Chrysler will be asking owners of certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee SUVs to return to their dealership to repair a problem affecting the two speed power transfer unit (PTU) in their vehicles. The suspect period began in April 2014 when more robust differential input splines were used to manufacture PTUs.

According to the defect report, movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may result in the input spline teeth wearing. Eventually this will cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential, and torque will not be transferred to the wheels. The vehicle will loose motive power and there will be no “Park” function while the vehicle is stationary.

Dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in “Park” by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. FCA’s number for this recall is W47 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-343.

Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2019 Dodge Durango vehicles because of a problem affecting the powertrain of their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the front differential may have been built with pinion gears that were not sufficiently hardened. Over time the gears could wear down until torque power cannot be transferred from the drivetrain to the front wheels. If this happens drivers will experience loss of power and loss of the “Park” function when stationary. Prior to loss of power, drivers may notice a gear whine or grinding noise coming from the drivetrain

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the front differential replaced. This recall is expected to begin May 15, 2020. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W22 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-183.

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Avalon & Camry hybrids regarding a problem affecting their vehicles power-train. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the drive shaft may have been assembled incorrectly and the tripod joint snap ring could become dislocated. If this happens, drivers may experience front end vibrations, an inoperative parking brake and a loss of propulsion while driving.

Dealers will inspect the serial number of the vehicle’s drive shaft, replacing any that are affected. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is H0M and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-462.

Kia Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Kia Optima‘s, regarding a problem affecting the right front axle driveshaft. Insufficient welds at the wheel end of the shaft may result in driveshaft cracks. During acceleration from a stopped position, the crack could completely separate, resulting in a loud noise and loss of motive power. If the driver fails to engage the parking brake under these conditions the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle driveshaft replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC139 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-705.