2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 8, 202642,000 miNYAirbagsTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle jumped. The contact stated that while driving 8–9 MPH, the vehicle jerked, and there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure reoccurred. In addition, the contact stated that the transmission…

   NHTSA complaint #11762877 · source
2. Filed Aug 25, 2026TXElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   Final drive control module, transfercase control module went out. Causing “Service 4WD” message Check-engine/MIL light 4WD system becoming unavailable Trouble codes related to the drivetrain control module Intermittent 4WD problems Speed issues

   NHTSA complaint #11759412 · source
3. Filed Aug 4, 2026CTFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Electronic Throttle Control warning light comes on upon starting vehicle while extended crank occurs. When starting car, the push to start feature will not turn over and continuously cranks multiple times. Issue is intermittent- never know when it will happen which makes it difficult to replicate at service center. Took car into 2 mechanics on separate occasions and finally to the Jeep dealership for service. Because issue couldn’t be duplicated- nothing was done. However,…

   NHTSA complaint #11754729 · source
4. Filed Apr 6, 202650,000 miCALightingTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal and attempting to overtake another vehicle. The RPM was extremely elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and restarted the vehicle before resuming normal driving. The contact became aware that, when shifting between automatic and manual…

   NHTSA complaint #11729494 · source
5. Filed Apr 2, 2026MOEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain

   BE ASVISED, THIS REPORT MAY BE INTERCEPTED, DELETED, HIDDEN, OR MODIFIED UPON RECEIVING. NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Vehicle Safety Complaint Complainant: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee ------------------------------------- SAFETY DEFECT COMPLAINT – POST-REPAIR VEHICLE CONDITION I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my vehicle following collision repairs performed by Gerber Collision & Glass under a claim handled by State…

   NHTSA complaint #11728833 · source
6. Filed Feb 16, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

   Repeated cam shaft failure. The vehicle had a sudden loss of power. This has happenbed three times in the last 12 months. It is currently at a stellantis dealership in michigan. There is usually n o prior warning. The check engine light comes on as soon as the issue starts.

   NHTSA complaint #11718273 · source
7. Filed Nov 19, 2025WATransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failure at 19,481 miles in my 2021Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 V6. The vehicle has not been abused, and the mileage is low for its age. The symptoms—erratic shifting, limp mode, and “Service Transmission” warnings— are consistent with a known defect pattern affecting multiple FCA vehicles using the same transmission.

   NHTSA complaint #11700283 · source
8. Filed Sep 22, 2025AZElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I believe it is something with the engine or an electrical component. I was driving and as I was parking my car shut off, was not able to completely park back end of the car is sticking out. I looked up if there were any current recalls using my VIN and nothing appeared. I did my own researching and found that there have been recalls for that model regarding the PTU, Power Steering and Power Loss which is the issue I am experiencing. My car turns off on its own and does not…

   NHTSA complaint #11688872 · source
9. Filed Aug 12, 202534,000 miMOBrakesSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ESC and “Service 4WD” warning lights illuminated, causing the vehicle to shake abnormally. Additionally, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to 4WD Low while driving. The steering wheel vibrated while making a turn, and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle also intermittently failed to start immediately and made a clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to an…

   NHTSA complaint #11680218 · source
10. Filed Jun 19, 2025NJElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    This Car have a lot issues we the computer in the car, the car I was missing oil in the engine ,the piston. Blows out No light 💡 engine On the car have a lot problems we trans mission No light On,I Have problems we transfer Case No light on, Now still having problems if backups sometimes is No light on,I don’t know if Normal but if have a lot safety concerns in this car.

    NHTSA complaint #11667942 · source
11. Filed Jun 13, 2025NJElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle shifts from park to drive jumping gears ,making loud noises, Accelerating by its self and jumps aggressively into gear. Transmission is slipping, late engagement when shifting, and shifting rough. sometimes it will low rpm. Rpm is going up and down. Making total transmission failure and transfer case failure. Melting the hot and cold lines. Mechanic found aluminum melted and oil burn. Rpms fluctuate and gets hung up during shifting while driving.

    NHTSA complaint #11666804 · source
12. Filed Jun 9, 2025ILElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Service shifter message keeps showing every-time I turn on the vehicle. Eventually it just stays on. Took vehicle in for service and when dealer was installing new shifter, it shorted out other components. Jeep still hasn’t found a permanent fix.

    NHTSA complaint #11665702 · 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