2021 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 166 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power trainMay 7, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
Campaign 26V290000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainJul 8, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 71B.
Campaign 24V516000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, cooler/radiator, hoses and fittingsMay 4, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y18.
Campaign 21V310000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armOct 27, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving.
A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W81. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.
Campaign 20V657000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
28 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 25, 2026
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding this vehicle. It has now been 5 months with no repair remedy available. Due to being told by the certified dealer, Mopar, Jeep/Stellantis (who closed my claim because they claim the vehicle is safe to drive despite of having an outstanding safety recall) I thought I would attempt to drive the vehicle again. On September 15, 2026, the vehicle lost all motive power while I was traveling approximately 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D
Power train, Engine, Sep 16, 2026
Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux equipped with a 1-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / Active Drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the AWD system, triggering an immediate "Service 4WD" warning light on the dashboard. Dealership diagnostics confirmed trouble code C14A7-97 (Power Transfer Unit Rear Axle Motor Circuit - Component Internal Failure), requiring a complete PTU replacement estimated at $2,200. This vehicle is currently excluded from Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA Campaign 26V290000) solely because it utilizes a 1-speed PTU rather than a 2-speed PTU. However, code C14A7-97 confirms that the 1-speed units are suffering from the exact same internal mechanical and electrical component failures described in the active recall. The vehicle has been forced into permanent front-wheel-drive mode, causing a noticeable drop in handling and acceleration performance. This mechanical failure presents a sudden loss of drive power and a severe vehicle rollaway risk if the electronic parking brake is not manually cycled. NHTSA should investigate and expand Recall 40D to include 1-speed PTU Jeep Cherokees, as they share the same defective internal components and safety hazards.
Engine, Aug 28, 2026
I have filed a reimbursement twice now for recall 26V290000 (FCA Recall 40D). I had this repaired in August of 2025. Both times I have submitted the claim it has been denied because of no remedy available. I am just asking for a reimbursement and I think they are just using this as an excuse not to pay the bill. My reference claim number is 97934186.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2026
Twice in the past year, the vehicle stalled after coming to a stop at a red light. The morning after the most recent incident, the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealership. That was Luther Brookdale Dodge, Jeep and Ram in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Two weeks ago, I began to intermittently see the message '4WD Unavailable - Service Required'. I brought it yesterday, and was told that the Power Transfer Unit was in need of replacement. I travel as an special education case manager and teacher quite a distance every day to work. The roads in the wintertime can be quite challenging on which to travel. This vehicle should be included in the list of affected vehicle trims that are listed for the multitude of Jeep vehicles part of the PTU related recall. I need to know that the vehicle is being repaired with a part that is safe, not the same PTU used originally, in manufacture, which has been found to be unsafe.
Power train, Engine, Aug 3, 2026
I own a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that is included in the PTU safety recall involving sudden loss of motive power and/or loss of the PARK function. My vehicle began exhibiting the exact symptoms of this recall in April 2026 and has been undrivable since that time. The recall was announced in May 2026, but Stellantis has still not provided a repair remedy. As of today, my vehicle has been out of service for approximately four months due to the recalled condition. I have received the recall notification letter, but it continues to state that no remedy is available. This has left me without the use of my vehicle for an extended period despite an acknowledged safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Stellantis’ failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall. My vehicle has been undrivable since April 2026 because of the recall condition and remains unusable due to the lack of an available repair. This vehicle CANNOT be safely driven.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 8, 2026
I bought my 2021 jeep in 2023 at Matthew's in Pa and from day 1 my antifreeze has been leaking, I Bought the extended Warranty and they told me I didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it back down there and other guy told me yes I had a Warranty but it's outdated and nothing they can do, which isn't fair on me! Now my heater core is bad which from get go that was the problem but they couldn't figure it out! Now I have every light on seat belt, air bag, engine light, parking brake, lane assit, etc and I can't afford to fix it and the inspection is due but can't get it fix all because of them telling me I didn't have a Warranty!!! Please respond my name is [XXX] phone # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 24, 2026
