FCA Recalls Jeep Cherokee for Broken Drive Axles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled a small number of its Jeep Cherokee crossovers to replace front drive axles that could break.

The problem has been traced back a fault in the material hardening process employed to improve the strength of the metal used to manufacture the shafts. A broken shaft could leave a Cherokee stranded, as that car-based model's all-wheel drive system is biased toward the front wheels. In either vehicle, an axle that brakes at speed could cause an accident, either through the loss of motive power, or due to other drivers swerving to avoid broken pieces scattered on the roadway.

Most of the affected axles are at the right front wheel, but there is a separate recall that covers two vehicles with faulty left-front axles; dealers will replace the left or right axles in those vehicles.