2018 Jeep Cherokee

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

My 2018 Jeep Cherokee had Safety Recall 01C completed on XXX. According to Stellantis TSB 21-027-26 Rev. A, completing Recall 01C grants the vehicle an unlimited mile warranty extension for mechanical PTU failures. Gresham Jeep diagnosed the vehicle with the exact mechanical failure code, but their DealerConnect system issued a hard block stating "NOT COVERED" due to an administrative "Complete Vehicle" restriction triggered by a reconstructed title. The manufacturer is using global network flags to deny hardware remedies linked to federal safety campaigns. The automated system blockiing of this safety defect remedy is documented on FCA US LLC Coverages Report issued by Dealer 45856-Gresham Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on XXX for VIN [XXX]. The report shows that Safety Recall 01C was successfully launched on XXX and executed on this vehicle on XXX. Despite meeting the explicit policy criteria in TSB 21-027-26 REV. A. the dealer network terminal triggered a system-wide block code on Labor Operation Number (LOP) XXX (Power Transfer Unit Replace- 3.2L Engine) returnign a LOP Coverage Result of "NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR SERVICE CONTRACT" due to state title marker profile restriction categorized as "Complete Vehicle." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11776830

Incident

Oct 23, 2026

Car threw a service 4 wheel drive light. Certain vehicles have been issued an extended warranty for the same problem. We took it to a local mechanic and it threw 3 codes. Replace transfer case. Replace PTU and replace the module. All 3 stated there was a bulletin issued in April 2026 for the extended warranty on certain vehicles. This can cause a sudden loss of power. My vehicle does not come up when you search the vin. I am wondering if this is an issue why it is not covering mine

NHTSA ID

11776802

Incident

Nov 2, 2026

My vehicle has a severe manufacturing design defect that allowed water to flood the Electronic Parking Brake module cavity. The vehicle is experiencing active electrical short-circuits, the car seized while driving. I had to have the car towed and despite being told there was a recall, I had to pay $1800 out of pocket to have components replaced. Furthermore, the toxic mold resulting from this defect is making me physically ill. I am aware that the federal government has an open, active investigation into this exact hazard under NHTSA Action PE22-009.

NHTSA ID

11775713

Incident

Oct 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the "4WD System Service Required" message was displayed. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V011000 (Power Train); and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the dealer to schedule an appointment. The dealer performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and confirmed that the failure was associated with an inoperable PTU. The failure mileage was approximately 87,800.

NHTSA ID

11774421

Incident

Oct 2, 2026

Mileage

87,800 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the 4WD warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11772623

Incident

Oct 21, 2026

Mileage

111,000 mi

CAR INDICATING SERVICE 4WD MESSAGE. I HAD A SCAN DONE ON THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT IT IS A POWER TRANSFER UNIT ISSUE WHICH THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS FOR YET PER MY VIN NUMBER, MINE IS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE HAD THIS MESSAGE EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND IT HAS BEEN PRESENT SINCE 03/26.

NHTSA ID

11768727

Incident

Mar 26, 2026

Took my 2018 Jeep cherokee to dealership for a service appointment, a service the 4wheel drive light came on. We have experience hard transmission shifting and popping. The dealership haved checked our Jeep and told us that the replacement of the PTU had to be replaced. My wife is not driving the Jeep due to the fear of locking up and causing an accident.

NHTSA ID

11767322

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle and the transmission failed to shift into gear properly. The contact stated that the vehicle nearly stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rear differential failure. The contact was informed that the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the 4WD warning light was later illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with PTU failure. The contact was informed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

NHTSA ID

11766663

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

Mileage

90,000 mi

D-26-20 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval

ID-26-40 Addition of Power Transfer Unit (PTU) for All Model Years Jeep Cherokee (KL) to the Powertrain Service Center (PTSC) Pre-Approval

Stop/Start Illuminated, 0x22 During Fork Wear Routine Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● Negative response 0X22 after Recall 01C flash triggers one or more communication codes with controllers.

Unable to Complete 01C Recall Drive Cycle C14A7-97 Active Technicians may experience the following: SYMPTOM: ● After performing Recall 01C, the vehicle may get a 'Service AWD' message on the EVIC.

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.