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2021 Jeep Cherokee Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
22
Latest Jul 8, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
15%
of 150 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 22 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalEngine
Filed Jul 8, 2026

I bought my 2021 jeep in 2023 at Matthew's in Pa and from day 1 my antifreeze has been leaking, I Bought the extended Warranty and they told me I didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it back down there and other guy told me yes I had a Warranty but it's outdated and nothing they can do, which isn't fair on me! Now my heater core is bad which from get go that was the problem but they couldn't figure it out! Now I have every light on seat belt, air bag, engine light, parking brake, lane assit, etc and I can't afford to fix it and the inspection is due but can't get it fix all because of them telling me I didn't have a Warranty!!! Please respond my name is [XXX] phone # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11749175
Incident
Apr 20, 2023
Electrical
Filed Mar 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio went black, with the message "Re-insert USB" displayed. The contact was unable to use the radio. Additionally, the rear-view camera, the AC/HEAT settings, and other safety features were inoperable and unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ID
11726699
Incident
Jan 29, 2026
Mileage
92,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 24, 2026

I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple critical failures: PO128 (the initial warning of a computer communication issues). Dealership (Echo Park) refuses to fix with the proper OEM part and denies my warranty, (I called it in on day 15 on my Warranty, 01/28/26) I let them know the fans were loud, RPMs fluctuating, tailpipe full of black soot and making a loud sputtering, this is burning up my fuel fast. My appt was on 02/10/26 They said there was nothing wrong with it. A couple weeks go by and then the check engine light turned on (after my Warranty) i took it back on 03/19/26, They visually verified the code, said I had to pay out of pocket to fix it with an aftermarket part not the OEM part. They set up an appt for 03/25/26. UO128 (lost communication with brake control module) and C008E-00(ECU internal performance). These codes are directly linked to the NHTSA safety investigation PE22- 009. When I took the vehicle to Allways [XXX] on March 23, 2026, the Service Department refused to perform a safety inspection without an upfront payment, despite the vehicle having exposed wiring in the steering column and part of an active federal safety probe. As a small business owner (Maid To Sparkle) grandmother who transports a [XXX] daily, I am now stranded with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to a documented a manufacturer defect. While at the dealership I was simultaneously on the phone with Jeep Customer Care. Despite the vehicle being under federal safety investigation for the exact ghost breaking I am experiencing both the dealer and corporate representative denied assistance and refused a safety inspection without an upfront fee This shows a coordinated refusal to address a documented safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ID
11726675
Incident
Mar 13, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 28, 2026

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 ID
11713965
Incident
Jan 24, 2026
Electrical
Filed Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hazard lights failed to operate. The contact's wife coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed. The dealer replaced the battery. The contact stated that the battery warning light was not illuminated before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA ID
11702681
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
Mileage
49,000 mi
BrakesElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 23, 2025

Their was no incident

NHTSA ID
11695339
Incident
Oct 23, 2025
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 20, 2025

The vehicle was sold by DriveTime (Highland, Indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (Y18 – Transmission Oil Cooler Hose, NHTSA 21V-310) that had not been properly repaired. Jeep dealership documentation dated October 17, 2025, shows the recall was only “inspected” but no repair was completed. Within 30 days of purchase, the check engine light began turning on and off intermittently, and an AutoZone diagnostic (Code P0934 – Hydraulic Pressure Sensor Circuit Low) confirmed a powertrain failure related to the transmission system. The defect affects hydraulic pressure and gear shifting, creating an unsafe driving condition that risks transmission failure while in motion. The issue has been confirmed by both AutoZone and the Jeep dealership but not repaired. Dealer and warranty administrator SilverRock have refused to provide repairs or a loaner vehicle. Both entities were notified that the vehicle is used by a disabled driver and child, and this refusal poses serious safety and accessibility risks. Despite multiple warnings, both companies continue to deny responsibility, violating federal recall obligations under 49 U.S.C. §§ 30118–30120 and creating an ongoing risk of engine/transmission failure while driving. Related complaints are active with the Indiana Attorney General (Case #11811118) and the Federal Trade Commission.

