FCA US is recalling certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles because their power transfer units may fail internally, potentially causing a sudden loss of motive power.
According to recall documents, affected Jeep Cherokee owners may notice a change in drive quality, noise, vibration, or a Service 4WD message.
At this time, FCA’s final recall remedy is still under development. Owners should watch for interim recall notices by mail, which are expected to provide instructions while FCA prepares the final repair. According to FCA’s recall report, the manufacturer was aware of one accident and one injury potentially related to this issue.
Jeep Cherokee PTU Recall Details
- NHTSA ID: 26V290000
- FCA Recall Number: 40D
- Number of Vehicles: 61,711
- Affected Models: Certain 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles built between December 12, 2018 and February 24, 2023.
- Vehicle Problem: A failed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power at any speed. It may also allow the vehicle to roll away while in Park, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
- Warning Signs: Drivers may notice a Service 4WD message, noise, vibration, or a change in drive quality.
- Recall Remedy: The remedy is currently under development.
- Notification Schedule: Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Follow-up notices will be mailed once the remedy becomes available.
Jeep Recall Contact Information
Owners may ask about FCA Recall 40D by contacting FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403.
If other recurring vehicle issues arise, owners can submit complaints to NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or TTY 888-275-9171.
Confirm Your Jeep’s Inclusion in Recall 40D
Concerned owners of Jeep Cherokee SUVs can confirm whether their vehicle is included in NHTSA Recall 26V290000 or FCA Recall 40D by entering their VIN into the following directories:
- Mopar Recall Information: A recall lookup tool for Stellantis brands, including Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, FIAT, and Alfa Romeo vehicles.
- NHTSA Check for Recalls: A federally maintained recall directory where owners of any vehicle make can confirm inclusion in open recalls.
Certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles were excluded due to not having the relevant PTU component or being built outside the suspect period. Because not every 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee is included, owners should confirm recall eligibility by VIN rather than relying on model year alone.
How to Schedule a Service Appointment
Once FCA announces a final recall remedy, owners can contact an authorized Jeep dealership to schedule recall service. Owners may also contact FCA Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions about FCA Recall 40D. Be prepared to provide your VIN to the customer service representative.
Alternatively, you can locate your nearest Jeep dealership by visiting Mopar’s Find A Dealer page and searching by ZIP code, city, state, dealership name, or current location. Upon finding your preferred dealership, call their listed phone number to contact a representative and schedule an appointment.
When To Pursue Your Legal Options
In the event that repairs are not performed within a reasonable number of attempts or within a timely manner, Jeep owners in California can pursue legal action against their auto manufacturer and recover cash compensation, a vehicle replacement or a repurchase.
A recall does not automatically mean that your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Under the California Lemon Law, a vehicle is considered defective if it has a recurring problem that substantially impairs use, value or safety and cannot be repaired by the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility within a reasonable number of repair attempts. If your Jeep Cherokee has repeated PTU, drivetrain, 4WD or motive power issues that remain unresolved, you may be able to pursue a lemon lawsuit. Keep copies of all documentation, including repair orders, recall notices and dealer communications.
If your 2021 or newer Jeep vehicle has ongoing PTU, drivetrain, 4WD, or loss-of-power issues, contact our Jeep lemon law attorneys in California to review your repair history and discuss your legal options.
References
- (2026, May 7). Power Transfer Unit May Fail and Cause a Loss of Drive Power. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://www.nhtsa.gov/?nhtsaId=26V290000
- (2026, May 7). Part 573 Safety Recall Report 26V290. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2026/RCLRPT-26V290-1107.pdf
