FCA Recalls Over 100,000 Jeeps Which Can Drop Into Neutral

Jeep is recalling more than 100,000 Jeep Cherokee models worldwide outfitted with ZF’s nine-speed automatic transmission

Car and Driver reports that 2014 Cherokee models equipped with the available 3.2-liter V6 engine are the ones covered by this recall. FCA asserts that a valve in the SUV’s transmission can stick and prevent a clutch from disengaging, thus shifting the transmission automatically into neutral.

According to FCA, at least 3 per cent of all cars impacted by this recall have already undergone warranty work for the transmission problem.

Also Read: See How Updated 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Fares in Swedish Moose Test

The Jeep Cherokee, and other FCA models, have experienced a slew of transmission issues since late 2013 and in that time, no less than 11 software updates through 2016 were supplied to Jeep dealers to fix transmission issues. Among these issues included delayed downshifting, stuck gears, sluggish throttle response, surging, ‘busy’ shift behaviour, and rough coasting. Issues with ZF’s nine-speed automatic transmission aren’t exclusive to those from FCA.

Car and Driver says that the Jeep Renegade, Ram ProMaster City, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Fiat 500X, Range Rover Evoque, Honda Pilot, and Acura TLX all feature the same gearbox and have experienced their own issues.

Of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee models involved in this recall, about 83,000 of them are located in the United States but there are also 17,530 vehicles in markets such as Canada, Mexico, and Europe which require repairs.

FCA hasn’t received any reports of injuries or deaths stemming from the transmission issue and is still working on a fix. Owners will not be notified about the recall until a fix is ready.