Why 85,629 Jeep Cherokees Are Being Recalled for a Tiny Part That Could Leave You Stranded

Wouter Smit · 2026-07-08

If you own a Jeep Cherokee built between late 2016 and early 2019, you might want to pay attention. Jeep is recalling over 85,000 Cherokees worldwide because of a small part that can cause big trouble. We're talking about a retaining ring in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) that wasn't seated correctly during assembly. And when that ring fails, you could suddenly lose power while driving. That's not just inconvenient. It's dangerous. ### What's Actually Going Wrong? Here's the technical side, broken down so it makes sense. The Power Transfer Unit is a component that helps send power from your engine to your wheels. Inside it, there's a retaining ring that holds everything together. On these recalled Cherokees, that ring wasn't installed properly. Over time, it can slip out of place. When it does, the PTU stops working as it should. The result? An unexpected loss of drive. You could be cruising down the highway at 65 miles per hour and suddenly have no power to the wheels. Not a fun situation. Jeep started manufacturing these vehicles on October 10, 2016, and continued until February 20, 2019. So if your Cherokee falls within that window, you're affected. The recall covers 85,629 vehicles sent to authorized dealerships across the United States and other markets. ### What Should You Do Right Now? First, don't panic. Recalls happen more often than you think. The key is to act quickly. Here are the steps you need to take: - Check if your specific vehicle is included. You can use your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. It's free and takes two minutes. - If your Cherokee is on the list, contact your local Jeep dealer. They'll inspect the PTU and replace the retaining ring if needed. The repair is free of charge. - Don't ignore the recall notice. Even if you haven't had any issues yet, the problem can develop over time. It's better to fix it before it leaves you stranded. ### Why This Recall Matters for All Drivers This recall isn't just about Jeep owners. It's a reminder for everyone who drives. Vehicle recalls are serious business. They exist to protect you and your family. Yet many people ignore recall notices or assume they don't apply to them. That's a mistake. A loose retaining ring might sound minor, but it can lead to a crash. The same goes for other recalls involving brakes, airbags, or steering components. If you buy a used car, always check its recall history before handing over any cash. A vehicle might look clean and run fine, but hidden defects could be waiting to surface. Services like Carfax and the NHTSA database make it easy to check. Spend ten minutes now, save yourself a headache later. ### What About Other Jeep Models? As of now, this recall is specific to the Cherokee. But if you own a different Jeep model, don't assume you're safe. Jeep has issued recalls for other vehicles in the past. The best approach is to check your VIN regularly. The NHTSA website lets you set up alerts for future recalls on your vehicle. It's a simple way to stay informed. ### Final Thoughts A recall doesn't mean your car is junk. It means the manufacturer found a problem and wants to fix it. That's a good thing. The worst thing you can do is ignore it. So if you drive a 2016 to 2019 Jeep Cherokee, take action today. Check your VIN, call your dealer, and get that retaining ring inspected. It's a small part that could make a big difference in your safety on the road.