Stellantis Issues Recall for Jeep Cherokees: What You Need to Know
In a significant move, Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, has announced a recall affecting over 63,000 Jeep Cherokees. This decision comes in response to potential issues with the vehicles’ power transfer units (PTUs), as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The Details Behind the Recall
The recall specifically targets Jeep Cherokee models manufactured between 2017 and 2019. According to information from the NHTSA, there is a risk that the power transfer unit could sustain damage and subsequently disengage from both the transmission and differential. This malfunction can lead to a complete loss of drive power or even compromise park functionality.
The implications of such failures are serious; not only does losing drive power increase crash risks significantly, but an inability to engage park mode can result in unintended vehicle rollaways—an alarming scenario that heightens both crash and injury risks.
Ongoing Developments
As it stands, Stellantis is still working on developing an effective remedy for this issue. Affected owners will receive notification letters starting February 13th. It’s worth noting that this isn’t Stellantis’s first rodeo with recalls; just last year saw them recalling approximately 338,238 Jeep Grand Cherokees due to steering wheel malfunctions deemed hazardous.
This previous recall encompassed models from two different years: those produced between 2021-2023 for the Grand Cherokee L and those made between 2022-2023 for standard Grand Cherokees.
Recent Trends in Recalls
Stellantis isn’t alone in facing scrutiny over vehicle safety; other manufacturers have also been making headlines recently due to various recalls. For instance, more than half a million electric space heaters were recalled due to overheating concerns—a reminder that consumer safety remains paramount across industries.
In October alone, Chrysler had another major recall involving around 150,000 electric Jeeps linked to fire hazards while parked or during operation. These incidents underscore ongoing challenges within automotive safety protocols as manufacturers strive for reliability amid increasing technological complexities.
How Affected Owners Can Respond
For those who own one of these affected Jeep Cherokee models or are concerned about their vehicle’s status regarding this latest recall announcement:
Visit NHTSA’s Website: The NHTSA provides comprehensive resources where you can check your vehicle identification number (VIN) against current recalls.
Contact Vehicle Safety Hotline: Reach out at 1-888-327-4236 if you have questions or need assistance regarding your specific situation.
Stellantis Customer Service: Alternatively, you can call Stellantis customer service directly at 1-800-853-1403 using reference code 01C when discussing your case.
These steps will help ensure you’re informed about any necessary actions related to your vehicle’s safety features and compliance with current regulations.
Conclusion
As we navigate through an era marked by rapid advancements in automotive technology alongside heightened consumer expectations for safety standards, it’s crucial for companies like Stellantis—and indeed all automakers—to remain vigilant about potential defects that could endanger drivers and passengers alike. With ongoing developments surrounding these recalls and others like them across various sectors—from home appliances like space heaters back into vehicles—staying informed is key as consumers continue demanding accountability from manufacturers they trust with their lives on the road.
