Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transfer case (25 reports), the differential (19 reports), the CV joint or axle (11 reports) and the driveshaft (7 reports).

Recalls and investigations

3 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2014 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 13 recalls on the 2014 Jeep Cherokee, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee

None of these investigations covers the 2014 model year.

What owners paid

8 of the 56 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,000 to $4,100.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 29,000 and 106,038 miles, from the 34 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Less then 120000 miles and rear differential unit had to be replaced, and now roughly 158000 miles and now front differential unit has to be replaced.”

Filed Aug 16, 2025 · 120,000 miles

“Failed 4WD due to failed PTU or Transfer Case. Jeep extended a warranty for this but ONLY for two OBD codes, if yours fails for any other reason, and there are many, like a bad actuator, you don't get the warranty. From my research this is a WIDESPREAD issue and REQUIRES a recall. This is a VERY expensive fix if you don't match the exact OBD code, but it affects thousands of people.”

Filed Jun 4, 2025

“Left front axle shaft needed replacement (warranty) on 06/01/2018 at 87104 miles due to loud clicking noise. Replacement part # 52123739AF.”

Filed Apr 19, 2023 · 87,104 miles

“vehicle show error on car screen to service 4wd. local mechanic did computer check and advised the PTO transfer case needs to be replaced. My car only has 73000 miles on odometer.”

Filed Apr 23, 2022 · 73,000 miles

Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 562 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 436 reports
• "Service Transmission" message or wrench light comes on 273 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 169 reports
• Service 4WD light or power transfer unit (PTU) failure 155 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 127 reports
• "Shift to Park" or "Service Shifter" warning comes on 121 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 118 reports
• Transmission drops into neutral or downshifts on its own 112 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 86 reports
• Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 75 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 70 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 66 reports
• Loses power when accelerating 50 reports
• Airbag warning light or recall 46 reports
• Suspension noise, struts or alignment 45 reports
• Steering wheel shakes or the "death wobble" 37 reports
• Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 31 reports
• Burns oil or oil level rises 29 reports
• Engine leaks oil 29 reports
• Fuel pump failure 28 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 26 reports