I recieved a 4WD service error on my dashboard. I took it to my mechanic and they said the following codes came up. C14A7-97 PTU Motor P0606-49 Internal Control processor -internal electronic failure U0010-00 CAN interior bus I see that there are recalls for the PTU on other Cherokees for this year, so I want you to know it is happening to my vehicle too.
2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems
109 complaints (60% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 73,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 109
- of this car's complaints
- 60%
- typical mileage
- 73,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Transfer case (4-wheel drive)4
- Driveline: driveshaft1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Jeep Cherokee transmission problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Power train
- What is wrong
- 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 beginning May 14, 2026.
Recall number 26V290000 · Recall details
Power train: automatic transmission: cooler/radiator: hoses and fittings
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 21V310000 · Recall details
What 2021 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My power transfer unit went out, and has currently been sitting at a dealership since March 9, 2026 due to parts being on backorder.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message “Service 4WD” remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who also diagnosed the vehicle with PTU failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 86,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, an abnormal whining noise emanated from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over and restarted the engine; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit (PTU) failed and required replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
I've been driving Jeep vehicles for the past 30 years. I currently drive a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. About a year and a half ago my four-wheel-drive needs service light lit up. I didn't think much of it at the time and thought it was just a dummy light that maybe a fuse needs to be changed. I eventually brought it to the dealer and they said that my transfer case is gone bad so now I don't have four-wheel-drive. In order to get four-wheel-drive I have to spend thousands of dollars to replace my transfer case and possibly even my exhaust. I thought when you bought a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you had a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Not that you would have to pay three years down the road to continue to have four-wheel-drive. Anyway, about six months ago I got on a waiting list for a transfer case since there is such high demand for transfer case cases as apparently there are thousands of other people having the same issue with myself. I put down a deposit six months ago to order the part and they probably will be calling me in the next 30 days to let me know the part is in. I've noticed online that there are thousands of vehicles that are being recalled, but apparently my VIN number is not one of them. I don't understand why my VIN number is not included since I'm having the same exact problem as all of these other people. Months ago I was trying every which way to contact Jeep about this issue, but could never find a good number or email to contact until today. I'm hoping that Jeep is going to help me out with my transfer case issue. If I have to incur this cost or not get reimbursed this will be the last Jeep I ever buy. Thank you- [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed after the failure. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, and the failure was associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
PTU issue- located a recall for 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit recall; my VIN wasn't one the ones listed. took vehicle to the local jeep dealership and the advised that PTU internal damage needs to be fixed.
SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. the federal safety agency notes recalls for my year make and model for my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux but does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Jeep says nothing they can do since the federal safety agency does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Vehicle was taken to Jeep Chrysler AutoNation in Golden Colorado. Apparently having a faulty PTU can be a MAJOR safety issue. Please advise.
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee suffered a complete failure of its 1-speed PTU and ESM module, causing a loss of 4WD capabilities. This is the exact same failure mechanism and safety risk outlined in recall 40D, but 1 speed units are being excluded from coverage. My vehicle is at dealership awaiting for this PTU. Service 4WD light on dashboard. Not safe to drive.
Jeep Cherokee suffered the exact PTU failure detailed in the federal safety agency Campaign 26V290, and it has been sitting at a dealership since August 17 because the manufacturer has failed to provide a remedy. Dealership confirmed the issue is a PTU failure. Has been almost 2 months since the PTU failed and there is no fix in sight. Have spoken to FCA US LLC Assistance Center multiple times and all they can say is I have to continue to wait. Have been told reimbursement is paused until remedy is released and they won't guarantee full reimbursement if I were to pay for the fix myself.
Questions about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have transmission problems?
Owners have filed 109 complaints about the transmission of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, 60% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 73,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission?
Yes, 2 recalls: 26V290000, 21V310000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Cherokee have bad transmission?
The Jeep Cherokee model years with the most transmission complaints are 2014 (1,472 complaints), 2015 (1,007 complaints) and 2019 (840 complaints).
Other 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Engine 30Electrical 24Brakes 14Driver assistance 13Airbags 9Fuel system 5Suspension 5Steering 3Acceleration 2Seat belts 2Visibility 2Lights 1Locks 1Tires 1Wheels 1
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