2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 26V290000May 7, 202661,711 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN

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

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 21V310000May 4, 202118,800 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS

  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.

  Risk: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 28, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   We experienced Jeep Recall 40D. NHTSA 26V-290. We were 60 miles from [XXX] when this occurred. We were traveling West on [XXX] about 60 miles from Rapid City. We were 1500 miles from our home in [XXX]. The speed limit is 80 mph on this part of the interstate. With no warning the vehicle quit on us. With some grinding noises and no power we drifted to the side of the highway. We received 4WD service messages. I was able to pull the PTU 20amp fuse, which put the car into limp…

   NHTSA complaint #11767345 · source
2. Filed Sep 27, 2026MATransmission & Drivetrain

   My power train unit (ptu) failed March 2026. At the time, no recall was in effect. I had to hire an independent mechanic to fix the issue because the local Jeep dealerships couldn’t start repair for five days after the ptu failed. After paying $4700 out of pocket for an official Jeep PTU replacement part, Jeep sent out a recall for the Cherokee. In May 2026, Jeep sent out a recall notice for 2019-2023 Cherokees for PTU failures. This affected 60,000 vehicles. I have a 2021…

   NHTSA complaint #11767260 · source
3. Filed Sep 25, 2026KSElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11766914 · source
4. Filed Sep 16, 2026ILEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux equipped with a 1-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / Active Drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the AWD system, triggering an immediate "Service 4WD" warning light on the dashboard. Dealership diagnostics confirmed trouble code C14A7-97 (Power Transfer Unit Rear Axle Motor Circuit - Component Internal Failure), requiring a complete PTU replacement estimated at $2,200. This vehicle is currently excluded from…

   NHTSA complaint #11764839 · source
5. Filed Sep 16, 202673,000 miNYTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The "4WD" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was started but failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was able to shift into reverse and was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed. The dealer was contacted and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet…

   NHTSA complaint #11764799 · source
6. Filed Sep 16, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   While on a XXX road trip through [XXX] with my son, my Jeep was initially operating normally. We were leaving a hiking site when the Jeep gears would not engage. Soon the engine roared and popped into gear however it would not go over 30 mph and the engine went from idling to roaring with rpms going up to 8,000. We were in a small town and went to the local NAPA dealer who after examining the Jeep said he couldn’t address the issue and felt a new transmission maybe needed.…

   NHTSA complaint #11764684 · source
7. Filed Sep 9, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Driving to work, stopped at a stop light, upon resumption of driving there was a loud bang and my vehicle would not move. I had to have the vehicle towed and the PTU replaced. This was on May 8, 2026 just prior to the official recall notification. The repair was completed at AAMCO. On May 18, 2026 I became aware of the recall 40D / NHTSA 26V-290 for the PTU failure. I submitted claims for reimbursement on 5/18/26, 7/7/2026, 8/4/2026 and Stelanis automated response no parts…

   NHTSA complaint #11762978 · source
8. Filed Sep 3, 202684,000 miARTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11761854 · source
9. Filed Sep 1, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11761318 · source
10. Filed Aug 14, 202664,000 miKSTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 65 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission momentarily shifted into neutral(N) before returning to normal functionality. The message “Service All Wheel Drive” was displayed. The local dealer was…

    NHTSA complaint #11756931 · source
11. Filed Aug 12, 202670,000 miMDTransmission & Drivetrain

    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 at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the recall. The contact stated that while driving at an…

    NHTSA complaint #11756410 · source
12. Filed Aug 11, 2026MNEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    Twice in the past year, the vehicle stalled after coming to a stop at a red light. The morning after the most recent incident, the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealership. That was Luther Brookdale Dodge, Jeep and Ram in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Two weeks ago, I began to intermittently see the message '4WD Unavailable - Service Required'. I brought it yesterday, and was told that the Power Transfer Unit was in need of replacement. I travel as an special…

    NHTSA complaint #11756116 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology