While driving, I heard a loud clunk and was not able to go forward when stepping on the gas. It then kicked in and could move on for a minute and it happened again. Then it happened again and this time we pulled over and had to call a tow truck. While we were waiting the car rolled even with it being in park, it wasn't until the emergency brake was engaged that the vehicle stopped ng. Luckily we…
2022 Jeep Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 48% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Of the 9 model years of Jeep Cherokee we track for powertrain problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (20).
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Multiple owners of 2022 Jeep Cherokees report catastrophic PTU failures causing sudden loss of power, inability to shift gears, and vehicles rolling uncontrolled even in Park—some with dangerous near-misses in traffic. Despite a recall on 2016–2019 models for identical failures, 2022 models are excluded, leaving owners facing months-long parts backorders and repair bills exceeding $10,000.
The 2022 Jeep Cherokee powertrain exhibits a cluster of failures centered on the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). Most critical: the PTU fails without warning, often with loud grinding or clunking noise, immediately stranding the vehicle. Once failed, owners report the vehicle rolls uncontrolled even when shifted to Park, creating acute safety hazards in traffic. One owner's vehicle lost power at a busy intersection; another's nearly caused a multi-vehicle collision when the transmission went non-responsive at highway speed.
Owners describe the PTU failure cascading to damage the transmission and rear differential—Jeep service notes indicate the components are interconnected, not separate. Several owners report the Service 4WD warning light appearing intermittently before catastrophic failure, though some experience no warning whatsoever.
The second major headache is parts availability. Multiple owners report their vehicles have been in dealership for 2–4+ months waiting for PTU replacements. Part numbers 68333255AE and 68333354A1 are on backorder with no ETA. One owner was told 800 units were backlogged. Dealers cite vendor changeovers and manufacturing holds as reasons for the delay.
A smaller subset reports transmission hesitation and unexpected downshifts at various speeds, along with stalling at idle and electrical system failures (turn signals, instrument panel, key fob, traction management) occurring simultaneously. One owner's vehicle stalled within 600 miles of purchase.
Critical context: identical PTU failures triggered a recall on 2016–2019 Cherokee models. 2022 models with the same failure mode are reportedly not included in that recall, leaving current owners without manufacturer support while facing repair costs exceeding $10,000 if the transmission is damaged.
Same Jeep Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
The PTU fails internally, causing loss of drivetrain function, inability to shift, and vehicle immobilization. Owners report the PTU damages the transmission and rear differential when it fails. Casing cracks are observed with fluid leaks and metal shavings. Part shortages and extended backorders plague repair timelines.
When: Between 300 and 70,000 miles; most commonly in first 2–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power/inability to accelerate; Loud clunk or grinding/thumping noise before failure; Vehicle rolling even when in Park; Service 4WD warning light (intermittent or persistent); Cannot shift into Drive, Reverse, or Park properly; Emergency collision braking system applied unexpectedly; Cruise control malfunction simultaneous with braking; Shift to Park error message; Loss of electronic stability control (ESC) alarm; Brake service alarm
Codes mentioned: C14A7-97, C14*94, C14*A797, Power Control Unit codes
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required (part numbers 68333255AE, 68333354A1). 800+ units on backorder with no ETA as of report dates. Multiple owners waited 2–4+ months for part availability. Dealer production halts and vendor changeovers caused additional delays. If transmission or rear differential damage occurs, repair cost can exceed $10,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2016–2019 Cherokee models had a recall for the same PTU issue. 2022 models reportedly excluded from recall despite identical failure mode. Jeep Wave customer care offers limited assistance for out-of-warranty vehicles. Dealers instructed owners the vehicle was safe to drive despite known failure risk.
Transmission Hesitation and Unexpected Manual Mode Shifting
Vehicle unexpectedly downshifts or shifts into manual (M) mode without driver input during acceleration, causing hesitation and reduced responsiveness. Occurs at various speeds and correlates with Service 4WD messages.
When: Approximately 60,000 miles and early ownership (300 miles reported in one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden downshift on accelerator depression; Vehicle hesitates during acceleration; Unexpected shift to manual mode; Service 4WD message displayed intermittently or persistently
Codes mentioned: Power Control Unit related codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate the failure on multiple visit attempts. Vehicle not repaired in reported cases; owners continued driving with persistent warning messages.
Electrical System Malfunction (Turn Signals, Instrument Panel, Key Fob, Select-Terrain Traction Management)
Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously or intermittently, including turn signals, instrument panel display, key fob functionality, and Select-Terrain Traction Management for 4WD. Failure occurs early in vehicle ownership.
When: 300 miles (very early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signals inoperative; Instrument panel display failure; Key fob malfunction; Select-Terrain Traction Management System failure; Hesitation during acceleration
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; vehicle not repaired despite three dealer visits.
Engine Stall at Idle
Engine stalls without warning while vehicle is stationary in traffic. Accompanied by Shift to Park error message and brief amber warning light. Vehicle will not accelerate after stall until transmission is manually cycled.
