Jeep Cherokee Complaints (2021)

152 consumer complaints on file.

#11647309March 10, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The 4WD light keeps coming on and going off. This issue is reported all over the internet with Jeeps. It started about 60,000 miles, which is also reported as a normal mileage of failure. When the 4WD light is on the vehicle loses stability control which could result in an accident in anything other than dry road conditions. Why is this issue not a recall? A lot of the complaints online seem to be a faulty sensor or the PTU. With as many complaints as there are online, this issue should be covered by the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645373February 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11645338February 27, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2/16/2025 Light for 4WD came on when the temperature was 11 degrees. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2/19/25 & 2/25/25 Taken into the dealer and stated that Debris in the PTU causing Actuator to stick - will need to be replace PTU - if approved will need to locate part. Car difficult to put into park
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640800February 5, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle hesitates to go into gear and upon takeoff resulting in slamming into first gear. This causes significant stress on the transmission and PTU causing premature failure. Additionally, loss of power to the wheels upon take off could result in a vehicle collision when turning into on coming traffic.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11639832January 31, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 75 MPH on I-15 and accelerating, the transmission seized, and the vehicle skidded to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that the engine was running but the vehicle failed to move. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where codes were retrieved for the power transfer unit (PTU); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11636214January 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
PTU is going out causing jeep to not have 4wd. 74k miles. Causing the jeep to not be able to get traction on a busy highway causing a traffic jam in snow. Putting people’s safety at jeopardy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11635030January 9, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN
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 vehicle. I got into the vehicle, put it into reverse and backed up the driveway. Once I stopped and placed the vehicle in drive it automatically engaged the parking brake. I put the vehicle in drive disengaged the brake pulled the car forward toward my house. I stopped the car placed it in park. The vehicle kept rolling about 2 ft. Into my garage door and then engaged the parking brake.. I don't know what is wrong, I have never seen a vehicle do this. I have checked and this is a common problem. I don't know why this isn't recalled. It is a dangerous vehicle like this.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632934December 29, 2024
POWER TRAIN
PTU is going out causing jeep to not have 4wd. 67k miles. Causing the jeep to not be able to get traction on a busy highway causing a traffic jam in snow. Putting people’s safety at jeopardy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629876December 10, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown. While driving this vehicle, the engine just shuts off when stopping. The first time it happened it flashed to put vehicle in park and restart. It shut off and was unable to restart it. It happened 4 other times when at a stop, just shuts off off. Was able to restart it after a few minutes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11628245December 2, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Driving on the road when the power transfer unit failed. Car would was not in gear, was able to get to side of road but could have been very dangerous. Towed to dealer and was told that part is on back order and would be 1-2 months to get it and there are55 on back order. Factory has hold on them. This is warranty under the power train and should be in stock . This type of failure could cause a crash and possible death. Should be a rercall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615629September 20, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Powertrain unit failed at 74k mileage. This is a chronic issue with Jeep Cherokees and cost $3,400 to repair as warranty expired at 60k.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603887July 22, 2024
SUSPENSION
2021 Jeep Cherokee purchased with 33,000 miles. Around a month to a month and a half after we thought the brakes were needing replaced, couldn't get an appointment anywhere. At inspection we are told that the brakes are fine but the lower control arm (drivers) is bad and it was nothing that I had done. I have documentation from the mechanic stating this and can be provided. We believe this should be part of the recall. What front control arm goes bad before 35,000 miles?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603328July 19, 2024
POWER TRAIN
PTU failure or blockage. Only 30,000 miles. 3year factory warranty has passed by 2 months, part can be over 2,000$
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11596987June 26, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle started jerking and then the front wheel drive would lose power. The 4WD light came on the dash. We took it in and were told there were pieces broken off inside the PTU and the PTU needed to be completely replaced. This happened 600 miles over the manufacture warranty would have replaced it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11595812June 21, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, STEERING
I purchased a brand new car and the ABS system keeps failing. My car has passed inspections but for this continues to be a problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590968May 28, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There are times I go to start my car and it has nothing. No lights no door dinging nothing. I started it up on day to go to work and got to the gas station and shut it down to run in quick. Came out 5 mins later and it acted as if someone took my battery out. The car was totally dead. After about 10-15 mins it lit back up and was able to start. Another time it happened in the dead of winter and I was picking my son up. We went to get in the car and all 4 doors were opened. No lights came on and wouldn’t start and as my kids shut doors it would flicker. Times it comes back to life and as soon as you hit the start button it goes black again. It’s been at Tristar and c Harper both and cannot replicate so no fix. I’m afraid it’s going to catch fire or something one day. In the shops for a month and a half total and no results. It’s very intermittent so does not do it all the time. Sometimes it will go a month and be fine then act up 3 times in one week. Please help! I don’t feel safe!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11586379May 1, 2024
SUSPENSION, WHEELS
While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which resulted in the tire coming off of the vehicle. A claim was turned into insurance carrier and repairs have been completed to the vehicle.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11580917April 3, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The Jeep caught fire underneath while I was driving on the highway. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. I saw flames come up over the front of the car and immediately parked and ran with my child. We could have died.The fire and stopped car in the middle of the highway could have caused a pile up of crashes. It is unknown what component or system failed and I don't believe it is available for inspection as State Farm decided not to move forward with inspection. They declared it a total loss.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11578648March 21, 2024
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
1. Engine timing chain making rattling noise. Yes Automatic Emergency braking activates when there is no collision imminent. Yes 2. Faulty Timing chain can cause significant damage to engine while driving Faulty automatic braking system can cause accident if stopped abruptly in traffic. 3. Timing chain has been inquired by mechanic. Video of the noise. Needs to be confirmed by dealer for warranty 4. No 5. No warning
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11577345March 14, 2024
ENGINE
Jeep stuttered and jerked on the freeway and then dropped out of gear. I managed to get to the shoulder but the engine would just rev and not go fwd while in drive or manual mode. I could not engage the parking break and when in park, the jeep would still roll forward. I turned the jeep off and on several times but it would not engage in forward gear, but the rpms would go up. I could put the jeep in reverse but no forward gear would engage
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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