2021 Jeep Cherokee Powertrain (other) Problems

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

NHTSA ID

11756387

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

Twice 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 ID

11756116

Incident

May 14, 2026

The 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 ID

11756056

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

Mileage

161,000 mi

The 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 on a ramp at 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle lost drive power. No warning light was illuminated. The electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted, and the electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed; however, parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to provide limited reimbursement for rental car expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11755511

Incident

Jul 19, 2026

Mileage

45,000 mi

PTU failure at 62000 miles. There is a recall for the exact issue on the exact part for 2019 to 2025 Jeep Cherokees but this one, as well as several thousand others, somehow do not fall under this recall. Why? From what the dealer told us this is a “critical safety issue that could result in serious injury or death” so why would this not be a recall along with the 60000+ other ones? Dealer told me this was sushi a critical safety issue they would not return the car to me until it was fixed, and part was 2 month back ordered which was last week but still hear nothing. What is the hold up with a recall on this?

NHTSA ID

11754810

Incident

May 22, 2026

The 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 the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the 4WD warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11754723

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

60,000 mi

I own a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that is included in the PTU safety recall involving sudden loss of motive power and/or loss of the PARK function. My vehicle began exhibiting the exact symptoms of this recall in April 2026 and has been undrivable since that time. The recall was announced in May 2026, but Stellantis has still not provided a repair remedy. As of today, my vehicle has been out of service for approximately four months due to the recalled condition. I have received the recall notification letter, but it continues to state that no remedy is available. This has left me without the use of my vehicle for an extended period despite an acknowledged safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Stellantis’ failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall. My vehicle has been undrivable since April 2026 because of the recall condition and remains unusable due to the lack of an available repair. This vehicle CANNOT be safely driven.

NHTSA ID

11754404

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while merging onto a two-lane highway, there was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle lost motive power but was driven in LIMP Mode to the nearest dealer. Prior to the failure, the contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer confirmed that the failure was associated with the recall; however, the dealer failed to provide the contact with any assistance. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA ID

11754380

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

Mileage

135,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle's wheels locked up. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and whiplash and pain. The service 4WD warning light was illuminated after the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was caused by a catastrophic PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was able to obtain a loaner vehicle. The manufacturer opened a STAR case and determined that there was no coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ID

11753043

Incident

Jul 10, 2026

Mileage

62,000 mi

The PTU UNIT HAS FAILED TWICE ALREADY ON MY VEHICLE! THE FIRST TIME IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND COVERED; THIS LAST TIME IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR IT, $3,186.02. Then a month or so later received a document in the mail stating that this is now a safety recall and if you have already had it fixed, once they find a remedy it will have to be fixed again, as it is still wrong and can fail AGAIN. ALSO states if you paid out of pocket for said repair to go to the website with documentation and a refund would be issued within 60 days of them receiving it.... but once you do that they automatically respond and deny it stating until a remedy is found they aren't giving me my money! which is against the law!!! And to top it off, my car is already acting up again, and pretty sure this will be going out again soon... so there will be a lot more for them to deal with if this does not get resolved and money returned to me. Which, in actuality, they should be giving me a refund on the vehicle as this first incident happened in 2022... so we should be well out of the "reasonable timeframe" to come up with a solution to fix said problem. The Manufacturer is withholding a resolution due to a lack of a recall remedy! Campaign 40D NHTSA 23V-404

NHTSA ID

11751666

Incident

Feb 2, 2022

The vehicle has developed a safety-related defect involving the rear differential. During low-speed turns from a stop, in both forward and reverse, the rear drivetrain exhibits grinding, binding, and wheel hop, causing the vehicle to jerk and resist normal movement. This condition affects the vehicle’s predictable handling while maneuvering in parking lots, intersections, and other confined areas. If the rear differential continues to deteriorate, it could result in catastrophic drivetrain failure and a sudden loss of vehicle propulsion, leaving the vehicle unable to move and potentially stranded in an active traffic lane or other hazardous location. This defect presents an unreasonable risk to the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users and should be investigated as a potential safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID

11748808

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

Jeep Cherokee 2021 with less than 44,000 miles. pTU accentuates went out. VIN not in recall despite the make, model, and problem being recalled on 60,000 other jeeps already. If not fixed the car can freeze and possibly roll over or roll away when in park. I feel jeep should pay for this as part of their recall.

NHTSA ID

11748097

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

While getting an oil change, the mechanic below noticed a crack in my rear differential. He sent me a picture. I have looked online and there are thousands of complaints for the same issue. I immediately contacted the local certified Jeep mechanic and was told that the rea diff housing has a crack around snap ring and the the PTU has a leak and evidence of metal. I was quoted over $6,000 to repair the vehicle and was told I could drive it until I couldn't anymore. The "service 4wd" light has been coming on since I bought the car less than 2 years ago but nothing could be found wrong until last Friday. There is a recall for this issue on other makes and sub models for the Jeep Cherokee but for some reason mine is not included. Please investigate as soon as possible as it is not possible for me to afford the repairs.

