Cherokee Returns, But Not Without Friction
Stellantis brought back the Jeep Cherokee for 2026, aiming to put one of Jeep’s most important models back in the spotlight. The new sixth-generation Cherokee, now with a hybrid option, started showing up in US dealerships earlier this year. Early buyers already have theirs, and the launch seemed smooth at first.
But that momentum didn’t last. Production is now on pause, so if you ordered recently, your Cherokee might not arrive on time. The problem isn’t demand or a technical glitch – it’s a supply chain standoff that shut down a key factory.
The Toluca, Mexico plant, which builds both the Cherokee and the Compass, has been shut down since mid-March. For a model just making its comeback, even a short stoppage can throw off delivery schedules, especially as dealers start stacking up new orders.
Supplier Dispute Escalates to Court
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the issue stems from a payment dispute between Stellantis and supplier ZF Chassis Modules, a joint venture involving ZF Friedrichshafen and Foxconn.
ZF Chassis Modules makes the suspension parts for the Cherokee. Earlier this month, they stopped shipping to Toluca, demanding higher prices for contracts already in place. Stellantis fired back with a lawsuit in Michigan, alleging the supplier breached its agreement and brought production to a halt.
The dispute isn’t limited to Mexico. The supplier also reportedly threatened to cut off parts to a Canadian plant in Windsor, Ontario, where Stellantis builds the Chrysler Pacifica and Dodge Charger. A temporary restraining order has since required shipments to continue there, preventing a second shutdown.
Automakers and suppliers argue over prices all the time, but it’s rare for things to get this heated. Stellantis says it already paid more than $26 million and agreed to price hikes late last year to keep parts moving. Now, the supplier wants another $70 million on top of that.
What Happens Next
There’s a chance things could get back on track soon. Stellantis says a court order in Mexico might let the Toluca plant restart within days, which would get Cherokee production moving again. There’s also a hearing set for April 6 in Michigan to sort out the bigger fight.
Even if production restarts soon, the delay could still cause headaches. Stellantis usually keeps just a few hours’ worth of these suspension parts in stock, so there’s almost no cushion when the supply chain hits a snag.
The timing makes things even trickier. Stellantis is trying to bounce back after a tough 2025, and the Cherokee and Pacifica are supposed to help steady sales. Any delay, even a short one, could slow down that recovery.
So what does this mean if you’re buying? If your Cherokee is already in your driveway, you’re in the clear. But if you just placed an order, check with your dealer – your wait time depends on how fast Stellantis and its supplier can settle this fight.
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