NHTSA Complaint #11483425 — 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE

Power transfer unit (PTU) failed on our 2016 Jeep Cherokee at 59,000 miles. Vehicle has never been off-roading or abused. NHTSA has previously issued recalls for Cherokee PTUs but they were VIN specific (recalls 20V343 and 20E037 or W47 and W48). NHTSA states that "The power transfer unit (PTU), an important element of the optional all-wheel-drive system in affected vehicles may not be able to maintain a connection between the transmission and the front wheels. If the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries." I argue that the PTU defect previously identified is much larger than the small number of VINs repaired, and probably extends to most of the Cherokee line. If you search the internet for the FCA failure diagnostic of "C14A7-97 PTU blocked or obstructed" you will find many, MANY, reports by Cherokee owners who do not have one of the handful of lucky VINs. This is clearly a larger issue than previously suspected and a $3500-$4000 repair for the owner. Driveline components should be expected to last longer than 60k miles without catastrophic failures.