FaultScore

2021 Jeep Cherokee other reported problems

23 of the 214 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee are about the other systems — 11% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 2,777 miles.

A

23

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Unknown OR Other 23 100.0%

Other & Unspecified across every Jeep Cherokee year

1996 10 0.6%
1998 15 0.9%
2000 11 0.6%
2014 284 16.6%
2015 257 15.0%
2016 312 18.2%
2017 341 19.9%
2018 172 10.0%
2019 254 14.8%
2020 34 2.0%
2021 23 1.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Ravenna, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11756387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Johnstown, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

On [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 #11755771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Colorado Springs, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Have a safety recall on my vehicle. Jeep has had this issue for the last couple of years (unbeknownst to me) and still don’t have a remedy for the issue. I’m concerned it’s going to continue to cause damage to my vehicle. Found out there was a recall from a carfax email. It took Jeep an extra month to notify me.

NHTSA complaint #11753076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Monroe, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The interior screen has become pixelated with different colors. This effects my back up camera which is a big safety hazard. All of the climate control, radio and general info are also on this screen. I have not had it diagnosed at the dealership because they charge 160.00 to just hook up to diagnostics.

NHTSA complaint #11714199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Casper, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

the light came on that says cannot move vehicle, it just stopped. The Power Transfer Unit went out--I cannot get a part since it is backordered over 1200 people right now are having issues with the part of the vehicle

NHTSA complaint #11713965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wake Forest, NC

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My jeep initially shutoff while driving on the interstate at 70 mph last December. I took it the dealership and they kept it for 2 months and replaced several parts. I got it back and it shutoff the next day, but started after l let it sit for an hour. Then it went for weeks with no issues, then it started happening again, so I took it to a different dealership. They also repaired different issues. I got it back and it shutoff again on the interstate at 70 mph in rush hour traffic. Both times were scary and unsafe situations. The jeep has been at the dealership now over a month with no diagnosis. It has been at 2 dealerships for a total of 4 months. I've researched this and found out that there are a lot of people having the same problem with this jeep and similar types. I'm wondering why is this not a safety recall issue, because both of my situations could of ended badly if I had panicked. Please have this situation addressed or reviewed before it causes bodily harm! The manufacturer/dealership doesn't seem to take this seriously!!

NHTSA complaint #11701840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Madison, WI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Westerville, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SVC 4WD

NHTSA complaint #11687250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Bartlesville, OK

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PTU power transfer case. Service PTU light came on. We had the jeep dealership read the code and informed us that we needed to replace the PTU power transfer case. They said that it can be dangerous if completely going out because it can cause sudden loss of power. Afaulty power transfer unit (PTU) is dangerous in a Jeep because it can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increase the risk of a crash, or lead to a rollaway incident when the vehicle is parked. Jeep has issued multiple recalls for PTU-related issues, particularly for some Cherokee models, due to potential manufacturing defects that can lead to transmission failure however the year of my jeep is not included but it is the same issue that is currently recalled. I was also told that the PTU is on backorder because of the recall. It is on backorder for longer than 45 days. Why isn’t my Jeep included in the recall?

NHTSA complaint #11687099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Solon, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving on the highway with no overpass, no foreign objects flying, not behind anyone, and my sunroof shattered and exploded all over me with no explanation.

NHTSA complaint #11651466 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Puyallup, WA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Failed rear driveline failed rear differential and failed DTCM. Jeep is still sluggish upon shifting to acceleration. Clunk from park to drive and cold start to warm up normal to drop to normal rpm then rev up to 2.0 while sitting still. I have suspicions that the PTU could be having issues after all the above was replaced

NHTSA complaint #11648014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Waxahachie, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2/16/2025 Light for 4WD came on when the temperature was 11 degrees. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2/19/25 & 2/25/25 Taken into the dealer and stated that Debris in the PTU causing Actuator to stick - will need to be replace PTU - if approved will need to locate part. Car difficult to put into park

NHTSA complaint #11645338 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vanderbilt, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown. While driving this vehicle, the engine just shuts off when stopping. The first time it happened it flashed to put vehicle in park and restart. It shut off and was unable to restart it. It happened 4 other times when at a stop, just shuts off off. Was able to restart it after a few minutes

NHTSA complaint #11629876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Indian Head, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There are times I go to start my car and it has nothing. No lights no door dinging nothing. I started it up on day to go to work and got to the gas station and shut it down to run in quick. Came out 5 mins later and it acted as if someone took my battery out. The car was totally dead. After about 10-15 mins it lit back up and was able to start. Another time it happened in the dead of winter and I was picking my son up. We went to get in the car and all 4 doors were opened. No lights came on and wouldn’t start and as my kids shut doors it would flicker. Times it comes back to life and as soon as you hit the start button it goes black again. It’s been at Tristar and c Harper both and cannot replicate so no fix. I’m afraid it’s going to catch fire or something one day. In the shops for a month and a half total and no results. It’s very intermittent so does not do it all the time. Sometimes it will go a month and be fine then act up 3 times in one week. Please help! I don’t feel safe!

