Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Jeep Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Jeep Cherokee have filed 278 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 40,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
278
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Cherokee | 1,399 |
| 2015 Cherokee | 958 |
| 2016 Cherokee | 606 |
| 2017 Cherokee | 621 |
| 2018 Cherokee (this page) | 278 |
| 2019 Cherokee | 727 |
| 2020 Cherokee | 138 |
| 2021 Cherokee | 73 |
| 2022 Cherokee | 23 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 278 powertrain complaints filed for the 2018 Jeep Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 8 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 278 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Two Speed Power Transfer Unit Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ? C1494-07 - PTU Fork Position-Mechanincal Failures. Customers m
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗D-26-10 (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ID-26-19 (XX1) Two Speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) - Select 2017 - 2019 Jeep Cherokee (KL)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Jeep Cherokee has a serious and widespread problem: the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) fails and leaves owners stranded or rolling backward without warning. Chrysler issued Recall 01C in January 2025 for this defect, which affects certain 2017–2019 models. The remedy is a software update and PTU replacement, but as of early 2026, the replacement parts are on national backorder with no firm timeline. Owners report sudden loss of drive power at 30–80 MPH, stalls that won't restart, and vehicles rolling backward despite being in PARK. One owner's PTU reached 437°F and leaked fluid onto the exhaust—a fire hazard.
Beyond the PTU recall, owners report a persistent "Service Shifter" warning that has plagued these vehicles since 2019. All shifter lights turn red, the car jerks, and the warning often clears only after restart—making it nearly impossible for dealers to diagnose. Warranty coverage is denied because the problem intermittently disappears.
Oil consumption is another chronic complaint. Multiple owners report the engine burning through oil every 1,500–2,000 miles despite proper maintenance, with some vehicles running completely dry and stalling. Chrysler's PCM reprogramming and even full engine replacement have failed to fix it.
Transmission shifting is rough and unpredictable—hard downshifts, jerking, and unexpected shifts into neutral while driving. Brake failures and complete electrical shutdowns have also been reported, leaving drivers unable to stop or steer.
Parts availability and recall remedy delays are critical: owners are waiting months without a fix for a known safety defect, and some have been told not to drive vehicles they depend on.
Same Jeep Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure – Loss of Drive Power
The PTU disengages from transmission and differential, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate or completely stranding it. This occurs due to damaged or improperly seated input shaft snap rings, spline damage, range fork damage, or internal mechanical failure. Owners report sudden loss of motive power at highway speeds (30–80 MPH) with no warning, creating extreme crash risk. Some vehicles stall mid-drive and cannot restart.
When: Reported across mileages from 44,000 to 320,000 miles; some early failures under 100,000 miles. Failures began appearing in 2021–2025 timeframe in narratives.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate despite depressed accelerator pedal; Vehicle stalls mid-drive, especially at highway speeds; Vehicle will not restart after stalling; Loss of all motive power; coasts to shoulder; Service 4WD or PTU warning light illuminates; Check engine light appears (some reports)
Codes mentioned: C14A7-97 (PTU Motor Component Or System Operation Obstructed Or Blocked), C1494-07 (PTU Fork), C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor), C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature)
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required. Parts on national backorder as of 2025; owners report 2–3 month wait times. One owner paid $5,000+ for replacement after warranty expiration, plus $2,000 in rental fees during repair backlog.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 01C / NHTSA 25V011000 issued January 2025. Remedy involves software update to Drivetrain Control Module (DTCM) and PTU replacement if needed, claimed free of charge. However, remedy parts unavailable as of latest reports (through January 2026). Interim relief letters mailed February 2025; final remedy anticipated November 2025. Warranty extension offered in some cases.
Loss of Park Function – Vehicle Rollaway
Vehicle rolls forward or backward while parked in PARK gear, even on level ground or with electric parking brake engaged. This creates hazard of unintended vehicle movement, particularly dangerous on inclines where vehicle can roll into traffic or down hillsides. Multiple owners report vehicle rolling backward after shifting to park.
When: Occurs while vehicle is stationary; reported across multiple model years and mileages, often concurrent with PTU failures (79,000–143,000+ miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward or backward while in PARK; Electric parking brake fails to hold vehicle; Messaging errors ('Parking Brake On' / 'Remove Parking Brake' appear when brake not engaged); Vehicle rolls despite engaged parking brake; Service 4WD warning light or transmission failure codes
Codes mentioned: C1494-07 (PTU Fork), C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: PTU and transfer case replacement needed. Parts on national backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 01C / NHTSA 25V011000 addresses this risk. Remedy involves software update and PTU replacement if needed, free of charge. Parts unavailable; no timeline provided as of January 2026.
Transfer Case / PTU Overheating
Transfer case clutch temperature reaches dangerous levels (reported as high as 437.1°F), creating fire hazard and risk of mechanical seizure during operation. Owners report burning odor, smoke from underhood, and extreme thermal conditions recorded in vehicle diagnostics. This is a secondary failure mode linked to PTU malfunction.
When: Documented in early 2026 in diagnostic scan reports; fire risk ongoing when vehicle is driven.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood; Burning smell from drivetrain area; 4WD Overheating warning message displayed; Temp Unavailable warning message; Service 4WD warning light; Extreme clutch plate temperatures recorded in diagnostics
Codes mentioned: C1477-4B (Transfer Case Clutch - Over Temperature), C1440-64 (Transfer Case Clutch Pressure Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required to resolve thermal issue. Metal contamination (shavings) found in transfer case fluid; severe fluid leak reported creating additional fire hazard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 01C / NHTSA 25V011000 covers this. Remedy is software update and PTU replacement, free of charge under recall. Parts unavailable as of 2025–2026.
Service Shifter Warning Light – Intermittent Electrical/Mechanical Shifter Fault
Dashboard illuminates 'Service Shifter' message and all shifter indicator lights turn red while driving. Issue is intermittent; often clears when vehicle is turned off and restarted, making dealer diagnosis difficult. Problem recurs repeatedly. Owners report this began as early as 2019 on 2018 model year vehicles. Some vehicles experience complete shifter failure where no gears can be selected.
When: First reported in 2019 on 2018 models; occurs intermittently throughout ownership, some as early as 3–5 months after purchase. Affects vehicles with under 20,000 miles to 100,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter warning message appears on dash; All indicator lights on shifter illuminate red simultaneously; Warning clears when vehicle is restarted; Problem recurs within days to weeks; Vehicle jerks or hesitates after warning appears; Inability to shift gears or determine current gear; In severe cases: vehicle locks in gear and will not restart; Key cannot be removed from ignition
Codes mentioned: Generic shifter/transmission electrical faults (codes not consistently documented in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's dealership recommended shifter replacement with cost estimates $200–$2,000+. One owner reports intermittent short in shifter mechanism. Dealers have replaced shifter bezels under earlier recalls. Most dealers unable to replicate issue on diagnostic scan, leading to denial of warranty repair. One owner reports dealership service advisor admitted they have multiple complaints about this issue but are advised to state they cannot duplicate the problem to discourage returns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Earlier recall for shifter bezel (part of car) was performed on some vehicles, but Service Shifter warnings have persisted post-repair. No current recall for this specific electrical/mechanical shifter fault. Dealers deny warranty coverage citing out-of-warranty status or claim 'no fault found.' One owner still under warranty had repair denied. Chrysler has not issued a TSB or official remedy for this ongoing problem.
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at alarming rate, requiring oil top-ups every 1,500–2,000 miles despite proper maintenance. Owners report oil becoming completely depleted between services, causing engine damage or inability to start. Problem documented since early ownership (within weeks of purchase) and persists even after engine replacement, crankcase ventilation repair, and PCM reprogramming.
When: Began within weeks of ownership on new 2018 models; documented from 2019 onward. One owner required engine replacement at ~27,000 miles; another required complete oil change at 30,700 miles when already extremely low at 28,500.
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level depletes rapidly between scheduled oil changes; Vehicle runs dry or near-dry on oil; Oil pressure warning light illuminates during turns; Engine will not start when oil is completely depleted; Vehicle must be towed due to lack of oil; No visible leaks reported by mechanics; Engine malfunction/check engine light after running low on oil
Codes mentioned: Oil consumption recall-related codes (not specified in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had crankcase ventilation valve replaced; another had engine replaced entirely due to oil burning damage. PCM reprogramming by Chrysler dealer (February 2023) failed to resolve the issue. Owners report ongoing consumption at 1,500–2,000 miles per quart despite these repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Open recall on 2018 Cherokee for oil consumption mentioned in one narrative. Chrysler offered PCM reprogramming in 2023. One dealership recommended oil consumption test but mechanics could not determine source of oil loss. Problem persists after manufacturer intervention.
Transmission Shifting / Gear Engagement Problems
Transmission fails to shift smoothly, downshifts aggressively, jerks or shudders during acceleration, or shifts erratically (slipping between gears or unwillingly into neutral). Some vehicles experience hard slamming shifts, especially after using 4WD. Others refuse to select the correct gear or shift into neutral spontaneously while driving.
When: Reported from early 2019 onward; affects vehicles with mileages from 30,000 to 160,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, jerking downshifts; Transmission slips or fails to engage proper gear; Vehicle shudders as if engine is misfiring during acceleration; Transmission shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving; Hard slamming shifts after disengaging 4WD; Inability to shift into correct gear; Vehicle hesitates or hesitantly accelerates; Grinding or abnormal noise during shifting; Transmission failure to respond to gear selector
Codes mentioned: Generic transmission/shifter codes (not consistently documented)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership attempted a 'gear reset' procedure; another owner's vehicle required full engine replacement due to oil consumption issues also present. Multiple owners cite costs $200–$2,000+ for diagnosis and repair. One owner had transmission, transfer unit, and rear differential replacement recommended.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership service advisor confessed they have multiple complaints and are instructed to state they cannot duplicate the problem to discourage returns. No official recall or TSB issued for transmission shifting complaints.
Brake System Failure / Loss of Brake Function
Brake pedal becomes unresponsive, vehicle fails to decelerate when brake pedal is depressed, or brakes fail completely during operation. One owner reports braking failure during emergency maneuver, requiring manual shift to neutral to slow vehicle. Another reports multiple brake pedal depressions with no braking response.
When: Reported at 30+ MPH while driving; one incident at highway speed on major freeway.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed but vehicle does not decelerate; Complete loss of braking force; Multiple brake pedal applications with no response; Loss of power brake assist; Vehicle continues forward despite brake engagement; Steering wheel becomes stiff (loss of power steering) during brake failure
Codes mentioned: Brake system warning light (some reports)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports brake failure occurred during emergency slowdown; vehicle rolled to roadside gravel to stop naturally. No repairs documented; incident occurred concurrent with PTU failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for brake system failures. One incident associated with recall 25V011000 (PTU), suggesting brake failure may be secondary to drivetrain failure.
Drivetrain Noise and Metal Contamination
Grinding, knocking, clunking, or banging noises originate from drivetrain, transfer case, or front axle area, often accompanied by vibration. Metal shavings found in transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid, indicating internal component wear or damage. Noise progressively worsens over weeks to months.
When: Reported from 2021 onward; one case documented grinding noise and metal shavings at 154,548 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud grinding or knocking noise from drivetrain; Howling or whining noise from transfer case area; Banging or clunking sound during driving; Vehicle vibration correlating with noise; Noise worse at low speeds or over bumps; Metal shavings visible in transmission or differential fluid; Severe fluid leak onto exhaust system creating fire hazard
Codes mentioned: PTU-related fault codes (C1494-07, C1440-64, C1477-4B referenced in PTU failures)
Repairs/costs cited: Metal shavings in rear differential fluid and transfer case fluid indicate internal damage. One shop found severe fluid leak creating fire hazard. PTU replacement required; transfer case and bearings may also need replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 01C / NHTSA 25V011000 addresses internal PTU damage. Remedy includes software update and PTU replacement, free under recall. Parts on national backorder.
Electrical System Failure – Dashboard/Electrical Shutdown
Vehicle's electrical system goes completely dead while driving, causing engine stall and loss of power steering. Dashboard lights go out completely. Problem recurs after restart. Dealerships unable to diagnose root cause after multiple visits and component replacements.
When: Reported at highway speed; one case involved electrical failure immediately after engine restart following initial failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system shutdown while vehicle is running; Dashboard goes completely dark; Engine stalls due to electrical loss; Loss of power steering (becomes stiff); Vehicle coasts to shoulder; Problem recurs after restart and nurse off of freeway; Warranty warning (nearly expired)
Codes mentioned: Unknown (dealerships could not identify)
Repairs/costs cited: Three dealerships unable to resolve over 1+ month. Claims of component replacement and wire adjustments ('jiggle the wires'); no permanent fix achieved. Transmission locked up during towing, required manual release to neutral.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented remedy. Dealership provided rental car and claimed repair after first attempt, but electrical system failed again on freeway during test drive. Manufacturer not directly documented as responding.
Synthesized from 278 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Service shifter keeps coming on my car while I'm driving since I bought it and it lights up all red next to the p r n d and you can't see your MPH on the screen or tell what gear you are in. I have to pull over turn my car off and open my door and then restart it for it to go away. Sometimes it comes right back on. I told dealership and they said they can't do anything about it until it comes on…
Power take off unit (PTU) failed, causing loss of power while driving.
I turned my Jeep on, put it into drive and the screen says service shifter. All lights on shorter are on.
While driving and stationary the service shifter light illuminates on the dash and all the lights on the floor shifter illuminate all gear positions. Also, at low speed, when adding power, the transmission has a "bump" as it tries to shift into the next gear. Makes it jerk/clunk into gear.
The shifter keep saying that it needs to be serviced the car only has 30,000 miles on it . I have spoken with other Jeep owners and they say that they have has the same issue
Service shifter appears on screen, all selections on shifter light up red. 40,000 miles. Hundreds of others with the same problem on the forums. Vehicle stationary. Just started up. Turn off and restart- it goes away
Had powertrain trouble with your 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 278 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 134 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 20,103 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,103; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Jeep/Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.