Diagsheet

2019 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet

Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

  • 118owner reports
  • 38,000median miles
  • $6,000median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 4, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

789 of the 1,626 complaints on this car are about the transmission and drivetrain. 118 of those describe transmission shudder.

Tick what matches of 118 reports

10
39
39
34
11
3

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (4 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.

26V-290May 7, 2026
Power Train

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. 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.
25V-011Apr 29, 2025
Power Train

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
Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. A loss of park function can cause an unintended vehicle rollaway, which can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
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.
18V-739Oct 19, 2018
Power Train:Automatic Transmission

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
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of crash.
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.
18V-492Jul 26, 2018
Power Train:Automatic Transmission

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
Risk: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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

DP02-005opened Apr 25, 2002
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1991 to 1995

Sudden acceleration. Closed sep 10, 2002.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
EA93-025opened Oct 29, 1993
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1993

Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed nov 25, 1994.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
PE93-057opened Jun 14, 1993
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1989 to 1993

Driveshaft/univ.joint fail. Closed oct 29, 1993.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
PE88-001opened Oct 23, 1987
Transmission and drivetrain · model years 1983 to 1988

Fires caused by cltch lk. Closed jan 28, 1988.

NHTSA summary
NO SAFETY DEFECT TREND HAS BEEN DETECTED.===

None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.

What owners paid

8 of the 118 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $4,000 to $10,000.

$4,000$6,000$10,000
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 6,300 and 65,000 miles, from the 63 reports that gave a mileage.

318
2119
720
721
322
323
524
4125
2826

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

“Car loses power and made a loud clunk noise. Warning light said service 4wd. Problem Transfer case needs to be replaced. Happened at 62,000 miles. 2019 Jeep Cherokee ltd with 4x4 and 6 cyl.”

Filed May 23, 2026 · 62,000 miles

“Transmission is slipping bad, I am told that it is nothing of my doing, but I cannot get it replaced with the powertrain warranty that I have because I was over 1000 miles on my oil change”

Filed Feb 14, 2026 · 1,000 miles

“Have been dead spots in the gas pedal since we bought it, had almost caused accidents a few times. The transmission has been banging in gear for 4 years. The rear brake calipers do not work. I have asked the dealer many times why my 19 doesn't have the recalls for thus like the 18 and 20 do. They have no answers. I”

Filed Feb 21, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 118 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.

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