I own a 2017 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with approximately 72,000 miles on it. I had an alert show up on my dash for the "4x4 system" and took it to the local Jeep Dealership, in Santa Barbara, California. I was aware that there had been some recalls on Cherokees, including my specific model/year, related to the PTU (power transfer unit), but I didn't realize that the PTU was the issue.

A little background on the significance of the PTU; "if the PTU fails to engage with the transmission, the Cherokee could lose all power while being driven. Also, a failure to engage could keep the vehicle from being put into park when stationary, allowing it to roll away. Either situation could result in a crash or injuries." This safety issue was a recall that was initiated and covered approximately 67,000 Jeeps. Jeeps recall number is W47 and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s recall campaign number is 20V343. 

I was informed by the dealership and by Jeep Corporate offices (when I called them today) that because my Jeep did not show a recall for this specific part that I would have to pay the $4500 to fix this issue. I asked the customer service representative why if my Jeep is the same model/trim level and year, as the vehicles recalled, I should have to pay for it. She kept saying the same thing to me; the Mopar website does not list your particular vehicle for the recall. Wow.

I suggested to her that because it was a safety issue that had been identified and that my vehicle has the same issue that maybe they could make an exception. I suggested that a supervisor get involved. The answer was still no. Wow.

I have taken really good care of my vehicle. I get all the regular recommended maintenance completed on time. It has always been important for me to have a dependable vehicle.

I am asking, please, for your help. I just can't believe that a company like Jeep would do this to a customer. This is a lot of money to me, but, I don't have a choice. I have to have my vehicle to run my small business. The pandemic really took a bite out of my business and just when I was starting to get back on my feet, Jeep does this to me. 

I am sure that there are other Jeep customers who have had this particular experience. But, it's hard to know where to go for help. I have signed some petitions on this site in the past and thought that maybe this community could help me. This just seems so unfair and the repair cost will really impact my livelihood and my ability to continue to build my small business.

Please, if you can sign this petition, to send a message to Jeep that they can't get away with doing this, I would greatly appreciate it. 

Thank you for reading my petition and for your consideration.