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2021 Jeep Cherokee: complete transmission failure

6 of the 183 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
6
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
2
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls and 17 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure 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 Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While on a XXX road trip through [XXX] with my son, my Jeep was initially operating normally. We were leaving a hiking site when the Jeep gears would not engage. Soon the engine roared and popped into gear however it would not go over 30 mph and the engine went from idling to roaring with rpms going up to 8,000. We were in a small town and went to the local NAPA dealer who after examining the Jeep said he couldn’t address the issue and felt a new transmission maybe needed. Another local master mechanic advised it wasn’t the transmission and we could drive to the nearest Jeep dealer in [XXX]. While driving there, the car uncontrollably rotated between roaring, operating normally, and stalling out on hills. The Grand Junction dealer advised a total replacement of PTU Motor Component, according to the invoice. Since the Jeep was not operating properly, I approved the replacement. Fortunately the replacement was accomplished before the weekend. Upon arriving to pick up the Jeep, I was told there was a recall on this particular Jeep and issue. However since no repair had been decided upon - where we still are today, 4 months after I had to pay for the replacement parts and service. A total of $1,450.31 had to be paid by me. I’ve been informed by all parties that until a repair option is agreed upon, I remain out of pocket of these funds. I’m retired, living on a fixed income, paid for a warranty protection plan that I am still in compliance with, but I can’t be reimbursed until a repair plan is decided upon. The Jeep was basically inoperable, at least not safely. After the repairs were made, the Jeep is operating better than it had even before the incident occurred. I was not aware of the recall - guess since a repair decision had not been made, I was not notified of the issue. This is BS, sorry but that closely resembles how I feel. Please do something to aid my situation and help me get my funds back. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 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 Sep 13, 2025 · OK

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?

Filed Jun 15, 2022 · Electrical, Lights · NY

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.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Power trainReported May 7, 2026 · 61,711 vehicles affected
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 fittingsReported May 4, 2021 · 18,800 vehicles affected
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

Questions about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

6 of 183 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (3%) mention complete transmission failure. 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 2 recalls and 17 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

Check engine light 15Loss of power 14Stalling 12Grinding brakes 10Jerking 9Hesitation 7Adaptive cruise 5Fire or smoke 5

All model years of the Jeep Cherokee

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