NHTSA Recall 26V290000: Jeep Cherokee Loss of Drive Power

What the recall covers

Recall 26V290000 (Stellantis reference 40D) covers 61,711 model year 2019–2023 Jeep Cherokee (KL) SUVs built with a two-speed power transfer unit that can fail internally. A failed PTU can cause an unexpected loss of drive power at any speed, or allow the vehicle to roll away when parked — both of which raise the risk of a crash or injury.

The remedy

The final remedy is under development. Interim owner-notification letters explaining the safety risk were expected to mail June 25, 2026, with a second letter once a repair is available. Affected VINs became searchable on NHTSA.gov in mid-May 2026.

What owners should do now

• Always fully engage the parking brake when parked, as the manufacturer advises for rollaway risk.
• Watch for your Stellantis owner-notification letters and schedule the repair once a remedy is available.
• Confirm whether your specific VIN is affected.
• Keep your recall letters and every repair order.
• If your vehicle loses power or is out of service for an extended time, document the dates.

How to check your VIN

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is included by entering the 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Inclusion is VIN-specific, not just by model and year.

Stellantis (FCA) customer service: 800-853-1403 (recall reference 40D). NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236.

When this recall can become a California lemon law claim

A recall is not automatically a lemon — it is the manufacturer acknowledging a defect and offering a free fix. Your Jeep may qualify under California's Lemon Law if the recall repair is significantly delayed, doesn't resolve the problem, or your vehicle has other unrepaired warranty defects. In those cases you may be entitled to a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement, with the manufacturer paying your attorney fees. For the full breakdown, see the guides below.