Problems · by component

2021 Jeep Cherokee power train problems

104 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee cite power train, 59% of all 177 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 2 recalls on this component.

Complaints
104
59% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Power trainODI 11774229
“My 2021 Jeep Cherokee suffered a complete failure of its 1-speed PTU and ESM module, causing a loss of 4WD capabilities. This is the exact same failure mechanism and safety risk outlined in recall 40D, but 1 speed units are being excluded from coverage. My vehicle is at dealership awaiting for this PTU. Service 4WD light on dashboard. Not safe to drive.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Power trainODI 11771311
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11771412
“PTU issue- located a recall for 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit recall; my VIN wasn't one the ones listed. took vehicle to the local jeep dealership and the advised that PTU internal damage needs to be fixed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 15, 2026Power trainODI 11771511
“Jeep Cherokee suffered the exact PTU failure detailed in NHTSA Campaign 26V290, and it has been sitting at a dealership since August 17 because the manufacturer has failed to provide a remedy. Dealership confirmed the issue is a PTU failure. Has been almost 2 months since the PTU failed and there is no fix in sight. Have spoken to FCA US LLC Assistance Center multiple times and all they can say is I have to continue to wait. Have been told reimbursement is paused until remedy is released and they won't guarantee full reimbursement if I were to pay for the fix myself.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power trainODI 11770649
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was hesitating while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was started and slowly accelerated to the intended speed. While driving, the transmission was shifted to Sports Mode and manual shift mode to drive the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the message "4WD Service Required" was displayed. The transmission failed to shift out of 2nd gear and shifted roughly between gears. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); and associated the failure with the PTU. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was 117,800.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 9, 2026Power trainODI 11770140

Showing 6 of 104 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

2 recalls on this component

Power train

Remedy pending

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

Power trainReported May 7, 2026NHTSA 26V290000

Power train: cooler

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported May 4, 2021NHTSA 21V310000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2021 Cherokee problem areas