Power train
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 177 owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (104) and engine (28). The EPA rates it 21–26 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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."
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Cherokee model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 450 |
| 1997 | 1,380 |
| 1999 | 2,004 |
| 2000 | 1,829 |
| 2001 | 1,111 |
| 2014 | 2,651 |
| 2015 | 1,794 |
| 2016 | 1,413 |
| 2017 | 1,338 |
| 2018 | 688 |
| 2019 | 1,673 |
| 2020 | 334 |
| 2021 | 177 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 0 |
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, and the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
“SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. NHTSA notes recalls for my year make and model for my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux but does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Jeep says nothing they can do since the NHTSA does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Vehicle was taken to Jeep Chrysler AutoNation in Golden Colorado. Apparently having a faulty PTU can be a MAJOR safety issue. Please advise.”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 | 345 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 | 352 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 369 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 370 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Cherokee FWD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| Cherokee 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 416 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD Auto 9-spd, 6 cyl, 3.2 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 432 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 177 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (104), engine (28), electrical system (23). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Cherokee at 21–26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (9 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 4 out of 5 stars overall.