2001 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 10%of 229 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 33,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee, 10% of the 229 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 33,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport. I have had several issues such as brakes/rotors that I have taken care of without complaint. However my Jeep was just diagnosed with a front differential failure and needs a complete overhaul. My car has only 60,000 miles on it and I have had the front and rear differentials serviced twice each according to the specs in my owner's manual. I've been told by private mecanics as well as Jeep technicians that this should not have occured. Chrysler told me after I had it diagnosed by my personal mechanic to have it checked by my dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #10112414, filed 2005-03, 60,000 miles“Consumer complained about about rear differential. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for servicing on 4 occasions, and it was making a grinding noise 8 months later. Warranty expired, and consumer was asked to pay $500.00 for repairs. Consumer was told that there was metal in the bottom of differential.”
NHTSA complaint #10092045, filed 2004-09, 21,000 miles“Consumer was complaining about a differential problem. The bearings were grinding. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer on 4 different occasions, but problem recurred.”
NHTSA complaint #10094757, filed 2004-09, 18,000 miles“2001 Jeep Cherokee sport, wife parks vehicle at top of steep driveway on fairly level ground. Puts transmission in park , sets emergency brake and exits car, leaving car running for niece and 2yr old son to have AC. After approximately 15 min, niece decides to exit vehicle, opens passenger door, reaches over to turn off ignition. As soon as ignition is turned off, car lurches backward, runs down hill, crosses the street, runs through neighbors back yard, through trees, over retaining wall and high centers on large log. All passengers were okay buy did over $3000.00 in damage to vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10159892, filed 2006-06, 45,000 miles“I was driving and heard a noise come from the front right. The Jeep then pulled hard to the left and crashed into a parked car. By looks, the suspension, steering, and driveline completely broke or detached. I do not know what caused the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #747691, filed 2001-07Related service bulletins
- 10136906Jan 30, 2014Part Description: Seal - Shift Shaft on RFE transmissions Issue Description: This seal (04799346) is replaceable with Seal Kit (68235551AA), which includes a seal and retainer…
- 10021239Aug 25, 2006Powertrain control module initialization.
- 10013731Mar 2, 2005Powertrain control module initialization.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 33% |
| 2022 | 29 | 56% |
| 2021 | 103 | 59% |
| 2020 | 199 | 60% |
| 2019 | 832 | 50% |
| 2018 | 296 | 43% |
| 2017 | 650 | 49% |
| 2016 | 636 | 45% |
| 2015 | 1,007 | 56% |
| 2014 | 1,471 | 56% |
| 2006 | 2 | 12% |
| 2001 | 24 | 10% |
| 2000 | 29 | 8% |
| 1999 | 53 | 14% |
| 1998 | 65 | 16% |
| 1997 | 47 | 12% |
| 1996 | 60 | 13% |
| 1995 | 43 | 7% |
| 1994 | 38 | 7% |
| 1993 | 44 | 11% |
| 1992 | 15 | 13% |
| 1991 | 13 | 6% |
| 1990 | 17 | 6% |
| 1989 | 9 | 5% |
| 1988 | 8 | 8% |
| 1987 | 4 | 7% |
| 1985 | 2 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
56 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsSuspension
22 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsElectrical system
19 complaintsSeats
18 complaintsSteering
16 complaintsEquipment
12 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology