Complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee peaked in 2025, with 45 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 14, 2021 to Sep 28, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V-290 | May 7, 2026 | Power transfer unit (PTU) may fail | Powertrain | 61,711 | Software update |
| 24V-516 | Jul 8, 2024 | Improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended | Airbags | 13 | Repair or modification |
| 21V-310 | May 4, 2021 | Transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak | Powertrain | 18,800 | Part replacement |
| 20V-657 | Oct 27, 2020 | One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving | Suspension | 698 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
166 complaints on file, page 1 of 9.
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 mode(50 mph max). We got off [XXX], a few miles down the road. We entered the [XXX] and got on [XXX] into [XXX] about 70 miles away. We took the Jeep Cherokee to Liberty Jeep and they verified we did indeed encounter recall 40D. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11767345My 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 Cherokee. However, my specific VIN was not a part of the recall. As of today, my vehicle still has not been recalled. I contacted Jeep Customer Service to be reimbursed for my repair expense. However, they said I was not entitled to reimbursement because my VIN hasn’t been recalled. I am requesting that Jeep honors my request for reimbursement. After doing some research, the Jeep brand has been having PTU issues for years. They know it’s an issue and have yet to find a fix. They are still selling vehicles with a faulty PTU. Even now with my officially licensed replacement PTU, it could still have the defect. As a loyal Jerp customer since 2018, I am asking for assistance with obtaining reimbursement for my PTU repair. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint 11767260UNKNOWN I have found this recall notice online but have not had any direct contact from the manufacturer MOPAR about the recall. This recall sounds like a significant safety issue, I need to know if I should discontinue drive the vehicle and be provided another means of transportation.
NHTSA complaint 11767252My 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 to drive the vehicle again. On September 15, 2026, the vehicle lost all motive power while I was traveling approximately 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D
NHTSA complaint 11766914While I was driving, I suddenly heard an extremely loud popping/banging noise that sounded like a gunshot. Immediately afterward, I discovered that the moonroof glass had shattered. Nothing fell onto or struck the vehicle, and nothing from inside the vehicle hit the glass. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms beforehand. The glass appeared to shatter suddenly and without an obvious external impact. To the best of my knowledge, the cause is unknown, and I am reporting the incident because the moonroof glass appeared to fail unexpectedly during normal driving.
NHTSA complaint 11765006Vehicle 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 Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA Campaign 26V290000) solely because it utilizes a 1-speed PTU rather than a 2-speed PTU. However, code C14A7-97 confirms that the 1-speed units are suffering from the exact same internal mechanical and electrical component failures described in the active recall. The vehicle has been forced into permanent front-wheel-drive mode, causing a noticeable drop in handling and acceleration performance. This mechanical failure presents a sudden loss of drive power and a severe vehicle rollaway risk if the electronic parking brake is not manually cycled. NHTSA should investigate and expand Recall 40D to include 1-speed PTU Jeep Cherokees, as they share the same defective internal components and safety hazards.
NHTSA complaint 11764839The 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 available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.
NHTSA complaint 11764799While 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. Another local master mechanic advised it wasn’t the transmission and we could drive to the nearest Jeep dealer in [XXX]. While driving there, the car uncontrollably rotated between roaring, operating normally, and stalling out on hills. The Grand Junction dealer advised a total replacement of PTU Motor Component, according to the invoice. Since the Jeep was not operating properly, I approved the replacement. Fortunately the replacement was accomplished before the weekend. Upon arriving to pick up the Jeep, I was told there was a recall on this particular Jeep and issue. However since no repair had been decided upon - where we still are today, 4 months after I had to pay for the replacement parts and service. A total of $1,450.31 had to be paid by me. I’ve been informed by all parties that until a repair option is agreed upon, I remain out of pocket of these funds. I’m retired, living on a fixed income, paid for a warranty protection plan that I am still in compliance with, but I can’t be reimbursed until a repair plan is decided upon. The Jeep was basically inoperable, at least not safely. After the repairs were made, the Jeep is operating better than it had even before the incident occurred. I was not aware of the recall - guess since a repair decision had not been made, I was not notified of the issue. This is BS, sorry but that closely resembles how I feel. Please do something to aid my situation and help me get my funds back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint 11764684Car does not go into 4wd. Svc light is on. Now loud clanging under feet and car won’t go over 35 Moh
NHTSA complaint 11764604Driving 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 or remedy available. I again contacted Stellanis on 8/25/26 Case Number 97657475 and asked to elevate for review by the reimbursement team, a follow up call today they again told me the case was closed there is no current remedy or parts available and they will not process any reimbursement claims and again closed my case.
NHTSA complaint 11762978The PTU is bad the vehicle can roll when in park.
NHTSA complaint 11761995The 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 Train). The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was reached by phone and was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
NHTSA complaint 11761854While 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 11761318I have filed a reimbursement twice now for recall 26V290000 (FCA Recall 40D). I had this repaired in August of 2025. Both times I have submitted the claim it has been denied because of no remedy available. I am just asking for a reimbursement and I think they are just using this as an excuse not to pay the bill. My reference claim number is 97934186.
NHTSA complaint 11760310The 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 contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
NHTSA complaint 11756931The 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 undisclosed speed, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
NHTSA complaint 11756410Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles
NHTSA complaint 11756387Twice 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 education case manager and teacher quite a distance every day to work. The roads in the wintertime can be quite challenging on which to travel. This vehicle should be included in the list of affected vehicle trims that are listed for the multitude of Jeep vehicles part of the PTU related recall. I need to know that the vehicle is being repaired with a part that is safe, not the same PTU used originally, in manufacture, which has been found to be unsafe.
NHTSA complaint 11756116The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the “4WD Service” warning light illuminated, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.
NHTSA complaint 11756056On [XXX], I purchased a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited from Blaise Alexander Hyundai in State College, Pennsylvania as a first vehicle for my [XXX] son. No problems were apparent during the brief test drive or drive home. On [XXX], during my son’s first driving lesson, we discovered that the right turn signal would randomly and repeatedly fail to remain engaged. I later learned that similar “self-canceling” turn-signal problems have been reported in Jeep vehicles and resulted in safety recalls for certain models. I immediately contacted Tyler (salesman), as documented by my phone records. He initially instructed me to have the vehicle checked at a local Johnstown dealership for warranty coverage and stated that Blaise Alexander would repair it if the warranty did not apply. I then learned from Carfax that the basic warranty had expired around January 2025. When I contacted Tyler again, he reversed his position and said the dealership would not repair the vehicle, suggesting the problem occurred after purchase. After several calls, the sales manager agreed to inspect it. I brought the vehicle to Blaise Alexander on January 22, 2026. The next day, the manager identified the problem and estimated an $800 repair. Although he called it “a typical problem with this model Jeep,” he refused to cover the cost and offered to split it. I declined and retrieved the vehicle on January 24. It had only been driven approximately three times since purchase. I requested the repair quote but it was not provided. I believe the defect was pre-existing and that Blaise Alexander knew or should have known about it. The dealership’s statements, the timing, my research, and related recalls support this belief. The defective signal affects roadworthiness and may prevent the vehicle from passing Pennsylvania inspection. Had I known about the defect, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I am seeking repair at the dealer's cost, or in lieu of that a buyback of the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA
NHTSA complaint 11755771Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.