When: Less than 600 miles (6 days after purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall at traffic light; Shift to Park error message; Brief amber warning light on instrument panel; Engine revs but vehicle will not accelerate
Fuel Pump Failure with Engine Oil Leaks
Faulty fuel pump causes engine to lose power and stall. Brittle gaskets contribute to oil leaks in engine area.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; Engine stall; Oil leaks from engine gaskets
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty fuel pump requires replacement; brittle gaskets require resealing.
Brake and Throttle System Conflict During Collision Avoidance
Emergency collision braking system activates unexpectedly while cruise control simultaneously applies gas, causing engine RPM to redline multiple times while vehicle brakes are engaged. Loss of electronic stability control (ESC) system reported.
When: Cruising at 75 mph on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency collision braking applied without incident present; Cruise control applying gas while brakes engaged; Engine RPM redlining on multiple occasions; Loss of electronic stability control (ESC); Engine light on; Brake service alarm; Vehicle does not move properly in Drive (noise and brake feel)
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required; additional mechanical damage determination pending.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: PTU placed on engineering hold until March 20th due to new vendor production; vehicle inoperable for more than one month.
Drivetrain Noise and Loss of Forward Propulsion
Loud clunk, grinding, or thumping noise occurs during driving, followed by loss of forward power. Vehicle may regain motion briefly before losing power again. Once immobilized, vehicle rolls even in Park. Select Terrain and 4WD systems become unavailable.
When: Not specified in most cases
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk, grinding, or thumping noise; Loss of forward propulsion; Intermittent power return (vehicle moves briefly then stalls again); Vehicle rolls even when in Park; Service 4WD light; All dash lights illuminate; Transmission non-responsive; Clicking and grinding sounds; 4WD System unavailable message
Codes mentioned: C14*94, C14*A797
Repairs/costs cited: PTU replacement required (part number 68333255AE confirmed in one case). Rear differential damage also reported. Extensive backorders; customers waited 2+ months.
Brake Noise and Drag on Takeoff (Unconfirmed/Unresolved)
Vehicle produces pumping noise during acceleration to cruising speed and exhibits drag on takeoff. Noise is intermittent and cannot be reproduced during dealer diagnostic attempts. Started after front brake replacement.
When: Several months after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Pumping noise during acceleration to cruising speed; Drag on takeoff; Intermittent noise not present during diagnostic checks
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; issue unresolved due to inability to replicate during service appointments.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
The vehicle stalled at a busy intersection during heavy traffic hours. No watnings or signs that could've prevented the incident were indicated by the vehicle. 911 was called in to aid in the traffic incident. Call [XXX] from Laredo Police department. Vehicle was pushed by the Police Officer and myself to a near by parking lot where the vehicle was towed to the dealership. Dealership experts…
Keep taking in for noise and a drag on takeoff…. Never can duplicate problem! Now told transfer case and do not know how long it will take as factory on strike???? They said we were # 10 in line as no rentals and I complained this has been on going for over a year with always can not duplicate problem!
Service 4WD light came on. Took to Jeep dealership. They stated the PTU needs to be replaced. My car has been in the shop for over 4 months and no ETA on part arrival. This is a common issue in Jeep Cherokee’s but my VIN is not included in a recall. I was told by dealership it is safe to drive but I drive on the highway over and hour everyday to and from work. I have read it can result in loss of…
Traveling in heavy morning traffic in inside lane at approximately 25mph, engine suddenly lost power with simultaneous ‘Shift to Park’ error message and brief flash of amber warning light on instrument panel. Vehicle would not accelerate when gas pedal pressed, engine only revved. Driver (myself) had to slam on brakes and quickly put car in P then back to D in order to get car to accelerate…
The contact owns a 2022 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted into manual(M) mode without warning. The failure caused the vehicle to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that the Select-Terrain Traction Management System for the 4WD failed to operate as needed. Additionally, the contact stated…
PTO p/n 68333354A1 Internal Failure of PTU needs to be Replaced. No 4 wheel drive could roll away in Park. Dealer reports back ordered part will be months before available. I was told to just keep driving car! Mileage on car 21,371 This problem has been reported on this model since 2019.
4WD service light; 4WD System unavailable; clicking and grinding. Code diagnostic confirmed: C14*94 and C14*A797.
The vehicle makes a "pumping" noise when starting to acquire cruising speed. The noise started after the front brakes had to be replaced a few months after the purchase. Before the installation of the new brakes it was just fine. The car has been checked for this noise about two times already but the noise being intermittent is not always present when being checked. There has not been any…
My 4WD light came on my dashboard. I took my Jeep to the dealer and they said the PTU was blocked and has an internal mechanical failure. According to websites, this can cause the power train to stop, cause an accident or injury. I don't feel safe driving this vehicle. The dealer informed me that the part is back ordered and will take a year to come available. I live where there is heavy rain…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 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 2022 Jeep Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 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?
Based on the 20 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 60,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2022/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.