Three FCA Recalls Address Powertrain Defects
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently issued three separate recalls of select Jeep Cherokee compact SUVs and Chrysler Pacifica minivans for diverse problems connected with the power train.

FCA has issued three recalls for its 2018 and 2019 Jeep Cherokee (2018 model shown) and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica.
Photo courtesy of FCA.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently issued three separate recalls of select Jeep Cherokee compact SUVs and Chrysler Pacifica minivans for diverse problems connected with the power train.
Approximately 702 2018 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 SUVs because the bearing cage for the right front halfshaft assembly may have been improperly heat-treated. The halfshaft bearing cage could potentially break, rendering the halfshaft unable to transmit engine power and causing a loss of drive. Conversely, the scenario can also cause the vehicle to move while it is in the "park" position. In either case, there is an increased chance of a crash.
To remedy the situation, FCA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front halfshaft assemblies at no cost to customers. FCA's number of this recall is U78.
The automaker is also recalling an estimated 61 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles because the front-axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, compromising the shaft from being secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint. If the shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will experience a loss of drive or move to the "park" position, increasing the risk of a collision.
To fix the problem, FCA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly free of change to owners. FCA's number for this recall is U80.
Finally, FCA is recalling approximately five 2019 Cherokee compact SUV and 2018 Pacifica non-hybrid minivan due to a potentially improperly welded component in the transmission. This scenario could lead to the transmission failing to transmit engine power to the wheels. In the event the transmission weld fails, the vehicle may suddenly stop moving, which increases the likelihood of a crash.
To remedy the matter, FCA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, at no cost to owners. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
All three recalls begin on Sept. 14. Owners can reach FCA's customer service at (800) 853-1403.
More Safety

IIHS Crash Avoidance Tests Reveal Safety Gaps in Cargo Vans and Work Trucks
New crash-avoidance ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal inconsistent performance among commercial vehicles, with several popular cargo vans and heavy-duty pickups struggling to avoid collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Read More →
What’s Next for Fleet? Safety, AI & Industry Recognition | AF News Recap
Could your company's culture be encouraging distracted driving? This week, we're exploring how workplace expectations affect driver safety, what AI, EVs, and autonomous vehicles could mean for the future of fleet management, and how fleet professionals can strengthen their award nominations.
Read More →
Does Your Fleet's Culture Encourage Distracted Driving?
What happens when the people responsible for enforcing safety rules are the ones setting the wrong example? The answer may reveal why some of the biggest risks to fleet drivers have little to do with what's written in the employee handbook.
Read More →
Fleet Manager’s Ultimate Playbook: Navigating the New Standard in OEM Connectivity
Rising operating costs, driver safety concerns, and unplanned downtime are putting unprecedented pressure on modern fleets. Discover how fleet managers use embedded OEM connectivity and real-time vehicle data to cut TCO, prevent downtime, and protect drivers without aftermarket telematics hardware.
Read More →
From Driver Well-Being to EV Charging | AF News Recap
Mental health belongs in the fleet safety conversation. This week, we’re looking at five ways fleets can support employee well-being before a crisis, plus Holman’s expansion in Mexico, new one-day Fleet Forward passes, and why EV charging demand is outpacing infrastructure growth.
Read More →
Nexar-Nauto Merger Aims to Give Fleets Better Safety Intelligence Through Larger Driving Dataset
Stefan Heck tells Automotive Fleet that combining more than 10 billion miles of driving history with Nexar's AI models will give fleets deeper insights into driver risk and roadway conditions than either company could provide independently.
Read More →
Don't Wait for a Crisis: 5 Ways to Build Mental Health Into Your Fleet Safety Program
For Suicide Prevention Month, fleet and safety leaders have an opportunity to put mental health where it belongs: at the center of workplace safety.
Read More →
How Camera Data Can Strengthen a Fleet’s Insurance Renewal
Insights from a commercial insurance carrier and a broker show how fleets can turn video telematic data, driver coaching, and improved claims results into a stronger case at insurance renewal.
Read More →
The Safest Fleets Aren’t the Ones with the Most Technology
You’ve made the telematics investment. Here’s how to capture the other half of its value and build the safest fleet on the road.
Read More →
Hidden in Plain Sight: Fleet Compliance Risks
Fleet compliance isn't just about having policies — it's about consistently enforcing them. This practical guide reveals six hidden compliance risks common in public sector and shared fleet operations and outlines proven strategies to improve visibility, accountability, and audit readiness
Read More →