2021 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“I own a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that is included in the PTU safety recall involving sudden loss of motive power and/or loss of the PARK function. My vehicle began exhibiting the exact symptoms of this recall in April 2026 and has been undrivable since that time. The recall was announced in May…”
filed Aug 3, 2026
“I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple critical failures…”
filed Mar 24, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes…
18-044-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 21, 2026
Engine problems in other Cherokee years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Cherokee | 7 | 15% |
| 2020 Cherokee | 37 | 14% |
| 2019 Cherokee | 451 | 28% |
| 2018 Cherokee | 155 | 23% |
| 2017 Cherokee | 256 | 19% |
| 2016 Cherokee | 313 | 22% |
| 2015 Cherokee | 363 | 20% |
| 2014 Cherokee | 513 | 19% |
| 2001 Cherokee | 7 | 3% |
| 2000 Cherokee | 12 | 3% |
| 1999 Cherokee | 1 | 0% |
| 1998 Cherokee | 4 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.