Stellantis is recalling 63,082 Jeep Cherokee crossovers for yet another issue with the 2-speed power transfer case, or Power Transfer Unit in Jeep speak, in four-wheel drive models.
This recall covers 2017-2019 Cherokee models that could experience sudden loss of power and/or the inability to shift into “park” due to damaged Power Transfer Units, according to the NHTSA. The units may have been assembled with improperly seated snap rings, which could allow uncontrolled movement of an input shaft that could in turn lead to wear, the safety agency said.
Worn parts could create enough wiggle room for the Power Transfer Unit to disengage from the transmission, inhibiting the distribution of power to the wheels and potentially causing a loss of the “park” function when the vehicle is stationary. That increases the risk of a crash due to loss of power while driving, as well as the risk of rollaways while parked.
In addition to loss of power, drivers may notice a “Service 4WD” message on the dashboard, as well as noise or vibration, if this condition occurs, the NHTSA noted.
Stellantis and its predecessor Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have conducted two previous recalls for similar issues. A 2020 recall of 67,248 Jeep Cherokees from model years 2014-2017 also addressed a rollaway risk from vehicles that did not stay in “park.” And a transfer-case issue causing loss of power was the subject of a 2023 recall of 25,980 Cherokees from model years 2016 and 2017.
All told, Stellantis is aware of 1,064 warranty claims and 55 other service records potentially related to this issue, but is not aware of any crashes or injuries that may be connected to it.
At the time of publication, no remedy has been identified for the latest transfer case recall. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail starting Feb. 13, and will be updated when a fix has been developed.
In the meantime, owners can call Stellantis’ customer service department at 1-800-853-1403 with any questions, or visit the automaker’s recall website. Stellantis’ reference number for this recall is 01C.