Jeep Recalls 63,000 Cherokee Vehicles Due to Damaged Powertrains: NHTSA

More than 1,000 warranty claims have been made regarding Jeep Cherokee powertrains with damaged power transfer units.

Jeep Recalls 63,000 Cherokee Vehicles Due to Damaged Power Train NHTSA
Darian Hauf

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Federal highway safety officials have announced a recall of 63,082 Jeep Cherokee vehicles due to a potential defect in the power transfer unit (PTU), which may result in loss of driving power and impaired parking functions.

The PTU is found in the powertrain of certain all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive vehicles. It allows the engine’s power to be split between the front and rear axles, enabling power to be automatically shifted depending on different traction requirements.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the Jeep Cherokee recall on January 21, warning that some 2017 through 2019 model year vehicles have PTU input shaft snap rings that may not have been properly installed, which could lead to significant damage within the engine, resulting in transmission failures and problems with driving or parking the vehicle.

Officials are warning that the defect can damage the PTU, causing transmission failure, loss of driving power or parking issues, which could increase the risk of auto accidents, rollaway incidents and injuries.

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While FCA US LLC is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the defect, the automaker has received 1,064 warranty claims, 55 service records, 43 field reports and 14 customer assistance records related to the issue.

FCA US LLC first became aware of the issue on June 4, 2020, after identifying multiple reports of Jeep Cherokee vehicles with reported PTU part failures. The company began investigating the issue in March 2023.

After further investigation, the company decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall on January 9, impacting 2017 through 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles.

Drivers are being advised to watch for a “Service 4WD” message, unusual noise, vibration or changes in driving quality, as these may indicate PTU damage.

Although the manufacturer has not yet announced an official repair, FCA plans to start sending recall notification letters to customers on February 13, 2025.

FCA’s number for this recall is 01C. Customers may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403, or the company’s contact for this recall, Emily C. Smith, via email at emily.c.smith@dot.gov.

Owners with any additional questions may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Darian Hauf
Written by: Darian Hauf

Consumer Safety & Recall News Writer

Darian Hauf is a consumer safety writer at AboutLawsuits.com, where she covers product recalls, public health alerts, and regulatory updates from agencies like the FDA and CPSC. She contributes research and reporting support on emerging safety concerns affecting households and consumers nationwide.

Tags: Jeep, Jeep Cherokee, Powertrain, PTU
Image Credit: Shutterstock: Longfin Media

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3 Comments

Clinton
Purchased a used 17 Cherokee from a Toyota dealership also added the warranty to the purchase in July of 24. Was unaware of a recall issued in 2023. I’m assuming the dealership would have had some knowledge of this so that’s deceptive, also how would they be able to sell a warranty for a car that is on a recall list doesn’t make sense. Service 4wheel drive light comes on June of 25, Firestone diag shows PTU needs replaced. Warranty company says dealership only can work on the car for warranty work a part won’t be available until late August same year 25. Take the car to Jeep dealership early August for service they again diagnose PTU needs replaced, after multiple days in the shop no replacement vehicle provide during the wait. Again part not available and won’t be until Sep, then was told the week of Thanksgiving, then again Jan of 26 and here we are March of 26 no part no eta no information and during this whole time it has been the customer who has had to reach out to the dealership to follow up each and every time more than ten phone calls some messages left without calls back, I have had to constantly reach out to Micheal in the service dept for updates which he never has anything new, the warranty is still valid as the claim is open however the vehicle has gone over the warranty miles but because the claim was open prior to, the coverage should stand. Now with it being a recall the coverage should be paid by the company. So many things wrong here, the disrespect, the undo hardship, inconveniences, the selling of a car with an active recall along with a warranty that wouldn’t be able to used due part supply issues, etc etc…nasty business practices..
Hayley
I have the exact same issue, but my jeep is a 2020 so it doesn’t fall into the recall even tho the PTU is fit for 2017-2022.my parking break engaged well driving then my electronic stability control, ABS, and service 4 wheel drive came on along with some very unusual sounds. And now dodge is telling me I have to pay for everything out of pocket. And me along with lots of others with 2020-2022 males can’t afford the $6000 repair. Iv been without a car since the 3 of November of 2025
Dru
Taking way too long to get the part. Mine is leaking transmission fluid because of this recall per the Jeep dealer. They said don’t drive it and it could be another 6 months until parts are available! They are severely back ordered! It’s a snapring in the recall.

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