general problems of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee - part 1

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

While driving on the highway a message popped up that the 4 wheel drive system was unavailable. Then the orange error message displayed the svc 4wd. Then it went off. I called the dealership and was told to get it checked sometime, but since it went off there was no rush. I told him to check it when I brought it in for an oil change. Apparently they did not check it for error codes. No error messages or lights when I went to work. Came out to go home and the battery was dead. Called the dealership for a jump. They came and jump started me. When I put the car into reverse, it wouldn't go. I called the dealership again and they came back and said I'd need to get my Jeep towed to them. My Jeep was towed on Wednesday, October 29. It took the dealership a week to look at my car and find out that the ptu had metal chunks and slime in it.

The vehicle was sold by drivetime (highland, indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (y18 – transmission oil cooler hose, NHTSA 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.

Ptu failure.

The car is reporting service 4wd, they are saying the ptu is bad. Took it into the dealership today.

The service 4wd light is on. The dealership said it is a ptu problem. They want $2500 for a new ptu and of course add more money for labor. This seems to be a manufacturer problem not a car owner problem. It should be a recall item as it has been for 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees. The dealer should fix this at no cost to the auto owners.

Our Jeep has had multiple accounts of shifting hard, hesitation while shifting, making a hard sound when putting in reverse and now it is having trouble starting up. When we charged the recently purchased (brand new) battery, the vehicle will start up but when placing in reverse it shifts so hard that it sounds like the bottom is dropping out. Now a lot of lights are shining on my panel; the check engine light, the forward collision light, the parking break light, the regular brake notification, the traction control light. . . . . All shining up like christmas lights. This is an ongoing issue and I feel a recall needs to be done. My car is over the warranty time frame and for a 2021 model that was purchased brand new I should not have to be replacing a transmission already and paying out of pocket expenses.

Incident occur on 25 August, 2025: while driving I experienced a violent jerk and sudden loss of power. The vehicle continued to drive with attenuated power, jerking motion during gear shifts, and loud clucking sounds coming from powertrain. There were no injuries or accidents as result of malfunction. The vehicle was later taken to dealership for diagnosis. The dealership determined root cause as a power transfer unit (ptu) failure. Ptus for this vehicle are on backorder or not available from manufacturer. This vehicle is 2021 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk 4x4 edition with a 3. 2l v6 engine and automatic transmission.

My vehicle was driving fine and I pulled up to a stop light. When I stepped on gas to drive after the light switched, the car would not move and made a loud noise. The brake automatically kicked in and car would not move. This could have been very dangerous as someone could have slammed into the back of my car which could have caused serious damage to me or my children. There was absolutely no warning of anything wrong with my car. I had to have my vehicle towed to a garage. The ptu in my Jeep went with absolutely no warning. This part is on back order apparently because there are so many issues with this part on Jeeps. Prior year Jeeps have this item as a recall which leads me to believe that this is a Jeep problem that should have been fixed already. So now I am without my vehicle for a month.

When taking off out of my driveway the car hesitated to send power from the engine to the wheels resulting in a delayed start. Unknown which component caused the issue but based on my previous 2014 trailhawks ptu 2 x failure it appears to be the suspect. This placed my me and my family at a risk of a side collision as vehicles drive down our road at high speeds. If we cannot pull out in time, a collision is likely to occur causing serious injury or death. Vehicle I available for inspection upon request but has not been inspected by a dealer, independent shop, of police for this problem and there were no indicator lights that came on.

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.

On may 13th 2025 the 4wd service light came on. We took it to the Dodge Jeep ram dealership that owns the used car dealership we bought it from. After the mechanic checked everything, they said it was drivable but they needed to order a car part (ptu). Once that car part arrived at the dealership they would have us bring the car back in and they would fix it. On July 8th of 2025, stil no news on when the part would be delivered to the dealership, the car started making weird noises and was not drivable on the road. Aaa towed it back to the dealership where they confirmed the power transfer unit stopped altogether (ptu). From there they said they will keep the car until the part comes in, the car part was estimated August 8th. It is now September 11th and they still have not received the part to fix the car. I have contacted Jeep customer service, a law firm, etc as there is no recall open on this vehicle and it seems to be an issue as our dealership said there were 10 other Jeeps waiting for this part.

The check 4wd light on, the ptu needs replaced.

The power transfer unit failed and lost power lots of grinding noises and could even roll when in park. What worries me more as I read about this is how many seems to be failing.

Driving a 2021 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk on the interstate with cruise control engaged. All of a sudden the vehicle decelerates/downshifts and the display screen flashes "4wd system unavailable service required" and "4wd neutral warning". Trying to cross traffic to get to the shoulder of road and almost hit due to deceleration. Press gas pedal and nothing. Traction control light flashes on. Coast cross traffic to shoulder side of the road. Shut off Jeep. Check for loss of fluids and/or parts. Check brakes. Nothing. No smoke. No burning smell. Turn vehicle on. Vehicle automatically engages parking brake. Shift off parking brake and shift vehicle into drive and it makes a grinding noise like its trying to shift into 4wd. Snow mode pops on as well as the fwd collision light and traction control. Jeep ran just fine until this point and no prior incidents, no bad/hard shifting. Nothing.

Upon exiting a major interstate highway, I slowed down and attempted to merge onto a divided highway. The vehicle (2021 Jeep Cherokee trailhawk) did not respond, as their was little or no power. Cars behind me, took actions to avoid me. After coasting to the shoulder of the divided highway, I placed the vehicle in park and then back into drive. I experienced a grinding, oscillating noise and a dashboard warning message stating to service 4wd system. I repeated this procedure and was able to advance the vehicle at a slow/steady pace to a local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep dealership, not far from the malfunction. Dealership has confirmed a major ptu failure, one of the "worst" they have seen. I was also informed that the stated wait on replacement parts is 45 days.

Car completely died while operating. No power. Dead in middle of the road. Unable to signal other cars. Jeep dealership ran code and replaced battery. Did not check ptu as requested. Car is now acting up similar to ptu issues. Exact same experiences as outlined in the recall for 2017 to 2020. 2021 should be included for this recall and reviewed or repaired as this is a known issue in Jeep cheerokes. This is a serious issue due to the fact that they shut down immediately leaving you in the middle of the road with zero ability to notify anyone you are stopped. No warning signs were present.

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.

Ptu failure service 4wd light came on in April 2025 problem confirmed by independent service center has not been inspected by manufacture, police, insurance or others.

Ptu went out at 42,900 miles 2 weeks ago traveling on i81, was very foggy and all of a sudden my rpm went crazy and check engine and service 4 wd light came on pulled to side of highway and car was reving itself on and off and when shifting to drive or reverse car would not move and emergency brake was engaging on it’s own. Called triple a and had to have towed on truck to dealer . Just bought vehicle 3 months prior . Dealer tested and told me ptu went out in vehicle not sure when part will be available could be months . We were sitting on berm of highway for an hour in foggy conditions and semi trucks flying by was very scary.

Failed rear driveline failed rear differential and failed dtcm. Jeep is still sluggish upon shifting to acceleration. Clunk from park to drive and cold start to warm up normal to drop to normal rpm then rev up to 2. 0 while sitting still. I have suspicions that the ptu could be having issues after all the above was replaced.

"service 4wd" message came on after startup one day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.