The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of October 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Grand Cherokee L (this page) | 12 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee L | 7 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee L | 3 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee L | 4 |
| 2025 Grand Cherokee L | 7 |
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee L we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 12.
Owners are still filing on this — the most recent NHTSA powertrain complaint for this vehicle was logged 10 days ago.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
SHAFT - AXLE HALF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SHAFT - AXLE HALF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 (DTCs): ● P0300 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire - In Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire - In Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0302 - Cylinder 2 Misfire - In Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0303 - Cylinder 3 Misfire - In Active or Stored status set during cold start catalyst heating. ● P0304 - Cylinder 4 Misfire - In Active or Stored status set during cold st
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
On or about 10/7/26, my vehicle suffered a simultaneous, unprompted failure of multiple safety and control systems. I believe this is due to a background manufacturer-initiated Over-the-Air (OTA) software update and is a well known issue on the Jeep Grand Cherrokee L . The exact date the update was pushed is unknown, as it occurred automatically via the telematics system. The symptoms appeared…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 84,350 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Jeep/Grand Cherokee L.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.