Jeep is recalling almost 26,000 examples of the Cherokee in the United States because of an issue with the two-speed power transfer unit (PTU) that it is fitted with.
The car manufacturer has revealed the PTU allows relative movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft, and that this movement could result in the teeth of the input splines wearing off. If this occurs, then it could lead to a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential inside the PTU, meaning torque cannot be transferred between the front wheels and the transmission.
A recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes this could lead to a loss of power in two-wheel drive mode and a loss of the Park function.
More: Jeep’s KL Cherokee Is Officially Dead, But A Successor Is Coming
A total of 25,980 of Cherokees from the 2016 and 2017 model year are involved in the recall, all of which were manufactured between September 3, 2015, and September 23, 2016. Jeep notes that vehicles produced after September 23, 2016, have PTUs with more robust PTU differential input splines and are therefore not impacted.
Jeep is aware of two customer assistance records, 17 warranty claims, and six service records potentially related to this issue but is not aware of any field reports or any accidents or injuries caused by the fault.
Dealers and customers will be informed of the recall on or around June 16, 2023. Jeep will fix the issue by flashing vehicles with software that will maintain vehicle power by engaging rear-wheel drive and activating the electric parking brake if an input spline fails.
Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the recalled vehicle as the Jeep Wrangler. We regret the error.
