Jeep Recalls 61K Cherokees Over Transfer Unit Failure
Jeep is recalling 61,711 Cherokee SUVs in the U.S. because a power transfer unit defect could lead to sudden loss of drive power or allow the vehicle to roll while parked.
The recall affects certain 2019 to 2023 Jeep Cherokee models built from December 12, 2018, through February 24, 2023. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, these vehicles may have been built with a two-speed power transfer unit, or PTU, that can fail internally.
The PTU is part of the drivetrain system. In affected vehicles, an internal failure may cause what NHTSA describes as an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power at any speed. That means the SUV could lose drive power while moving, raising the risk of a crash. The same defect could also allow the vehicle to roll while in Park, which may create a risk of injury to people outside the vehicle.
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Warning Signs to Watch
Drivers may notice warning signs before the issue gets worse. NHTSA says possible symptoms include a “Service 4WD” message, unusual noise, vibration, or a change in drive quality. Owners should not ignore these signs, especially if the vehicle feels different during acceleration, parking, or four-wheel-drive operation.
FCA US, which is part of Stellantis, opened an investigation into 2019 to 2023 Jeep Cherokee PTU failures on January 15, 2026. Between January and April, the company reviewed failure patterns linked to two-speed PTU replacements. As of April 22, FCA US was aware of nine customer assistance records, 387 warranty claims, five field reports, and 16 other service records potentially related to the issue worldwide. The company also reported one accident and one injury that may be connected to the defect.
The recall does not apply to every Jeep Cherokee from those years. NHTSA says similar vehicles were left out if they do not have a PTU, use a different PTU design, or were built outside the affected production period. The estimated defect rate is 0.5%, but all included vehicles are being recalled because of the safety risk.
Measures Taken
For now, the fix is still under development. FCA US said they will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles, but the final repair plan has not been released yet. Dealers were expected to be notified around May 14, 2026, and owner notifications are expected to begin around June 25, 2026. The VIN lookup became searchable on May 14, 2026.
Owners should check their VIN through the NHTSA recall database or Jeep’s recall lookup tool. They can also contact a Jeep or Chrysler dealer for guidance. Until a remedy is available, owners should pay close attention to warning messages, drivetrain noises, vibration, or changes in how the vehicle drives.
If the SUV shows any of those symptoms, owners should schedule service as soon as possible and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is included in recall 40D, NHTSA recall number 26V290.
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