VehicleVerdict

2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 71 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 37% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

71

Transmission complaints

37%

Share of year

1

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Cherokee transmission complaints by model year1,461 complaints1985: 2 complaints1987: 4 complaints1988: 8 complaints1989: 9 complaints1990: 17 complaints1991: 14 complaints1992: 16 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 40 complaints1995: 48 complaints1996: 66 complaints1997: 51 complaints1998: 74 complaints1999: 58 complaints2000: 32 complaints2001: 24 complaints2006: 2 complaints2014: 1,461 complaints2015: 998 complaints2016: 626 complaints2017: 641 complaints2018: 289 complaints2019: 750 complaints2020: 139 complaints2021: 71 complaints2022: 22 complaints2023: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Cherokee transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

26V290000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 61,711 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Consequence

A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be 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 NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

21V310000TransmissionMay 4, 2021 · 18,800 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

What owners report

“ The vehicle gave us a service 4wd warning on my wife's way home from work. The car had numerous issues driving it home. It wouldn't move in drive, until it was put in park and then back into drive and it would automatically engage the parking brake. Once she brought it home I went to check the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2025 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?

NHTSA has 71 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission — 37% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 21V310000, 26V290000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.