2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 59about this part
- Share
- 14%of 410 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 59 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 14% of the 410 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Just got a brand new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited x for lease two days later noticed the transmission is stalling engine is stalling there is no power when I hit the gas the car doesn't go. It happened in motion on the street.”
NHTSA complaint #11399189, filed 2021-03, 119 miles“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, filed 2025-06“I was driving down the highway and all of the sudden and with zero warning the engine cut off but the effect it had on the car was very severe engine braking as it automatically downshifted very aggressively which caused me to go from about 80mph to a stop VERY quickly. The dash looked as if I simply had the car switched to on without starting the engine. There were no warning lights lit. Shifting into park and turning the car completely off and back on allowed it to start again with no further symptoms.”
NHTSA complaint #11652429, filed 2025-04“I started driving through an intersection after sitting, stopped at a traffic light. I stepped on the gas pedal and the car wouldn’t move. It made a loud reviving noise but wouldn’t go anywhere for about 15-20 seconds. I put my hazard lights on and sat for a few more seconds and then put it in park, and then back into drive. I was able to pull onto the median of a very busy road. My vehicle was brought to the dealership who said there’s nothing wrong with it 🤔”
NHTSA complaint #11469720, filed 2022-06“Vehicle was left at dealer on 12/3 to address the infotainment screen gltiching and turning off and to address a recall. The dealer performed a software update and addressed the recall. I picked vehicle up on Saturday, 12/4. The infotainment screen flashed off again and I noticed the transmission shutters and bangs during a downshift and when I lift off the gas pedal. It was observed on Sunday, 12/5 that the nightvision images freezes and glitches while using.”
NHTSA complaint #11442790, filed 2021-12Related service bulletins
- 11038751Oct 20, 2026Flash: Electronic Shift Module (ESM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11038329Sep 30, 2026The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn…
- 11035187Jul 16, 2026Shaft - axle half
- 11035186Jul 16, 2026Shaft - axle half
- 11031455Apr 18, 2026Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of…
- 11031337Apr 8, 2026Power Liftgate Inoperative.
- 11030138Mar 9, 2026The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV…
- 11029770Feb 25, 2026Service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV transmissions that have fault codes P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90…
- 11027739Jan 16, 2026The customer is experiencing a clicking or pop noise from the steering knuckle and bearing area during turns while driving.
- 11026820Dec 19, 2025Switch - transfer case, ride height, terrain select
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 38% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 31 | 12% |
| 2023 | 40 | 10% |
| 2022 | 37 | 14% |
| 2021 | 59 | 14% |
| 2020 | 39 | 16% |
| 2019 | 47 | 13% |
| 2018 | 75 | 9% |
| 2017 | 88 | 24% |
| 2016 | 78 | 25% |
| 2015 | 353 | 26% |
| 2014 | 475 | 20% |
| 2013 | 55 | 7% |
| 2012 | 102 | 6% |
| 2011 | 90 | 5% |
| 2010 | 22 | 19% |
| 2009 | 23 | 17% |
| 2008 | 77 | 10% |
| 2007 | 196 | 18% |
| 2006 | 173 | 14% |
| 2005 | 253 | 12% |
| 2004 | 54 | 4% |
| 2003 | 35 | 5% |
| 2002 | 58 | 4% |
| 2001 | 102 | 12% |
| 2000 | 156 | 11% |
| 1999 | 386 | 24% |
| 1998 | 426 | 41% |
| 1997 | 254 | 26% |
| 1996 | 280 | 31% |
| 1995 | 247 | 34% |
| 1994 | 118 | 20% |
| 1993 | 99 | 18% |
| 1991 | 1 | 17% |
| 1989 | 1 | 20% |
Other parts of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
115 complaintsSteering
102 complaintsEngine
61 complaintsOther or unknown
57 complaintsExterior lighting
42 complaintsFuel system
41 complaintsBrakes
32 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsLane departure
29 complaintsForward collision avoidance
25 complaintsAir bags
20 complaintsVehicle speed control
17 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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