Image Credit: Roman Vasilenia at Shutterstock.Chrysler has once again announced a recall of the Jeep Cherokee for a problem with the power transfer unit that has affected 61,000 units. Notably, this is the fourth Cherokee recall pertaining to the same problem.The recall includes Jeep Cherokee models from 2019 to 2023, which may be fitted with power transfer units that can fail. The issue is such that the vehicle will lose drive power or even roll away while in Park mode if the power transfer unit fails. This problem could have catastrophic consequences if an affected Jeep Cherokee is parked on a slope, as it could roll downhill and crash into other vehicles, property, or even pedestrians.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe issue related to the Jeep Cherokee's power transfer unit goes back to 2020. Despite several recalls, it continues to reappear on newer models.History of Power Transfer Unit IssuesImage Credit: Roman Vasilenia at Shutterstock.According to a report by Carcomplaints.com, Chrysler recalled over 80,000 units of the 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee in 2020 for failures of the power transfer unit input splines.In April 2023, Chrysler recalled 37,500 units of the Cherokee yet again for the same problem. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is said to have received inquiries from safety regulators in several countries, including Canada and the U.S., regarding transfer case problems, especially since they affected multiple Cherokee models.Then, in January 2025, FCA recalled more than 83,000 units of the 2017 to 2019 Jeep Cherokee due to a power transfer problem that "may become damaged and disengage the transmissions and differentials." AdvertisementAdvertisementJeep engineers found, upon scrutiny, that snap rings in the power transfer unit were improperly seated, causing the Cherokee to roll away in park mode or lose drive power.Despite the multiple recalls, investigations, and remedies, power transfer unit problems have reappeared on the 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokees. The FCA even received reports of a crash, an injury, and 387 warranty claims related to the ongoing issue. Customers Must Look Out for Symptoms of the Power Transfer Unit IssueJeep Cherokee customers whose vehicles have been affected by the power transfer unit issue should watch for a 'Service 4WD' message. It is advisable to look for abnormal noise in the vehicle, a noticeable change in drive quality, and abnormal vibrations.Currently, there is no remedy in place, and the FCA is reportedly working on a solution. As a result, recall letters will be mailed to customers starting June 25, 2026. The final recall letters will be mailed once Chrysler dealers are ready to fix the recalled vehicles.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor further queries and information about the recall, Jeep Cherokee owners may call 800-853-1403 and ask about recall number 40D.What do the Recurring Recalls Suggest?The multiple recalls related to Jeep Cherokee vehicles across different model years suggest that the root cause of the issue has not been addressed. The recurring recalls may hint at a manufacturing defect that Chrysler has yet to fix.It remains to be seen if the latest recall can solve the power transfer unit issues on the Cherokee, or if it leads to another recall in the next two or three years.