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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
103about this part
Share
59%of 176 total for the year
Median mileage
70,000miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, 59% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My 2021 Jeep's power train unit broke and damaged other connecting parts while driving on a highway using cruise control causing a complete loss of power. This occurred with only 5696 miles driven on the vehicle.”

NHTSA complaint #11406339, filed 2021-04, 5,696 miles

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11771311, filed 2026-10

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11701952, filed 2025-11

“While at a complete stop vehicle’s rpms went up and launched forward on its own. It continued to do so several times despite pressing the break pedal fully. Vehicle did the same thing only a couple of weeks after being purchased but I was unsure if it had been the vehicle or I eased up on the break a little too much. This latest time however it did it so many times that I was able to record it and share it with my dealership.”

NHTSA complaint #11524264, filed 2023-05

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11704383, filed 2025-12

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026333%
20222956%
202110359%
202019960%
201983250%
201829643%
201765049%
201663645%
20151,00756%
20141,47156%
2006212%
20012410%
2000298%
19995314%
19986516%
19974712%
19966013%
1995437%
1994387%
19934411%
19921513%
1991136%
1990176%
198995%
198888%
198747%
1985212%

Other parts of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Engine
28 complaintsOther or unknown
27 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsForward collision avoidance
11 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsLane departure
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 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