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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

What owners actually said

160 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2025
Power Train

PTU failure

NHTSA ODI #11698135

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2025
Power Train

The check 4wd light on, the PTU needs replaced

NHTSA ODI #11696243

Mileage unknown · Oct 23, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

Their was no incident

NHTSA ODI #11695339

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11694625

Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2025
Power Train

Incident occur on 25 August, 2025: While driving I experienced a violent jerk and sudden loss of power. The vehicle continued to drive with attenuated power, jerking motion during gear shifts, and loud clucking sounds coming from powertrain. There were no injuries or accidents as result of malfunction. The vehicle was later tak…

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Incident occur on 25 August, 2025: While driving I experienced a violent jerk and sudden loss of power. The vehicle continued to drive with attenuated power, jerking motion during gear shifts, and loud clucking sounds coming from powertrain. There were no injuries or accidents as result of malfunction. The vehicle was later taken to dealership for diagnosis. The dealership determined root cause as a Power Transfer Unit (PTU) failure. PTUs for this vehicle are on backorder or not available from manufacturer. This vehicle is 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4 edition with a 3.2L V6 engine and automatic transmission.

NHTSA ODI #11694320

Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2025
Engine

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…

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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

NHTSA ODI #11692526

Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

SVC 4WD

NHTSA ODI #11687250

Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2025
Unknown Or Other

PTU power transfer case. Service PTU light came on. We had the jeep dealership read the code and informed us that we needed to replace the PTU power transfer case. They said that it can be dangerous if completely going out because it can cause sudden loss of power. Afaulty power transfer unit (PTU) is dangerous in a Jeep becau…

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PTU power transfer case. Service PTU light came on. We had the jeep dealership read the code and informed us that we needed to replace the PTU power transfer case. They said that it can be dangerous if completely going out because it can cause sudden loss of power. Afaulty power transfer unit (PTU) is dangerous in a Jeep because it can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increase the risk of a crash, or lead to a rollaway incident when the vehicle is parked. Jeep has issued multiple recalls for PTU-related issues, particularly for some Cherokee models, due to potential manufacturing defects that can lead to transmission failure however the year of my jeep is not included but it is the same issue that is currently recalled. I was also told that the PTU is on backorder because of the recall. It is on backorder for longer than 45 days. Why isn’t my Jeep included in the recall?

NHTSA ODI #11687099

Mileage unknown · Sep 11, 2025
Power Train

On May 13th 2025 the 4WD service light came on. We took it to the Dodge Jeep Ram dealership that owns the used car dealership we bought it from. After the mechanic checked everything, they said it was drivable but they needed to order a car part (PTU). Once that car part arrived at the dealership they would have us bring the car…

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On May 13th 2025 the 4WD service light came on. We took it to the Dodge Jeep Ram dealership that owns the used car dealership we bought it from. After the mechanic checked everything, they said it was drivable but they needed to order a car part (PTU). Once that car part arrived at the dealership they would have us bring the car back in and they would fix it. On July 8th of 2025, stil no news on when the part would be delivered to the dealership, the car started making weird noises and was not drivable on the road. AAA towed it back to the dealership where they confirmed the Power Transfer Unit stopped altogether (PTU). From there they said they will keep the car until the part comes in, the car part was estimated August 8th. It is now September 11th and they still have not received the part to fix the car. I have contacted Jeep Customer Service, a Law Firm, etc as there is no recall open on this vehicle and it seems to be an issue as our dealership said there were 10 other Jeeps waiting for this part.

NHTSA ODI #11686716

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2025
EngineForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

The car is reporting service 4WD, they are saying the PTU is bad. Took it into the dealership today.

NHTSA ODI #11685994

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.