Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Jeep Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
2001 Jeep Cherokee sport, wife parks vehicle at top of steep driveway on fairly level ground. Puts transmission in "park", sets emergency brake and exits car, leaving car running for niece and 2yr old son to have ac. After approximately 15 min, niece decides to exit vehicle, opens passenger door, reaches over to turn off ignition. As soon as ignition is turned off, car lurches backward, runs down hill, crosses the street, runs through neighbors back yard, through trees, over retaining wall and high centers on large log. All passengers were okay buy did over $3000.00 in damage to vehicle.
I own a 2001 Jeep Cherokee sport. I have had several issues such as brakes/rotors that I have taken care of without complaint. However my Jeep was just diagnosed with a front differential failure and needs a complete overhaul. My car has only 60,000 miles on it and I have had the front and rear differentials serviced twice each according to the specs in my owner's manual. I've been told by private mecanics as well as Jeep technicians that this should not have occured. Chrysler told me after I had it diagnosed by my personal mechanic to have it checked by my dealership. If the dealership came to the same conclusion I was assured that my warranty would be extended to cover the repair. Now Chrysler is refusing the repair and will not return my calls. I have been given at least false information and have most likely been lied to. …
Vehicle was parked on a slight downhill grade, gear selector in park, with the engine running. After a period of time less than 5 minutes, the vehicle came out of park on its own and began to roll forward, crashing through a fence, small trees and shrubs, then down an enbankment. The vehicle sustained severe damage and is probably a total loss.
Consumer complained about about rear differential. Consumer took vehicle to dealer for servicing on 4 occasions, and it was making a grinding noise 8 months later. Warranty expired, and consumer was asked to pay $500.00 for repairs. Consumer was told that there was metal in the bottom of differential.
I was driving and heard a noise come from the front right. The Jeep then pulled hard to the left and crashed into a parked car. By looks, the suspension, steering, and driveline completely broke or detached. I do not know what caused the problem.
This Jeep has had problems since I first bought it. I questioned the dealer about these problems as they arose. I was made to feel that "all these things" are perfectly natural. This Jeep cannot even back up my driveway without squealing, tires and smoking the tires, no matter how slowly I try to go up it. I do not feel safe in this vehicle and would like Jeep Chrysler to take this vehicle back. I cannot put into 2000 characters all the problems I have had with this vehicle. I have an 11 year old child and thought I was buying reliable transportation. I am very disappointed in the reliablility and the handling of this vehicle. I am afraid to take it on a trip for fear it will quit on me again and strand me in an unsafe place. I have never owned a new vehicle like this before that put the fear of the devil in me like this Jeep does. …
Jeep purchased 7/19/02. When transmission shifts the second shift, the shift is very ruff and you here a clunk. This does not happen on a consistant basis. Jeep was taken into the shop on 7/26/02 a code "65" for transmission and accused me of driving vehicle harshly. While driving during the weekend Jeep cont to shift the same way. Took Jeep back in on 7/29/02 and got Jeep back on7/30/02 stating there was nothing wrong with it. That evening I had the tranny shift harshly 2 x. Jeep is still under warranty and since I am a woman I think they don't believe me. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.
There is vibration in the steering wheel. Gears are stuck when trying to change gears. Dealership is aware of problem. Steering wheel does not lock. Consumer feels vibration in steering wheel, gas pedal, passenger door, gear shift, and passenger seat, consumer hears a noise that sounds like it is coming from the rims. Air conditioner switch needed reset. Hood is out of line, drivers side door panel needs replacing and there is a gap at the top of the outside. Engine light is illuminated. Glove box light went out. Upper ball joint was replaced.
Consumer states front rotors continue to warp after (2) replacements. When ever the truck hits a bump while traveling 50 MPH or above will shake violently. Owner is concerned about controlling the truck when this happens. Also the upper and lower ball joint was loose which was causing the steering wheel to shake, the transfer case was loose, the gasket and thermostat was replaced due to a coolant leak, cruise control was inoperative, the air condition and heater only blows at defrost vents, the rear luggage rail came out.
Dt: the contact stated the check engine light illuminated. The dealership stated the computer showed a problem with the transmission. The original transmission jerked while in motion and changing gears. However, the replacement transmission experienced the same problem. The dealership replaced the transmission again, but the replacement started smoking. The dealer replaced an oil seal and the smoking continued. After the transmissions were replaced the check engine light continued to stay illuminated.
Transmission complaints in other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Jeep Cherokee, 10% of the model year's 229 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Jeep Cherokee, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.