NHTSA complaint #11590968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Berlin, MD

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I've been experiencing repeated instances of my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux 4X4 shutting off while I'm driving, without any warning lights. The message "Shift to P to start" appears on the screen. On several occasions, the car shut off unexpectedly, almost causing accidents. Despite multiple visits to the IG Burton service department, no fault codes were found. Chrysler told them to replace the crank sensor. They were very confident that was the problem, but the issue recurred again 13days after I got the vehicle back. They replaced my fuel pump this time but still have no evidence to prove that is the issue. They continue to guess at parts and I have to be the guinea pig to see if they got it right. This has been its 4th time in the shop and well over 10 time has this vehicle shut off on the highway. I believe jeep should step in at this point and find the cause of this problem or label the vehicle defective if they cannot. This ongoing issue has caused me frustration, anxiety, and safety concerns. I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. Especially after being told the last time they "felt confident" only for me to be stuck waiting for a tow truck in the road a few days later. The uncertainty surrounding the problem and the recurring nature of the incidents have greatly undermined my confidence in the vehicle's reliability and safety. I also have a detailed report of every time the vehicle has shut off/ been to the service department but I can't get it to attach on this site.

NHTSA complaint #11573763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Louisville, KY

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Engine oil color is made of plastic and can crack and can cause you to lose your engine to no oil pressure and coolant and can cause an accident if you do not know because it would lock up the engine

NHTSA complaint #11559700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle was running in the freeway suddenly transmission alert message pop up at the dashboard and the vehicle slowly stop in the middle of the busy freeway, took it to Chapman Jeep dealership and the vehicle was fixed for PTU malfuntion, got my car back but there was a burning smell everytime I drove and step out of the vehicle. I have been trying to call the dealership but no response yet.

NHTSA complaint #11558879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cincinnati, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

PTU and rear end failure, it’s been in the shop 9 weeks and I am told will be another month.

NHTSA complaint #11557616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Albuquerque, NM

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The emergency brake engages on its own and the fuel saving on/off feature is not working and the vehicle stalls while driving.

NHTSA complaint #11544802 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Boyertown, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving. This was the area directly above the driver and passenger seat. The vehicle is currently at the car dealer. Glass came off into the vehicle and could have possibly blown off the roof of the vehicle onto the road or other vehicles. There was no warning that this was going to break. The sunroof was closed and rarely, if ever, used as the car was just purchased in December 2021. Some Glass came off of the sunroof onto the driver and passenger.

NHTSA complaint #11464770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling Heights, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Power loss while driving, which poses a safety hazard Transmission shifting into neutral How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? 1. Vehicle lost power and shifted into neutral while accelerting into traffic 2. Vehicle was driving highway speeds and spontaneously lost power and shifted into neutral while in traffic Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes - vehicle has been repaired and at dealership 2xs and scheduled for a 3rd on April 6, 2022 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Jeep is aware of issue and has requested star claim on next visit Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is no warning of power loss or shifting into neutral ( spontaneous). After the D on gear shift flashes.

NHTSA complaint #11457935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 3,055 miles Houston, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, CAR KEPT SPUTTERING. RPM GAUGE KEPT GOING UP AND DOWN WHILE PRESSING IN THE GAS MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY SHUT DOWN AGAIN. ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR THE SECOND TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11399011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 2,500 miles Houston, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA (40 MPH) WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY JOLTED AS IF I HAD SUDDENLY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE GAS PEDAL. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT WERE ON, THE SEAT/STEERING WHEEL WARMER, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE MONITOR KEPT SAYING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE/START THE CAR, I ATTEMPTED TO DO THIS AND NOTHING. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN TRIED TO TURN IT ON AGAIN MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOTHING. THANKFULLY, MULTIPLE PEOPLE STOPPED TO PUSH ME OFF INTO A PARKING LOT, BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE STARTED BEEPING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHATSOEVER. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS, THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.

NHTSA complaint #11396202 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems

← Full 2021 Jeep Cherokee report