I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple critical failures: PO128 (the initial warning of a computer communication issues). Dealership (Echo Park) refuses to fix with the proper OEM part and denies my warranty, (I called it in on day 15 on my Warranty, 01/28/26) I let them know the fans were loud, RPMs fluctuating, tailpipe full of black soot and making a loud sputtering, this is burning up my fuel fast. My appt was on 02/10/26 They said there was nothing wrong with it. A couple weeks go by and then the check engine light turned on (after my Warranty) i took it back on 03/19/26, They visually verified the code, said I had to pay out of pocket to fix it with an aftermarket part not the OEM part. They set up an appt for 03/25/26. UO128 (lost communication with brake control module) and C008E-00(ECU internal performance). These codes are directly linked to the NHTSA safety investigation PE22- 009. When I took the vehicle to Allways [XXX] on March 23, 2026, the Service Department refused to perform a safety inspection without an upfront payment, despite the vehicle having exposed wiring in the steering column and part of an active federal safety probe. As a small business owner (Maid To Sparkle) grandmother who transports a [XXX] daily, I am now stranded with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to a documented a manufacturer defect. While at the dealership I was simultaneously on the phone with Jeep Customer Care. Despite the vehicle being under federal safety investigation for the exact ghost breaking I am experiencing both the dealer and corporate representative denied assistance and refused a safety inspection without an upfront fee This shows a coordinated refusal to address a documented safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Dec 10, 2025, fire
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sweet/alcohol smell in the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent while in the process of performing a stress test drive. There was a popping sound from the ignition, and it stopped on the interstate. Upon opening the hood, he noticed smoke and flames, and the vehicle fully ignited and caught fire. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire and determined that the cable installation or hose installation failure of equipment/leak resulted in an electrical fire. There was no reported crash, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 23, 2025
Their was no incident
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 20, 2025
The vehicle was sold by DriveTime (Highland, Indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (Y18 – Transmission Oil Cooler Hose, NHTSA 21V-310) that had not been properly repaired. Jeep dealership documentation dated October 17, 2025, shows the recall was only “inspected” but no repair was completed. Within 30 days of purchase, the check engine light began turning on and off intermittently, and an AutoZone diagnostic (Code P0934 – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Circuit Low) confirmed a powertrain failure related to the transmission system. The defect affects hydraulic pressure and gear shifting, creating an unsafe driving condition that risks transmission failure while in motion. The issue has been confirmed by both AutoZone and the Jeep dealership but not repaired. Dealer and warranty administrator SilverRock have refused to provide repairs or a loaner vehicle. Both entities were notified that the vehicle is used by a disabled driver and child, and this refusal poses serious safety and accessibility risks. Despite multiple warnings, both companies continue to deny responsibility, violating federal recall obligations under 49 U.S.C. §§ 30118–30120 and creating an ongoing risk of engine/transmission failure while driving. Related complaints are active with the Indiana Attorney General (Case #11811118) and the Federal Trade Commission.
Engine, Oct 10, 2025
UNKNOWN purchased a used 2021 Jeep on July 3, 2025 received the CARFAX showing it passed all tests however, after I drove off the lot the engine sounded funny, took it back on July 10, they send the car to a Jeep dealer who stated it needed a new engine I also stated the AC smells funny, which they never addressed I finally got my jeep back end of Septemeber with new engine never heard a word from the Dealer even after 2 attempts to speak with them to get a full refund
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 9, 2025
The car is reporting service 4WD, they are saying the PTU is bad. Took it into the dealership today.
Engine, Aug 26, 2025
July 3 purchased used Jeep 2021 18,500 miles from a Lincoln Dealer July 5-7 notified dealer something wrong with engine July 10 drop off at Lincoln dealer was told Jeep would be taken to there Jeep Dealer in Titusville for service July 16 we find out Jeep has been delivered, July 21 was told the Jeep needs new engine, ordered was placed, as of today Aug 26 no ETA I filed a case with Jeep Care, they state no ETA maybe October. No warnings when I did the test drive, within an hour of driving and got home engine made terrible sounds etc reported it right away
Power train, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 26, 2025
Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, making a hard sound when putting in reverse and now it is having trouble starting up. When we charged the recently purchased (brand new) battery, the vehicle will start up but when placing in reverse it shifts so hard that it sounds like the bottom is dropping out. Now a lot of lights are shining on my panel; the check engine light, the forward collision light, the parking break light, the regular brake notification, the traction control light.....all shining up like Christmas lights. This is an ongoing issue and I feel a recall needs to be done. My car is over the warranty time frame and for a 2021 model that was purchased brand new I should NOT have to be replacing a transmission already and paying out of pocket expenses.
Engine, Apr 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a turn on the same day, the failure recurred, nearly causing the contact to crash into a vehicle and to be rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on another occasion. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
I purchased a brand new car and the ABS system keeps failing. My car has passed inspections but for this continues to be a problem
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2024, fire
The Jeep caught fire underneath while I was driving on the highway. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. I saw flames come up over the front of the car and immediately parked and ran with my child. We could have died.The fire and stopped car in the middle of the highway could have caused a pile up of crashes. It is unknown what component or system failed and I don't believe it is available for inspection as State Farm decided not to move forward with inspection. They declared it a total loss.
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
Jeep stuttered and jerked on the freeway and then dropped out of gear. I managed to get to the shoulder but the engine would just rev and not go fwd while in drive or manual mode. I could not engage the parking break and when in park, the jeep would still roll forward. I turned the jeep off and on several times but it would not engage in forward gear, but the rpms would go up. I could put the jeep in reverse but no forward gear would engage
Power train, Engine, May 29, 2023
While at a complete stop vehicle’s rpms went up and launched forward on its own. It continued to do so several times despite pressing the break pedal fully. Vehicle did the same thing only a couple of weeks after being purchased but I was unsure if it had been the vehicle or I eased up on the break a little too much. This latest time however it did it so many times that I was able to record it and share it with my dealership.
Engine, May 14, 2023
automatic stop start that activates when you are at a stop light either gives you and error that it won't work about 1/3 of my driving trips. on 2 occasions it has totally shut off the vehicle leading to all sorts of dash error lights coming on, and requiring the vehicle to be put in park to restart the engine. dealer service says faulty hood open sensor.
Electrical system, Engine, May 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact also stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated intermittently while driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a service station. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 10, 2023
2/14/23 Dash Flashes “Put Car in Park”; battery symbol illuminates, gear shift ‘D’ lit up. Coasted to the shoulder, put car in park, engine was not running. I hit the “Start” button. The engine starts up, I put it into Drive, and pull onto the road. This repeats 2 more times. 2/20/23 Car serviced at Chrysler dealership - Service report said Updated PCM 181906EL Module. ECU from old part number 68493558AD to current part number 68493558AG. 3/7/23 - Vehicle lost power. Coasted to nearest driveway to turn off the main road. No power steering, Car was successful moved out of traffic, put in park, and then the engine was restarted. 3/9/23Mileage in 22536; Replaced Module - Engine controller, crankshaft position sensor, wit all wheel drive, powertrain/engine control. 3/23/23 Vehicle returned mileage 22562. 4/4/23, Driving freeway, vehicle started decelerate on its own, maneuvered to the shoulder and put it into park. There were no lights or indicators on the dash to say there was a problem. Car did not stall. Returned to the roadway and maintained speed. Approx 22980 miles on the vehicle, cruise control was on 77. The vehicle started slowed to 68 mph, maneuvered to the shoulder; did not lose power; Put car in park. Traffic cleared to re-enter the roadway. Next 30 minutes, problem repeated. Did not have anyone behind me so I wanted to see at what point would I lose power, or warning lights come on. Cruise set at 77, the car reduced speed on its own to 64 mph. The car acted like it was changing gears a few times, lurching, then picked up speed to 80 mph, then slowed back to the setting of 77. This happened 3 more times. 4/6/23, 23381 miles on the vehicle, driving 45 mph, w/out cruise control. Vehicle began to decelerate, I tried to accelerate to keep up with traffic. The vehicle continued to decelerate down to 36 mph when it kicked back into gear and picked back up to 45 mph. 4/10/23 back to dealer @ 23,608
Engine, Oct 18, 2022
The first time it happened was 9/23/2022. I was accelerating away from a traffic light, going to make a left turn, and warning lights came on and the car didn't want to go. The orange check engine light was on, there was a red symbol of a throttle venture and several other orange lights and the car was in limp mode. I restarted the car and the red venture light was out and only the check engine light was on and the car was out of limp mode. A week later 9/30/2022, the same thing happened. I was making a left turn at a light and the lights came on and it went into limp mode. I restarted the car and it was out of limp mode. Just up the street I was making a left turn across traffic and as I went the car again went into limp mode with the red and orange lights on. This time it left me in the middle of a 3 lane road trying to get across. I was almost T-Boned. I took the car to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the problem. They had the car for a week., 20/5 - 10/12/2022. Then today, 10/18/2022, the same thing happened. The red venture light came on, the orange check engine light came on and some other warning lights came on. One was the traction control light in orange. I was making a left turn out of a shopping center at a light and as I started to go I almost stopped when the car went into limp mode. I tried restarting 3 times and the lights stayed on. I drove it to the Jeep dealer and had them read codes before it was shut off. This could be very dangerous if it happens as someone is trying to cross traffic or on the highway.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 8, 2022
The vehicles automatic off switch does not turn back on when you release the break. It gives an error message saying the option is unavailable. I have to turn. The vehicle off and turn it back on. The vehicle has less than 37000 miles on it and was bought brand new.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 23, 2021
Vehicle stalled on the road while stopped in the center lane and trying to take left turn. It was completely dead, no warning indicators or signals. Both dash board and radio screens were blank. Key was locked, could not take it out. Everything came back to normal after about fifteen minutes and I was able to drive it home. Our safety was at risk since it happened in the middle of the road, except that it was stopped and waiting to turn. Contacted dealer for warranty service. No diagnostics done yet.