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Jeep Cherokee: Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on AWD models (KL)

Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure on AWD models (KL) is a common transmission fault on the Jeep Cherokee on the 2014–2021 cars, and we rate it major. Putting it right costs $1,800 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 18 documented faults on the Jeep Cherokee.

Vehicle
Jeep Cherokee
Years
2014–2021
Gearbox
auto
System
Transmission

This page covers the Jeep Cherokee as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Jeep Cherokee faults18 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph of the Transfer case yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of a different part.

What goes wrong

AWD KL Cherokees are prone to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure — the unit that sends drive to the rear. A common failure mode is the internal actuator motor frying when gear oil seeps into it. It typically starts as a whine or growl that changes with speed (worst under about 50 km/h) and can progress to banging/jolting or loss of drive; recalls exist for PTU-related power-loss/rollaway risk. It's a frequently reported, not-cheap repair on this generation.

What you would notice

  • Whine or growl that changes with road speed
  • Banging or jolting from the driveline
  • Burning smell
  • Loss of drive / AWD warning

How to check it

Where to look. Power Transfer Unit attached to the transmission/front differential (AWD models)

  1. On a quiet drive listen for a speed-related whine or growl, especially at lower speeds, and feel for any banging/jolt.

  2. Check for AWD/driveline warning lights.

  3. Ask whether the PTU has been replaced and whether PTU-related recalls have been actioned by VIN.

Parts involved: Transfer case.

What it costs to put right

$1,800 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the PTU ever been replaced?”
  • “Any whining or banging from the driveline?”
  • “Have the PTU recalls been done?”

Now check the Jeep Cherokee you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

  • Go-Parts — 2014-2023 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit failures explained
  • MoparInsiders — Jeep recalls 61,700+ Cherokee (KL) for PTU risk

Jeep Cherokee buyer questions

Is power transfer unit (ptu) failure on awd models (kl) serious on a Jeep Cherokee?

We rate it major and common on the Jeep Cherokee. AWD KL Cherokees are prone to Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure — the unit that sends drive to the rear. A common failure mode is the internal actuator motor frying when gear oil seeps into it. It typically starts as a whine or growl that changes with speed (worst under about 50 km/h) and can progress to banging/jolting or loss of drive; recalls exist for PTU-related power-loss/rollaway risk. It's a frequently reported, not-cheap repair on this generation.

How much does it cost to fix on a Jeep Cherokee?

$1,800 to $3,500 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Jeep Cherokee years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2014–2021 Jeep Cherokee. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

On a quiet drive listen for a speed-related whine or growl, especially at lower speeds, and feel for any banging/jolt. Check for AWD/driveline warning lights. Ask whether the PTU has been replaced and whether PTU-related recalls have been actioned by VIN. Look here: Power Transfer Unit attached to the transmission/front differential (AWD models)