Chrysler is recalling more than 61,000 Jeep Cherokee SUVs in the United States after identifying a defect in the drivetrain system that could lead to a loss of drive power or, in some situations, cause the vehicle to roll unexpectedly when placed in park.

What is the problem?

The recall affects certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee models equipped with a two-speed power transfer unit (PTU) that may contain an internal defect. The PTU plays a key role in distributing engine power to the wheels, and if it fails, it can disrupt normal vehicle operation. 

In affected vehicles, an internal component within the PTU may wear or malfunction, leading to a sudden loss of propulsion while driving. In more serious cases, the failure may also prevent the transmission from properly holding the vehicle in place when parked, creating a potential rollaway risk. A vehicle rolling unintentionally or losing drive power without warning significantly increases the likelihood of a crash or injury, particularly in traffic or on sloped surfaces. 

Chrysler has linked the issue to a limited subset of vehicles, though all potentially affected models are included in the recall out of caution.

What owners should do

Owners of affected Jeep Cherokees should watch for official recall notices from Chrysler and verify whether their vehicle is included by entering their VIN into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall database.

The automaker is expected to notify owners directly, with interim letters outlining the safety risk already being prepared. A permanent repair is still under development, meaning additional instructions will follow once a final remedy is approved. Drivers should continue to monitor their vehicles for warning signs such as reduced performance, unusual drivetrain behavior, or dashboard alerts, and should seek service immediately if concerns arise.

How Jeep owners can take back control

When a vehicle is tied to a drivetrain or safety-related defect, it can leave owners dealing with uncertainty each time they drive. Even if a repair is eventually provided, repeated recalls or unresolved issues can quickly become frustrating and disruptive.

If ongoing vehicle problems are affecting your confidence in your Jeep or you’re unsure how to move forward after repeated defects, support is available. The Lemon Firm helps consumers understand their rights when manufacturers fail to deliver a reliable vehicle experience and can review whether further action may be appropriate in your situation. Reach out today to speak with a case analyst and get clear guidance on your next steps.

About the Author
Sepehr Daghighian is a partner with CCA that is well-versed in all aspects of lemon-law litigation. A 2005 graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. Daghighian has been practicing litigation throughout the state of California for over 13-years. In this time, Mr. Daghighian has advocated on behalf of California consumers in hundreds of lemon law cases throughout our great state. Mr. Daghighian has also successfully tried numerous such cases to verdict in both Federal and State Court.