SHAFT - AXLE HALF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 28,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 84 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 66 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 37 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 47 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 51 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 28 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 26 |
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 9 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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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 ↗Power Liftgate Inoperative.
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.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's powertrain issues run deep and wide. Transmission failures are the most frequent complaint: vehicles refusing to shift out of first gear at traffic lights, stuck in neutral on acceleration, bucking hard into gears, and complete failure requiring replacement at mileages as low as 2,300 to 5,600 miles. One owner spent $8,700 on a new transmission and dealt with mismatched valve bodies that wouldn't communicate with the car. Dealers often respond to intermittent shifting problems by doing a computer update or claiming "no codes found, nothing to fix"—then the car fails the same way again.
Engine stalling is another widespread problem. Owners report the engine cutting off at highway speeds with zero warning, forcing aggressive downshifts or complete loss of control. In one case, this happened three times within 12 months at a Stellantis dealer.
Electrical gremlins plague many vehicles: infotainment screens turning solid white or black, headlights shutting off while driving, radio freezing, and emergency braking activating on its own. Oil consumption is abnormally high on new vehicles, with engines burning oil so fast that owners are refilling between services. One owner's 8-month-old leased vehicle had destroyed carpet from low oil and a faulty oil pump.
Some vehicles roll backward out of park. Parking brakes don't hold. Service Shifter messages stay on permanently. One driveshaft broke clean off at 45 mph. Dealer and manufacturer responses vary widely—some honor warranty repairs, others refuse service, cite no codes, or blame the owner.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Failure/Slipping
Complete transmission failure, slipping, hard shifts, failure to shift properly, limp mode, loss of power. Multiple complaints report the transmission needing replacement at very low mileage. Owners report erratic shifting, jerking, bucking into gears, difficulty shifting from park to drive, and inability to shift into drive or reverse.
When: Various mileage points from 2,300 miles to 85,000 miles; most failures reported under 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission won't shift out of first gear; Stuck in neutral on acceleration; Transmission slipping and jerking; Limp mode activation; Hard shifts into gears; Bucking on acceleration; Failure to accelerate; Loss of power while driving; Transmission locked in park; No forward or reverse motion; Service Transmission warning light; Transmission Temperature High message; Erratic shifting
Codes mentioned: P0733, P060A, B25AF-2A, B1561-13
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement: $8,700 quoted by one owner. Oil pump replacement. Valve body replacement. PCM reflash performed. Multiple dealers unable to replicate intermittent issues; some advised transmission replacement without visible codes. Warranty repairs performed but failures persisted after repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler denied lemon law buyback claim. Chrysler refused to pay for loaner vehicles. Dealers instructed by Stellantis/FCA not to perform warranty work without computer codes. Warranty repairs performed (transmission replacement, valve body replacement). Manufacturer stated vehicle was 'safe to drive' with faulty oil pump.
Engine Stalling/Sudden Power Loss
Engine shuts off completely while driving at various speeds with no warning. Vehicle loses all motive power, requiring restart. Often occurs at low speeds or while parking. Some occurrences involve aggressive downshift when power is lost.
When: Under 3,000 miles to 50,000 miles; scattered reports across the mileage range
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving; Complete loss of power with no warning; Vehicle cannot be restarted until shifted to park and back to drive; No warning lights prior to failure; Aggressive downshift when stalling occurs; Vehicle becomes unresponsive to accelerator; Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon message; Vehicle turns off while parking
Codes mentioned: P060A, Check engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repairs documented in narratives. One owner had engine block fuse replaced after jump-start damage. Another had auxiliary battery replaced. Most vehicles inspected at dealer but no repairs performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated no recalls associated with VIN. No assistance provided by manufacturer. One owner's attorney accepted lemon law case based on multiple stalling/power loss incidents.
Transmission Cooling Line Detachment
Transmission cooler lines detach from transmission, causing fluid leaks and loss of cooling capacity. Results in vehicle stalling.
When: 82,060 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle deceleration and stalling; Check engine warning light; Transmission fluid leaking from vehicle; Loss of motive power
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission lines reattached and leak sealed. Repair performed at dealer.
Infotainment/Electrical Glitches
Infotainment screen freezes, turns off, glitches, displays solid white or black screens preventing visibility of gauges and navigation. Radio freezes and requires hard reset. Headlights shut off unexpectedly while driving.
When: Under 3,000 miles to 50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Radio freezes and becomes unresponsive; Infotainment screen flashes off; Screen turns solid white or black; Unable to see speed, gauges, or navigation; Dashboard display malfunctions; Night vision images freeze and glitch; Headlights shut off unexpectedly while driving; Radio automatically adjusts volume; Center console base popped out
Repairs/costs cited: Hard reset of radio performed by owner. Software update performed at dealer for screen glitching. Dealer claimed condensation in headlights was 'normal.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One Sirius XM issue referred between Sirius and Jeep with no resolution.
Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction
Emergency braking system activates inappropriately while driving, slowing vehicle suddenly or preventing backing up. No trouble codes available to diagnose.
When: Various occurrences; one at 1,000 miles (4WD transfer case reported separately)
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency braking activates while backing up; Emergency braking activates while driving forward; Sudden deceleration without driver input; Vehicle shifts into auto stick when braking activates; No warning prior to activation
Repairs/costs cited: No trouble codes available for diagnosis. Dealer unable to correct issue. Owner worked around by switching to manual mode.
Parking Brake/Park Gear Failure
Vehicle rolls out of park when parked on driveway. Parking brake does not hold vehicle or disengages unexpectedly. Vehicle shifts out of park on its own or parks itself without warning.
When: 38,500 miles and 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls down driveway while in park; Parking brake does not hold; Parking brake applies itself automatically; Vehicle shifts into park on its own
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealers unable to replicate or diagnose issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware but no resolution provided.
Transfer Case/4WD Issues
Transfer case failure, hard shifting into 4WD, transfer case makes loud popping noise, 4WD low and neutral engage on their own, loud pop when coming to stop.
When: Around 1,000 miles (hard shifting reported 6/1/2024, other symptoms 6/23/2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting when taking off at low speed; Loud pop from transfer case when coming to stop; 4WD low and neutral engage by themselves; 4WD service light comes on; Electronic stability control malfunctions; Transfer case failure at 35,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported company honored full repairs at 35,000 miles. Hard shifting noted but repairs not detailed.
Service Shifter Message/Shifter Malfunction
Service Shifter warning appears repeatedly. Actual shifter component malfunction. Installation of new shifter caused short to other components. Permanent fix not found.
When: Intermittent, multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter message displays every time vehicle is turned on; Message eventually stays on continuously; Shifter malfunctions after repair attempt
Repairs/costs cited: New shifter installed but shorted out other components. Multiple repair attempts; no permanent fix achieved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep has not found permanent fix.
Driveshaft Failure
Front driveshaft breaks off while driving at low highway speed, causing sudden loss of control and near rollover.
When: 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Driveshaft breaks and separates from vehicle; Sudden loss of vehicle control; Near rollover incident; No warning lights before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed by dealer. Manufacturer reviewed pictures from dealer but did not inspect vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer did not inspect vehicle; reviewed pictures sent by dealer.
Engine Damage/Low Oil Condition
Engine requires oil changes at very low mileage. Oil burning rapidly. Piston blow-out reported. Oil cup breaks in engine. Engine mounts fail. Seal failure causes oil loss. Oil level gauge shows incorrect levels.
When: 2,300 miles, 5,000 miles, and various early-mileage complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid oil burn; Low oil warning despite full tank; Oil gauge inaccuracy; Oil leaking from engine; Piston blow-out; Oil cup breakdown; Engine mounting joint failure; Missing significant oil quantity; Engine seal failure; Burning oil smell
Codes mentioned: P060A, Engine light (code not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil changes performed at 2,300 and 5,000 miles on new vehicles. One oil pump replacement. Most damage not yet repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Carpet damage allegedly caused by flood; flood claim investigation ongoing in one case.
Paddle Shifter Issues
Paddle shifters engage unexpectedly or accidentally, causing abrupt transmission mode shifts with no way to disable them. When disabled, no way to enable them when needed.
When: Various driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Paddle shifter activates unintentionally; Vehicle switches from auto to manual mode without driver intent; No software option to disable paddle shifters; No way to re-enable paddle shifters when needed; Engine RPMs spike when shifter engages
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed. Software fix requested but not implemented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer has not addressed issue.
Camshaft Failure
Repeated camshaft failure causing sudden loss of power and engine stalling with no warning.
When: Three occurrences in last 12 months
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power; Engine stalling; Check engine light activation; No prior warning before failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific code not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle at Stellantis dealer; specific repairs not documented.
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Front Drive shaft broke off vehicle while driving at 45 mph and lost control of vehicle. Vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle lost control and almost flipped over when the drive shaft broke off. Problem was confirmed by dealer. Manufacturer has not inspected vehicle they had the dealer send pictures. No warning lights appear on dash before or after the incident.
Started noticing hard reverse shift when vehicle was cold. Took to the dealership, tech could not find any issues other than it shifted hard in reverse. Tech found no leaks, performed PCM reflash. Still no problems found. Tech did not check transmission fluid level on vehicle. Must be checked at the dealership. Tech recommended replacing transmission even though could not find any issues. A…
Vehicle was in park on the drive way and rolled backwards about 20 feet before coming to a stop. Video from Ring camera is available in the link below. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QjvPBfN47gBhqLA37
Started my 2021 Grand Cherokee Jeep started to drive light on dash transmission service and my vehicle would not go over 35 had to get off highway and get towed .10pm on 12/18/2024
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
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?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 47 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?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 38,500 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 38,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
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.