2019 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet
Transmission hesitates when accelerating
- 30owner reports
- 40,700median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 4, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
30 of the 119 reports of transmission shudder on the 2019 Cherokee describe hesitation when accelerating.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (119 reports) · also: jerking or hard shifts
Tick what matches of 30 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (11 reports) and the software (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
4 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, resulting in a loss of drive power and/or loss of park function.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will update the drivetrain control module and PTU software and replace the PTU, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning February 19, 2026. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 01C.
Chrysler(FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration may result in a stall.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with a new calibration, free of charge. The recall began November 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is UA9.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Cherokee
Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.
NHTSA summary
Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.
NHTSA summary
Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 9,000 and 63,000 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“We noticed a recall will be issued for certain Jeep Cherokee regarding the failed PTU system. Our vehicle is not showing it will be included however we are having the identical issue. The 4WD service light comes on and when you excellerate, the vehicle chokes down and hesitates acting as if it will turn off. The vehicle has 73,000 miles and has never been driven in 4WD or off road.”
Filed Jul 15, 2026 · 73,000 miles
“Upon driving car about a month after purchase the transmission hesitated, with jerking and a Loud hard clunk sound. Took vehicle to dealer and dealership stated none of the mentioned malfunctions noticed. They updated some software. Continued driving vehicle and malfunctions started again. Looked online for similar issues and found quite a few similar comments.”
Filed Feb 17, 2026
“When shifting from Park to Drive the transmission hesitates longer than expected before engaging. I have had many encounters after shifting to D and pressing on the gas pedal that the engine will rev up and then the transmission will engage.”
Filed Mar 24, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 468 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 141 reports
- Driveshaft, axle or transfer case problems 109 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 108 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 107 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 65 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 57 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 44 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 43 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 42 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 42 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 34 reports
- Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 31 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 28 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 26 reports
- Brakes on its own (automatic emergency braking) 25 reports