Recall 18V739 affects 86,053 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with transmission calibration that can cause a stall. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 86,053 2019 Cherokee vehicles because improper transmission calibration can make the vehicle stall. A stall can increase the risk of a crash, and Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transmission calibration in the 2019 Jeep Cherokee is the software file that tells the automatic transmission when to shift and how to manage power during deceleration. It also helps control torque converter unlock timing, which is the point when the transmission stops holding a direct power connection between the engine and the driveline.
On affected Cherokees, improper calibration can fail to coordinate transmission operation as the vehicle slows. The transmission shift timing and torque converter unlock timing do not line up as designed. In that operating condition, engine speed can drop too far and the Cherokee can stall while decelerating. This is a software problem, not a broken gear or owner maintenance issue.
There is no warning sign before failure. The stall can happen while slowing down, so an owner will not have a reliable light, sound, or pedal change before it occurs.
Who's affected?
| 2019 Jeep Cherokee | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 86,053 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
A vehicle stall can leave the Cherokee stopped when you expect it to keep moving, which increases the risk of a crash. If the vehicle stalls or loses propulsion, move out of traffic when safe and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Jeep Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free transmission-controller software update that corrects the calibration linked to stalling.
- Bring the owner letter if it arrived. If not, reference recall number 18V739 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the vehicle stalls, pull over when safe and contact the dealer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician updates the transmission controller with new calibration software. This changes how the controller manages the powertrain condition covered by the recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related transmission controller repair before the recall notice, Jeep's reimbursement process covers confirmed expenses. Send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company as requested in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 2, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 8, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 8, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V739?
Recall 18V739 covers 86,053 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with 2.4L engines. Improper transmission calibration can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing crash risk. Jeep dealers will re-flash the transmission controller with updated calibration for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Jeep Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cherokee is included in recall 18V739. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the transmission controller re-flash. Reference recall 18V739 or Jeep recall number UA9 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to provide the recall repair at no cost. A franchised Jeep dealer will re-flash the transmission controller with the updated calibration free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2019 Jeep Cherokee before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is a vehicle stall, which increases crash risk. If the vehicle stalls, hesitates, or feels unsafe, stop driving and ask a Jeep dealer about the safest way to bring it in.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V739000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V739 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V739000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →