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: power train
96 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Dec 29, 2024
PTU is going out causing jeep to not have 4wd. 67k miles. Causing the jeep to not be able to get traction on a busy highway causing a traffic jam in snow. Putting people’s safety at jeopardy.
Power train, Dec 2, 2024
Driving on the road when the power transfer unit failed. Car would was not in gear, was able to get to side of road but could have been very dangerous. Towed to dealer and was told that part is on back order and would be 1-2 months to get it and there are55 on back order. Factory has hold on them. This is warranty under the power train and should be in stock . This type of failure could cause a crash and possible death. Should be a rercall.
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
Powertrain unit failed at 74k mileage. This is a chronic issue with Jeep Cherokees and cost $3,400 to repair as warranty expired at 60k.
Power train, Jul 19, 2024
PTU failure or blockage. Only 30,000 miles. 3year factory warranty has passed by 2 months, part can be over 2,000$
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The vehicle started jerking and then the front wheel drive would lose power. The 4WD light came on the dash. We took it in and were told there were pieces broken off inside the PTU and the PTU needed to be completely replaced. This happened 600 miles over the manufacture warranty would have replaced it.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 21, 2024
1. Engine timing chain making rattling noise. Yes Automatic Emergency braking activates when there is no collision imminent. Yes 2. Faulty Timing chain can cause significant damage to engine while driving Faulty automatic braking system can cause accident if stopped abruptly in traffic. 3. Timing chain has been inquired by mechanic. Video of the noise. Needs to be confirmed by dealer for warranty 4. No 5. No warning
Power train, Dec 12, 2023
The rear differential PTU can cause the car to lose all control if it fails and this was a proven issue on previous Cherokee models and this model inherits the same issue
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2023
Engine oil color is made of plastic and can crack and can cause you to lose your engine to no oil pressure and coolant and can cause an accident if you do not know because it would lock up the engine
Power train, Oct 17, 2023
The vehicle ran hot, smelled of hot metal and fluids. When moving the transmission from Park to Drive nothing would happen, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to rev, then it would lurch into Drive. Same thing would happen going into reverse. Moving down the road there would be a clunking noise as you accelerated or slowed down. The car seemed like something was slowing it down , like dragging brakes. This was intermittent for some time and then got worse. The Jeep dealer replicated the problem, did the diagnostics and tried a software fix. Dealer concluded the transmission was so damaged it had to be replaced, which they did under warranty, at 36,000 miles. The transmission could have locked up or slipped into neutral while driving.
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
The service department where I bought the SUV said the power transfer unit was bad and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. So its been parked there in the back parking lot for three weeks. I had told them every time that I took it in for a oil change that there was a problem. They said it needed a software update, but it didn't help. Then after more than year and the forth time complaining about the noise and feel of the car, it's all of a sudden unsafe to drive and need to be parked until fixed.
Power train, Jul 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the hood. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact pulled the vehicle off the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle remained on and failed to shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PTU failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the AWD warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PTU failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed again that the PTU failed and needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The contact was provided a case number and informed that the parts to do the repair was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Power train, Jul 7, 2023
Power Takeoff Unit Assembly failed at 61,000 miles. This unit has had three recalls and 5 parts revision that I can find but dealer refuses replacement under warranty due to warranty being 60,000 miles. This part clearly has defects ongoing since 2014 or before and yet FCA continues to produce them and fails to support them.
Power train, Jul 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was immediately driven to a nearby mechanic who diagnosed that the rear driveshaft had detached from the vehicle and was striking the ground. The rear driveshaft was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The local dealer had examined the vehicle and was unable to determine how the rear driveshaft had detached from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 27,364.
