2021 Jeep Cherokee engine problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee — 16% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux equipped with a 1-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / Active Drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the AWD system, triggering an immediate "Service 4WD" warning light on the dashboard. Dealership diagnostics confirmed trouble code…”
filed Sep 16, 2026
“I have filed a reimbursement twice now for recall 26V290000 (FCA Recall 40D). I had this repaired in August of 2025. Both times I have submitted the claim it has been denied because of no remedy available. I am just asking for a reimbursement and I think they are just using this as an excuse not to…”
filed Aug 28, 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 | 14% |
| 2020 Cherokee | 40 | 14% |
| 2019 Cherokee | 457 | 28% |
| 2018 Cherokee | 155 | 23% |
| 2017 Cherokee | 258 | 19% |
| 2016 Cherokee | 314 | 22% |
| 2015 Cherokee | 364 | 20% |
| 2014 Cherokee | 515 | 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.