2021 Jeep Cherokee

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/29/2024· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 12/28/2021· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  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.

• 12/24/2025· POWER TRAIN

  I was driving on the interstate at approximately 70 mph when I attempted to accelerate to pass another vehicle. There was no response. At first, I thought I might have hit a patch of ice, but I quickly confirmed that wasn’t the case. I tried to accelerate again, and once more nothing happened—other than the engine revving. No warning lights appeared to indicate a problem. I coasted to the next exit and was able to safely park the Jeep. I then had the vehicle towed to a local Chrysler dealership. As it turns out, the Jeep had suffered a catastrophic failure of the PTU (Power Transfer Unit), which I understand has been a known issue for Jeep for several years. The dealership received a replacement PTU, but they quickly determined that the replacement unit was also defective.

• 12/18/2025· POWER TRAIN

  PTU Failure. Known issue. 2017-2019 recalled but the part is still and issue and can lock up transmission. Recall needs to be extended to cover later years

• 12/15/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a message to “Park and Restart the vehicle”. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that a software update was needed. The software was updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,100.

• 12/14/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  Parking brake automatically engaged while sitting at traffic light. First time it has done it. Just had an inspection on car a few months back and nothing was wrong with car at that time.

• 12/14/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  ON ACTIVATING AND SETTING CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE CORRECTLY MAINTAINS STEADY SPEED. WHEN PRESSING THE (+) BUTTON TO INCREASE SPEED, VEHICLE ACCELERATES BUT UPON REMOVING FINGER THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL APPLYING BRAKES OR YOU DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. I'VE BEEN TO JEEP DELEAR TWICE AND THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE WHICH IS ABSURB. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHICH I WILL HAVE DONE. I BELIEVE THE TECHNICIANS DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS ACTUALLY AND JUST CHECKED CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. JUST WANTED TO ALERT YOU TO THIS MALFUNCTION.. THANK YOU

• 12/12/2023· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  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

• 12/12/2023· POWER TRAIN

  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

• 12/11/2025· POWER TRAIN

  I took my vehicle to dealer shortly after purchase due to jerking forward during stops. A software update was performed and did not have any issues until recently. The past few weeks it began to hesitate upon acceleration and jerked forward harshly into first gear. Today there is a very noticeable prolonged hesitation during acceleration and an odd revving noice coming from TPU. This should be a major recall given the frequency and severity of the issue which could lead to a crash.

• 12/10/2025· ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sweet/alcohol smell in the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent while in the process of performing a stress test drive. There was a popping sound from the ignition, and it stopped on the interstate. Upon opening the hood, he noticed smoke and flames, and the vehicle fully ignited and caught fire. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire and determined that the cable installation or hose installation failure of equipment/leak resulted in an electrical fire. There was no reported crash, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

• 12/10/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Unknown. While driving this vehicle, the engine just shuts off when stopping. The first time it happened it flashed to put vehicle in park and restart. It shut off and was unable to restart it. It happened 4 other times when at a stop, just shuts off off. Was able to restart it after a few minutes

• 12/07/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The vehicle was running in the freeway suddenly transmission alert message pop up at the dashboard and the vehicle slowly stop in the middle of the busy freeway, took it to Chapman Jeep dealership and the vehicle was fixed for PTU malfuntion, got my car back but there was a burning smell everytime I drove and step out of the vehicle. I have been trying to call the dealership but no response yet.

• 12/03/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hazard lights failed to operate. The contact's wife coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed. The dealer replaced the battery. The contact stated that the battery warning light was not illuminated before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

• 12/02/2024· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 11/30/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  PTU and rear end failure, it’s been in the shop 9 weeks and I am told will be another month.

• 11/28/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  My jeep initially shutoff while driving on the interstate at 70 mph last December. I took it the dealership and they kept it for 2 months and replaced several parts. I got it back and it shutoff the next day, but started after l let it sit for an hour. Then it went for weeks with no issues, then it started happening again, so I took it to a different dealership. They also repaired different issues. I got it back and it shutoff again on the interstate at 70 mph in rush hour traffic. Both times were scary and unsafe situations. The jeep has been at the dealership now over a month with no diagnosis. It has been at 2 dealerships for a total of 4 months. I've researched this and found out that there are a lot of people having the same problem with this jeep and similar types. I'm wondering why is this not a safety recall issue, because both of my situations could of ended badly if I had panicked. Please have this situation addressed or reviewed before it causes bodily harm! The manufacturer/dealership doesn't seem to take this seriously!!