NHTSA ID
11694625
Incident
Oct 17, 2025
Electrical
Filed Sep 15, 2025

SVC 4WD

NHTSA ID
11687250
Incident
Sep 12, 2025
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 29, 2025

I bought the car in 7/23 at Auto Savvy Sta fe New Mexico, after 3-4 weeks the power steering wheel light on I called the dealer so they checked n then they said nothing is wrong so after that the lights . The car were 3 times at the dealer and the last time was there for 9 weeks. So they said they changed the steering column, the clock spring and the lights came back. So one time I lost the control, on the high way so after that I haven’t used the car.

NHTSA ID
11657641
Incident
Oct 12, 2023
Electrical
Filed May 28, 2024

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 ID
11590968
Incident
Nov 17, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Apr 3, 2024
Fire reported

The Jeep caught fire underneath while I was driving on the highway. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. I saw flames come up over the front of the car and immediately parked and ran with my child. We could have died.The fire and stopped car in the middle of the highway could have caused a pile up of crashes. It is unknown what component or system failed and I don't believe it is available for inspection as State Farm decided not to move forward with inspection. They declared it a total loss.

NHTSA ID
11580917
Incident
Feb 16, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jan 26, 2024

ON 5 JANUARY 2024 THE VEHICLE WAS IN MY GARAGE AND WAS DEAD, TRIED TO JUMP START, STILL WOULD NOT START. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, VEHICLE GOT TO DEALER AND THEY USED THEIR JUMP START SYSTEM. DEALER RAN SYSTEM TEST AND CHARGED BATTERY AND FOUND NO FAULTS. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS CHARHING RATE WAS 14.4V FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN DROPPED TO 13.6V AND EVENTUALLY DROPPED TO 12.3V BUT THEN WOULD JUMP BETWEEN 12.3V AND 13.6V. ON 25 JANUARY VEHICLE AGAIN DEAD, WILL NOT JUMP START, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AGAIN. AT DEALER NOW, 26 JANUARY SO DEAD KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK DOOR. DEALER STATES THIS HAS BEEN AM ONGOING COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MODELS THAT USE THE AGM BATTERIES. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 17,000 MILES,

NHTSA ID
11567952
Incident
Jan 25, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact also stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated intermittently while driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a service station. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA ID
11519922
Incident
Apr 1, 2023
Mileage
134,000 mi
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 10, 2023

2/14/23 Dash Flashes “Put Car in Park”; battery symbol illuminates, gear shift ‘D’ lit up. Coasted to the shoulder, put car in park, engine was not running. I hit the “Start” button. The engine starts up, I put it into Drive, and pull onto the road. This repeats 2 more times. 2/20/23 Car serviced at Chrysler dealership - Service report said Updated PCM 181906EL Module. ECU from old part number 68493558AD to current part number 68493558AG. 3/7/23 - Vehicle lost power. Coasted to nearest driveway to turn off the main road. No power steering, Car was successful moved out of traffic, put in park, and then the engine was restarted. 3/9/23Mileage in 22536; Replaced Module - Engine controller, crankshaft position sensor, wit all wheel drive, powertrain/engine control. 3/23/23 Vehicle returned mileage 22562. 4/4/23, Driving freeway, vehicle started decelerate on its own, maneuvered to the shoulder and put it into park. There were no lights or indicators on the dash to say there was a problem. Car did not stall. Returned to the roadway and maintained speed. Approx 22980 miles on the vehicle, cruise control was on 77. The vehicle started slowed to 68 mph, maneuvered to the shoulder; did not lose power; Put car in park. Traffic cleared to re-enter the roadway. Next 30 minutes, problem repeated. Did not have anyone behind me so I wanted to see at what point would I lose power, or warning lights come on. Cruise set at 77, the car reduced speed on its own to 64 mph. The car acted like it was changing gears a few times, lurching, then picked up speed to 80 mph, then slowed back to the setting of 77. This happened 3 more times. 4/6/23, 23381 miles on the vehicle, driving 45 mph, w/out cruise control. Vehicle began to decelerate, I tried to accelerate to keep up with traffic. The vehicle continued to decelerate down to 36 mph when it kicked back into gear and picked back up to 45 mph. 4/10/23 back to dealer @ 23,608

NHTSA ID
11516412
Incident
Feb 14, 2023
Electrical
Filed Dec 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a message to “Park and Restart the vehicle”. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that a software update was needed. The software was updated. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 41,100.

