Fiat Chrysler Recall 2020: Is Your Jeep Cherokee Affected By This Recall?

Following a mid-April recall for its Dodge Ram and Jeep vehicles because of a windshield wiper issue, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) has recalled over 67,000 Jeep Cherokees because the power transfer unit input splines may break and cause a crash.

The recall affects certain 2014 to 2017 Jeep Cherokee SUVs that are outfitted with a two-speed Power Transfer Unit.

Fiat said that if the input splines break, they can cause a loss of driver power, which could lead to an accident without prior warning. This could also cause the SUV to roll away as the park function may not be operable.

The problem with the Power Transfer Unit stems from the input spline teeth that could wear off from relative movement between the differential input splines and transmission output shaft. This could lead to a loss of engagement between the transmission and differential inside the Power Transfer Unit.

If engagement is lost, power will not be transferred between the front wheels and transmission, which could create a loss of drive power when the vehicle is in motion. When in park, the SUV could roll away unintendedly when stationary.

To repair the issue, Fiat Chrysler dealers will update the software that maintains the Cherokee’s propulsion system by engaging the rear-wheel drive. To prevent a rollaway in park, dealers will activate the electronic parking brake if the input spline is faulty.

The automaker said it will begin notifying Cherokee owners on July 31. Questions about the recall can be directed to FCA USA LLC Customer Service at 1-800-853-1403.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles stock was trading at $9.45 per share at 11:42 a.m. EDT, up $.0.10 from 1.12%.