• 11/28/2025· POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I have had a service 4wd light on for months. The Power Transfer Case part has been on backorder from jeep for over 4 months and I have been left with out a vehicle this entire time with no updates or information about when the parts will be available.

• 11/23/2022· SUSPENSION

  While breaking in heavy freeway traffic the right rear tire began to wobble heavily causing loss of control and nearly causing an accident. Took the vehicle to a dealership repair facility and they took a photograph and advised me of the “extremely hazardous” nature of their findings. A bracket support bolt was missing and the second bolt had never been connected to the bracket. Since the vehicle is under factory warranty the dealership contacted the factory representative and told me that the have denied the claim because this couldn’t have happened on its own, inferring that I or someone else modified it. This decision was made despite the picture (which the dealership provided them) clearly showing the undercoating (installed 2-3 days after my purchase 05/15/2021) on the factory installed bolt had not been disturbed. I have reviewed this situation with 3 mechanics and one manufacturing engineer and all have agreed that this is a very dangerous factory flaw/oversight. The manufacturer (representative) trying to deflect blame and not being forthcoming with the severity of this situation makes it of greater concern. I hope this condition has not been repeated on other vehicles because it’s been 5 days and I’m still rattled by it.

• 11/19/2021· SUSPENSIONCrash

  I was driving and felt the wheel jerk and heard a crack noise under the front end of my car immediately after my vehichle was pulled abruptly to left causing me to hit a curb. WHen I got out and inspected the vehichle it looked as if the tire had been tilted inwards towards the car. I had the car towed to my local mechanic they told me that this is part of a recall and I needed to go through the dealership. The dealer is saying my car is not covered under that specific recall which is the exact problem that I had.

• 11/15/2025· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  About a month ago I noticed the gas pump clicking off quickly, way before the tank is full. I have been unable to fully fill my tank since. No accidents have occurred to cause a problem but my engine light is on and after getting it read it says it's an EVAC issue. When placing the nozzle in the tank a large amount of air noise is heard.

• 11/10/2025· POWER TRAIN

  2021 78784 MILES WONT DRIVE 4 WHEEL LIGHT ON DEALER STATES NEES NEW PTU SAYS THERES MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE PTU BUT WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. $ 4, 000 TO REPAIR 99 COMPLIANTS HERE ALONE

• 11/07/2025· POWER TRAIN

  PTU failure

• 11/07/2025· POWER TRAIN

  While driving on the highway a message popped up that the 4 wheel drive system was unavailable. Then the orange error message displayed the svc 4wd. Then it went off. I called the dealership and was told to get it checked sometime, but since it went off there was no rush. I told him to check it when I brought it in for an oil change. Apparently they did not check it for error codes. No error messages or lights when I went to work. Came out to go home and the battery was dead. Called the dealership for a jump. They came and jump started me. When I put the car into reverse, it wouldn't go. I called the dealership again and they came back and said I'd need to get my Jeep towed to them. My Jeep was towed on Wednesday, October 29. It took the dealership a week to look at my car and find out that the PTU had metal chunks and slime in it.

• 10/29/2025· POWER TRAIN

  The check 4wd light on, the PTU needs replaced

• 10/29/2021· AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGESCrashFire

  The contact rented a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The contact stated while driving approximately 70mph when the contact lost control of the vehicle and experienced a head-on collision to the front end of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to leave the vehicle post-accident, the driver-side interior door handle would not function and open the driver-side door. Which resulted in the contact having to open the door via the exterior door handle. All airbags deployed minus driver-side airbags. A police report was filed and the contact sought medical treatment and sustained a mild concussion, a hematoma on legs, and bruising on the chest abdomen, and face. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

• 10/23/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  Their was no incident

• 10/23/2021· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  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.

• 10/20/2025· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  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.

• 10/18/2025· 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 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.

• 10/18/2022· ENGINE

  The first time it happened was 9/23/2022. I was accelerating away from a traffic light, going to make a left turn, and warning lights came on and the car didn't want to go. The orange check engine light was on, there was a red symbol of a throttle venture and several other orange lights and the car was in limp mode. I restarted the car and the red venture light was out and only the check engine light was on and the car was out of limp mode. A week later 9/30/2022, the same thing happened. I was making a left turn at a light and the lights came on and it went into limp mode. I restarted the car and it was out of limp mode. Just up the street I was making a left turn across traffic and as I went the car again went into limp mode with the red and orange lights on. This time it left me in the middle of a 3 lane road trying to get across. I was almost T-Boned. I took the car to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the problem. They had the car for a week., 20/5 - 10/12/2022. Then today, 10/18/2022, the same thing happened. The red venture light came on, the orange check engine light came on and some other warning lights came on. One was the traction control light in orange. I was making a left turn out of a shopping center at a light and as I started to go I almost stopped when the car went into limp mode. I tried restarting 3 times and the lights stayed on. I drove it to the Jeep dealer and had them read codes before it was shut off. This could be very dangerous if it happens as someone is trying to cross traffic or on the highway.

