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2021 Jeep Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 113.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 30 of 160 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports4 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

92 reports
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Mileage unknown · May 20, 2026
Power Train

I've had my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 since July 2023 with zero issues until my service 4WD light came on in December 2025. It went off immediately, but I let my mechanic look at it & he couldn't find anything. It continued this way until early April 2026, the light came on but always went off right away. I was driving home…

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I've had my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 since July 2023 with zero issues until my service 4WD light came on in December 2025. It went off immediately, but I let my mechanic look at it & he couldn't find anything. It continued this way until early April 2026, the light came on but always went off right away. I was driving home from my grandsons' house (about 1.5 miles) & half way home, there was suddenly an awful, LOUD noise coming from under the Jeep & the steering was difficult at best. I was afraid for my life driving less than 4 blocks from my house. The next day, it started fine & the 4WD light was not on. I attempted to drive back to the grandsons'; immediately after accelerating after the stop sign by my house, the 4WD light came on & a new, louder, scarier noise came from under the car. I couldn't pull over safely (nowhere to pull over except someone's yard) & became very frightened that I would hit the people on the sidewalk, the cars in the other lane, etc. I had some helpful people stop & push my car back to my house (I'm disabled). The next morning I had it towed to Surefire (my mechanic) & after a few days, he called & reported it was the PTU, I'd have to replace it immediately. I had to pay a deposit of $600 cash & after several weeks, my Jeep was fixed. I paid the other $1454 via credit card to get the Jeep back. This is NOT safe!! I see recall 40D last week & was relieved- until I spoke with FCA today. Evidently, all other 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 are recalled except mine. What if I'd hit the pedestrians? What if I'd crashed into the oncoming cars? I'm almost too scared to drive due to this PTU failure. It's an awful thing to experience. I have a beautiful Jeep I'm afraid to drive. This is not right.

NHTSA ODI #11739023

Mileage unknown · May 20, 2026
Back Over PreventionPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally…

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My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally issued, I have attempted to contact both that dealership and the certified Jeep dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased by phone and email to obtain recall assistance, repair guidance, and information regarding transportation options. Neither dealership has responded to my calls or email communication. The vehicle is currently unusable and poses a safetly concern due to the recall condition. I reply on this vehicle for daily commuting and transportation. Stellantis Customer Care was contacted, but a customer care case was not opened. At this time, I have been unable to obtain assistance, repair scheduling information, or guidance regarding the safe operation or transportation accomodations while the vehicle remains affected by the recall.

NHTSA ODI #11739021

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2026
Power Train

Warning came up saying”4wd system unavailable service required”

NHTSA ODI #11738296

Mileage unknown · May 12, 2026
Power Train

Vehicle started randomly displaying service, four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive unavailable. Eventually, the service light remained on consistently. The car went to a mechanic who checked with the dealer and they confirmed an undocumented issue with the PTU board on the transfer case. My mechanic was informed that there is a …

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Vehicle started randomly displaying service, four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive unavailable. Eventually, the service light remained on consistently. The car went to a mechanic who checked with the dealer and they confirmed an undocumented issue with the PTU board on the transfer case. My mechanic was informed that there is a warranty extension that the dealer implements if this issue occurs, however it takes several months to have a dealer approved repair. This should absolutely be a published recall on models that are affected. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11737212

Mileage unknown · Apr 27, 2026
Power Train

My husband was driving the vehicle at approximately 70 MPH on I-75, the vehicle slipped out of drive and into neutral causing the vehicle to lose the capability to accelerate and maintain the traffic flow. When trying to attempt to put the car into drive it would not engage and the engine just reved. Thankfully my husband was no…

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My husband was driving the vehicle at approximately 70 MPH on I-75, the vehicle slipped out of drive and into neutral causing the vehicle to lose the capability to accelerate and maintain the traffic flow. When trying to attempt to put the car into drive it would not engage and the engine just reved. Thankfully my husband was not hurt, but this could have been a potentially very bad outcome. I have had the dealership here, Phillips CJRD diagnose the vehicle, they are saying it needs a new PTU, over $3300 to replace. The vehicle is only 5 years old! The PTU is also on backorder for almost 2 months, obviously this situation is having very frequently. There was absolutely no warning of this failure, no warning lights, etc... Jeep has recalled previous years of the Jeep cherokee for this exact failure. They need to recall and pay for the 2021 models as well. So far we are out $300 in towing fees and the diagnostic test from the dealership. I believe Jeep should pay for the PTU replacement and refund the diagnostic fee.

NHTSA ODI #11734025

Mileage unknown · Apr 23, 2026
Power Train

PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure what next steps are but I thought you should be aware…

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PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure what next steps are but I thought you should be aware of this recurring issue since the 2021 PTU is very similar to the earlier model PTU's that have been recalled.

NHTSA ODI #11733237

88,000 miles · Apr 14, 2026
Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle abruptly lost automotive power, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact stated the power transfer unit had failed, causing the transmission to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed wi…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle abruptly lost automotive power, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact stated the power transfer unit had failed, causing the transmission to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ODI #11731180

44,600 miles · Mar 18, 2026
Power Train

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost 4WD functionality. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4WD actuator had failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. T…

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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost 4WD functionality. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4WD actuator had failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due the part to repair the vehicle not being available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,600.

NHTSA ODI #11725338

Mileage unknown · Mar 3, 2026
Power Train

The 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee V6 80th Anniversary Edition. The Engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, Decided to head directly to the dealership. When I approached my first light o…

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The 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee V6 80th Anniversary Edition. The Engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, Decided to head directly to the dealership. When I approached my first light off the exit (still no sign of trouble) the vehicle rolled backwards. Applying breaks to avoid collisions with vehicles behind, I tried accelerating with little to no power from the transmission. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Jeep dealership and available for inspection. This condition created a safety risk because the vehicle hesitated entering traffic and rolled backward while stopped, increasing the risk of collisions. An engine warning light illuminated while driving prior to complete drivability failure. Symptoms included delayed engagement and slipping from a stop, which worsened rapidly after the warning light appeared. The failure has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Jeep dealership, which determined the transmission requires full replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. No crash occurred, so no police or insurance inspection was involved. Jeep dealership would not offer any goodwill assistance despite being just outside the threshold for drivetrain warranty.

NHTSA ODI #11721829

Mileage unknown · Jan 28, 2026
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

the light came on that says cannot move vehicle, it just stopped. The Power Transfer Unit went out--I cannot get a part since it is backordered over 1200 people right now are having issues with the part of the vehicle

NHTSA ODI #11713965

Official recalls

4

26V290000 · Power Train

May 7, 2026

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy: 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.

24V516000 · Air Bags:side/window:curtain

Jul 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V310000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooler/radiator:hoses And Fittings

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: 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.

20V657000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Oct 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.