Power train, Jun 19, 2023
PTU in 2021 Jeep Cherokee with 50k miles went out causing a loss in power to the wheels while crossing a highway. Dealership put a new PTU and drive shaft in but said it was defective but they could turn off the Jeeps ability to transfer power from front to back until they got a new part. This caused my safety features such as front collision to be turned off. I assume they pulled a fuse for the transfer between front and rear meaning the new PTU was more than just not communicating with the electronics like the dealership said but was an actual defective unit. The last time it went out it also tore up a drive shaft. The replacement unit in the Jeep has always had a grinding sound and began to have what felt like transmission slip. I also started losing power and when the engine is turned off sometimes it won’t start even though it has power in the battery and the start turns. It is broke down again and going into the shop because the Jeep is still having drive issues along with new electrical ones and I am in danger of it losing power or transmission when crossing a highway. The dealer did tell me that many of the new PTUs are defective. I am surprised a dealership when send a customer back out in a vehicle they knew wouldn’t be safe and had a failed part.
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.
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
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 15, 2022
In May 2021 I leases a brand new car. In Jan 2021 I was driving my car and at a busy intersection, my car stalled. I just got a full tank of gas but the low fuel tank light came on. The car would not turn off, the clutch was stuck and I could not shift out of any gear. I brought my car in to the service center where I bought my car and let them know that I think electrical issues were causing problems with my fuel gauge and my clutch. They held on to my car from Jan 20-Mar 28th they could not say what electrical problems caused my car to stall or my fuel tank to register as low but they gave me a whole new transmission. At this time I had only about 2,700 miles on the car. Less than a month later I stalled again on a busy road but I was able to pull the car over and waited for a family member to arrive to help. After letting the car sit for a little I was able to start the car again however the low fuel light came back on and the engine light came on. Additionally this time I was not able to shut off the car, radio, blinkers did not work, as well as break lights did not work. I brought the car back in and expressed my concerns about the electrical problems causing saftey issues on April 20 2021. I drove to the dealership with my hazards in which it stalled 3 times on my way there. They had my car til April 26 and said a cluster of alerts came up and the reset them but they couldn't guarantee it wouldn't happen again. Only one day later I started my car to find the fuel tank alert on again and the car not being able to turn off and brake lights, signal lights were not working and the windshield wipers going crazy. I then called a tow truck to tow my car as it was unsafe to drive. Now my car has been in the shop since April 27 almost 50 days and counting and they still can't find what is causing the issues. They want to release my car again but cannot guarantee it will not happen again. I am terrified to drive the car as nothing was fixed and very unsafe.
Power train, Apr 24, 2022
The drivetrain failed while driving at 65 mph on a straight highway. Weather was sunny and warm at 11am. Suddenly there was no power going to the wheels. There were no vehicle warning lights or sounds. Stepping on the gas pedal resulted in a whinning noise. Because the engine was still running I had control over the steering and brakes. After stopping the vehicle on the shoulder of the road I put the vehicle in park. I then attempted to travel forward. Moving the shifter from park to drive the parking brake was automatically set on. I released the parking brake and applied slight pressure on the gas. There was a clicking noise and no attempt to move. I had the car towed to Tate Jeep of Frederick MD. I bought the car used from a Mazda dealership in Baltimore with 14,100 miles one month earlier.
Power train, Electrical system, Dec 28, 2021
While I was trying to get onto the interstate my vehicle would not accelerate. I tried to merge in with traffic but I was only going 35 and I almost hit someone. They stayed the same speed hoping I would speed up in front of them but I couldn’t. This put everyone around me at risk. I took my vh to the dealership. They called me today and told me they sold the rental I was in and that I needed to bring the car back. Also they ran some codes and my car is coming back fine. So they did not find a problem. I honestly feel they didn’t look they just wanted to sell the rental car. I’ve had no warning lamps at all come on but the transmission is slipping.
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.
Power train, Apr 4, 2021
MY 2021 JEEP'S POWER TRAIN UNIT BROKE AND DAMAGED OTHER CONNECTING PARTS WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THIS OCCURRED WITH ONLY 5696 MILES DRIVEN ON THE VEHICLE.