by Massive Jeep Cherokee recall due to transmission issues
Nearly 62,000 Jeep Cherokee vehicles are being recalled across the United States due to a fault in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). This defect can suddenly reduce engine power while driving, creating a serious safety hazard. Jeep has been battling PTU problems for over six years, and this recall is another chapter in this ongoing saga.
What is known about the problem?
Few things undermine trust in a vehicle faster than a part that can leave you stranded in traffic or allow the car to roll away on its own. Jeep is facing this issue again. The Cherokee has long been a key model for the brand, especially in North America, but owners of vehicles built between 2019 and 2023 have cause for concern. Jeep reports that some vehicles may experience a failure of the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) severe enough to leave the SUV without drive power.
Documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) state that the PTU can fail internally, although Jeep does not specify what exactly breaks inside the unit. The consequences are more clear-cut: affected Cherokees may lose power while driving, and in some cases, may roll even when in the ‘Park’ mode.
Symptoms and scope of the recall
Jeep notes that owners of affected vehicles may notice noise or vibration while driving, as well as a ‘Service 4WD’ message on the instrument panel. A total of 61,711 Jeep Cherokee units are included in this recall, all manufactured between December 12, 2018, and February 24, 2023.
History of PTU problems
Problems with the Power Transfer Unit are not new to the Jeep Cherokee. In mid-2020, a recall was announced for 2014-2017 model years due to potential failures of the PTU input splines. In March 2023, FCA initiated an investigation into 2016-2017 models for potential PTU spline failures and quickly announced a recall for those models.
One accident, one injury
In January 2025, Jeep recalled 2017-2019 Cherokee models due to potentially improperly installed snap rings in the PTU, and a few days later opened an investigation into 2019-2023 models for complete PTU failures. The automaker is aware of 387 warranty claims, 5 field reports, and 16 other service records that may be related to this problem across all markets. One accident and one injury potentially linked to the defect are also known.
What’s next?
Owners can expect notification from the manufacturer by June 25. Although Jeep has been battling PTU issues for years, the company states that a ‘remedy is under development’ for these failures, leaving owners in the dark about when their vehicles will actually be repaired.
This recall is further evidence that the PTU problem for the Jeep Cherokee is systemic and chronic. Despite numerous attempts to rectify the situation since 2020, the defect continues to manifest in newer model generations. The fact that a remedy for the latest recall is still ‘under development’ is concerning, as owners may be left with potentially dangerous vehicles for an indefinite period. The situation is compounded by the fact that the problem can lead not only to a loss of power while driving but also to uncontrolled rolling, creating a risk not only for the driver but also for bystanders. For Jeep, which positions the Cherokee as a reliable family SUV, such recurring problems with a key transmission component could seriously undermine consumer trust.
