What 136 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee

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 ODI 11748808

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 ODI 11748097

I am the owner of a 2021 Jeep Cherokee that is subject to NHTSA Recall 26V-290 (FCA Recall 40D) for a defective Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The recall notice states that the PTU may fail internally, causing an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of drive power at any speed or allowing the vehicle to roll while in PARK without warning. The notice also states that these conditions can result in a vehicle crash or injury. While the manufacturer has acknowledged this as a safety defect, the recall notice also states that no remedy is currently available. I have been left with a vehicle that has a known safety defect but no means to have it repaired. I rely on this vehicle every day as my family’s only vehicle to transport my two young children to school, childcare, activities, medical appointments, and for my employment. Without a repair or transportation assistance, I must either continue driving a vehicle with a known safety defect or be left without reliable transportation. I am requesting that NHTSA document the hardship and ongoing safety concern created by this recall and the lack of an available remedy. I will also be contacting Jeep Customer Care to request a loaner or rental vehicle while a repair is unavailable. I believe owners should not be expected to continue driving a vehicle with a known safety defect or be left without reliable transportation while waiting for a remedy.

NHTSA ODI 11747371

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 ODI 11747395

SVC 4WD light came on took to repair shop found it needs a new transfer case

NHTSA ODI 11747457

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 ODI 11745448

My vehicle is currently experiencing active, dangerous symptoms related to the open FCA/Stellantis Power Transfer Unit (PTU) safety recall (Recall Campaign 40D / NHTSA Campaign 23V-407). The vehicle is experiencing severe drivability issues related to this defective part, including vibrations and intermittent power issues, creating an immediate safety hazard of sudden power loss or roll-away while driving or parking.The Problem with the Manufacturer’s Response:The manufacturer has issued a "remedy not yet available" notice and has failed to provide a replacement part to fix this known safety defect. Local dealerships refuse to repair the vehicle because the re-engineered recall part does not exist yet. Furthermore, the manufacturer and dealership have failed to provide a safe loaner vehicle or an immediate stop-gap repair while my vehicle remains unsafe to operate.Safety Risk:I am being forced to either drive an inherently unsafe vehicle that faces an active recall for sudden loss of motive power, or leave the vehicle completely inoperable without alternative transportation. The manufacturer's unreasonable delay in producing the remedy part, combined with a lack of interim consumer support, poses a severe and direct risk to my safety, my passengers, and other drivers on the road. I request that the NHTSA investigate the manufacturer's delay in providing a timely remedy for Campaign 23V-407.

NHTSA ODI 11741169

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

NHTSA ODI 11740784

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 ODI 11740947

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 ODI 11739021

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 ODI 11739023

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 ODI 11739115

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

NHTSA ODI 11738296

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 ODI 11737212

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 ODI 11734025

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 ODI 11733237

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 ODI 11731180

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 ODI 11725338

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.

NHTSA ODI 11721829

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 ODI 11713965

I was driving on the interstate at approximately 70 mph when I attempted to accelerate to pass another vehicle. There was no response. At first, I thought I might have hit a patch of ice, but I quickly confirmed that wasn’t the case. I tried to accelerate again, and once more nothing happened—other than the engine revving. No warning lights appeared to indicate a problem. I coasted to the next exit and was able to safely park the Jeep. I then had the vehicle towed to a local Chrysler dealership. As it turns out, the Jeep had suffered a catastrophic failure of the PTU (Power Transfer Unit), which I understand has been a known issue for Jeep for several years. The dealership received a replacement PTU, but they quickly determined that the replacement unit was also defective.

NHTSA ODI 11706912

PTU Failure. Known issue. 2017-2019 recalled but the part is still and issue and can lock up transmission. Recall needs to be extended to cover later years

NHTSA ODI 11705902

I took my vehicle to dealer shortly after purchase due to jerking forward during stops. A software update was performed and did not have any issues until recently. The past few weeks it began to hesitate upon acceleration and jerked forward harshly into first gear. Today there is a very noticeable prolonged hesitation during acceleration and an odd revving noice coming from TPU. This should be a major recall given the frequency and severity of the issue which could lead to a crash.

NHTSA ODI 11704383

I have had a service 4wd light on for months. The Power Transfer Case part has been on backorder from jeep for over 4 months and I have been left with out a vehicle this entire time with no updates or information about when the parts will be available.

NHTSA ODI 11701952

2021 78784 MILES WONT DRIVE 4 WHEEL LIGHT ON DEALER STATES NEES NEW PTU SAYS THERES MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE PTU BUT WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. $ 4, 000 TO REPAIR 99 COMPLIANTS HERE ALONE

NHTSA ODI 11698499