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Jeep Cherokee front axle shaft may break

NHTSA campaign 18V494000 · Reported 2018-07-26 · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

high How serious is it? About this label

Serious, since losing drive power or having the Jeep roll away can cause a crash, but the notice does not tell owners to stop driving, so keep using the parking brake and book the free repair soon.

What's wrong, in plain English

The right front halfshaft, the shaft that carries engine power to the front wheel, has a small part inside that may not have been hardened properly when it was made. That part can break, and the shaft can then stop delivering power. If that happens, your Cherokee can suddenly lose drive while you are on the road, and it can also roll away on its own even with the shifter in Park. Dealers will replace the shaft.

What you should do

1. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your all-wheel-drive Cherokee is in recall U78.
2. Contact a Jeep dealer to schedule the work, or call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
3. Always set the parking brake until it is fixed; the front right halfshaft replacement is free.

Affected vehicles (1)

2018 Jeep Cherokee

Who to contact

Jeep — official Jeep recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-853-1403

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Why do Jeep clutches, transmissions and Park systems keep failing? · all 17 Jeep recalls in this area

Official notice

Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Cherokee all-wheel-drive vehicles. The bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may not have been properly heat treated, possibly resulting in the bearing cage breaking and a potential halfshaft assembly failure.
Safety risk: If the halfshaft bearing cage breaks, the halfshaft may not be able to transmit engine power, causing a loss of drive or it can allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front right halfshaft assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 20, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U78.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.