VehicleVerdict

2021 Jeep Cherokee problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee sits mid-pack among Cherokee years: 191 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 175, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 10 injuries in total across these filings.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 71 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

191

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

16

Crash-involved

8

Fires reported

10

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Cherokee years?

Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted3,958 complaints1973: 1 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 1 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 1 complaints1981: 1 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 24 complaints1986: 26 complaints1987: 72 complaints1988: 118 complaints1989: 287 complaints1990: 368 complaints1991: 297 complaints1992: 175 complaints1993: 571 complaints1994: 618 complaints1995: 732 complaints1996: 584 complaints1997: 496 complaints1998: 553 complaints1999: 516 complaints2000: 508 complaints2001: 329 complaints2006: 18 complaints2014: 3,958 complaints2015: 2,651 complaints2016: 2,039 complaints2017: 1,919 complaints2018: 988 complaints2019: 2,370 complaints2020: 355 complaints2021: 191 complaints2022: 68 complaints2023: 4 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Cherokee NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cherokee years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7137%
Engine2212%
Other2111%
Electrical System2111%
Brakes147%
Driver Assistance137%
Airbags84%
Suspension53%
Fuel System42%
Steering32%
Tires & Wheels21%
Seat Belts21%
Speed Control21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Latches & Locks11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V290000TransmissionMay 7, 2026 · 61,711 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Consequence

A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be mailed June 25, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy becomes available. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 40D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning May 14, 2026.

24V516000AirbagsJuly 8, 2024 · 13 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Consequence

An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 71B.

21V310000TransmissionMay 4, 2021 · 18,800 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.

Consequence

A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is Y18.

20V657000SuspensionOctober 27, 2020 · 698 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving.

Consequence

A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W81. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“ The vehicle gave us a service 4wd warning on my wife's way home from work. The car had numerous issues driving it home. It wouldn't move in drive, until it was put in park and then back into drive and it would automatically engage the parking brake. Once she brought it home I went to check the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 8, 2025 · crash

“The Jeep caught fire underneath while I was driving on the highway. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. I saw flames come up over the front of the car and immediately parked and ran with my child. We could have died.The fire and stopped car in the middle of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · February 16, 2024 · fire

“WE WERE IN A FRONT IMPACT VEHICLE ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, BRAKES FAILED AFTER IMPACT AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE ECU POWER RELAY FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 12, 2021 · crash

“Failed rear driveline failed rear differential and failed DTCM. Jeep is still sluggish upon shifting to acceleration. Clunk from park to drive and cold start to warm up normal to drop to normal rpm then rev up to 2.0 while sitting still. I have suspicions that the PTU could be having issues after…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 12, 2025

“WE WERE IN A FRONT IMPACT VEHICLE ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, BRAKES FAILED AFTER IMPACT AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE ECU POWER RELAY FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 12, 2021 · crash

2021 Jeep Cherokee — common questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cherokee: 191 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2021 Cherokee problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (71 complaints), engine (22 complaints), other (21 complaints).

Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Jeep Cherokee years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cherokee years to avoid are 2014, 2015, 2019, 2016, 2017, 2018, 1995, 1994, 1996, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000, 1997, 1990, 2020, 2001, 1991, 1989, 1992. The cleanest record among Cherokee years belongs to 1983.

How safe is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.