• 10/17/2023· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 10/10/2025· 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 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

• 10/03/2022· SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The emergency brake activated when I step on the gas at a light. It would disengage until I turned the car off and back on. It was raining during the time. When I called the dealership(Darcars dodge and Jeep, Temple Hills, Ms) they claimed they’d never heard of these incidents happening.

• 09/20/2024· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 09/15/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  SVC 4WD

• 09/15/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  The emergency brake engages on its own and the fuel saving on/off feature is not working and the vehicle stalls while driving.

• 09/14/2023· POWER TRAIN

  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.

• 09/13/2025· 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 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?

• 09/11/2025· 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 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.

• 09/09/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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

• 09/03/2026· POWER TRAIN

  The PTU is bad the vehicle can roll when in park.

• 09/03/2026· POWER TRAIN

  The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 10 MPH and attempting to stop at a stop light, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact attempted to shift into reverse or drive, and there was an abnormally harsh sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle became inoperable. The parking brake and 4x4 service light were illuminated during after the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was reached by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.

• 09/01/2026· POWER TRAIN

  While driving i lost power and heard whining and grinding. Loss of power. Had to get it to towed to the dealership where it remains as their no remedy.

• 08/30/2023· SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Bought used for my daughter in Jan 2023. Car had 30,290miles. The parking brake has been coming on while she’s driving. She is also getting a forward collision service message, as well as Lane assist service message. It’s gonna cost us $1K to repair. I hope this takes care of the problem. I don’t like my daughter driving a fairly new car with so many issues. The parking brake issue is very discomforting. Also the stop/start function is not working. The mechanic says a new battery will resolve this issue.

• 08/28/2026· ENGINE

  I have filed a reimbursement twice now for recall 26V290000 (FCA Recall 40D). I had this repaired in August of 2025. Both times I have submitted the claim it has been denied because of no remedy available. I am just asking for a reimbursement and I think they are just using this as an excuse not to pay the bill. My reference claim number is 97934186.

• 08/28/2025· POWER TRAIN

  The service 4wd light is on. The dealership said it is a PTU problem. They want $2500 for a new PTU and of course add more money for labor. This seems to be a manufacturer problem not a car owner problem. It should be a recall item as it has been for 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees. The dealer should fix this at no cost to the auto owners.

• 08/26/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, making a hard sound when putting in reverse and now it is having trouble starting up. When we charged the recently purchased (brand new) battery, the vehicle will start up but when placing in reverse it shifts so hard that it sounds like the bottom is dropping out. Now a lot of lights are shining on my panel; the check engine light, the forward collision light, the parking break light, the regular brake notification, the traction control light.....all shining up like Christmas lights. This is an ongoing issue and I feel a recall needs to be done. My car is over the warranty time frame and for a 2021 model that was purchased brand new I should NOT have to be replacing a transmission already and paying out of pocket expenses.

• 08/26/2025· ENGINE

  July 3 purchased used Jeep 2021 18,500 miles from a Lincoln Dealer July 5-7 notified dealer something wrong with engine July 10 drop off at Lincoln dealer was told Jeep would be taken to there Jeep Dealer in Titusville for service July 16 we find out Jeep has been delivered, July 21 was told the Jeep needs new engine, ordered was placed, as of today Aug 26 no ETA I filed a case with Jeep Care, they state no ETA maybe October. No warnings when I did the test drive, within an hour of driving and got home engine made terrible sounds etc reported it right away

• 08/21/2025· Insert, Padding

  The padding (foam) underneath the cover of the car seat is cracked/broken. It is available whenever for inspection. By the foam being damaged, it is no longer safe to use according to multiple reliable sources. EvenFlo is claiming for it to be just as safe after reporting the damage. I have sent photos of the damage to EvenFlo and they claim that they will not replace it due to being bought from a 3rd party retailer (brand new) and also claim it’s still perfectly safe to use. It was also inspected by the hospital prior to bringing my daughter home (there was no damage).