2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission & Powertrain Problems
Transmission & powertrain issues account for 93 of 162 complaints (57%) on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, with a median failure mileage of 63,000. Two related recalls cover a transmission oil cooler hose leak and a power transfer unit (PTU) failure.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 93
- 57% of 162
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 63,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Sudden loss of power to the wheels while driving, sometimes at highway speed with no warning lights.
- Power transfer unit (PTU) failure that damages connecting drivetrain parts, in one case at only 5,696 miles.
- Rear driveshaft detaching from the vehicle and striking the ground, accompanied by a clunking noise at low speed.
- Hesitation or refusal to accelerate when merging or entering traffic, with a whining noise from the drivetrain.
- Harsh or delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, with clunking noise during acceleration or deceleration.
- Dealers reportedly replacing PTU and driveshaft components, in some cases disabling front-to-rear power transfer and related safety features.
When 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 4, 2021, latest Sep 16, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee
- NHTSA 26V290000May 7, 2026Transmission & Powertrain61,711 vehicles
Power train
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.
- NHTSA 21V310000May 4, 2021Transmission & Powertrain18,800 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:cooler/radiator:hoses and fittings
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y18.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 2021 Jeep Cherokee complaints involve the transmission or powertrain?
- NHTSA lists 93 transmission & powertrain complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, which is 57% of the 162 total complaints filed for the year.
- Is there a transmission recall on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- Yes. Recall 21V310000 covers a transmission oil cooler hose that may have been incorrectly cured and can leak fluid, and recall 26V290000 covers a power transfer unit (PTU) that may fail on 2019-2023 Cherokees.
- At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems usually occur?
- The median mileage at failure among reported transmission & powertrain complaints is 63,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these transmission complaints?
- NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee lists 1 crash and 1 injury, with no fires reported.