The two-speed power transfer unit in certain Jeep Cherokees can fail internally, causing a sudden loss of drive power at any speed or allowing the vehicle to roll freely while in park.Both outcomes, per NHTSA, raise the risk of a crash or injury – and one of them can happen with the engine off and nobody behind the wheel. The recall covers 61,711 vehicles.FCA filed the campaign with NHTSA on May 7, and the affected SUVs span model years 2019 through 2023. The NHTSA campaign number is 26V290000; FCA’s internal reference is recall 40D.What Makes This Recall Particularly FrustratingThis problem has been plaguing Cherokee buyers for a long time – a recall was first issued in June 2020 for certain 2014-2017 Cherokees with potential PTU input spline failures.AdvertisementAdvertisementProblems began showing up in Canada in late 2022, a further investigation followed in March 2023 leading to an expanded recall, and in January 2025 another action was taken over improperly seated snap rings in the PTU.This latest campaign covering the 2019-2023 generation is the most recent chapter in what owners on Cherokee forums have bluntly described as a problem that has followed the nameplate across every model year it was ever built. As of April 22, 2026, FCA is aware of one accident and one injury potentially related to the condition, along with nine customer assistance records, 387 warranty claims, five field reports, and 16 other service records potentially tied to the issue.There are some warning signs worth knowing: Drivers may notice a Service 4WD message, unusual noise, vibration, or a change in drive quality before the PTU gives out entirely – though some owners indicate the failures occur suddenly and without meaningful warning.What Owners Need to Do Right NowThe uncomfortable reality of this recall is that FCA doesn’t have a fix yet. A fix is currently being developed, and owners will be notified by letter when it becomes available.AdvertisementAdvertisementInterim recall letters explaining the safety risk are expected to go out beginning June 25, 2026.VINs involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026. That’s where you should start. Punch your VIN into the search tool at nhtsa.gov to confirm whether your Cherokee is included.Owners can also contact FCA customer service directly at 1-800-853-1403.The rollaway risk is what demands the most attention in the interim. A PTU failure that disengages the park function means your Cherokee could move on its own on any incline – with no warning light, no engine running, and no driver. Until a repair is available, parking on flat ground and applying the parking brake regardless of surface is a reasonable precaution. This is the kind of recall where waiting passively for a letter in the mail is the wrong call.