Jeep Cherokee Recall: 61,711 SUVs Affected by Power Transfer Unit Failure

Jeep is recalling 61,711 Cherokee SUVs across the United States due to a potential failure in the power transfer unit (PTU), which could lead to a sudden loss of engine power while driving or even cause the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly.

This recall affects Cherokee models built between December 12, 2018, and February 24, 2023, spanning the 2019 to 2023 model years. Jeep owners may notice unusual noise or vibrations while driving or receive a Service 4WD message on the dashboard as warning signs of the issue.

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the PTU failure can occur internally, though Jeep has not specified the exact cause. The consequences, however, are clear: affected vehicles may lose power while in motion or roll away even when shifted into Park, posing significant safety risks.

Jeep’s history with PTU-related issues stretches back more than six years, making this a recurring problem for Cherokee owners. The automaker has faced similar recalls in the past, including:

• Mid-2020: A recall for 2014-2017 models due to potential PTU input spline failures.
• March 2023: An investigation and subsequent recall for 2016-2017 models over potential PTU spline failures.
• January 2025: A recall for 2017-2019 models due to improperly seated snap rings in the PTU, followed by an investigation into 2019-2023 models for total PTU failures.

Safety Concerns and Known Incidents

Jeep has recorded 387 warranty claims, 5 field reports, and 16 additional service records related to PTU issues across all markets. The company is also aware of one accident and one injury that may be connected to these failures.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive notifications from Jeep by June 25. However, the automaker has stated that the remedy for these failures is still under development, leaving many owners uncertain about when their SUVs will be repaired.

What Cherokee Owners Should Do

Jeep has not yet provided specific repair instructions, but owners are advised to monitor their vehicles for warning signs and await further communication from the manufacturer. The recall highlights ongoing reliability concerns for the Cherokee, a model long considered a core offering for Jeep in North America.