Recall 23V302 affects 25,980 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee SUVs for PTU failure causing loss of drive power or park function. Free repair at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 25,980 2016-2017 Cherokee SUVs because the power transfer unit can become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential. That can cause a loss of drive power or park function, raising the risk of a crash or rollaway injury; Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The power transfer unit, or PTU, on the 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee is the gearbox that sends engine power from the transmission toward the driveline. On Cherokees with the two-speed PTU, it helps connect the transmission output shaft to the differential so the vehicle can move under its own power and hold park when the drivetrain is locked.
In affected SUVs, movement inside the PTU lets the differential input splines rub against the transmission output shaft. Those splines are the interlocking teeth that keep the parts engaged. As the teeth wear down, the transmission and differential can lose their connection inside the PTU. That can cause loss of drive power while moving or loss of park function when the vehicle is shifted into PARK.
There is no warning sign before failure. The remedy software is designed to turn on the malfunction indicator lamp, the check-engine warning light, after spline failure and help preserve drive power and park function.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2016 and 2017 Cherokee model years, both tied to the same power transfer unit in the automatic transmission.
| 2017 Jeep Cherokee | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Cherokee | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 25,980 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of drive power can increase crash risk. A loss of park function can also let the vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. There is no warning sign before failure. If your VIN is included, schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free software update that addresses the PTU damage risk behind the loss of drive power or park function.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V302 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and set the parking brake every time you park.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician performs the software update covered by recall 23V302. The update is free under the recall, and dealer labor is covered. FCA US says its reimbursement policy covers owners who already paid to repair a problem that later became the subject of a field action. If you already paid for a related PTU or driveline repair before the owner letter, send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to FCA US for expense confirmation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 11, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| June 16, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| June 16, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 16, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| June 16, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V302?
Recall 23V302 covers 25,980 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee vehicles with a power transfer unit problem. The PTU can become damaged and disengage the transmission and differential, causing loss of drive power or loss of park function. Jeep dealers will perform a software update for free.
What should I do if my 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cherokee is included in recall 23V302. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the software update. Reference Jeep recall number 45A when you call, or contact Jeep customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Jeep dealers will perform the software update for free. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V302?
The risk in recall 23V302 is loss of drive power or loss of park function. Loss of drive power increases crash risk. Loss of park function can let the vehicle roll away, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
What if I bought my Jeep Cherokee used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2016-2017 Jeep Cherokee is included, then contact a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 23V302 or Jeep recall number 45A.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V302000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V302 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V302000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →