Jeep Cherokee 4WD recalled again for 2nd gear transfer case issue

2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee SUV NHTSA is recalled for an issue with the 2 speed power transfer case or power transfer unit. On these 4 wheel drive models, the transmission can slip off the front differential, causing loss of power while in motion. The same problem can cause the vehicle to pull out of “parking” when the SUV is actually parked.

The recall covers 25,980 models. It’s also not the first time this generation of Jeep Cherokee has been recalled. This is because the differential spline teeth become too large in relation to the transmission output shaft, causing them to wear.

June 2020, then parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles 67,248 Jeep Cherokee recalled Equipped with a 2-speed transfer case for 4×4 models from 2014 to 2017. That recall was limited to the roll-away risk, where the car could slip out of the “parking lot” and roll while parked or unattended. Jeep only knew of one known crash related to this issue at the time, but a transmission software update completed at the dealer service center resolved the issue.

The latest transfer case recall includes a wider range of issues and more incidents. New parent company Stellantis cites 17 of his warranty claims and eight other service records related to the issue, but no known crashes have been reported.

New fixes also require software updates. In the event of spline failure in the front differential, updated software that controls the power transfer unit actuates the rear axle to keep the vehicle moving. One of the initial benefits of this system was to separate the front axle from the rear axle to get all the engine torque and cruise the highway more efficiently. A software update also activates the electronic parking brake if a spline failure is detected.

Once the update is complete, the fault warning lamp in the instrument cluster notifies the driver of the spline fault.

Owners will be notified by email no later than June 16, 2023. The Jeep dealer will complete the service for free and the owner will get a refund. For more information, call 1-800-853-1403 or FCA recall site.