Recall 18V492 covers 5 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and Pacifica vehicles for transmission weld failure. Repair will be free at a franchised Jeep dealer once available.
Jeep is recalling 5 2018-2019 Cherokee and Pacifica vehicles under recall 18V492 because an improperly welded transmission component can stop engine power from reaching the wheels. If the weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once Jeep makes the remedy available.
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What's wrong?
The automatic transmission in the 2018-2019 Cherokee and Pacifica routes engine power through gears before it reaches the wheels. Inside that transmission, the planetary gear carrier holds part of the gearset in position so the transmission can multiply engine torque and keep the vehicle moving as speed changes.
On affected vehicles, that carrier was built with an incomplete weld. A weld is the joint that bonds metal pieces together, and this joint was not finished properly during production. If the carrier weld breaks, the transmission loses the mechanical path that sends engine power to the wheels, so the vehicle stops driving under its own power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not identify a symptom an owner can rely on before the transmission stops delivering power.
Who's affected?
Spans the Cherokee and Pacifica across the 2018 and 2019 model years, with the automatic transmission listed for both.
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A transmission weld failure will make the vehicle stop moving, which increases crash risk, especially if it happens in traffic. Treat any loss of movement as a reason to get to a safe place and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Jeep dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee or Pacifica is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to ask whether the free transmission replacement is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer about the transmission weld defect, which stops engine power from reaching the wheels if it fails.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V492 when you call.
- Avoid driving if the vehicle loses power or stops moving. Have it towed to the dealer instead.
What happens at the repair
The final dealer repair is not listed as available yet. Once it opens, a Jeep technician will replace the transmission covered by recall 18V492. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related transmission repair, Jeep's reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 7, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V492?
Recall 18V492 covers 5 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and Pacifica vehicles with a transmission component weld that was not completed properly. If the weld fails, the vehicle can stop moving, increasing crash risk. The listed dealer remedy is a free transmission replacement.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee or Pacifica is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V492. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer, reference recall 18V492 or Jeep recall number U85, and ask whether the transmission replacement is open for your VIN. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 18V492, the listed remedy is transmission replacement free of charge at a franchised Jeep dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the vehicle can stop moving if the transmission weld fails. That loss of power to the wheels increases crash risk, especially in traffic. If your VIN is included, ask the dealer how to handle the vehicle before the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V492000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V492 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V492000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →