 22, 2025

Mileage

101,000 mi

While idling, especially at red lights or in park, my 2019 Jeep Cherokee vibrates noticeably. This happens almost daily, and the vibrations are felt throughout the cabin, particularly through the steering wheel and seat, and has caused my phone to fall off its mount while driving. The issue has been consistent and now appears to interfere with the Auto Start-Stop feature. On several occasions, the vehicle has struggled to restart after the engine auto-shuts off at a traffic light, raising concerns about reliability and safety. I brought the vehicle to a Jeep dealer, and I was told that because this is not a recall issue, there is nothing they can do. No warning lights or diagnostic codes were found. However, the problem persists and affects the vehicle’s comfort and function. It also poses a potential safety risk due to distraction and instability at idle. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11662887

Incident

May 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used an excessive amount of effort to maneuver the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who failed to diagnose and remove the steering gear rack and pinion. The mechanic determined there was a short circuit in the electrical system for the power steering. The contact stated that the short circuit had caused the rack and pinion to burn out and fail. The mechanic then replaced the wire and the rack and pinion again. Approximately 3 days later, while driving approximately 30 MPH the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then brought the vehicle to the dealer who would be better equipped to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the Exhaust Particulate Filter (EPF) connecter from the steering wheel to the battery had failed. The connector's wiring harness was replaced. The contact searched online and found related recalls under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V524000 (Electrical System) and 19V637000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 87,846.

NHTSA ID

11658889

Incident

Apr 11, 2025

Mileage

87,846 mi

Stalls and loss of control of vehicle

NHTSA ID

11655310

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

I bought a 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited used on July 30, 2024. Through the rest of the year I experienced a short sharp sudden pull from the steering wheel to the right and left. This happens frequently, several times in every drive. I had tires replaces and suspension balanced on March 5, 2025. This did not change the issue. When driving, the vehicle pulls left or right randomly especially at higher speeds. It is scary to be on highway and suddenly be pulled toward another lane. I have no open recalls and my mechanic can not locate the problem. I am very concerned. It is not safe so I do not travel far because of unsolved situation. Please provide a means to solve this 2019 Jeep Cherokee Limited V6 issue

NHTSA ID

11650241

Incident

Jul 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated before the screen went black. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11642767

Incident

Jul 8, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

My SVC4wheel is unavailable temporarily service needed is on been on since I got jeep recently I was thrown into a ditch and wasn't able to control the jeep due to no 4 wheel drive but my stability control is tied to that. And I believe it is part of the recent ptu recall jeep just had from 2017-2019 jeep Cherokee. I have exact same issue. My jeep acts like it wants to always stall which is part of the recent recall lose of power to the power transfer unit b could become damage band stall . My jeep has exactly same issues as that recall and I was out in a ditch due to lack of power to put it in 4 wheel drive.

NHTSA ID

11641162

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

ChatGPT You said: My jeep 2019 is losing power and steering which lead em.to.collide with a pole to stop the vehicle in was going around 30 mph and the brakes also stopped working write me a complaint answering these questions with my story What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Complaint Regarding Vehicle Malfunction – 2019 Jeep To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to formally report a serious safety issue with my 2019 Jeep, which resulted in a dangerous loss of control while driving. Component/System Failure: While driving at approximately 30 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost power, causing both the steering and braking systems to fail simultaneously. This forced me to collide with a pole in order to stop the vehicle. I believe this may be related to the electrical system, power steering, or braking system. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction put both my safety and the safety of others at significant risk. Losing power, steering, and braking capabilities made it impossible to control the vehicle, which could have led to a severe accident involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Reproduction/Confirmation: At this time, I have not had the issue formally reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center, but I am seeking an inspection to determine the cause. Inspections: The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives, but I am in the process of reporting this incident to all relevant s

NHTSA ID

11640163

Incident

Jan 29, 2025

Engine off, lost power steering and brakes. Gave me an error on the dash something about not being able to shift. Have 2 kids

NHTSA ID

11621790

Incident

Oct 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as intended, with the "Repair Power Steering" message displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with a defective rack and pinion. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V637000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ID

11608032

Incident

Jul 1, 2024

Mileage

104,000 mi

We have had numerous incidents with our vehicle starting at about 20,000 miles and still happening at 39,000 miles. While driving all of the lights come on, on the dashboard while at the same time the car loses power - losing brakes and power steering. Most recently, the car locked itself after closing the door, the radio has completely turned off to a black screen, eventually restarts itself. While stopped at a red light, it felt like I got rear ended, a bang sound and the car jerked forward. We have only had Jeep dealerships work on the car. The PCM has been replaced, as well as the alternator. They did find a small wire that was rubbing and repaired that as well, However, the problem still persists. This is a major safety issue, I feel this car should not be on the road, we are lucky that no one has been hurt at this point. The last time this happened my husband was making a left turn at an intersection and was very close to being in a serious accident. It is currently in the dealership (for the 5th time).

NHTSA ID

11606452

Incident

Sep 17, 2021