NHTSA ID

11747395

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

Nothing has happened yet. What is the timeline to correct this issue. The loss of power, and other issues that may happen could be catastrophic. Why is there no timeline required for resolutions? Notification are expected to begin to be sent by June 25,2026, why were they not required to be sent immediately, by law ? The government has many rules and regulations, who dropped the ball on issues that could be Catastrophic?

NHTSA ID

11745448

Incident

May 7, 2026

Service 4wd light came on. Driver side clinking noise came from tire area. Took my jeep to the dealership in which they diagnosed the problem as a PTU (Power train unit) failure. The part is on 2 months back order

NHTSA ID

11740947

Incident

May 21, 2026

My 4WD warning light keeps coming on. Took to the dealer and they are telling me it’s my PTU.

NHTSA ID

11740784

Incident

May 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transfer case and actuator had failed. The contact was unaware whether the components needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the parts required for the recall repair were not yet available. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ID

11739115

Incident

May 20, 2026

Mileage

18,000 mi

I've had my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 since July 2023 with zero issues until my service 4WD light came on in December 2025. It went off immediately, but I let my mechanic look at it & he couldn't find anything. It continued this way until early April 2026, the light came on but always went off right away. I was driving home from my grandsons' house (about 1.5 miles) & half way home, there was suddenly an awful, LOUD noise coming from under the Jeep & the steering was difficult at best. I was afraid for my life driving less than 4 blocks from my house. The next day, it started fine & the 4WD light was not on. I attempted to drive back to the grandsons'; immediately after accelerating after the stop sign by my house, the 4WD light came on & a new, louder, scarier noise came from under the car. I couldn't pull over safely (nowhere to pull over except someone's yard) & became very frightened that I would hit the people on the sidewalk, the cars in the other lane, etc. I had some helpful people stop & push my car back to my house (I'm disabled). The next morning I had it towed to Surefire (my mechanic) & after a few days, he called & reported it was the PTU, I'd have to replace it immediately. I had to pay a deposit of $600 cash & after several weeks, my Jeep was fixed. I paid the other $1454 via credit card to get the Jeep back. This is NOT safe!! I see recall 40D last week & was relieved- until I spoke with FCA today. Evidently, all other 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Limited 4X4 are recalled except mine. What if I'd hit the pedestrians? What if I'd crashed into the oncoming cars? I'm almost too scared to drive due to this PTU failure. It's an awful thing to experience. I have a beautiful Jeep I'm afraid to drive. This is not right.

NHTSA ID

11739023

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally issued, I have attempted to contact both that dealership and the certified Jeep dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased by phone and email to obtain recall assistance, repair guidance, and information regarding transportation options. Neither dealership has responded to my calls or email communication. The vehicle is currently unusable and poses a safetly concern due to the recall condition. I reply on this vehicle for daily commuting and transportation. Stellantis Customer Care was contacted, but a customer care case was not opened. At this time, I have been unable to obtain assistance, repair scheduling information, or guidance regarding the safe operation or transportation accomodations while the vehicle remains affected by the recall.

NHTSA ID

11739021

Incident

Apr 19, 2026

Warning came up saying”4wd system unavailable service required”

NHTSA ID

11738296

Incident

May 14, 2026

Vehicle started randomly displaying service, four-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive unavailable. Eventually, the service light remained on consistently. The car went to a mechanic who checked with the dealer and they confirmed an undocumented issue with the PTU board on the transfer case. My mechanic was informed that there is a warranty extension that the dealer implements if this issue occurs, however it takes several months to have a dealer approved repair. This should absolutely be a published recall on models that are affected. Thank you.

NHTSA ID

11737212

Incident

Feb 25, 2026

My husband was driving the vehicle at approximately 70 MPH on I-75, the vehicle slipped out of drive and into neutral causing the vehicle to lose the capability to accelerate and maintain the traffic flow. When trying to attempt to put the car into drive it would not engage and the engine just reved. Thankfully my husband was not hurt, but this could have been a potentially very bad outcome. I have had the dealership here, Phillips CJRD diagnose the vehicle, they are saying it needs a new PTU, over $3300 to replace. The vehicle is only 5 years old! The PTU is also on backorder for almost 2 months, obviously this situation is having very frequently. There was absolutely no warning of this failure, no warning lights, etc... Jeep has recalled previous years of the Jeep cherokee for this exact failure. They need to recall and pay for the 2021 models as well. So far we are out $300 in towing fees and the diagnostic test from the dealership. I believe Jeep should pay for the PTU replacement and refund the diagnostic fee.

NHTSA ID

11734025

Incident

Apr 4, 2026

PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure what next steps are but I thought you should be aware of this recurring issue since the 2021 PTU is very similar to the earlier model PTU's that have been recalled.

NHTSA ID

11733237

Incident

Apr 21, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle abruptly lost automotive power, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact stated the power transfer unit had failed, causing the transmission to become inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with PTU failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11731180

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Mileage

88,000 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost 4WD functionality. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4WD actuator had failed and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due the part to repair the vehicle not being available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 44,600.

NHTSA ID

11725338

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

Mileage

44,600 mi