NHTSA ID
11497610
Incident
Dec 6, 2022
Mileage
41,100 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 8, 2022

The vehicles automatic off switch does not turn back on when you release the break. It gives an error message saying the option is unavailable. I have to turn. The vehicle off and turn it back on. The vehicle has less than 37000 miles on it and was bought brand new.

NHTSA ID
11478272
Incident
Jul 29, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 15, 2022

In May 2021 I leases a brand new car. In Jan 2021 I was driving my car and at a busy intersection, my car stalled. I just got a full tank of gas but the low fuel tank light came on. The car would not turn off, the clutch was stuck and I could not shift out of any gear. I brought my car in to the service center where I bought my car and let them know that I think electrical issues were causing problems with my fuel gauge and my clutch. They held on to my car from Jan 20-Mar 28th they could not say what electrical problems caused my car to stall or my fuel tank to register as low but they gave me a whole new transmission. At this time I had only about 2,700 miles on the car. Less than a month later I stalled again on a busy road but I was able to pull the car over and waited for a family member to arrive to help. After letting the car sit for a little I was able to start the car again however the low fuel light came back on and the engine light came on. Additionally this time I was not able to shut off the car, radio, blinkers did not work, as well as break lights did not work. I brought the car back in and expressed my concerns about the electrical problems causing saftey issues on April 20 2021. I drove to the dealership with my hazards in which it stalled 3 times on my way there. They had my car til April 26 and said a cluster of alerts came up and the reset them but they couldn't guarantee it wouldn't happen again. Only one day later I started my car to find the fuel tank alert on again and the car not being able to turn off and brake lights, signal lights were not working and the windshield wipers going crazy. I then called a tow truck to tow my car as it was unsafe to drive. Now my car has been in the shop since April 27 almost 50 days and counting and they still can't find what is causing the issues. They want to release my car again but cannot guarantee it will not happen again. I am terrified to drive the car as nothing was fixed and very unsafe.

NHTSA ID
11469360
Incident
Jan 20, 2022
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jun 6, 2022

While driving, forward collision alarm came out, slowly more problem arose, power steering became unavailable, airbags red warning came up, engine caution light came up, transmission wouldn't shift to proper gear, ESP also failed.

NHTSA ID
11467702
Incident
May 23, 2022
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 28, 2021

While I was trying to get onto the interstate my vehicle would not accelerate. I tried to merge in with traffic but I was only going 35 and I almost hit someone. They stayed the same speed hoping I would speed up in front of them but I couldn’t. This put everyone around me at risk. I took my vh to the dealership. They called me today and told me they sold the rental I was in and that I needed to bring the car back. Also they ran some codes and my car is coming back fine. So they did not find a problem. I honestly feel they didn’t look they just wanted to sell the rental car. I’ve had no warning lamps at all come on but the transmission is slipping.

NHTSA ID
11445327
Incident
Dec 23, 2021
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 23, 2021

Vehicle stalled on the road while stopped in the center lane and trying to take left turn. It was completely dead, no warning indicators or signals. Both dash board and radio screens were blank. Key was locked, could not take it out. Everything came back to normal after about fifteen minutes and I was able to drive it home. Our safety was at risk since it happened in the middle of the road, except that it was stopped and waiting to turn. Contacted dealer for warranty service. No diagnostics done yet.

NHTSA ID
11437919
Incident
Oct 20, 2021
AirbagsBrakesElectrical
Filed Mar 12, 2021
Crash reported

WE WERE IN A FRONT IMPACT VEHICLE ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, BRAKES FAILED AFTER IMPACT AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE ECU POWER RELAY FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP.

NHTSA ID
11402644
Incident
Mar 12, 2021
Mileage
1,400 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 14, 2021

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 ID
11396202
Incident
Feb 12, 2021
Mileage
2,500 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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