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2021 Jeep Cherokee: check engine light

15 of the 183 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee describe check engine light.

owner complaints
15
of this car's complaints
8%
typical mileage
51,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 33 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

What owners say

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Transmission · 117,800 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that the transmission was hesitating while attempting to accelerate after the vehicle was started and slowly accelerated to the intended speed. While driving, the transmission was shifted to Sports Mode and manual shift mode to drive the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated, and the message "4WD Service Required" was displayed. The transmission failed to shift out of 2nd gear and shifted roughly between gears. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and the contact was notified of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); and associated the failure with the PTU. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was informed of the issue and confirmed that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The failure mileage was 117,800.

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NY

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didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it back down there and other guy told me yes I had a Warranty but it's outdated and nothing they can do, which isn't fair on me!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)

Filed Mar 24, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

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 federal safety agency 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),

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · MD

The 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee V6 80th Anniversary Edition. The Engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, Decided to head directly to the dealership. When I approached my first light off the exit (still no sign of trouble) the vehicle rolled backwards. Applying breaks to avoid collisions with vehicles behind, I tried accelerating with little to no power from the transmission. The vehicle is currently at an authorized Jeep dealership and available for inspection. This condition created a safety risk because the vehicle hesitated entering traffic and rolled backward while stopped, increasing the risk of collisions. An engine warning light illuminated while driving prior to complete drivability failure. Symptoms included delayed engagement and slipping from a stop, which worsened rapidly after the warning light appeared. The failure has been diagnosed and confirmed by an authorized Jeep dealership, which determined the transmission requires full replacement. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership service department. No crash occurred, so no police or insurance inspection was involved. Jeep dealership would not offer any goodwill assistance despite being just outside the threshold for drivetrain warranty.

Filed Nov 15, 2025 · Fuel system · OK

About a month ago I noticed the gas pump clicking off quickly, way before the tank is full. I have been unable to fully fill my tank since. No accidents have occurred to cause a problem but my engine light is on and after getting it read it says it's an EVAC issue. When placing the nozzle in the tank a large amount of air noise is heard.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IN

The vehicle was sold by DriveTime (Highland, Indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (Y18 – Transmission Oil Cooler Hose, the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · AR

Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, making a hard sound when putting in reverse and now it is having trouble starting up. When we charged the recently purchased (brand new) battery, the vehicle will start up but when placing in reverse it shifts so hard that it sounds like the bottom is dropping out. Now a lot of lights are shining on my panel; the check engine light, the forward collision light, the parking break light, the regular brake notification, the traction control light.....all shining up like Christmas lights. This is an ongoing issue and I feel a recall needs to be done. My car is over the warranty time frame and for a 2021 model that was purchased brand new I should NOT have to be replacing a transmission already and paying out of pocket expenses.

Filed Apr 7, 2025 · Engine · 51,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a turn on the same day, the failure recurred, nearly causing the contact to crash into a vehicle and to be rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on another occasion. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Transmission · PA

PTU went out at 42,900 miles 2 weeks ago traveling on I81, was very foggy and all of a sudden my rpm went crazy and check engine and service 4 wd light came on pulled to side of highway and car was reving itself on and off and when shifting to drive or reverse car would not move and emergency brake was engaging on it’s own. Called Triple A and had to have towed on truck to dealer . Just bought vehicle 3 months prior . Dealer tested and told me PTU went out in vehicle not sure when part will be available could be months . We were sitting on berm of highway for an hour in foggy conditions and semi trucks flying by was very scary.

Filed Feb 27, 2025 · Transmission · MN

I have had 2 incidents involving drivetrain failure which almost resulted in accidents. On 26 September 2024, I was in left lane passing other vehicles when suddenly my vehicle (2021 Jeep Cherokee Trail Hawk) started jerking, felt and sounded like something exploded under vehicle. I was among a group of vehicles, including semi trucks with trailers, both behind me as well as along side me. Vehicle suddenly lost forward motion, engine rpm kept increasing and decreasing, vehicle would jerk like something in drivetrain was binding up but still did not have forward power and losing speed. Dash lights started coming on and going off, then check engine light remained on. while still in passing lane, I had no power to drive forward so I immediately signaled to attempt a safe maneuver in traffic to right edge of road as there was no space on left shoulder. Several vehicles had to swerve to avoid hitting us, a very frightening and unsafe experience. Once I was on side of road, vehicle would not move in any direction, transmission made like a grinding sound if put from drive to park. Vehicle was towed to Papik Motors for repair. Dealer determined shift actuator forks were worn and replaced shift actuator. there were no loaner or rental vehicles available from dealership, I had to rent a Uhaul to get us and camper home. Vehicle returned 4 Oct 2024. On 21 January 2025 while attempting to pass a vehicle on 2 lane highway, my transmission seemed to go into neutral as I was passing causing me to almost be hit by oncoming vehicle as I had lost forward motion. After stopping, vehicle seemed to operate fine but on way home, vehicle made loud noises, transmission was grinding and would not drive. I was able to drive in 4x4 low along edge of road to the dealership. they found metal in PTU case. estimated time for repair is May or later due to parts not available. I have loaner vehicle. Contacted Stellantis twice. Case manager has not called back. I do not and will not feel safe driving

Filed May 1, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 134,000 miles · SC

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.

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · Engine · CA

The first time it happened was 9/23/2022. I was accelerating away from a traffic light, going to make a left turn, and warning lights came on and the car didn't want to go. The orange check engine light was on, there was a red symbol of a throttle venture and several other orange lights and the car was in limp mode. I restarted the car and the red venture light was out and only the check engine light was on and the car was out of limp mode. A week later 9/30/2022, the same thing happened. I was making a left turn at a light and the lights came on and it went into limp mode. I restarted the car and it was out of limp mode. Just up the street I was making a left turn across traffic and as I went the car again went into limp mode with the red and orange lights on. This time it left me in the middle of a 3 lane road trying to get across. I was almost T-Boned. I took the car to the dealer and they were unable to duplicate the problem. They had the car for a week., 20/5 - 10/12/2022. Then today, 10/18/2022, the same thing happened. The red venture light came on, the orange check engine light came on and some other warning lights came on. One was the traction control light in orange. I was making a left turn out of a shopping center at a light and as I started to go I almost stopped when the car went into limp mode. I tried restarting 3 times and the lights stayed on. I drove it to the Jeep dealer and had them read codes before it was shut off. This could be very dangerous if it happens as someone is trying to cross traffic or on the highway.

Questions about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee check engine light

Is check engine light a common problem on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

15 of 183 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (8%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2014.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

There are 0 recalls and 33 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Loss of power 14Stalling 12Grinding brakes 10Jerking 9Hesitation 7Transmission failure 6Adaptive cruise 5Fire or smoke 5

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