Carlexica

2021 Jeep Cherokee: problems, recalls and reliability

4 recalls and 166 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (56% of complaints); the 2022 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 19 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2026

4
recalls
166
owner complaints
4
fire reports
50,000
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★★Front ★★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingWeak spot: power train (56%)4 fire reports

Common problems

Computed from 166 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)56% · 83 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)10% · 15 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)8% · 12 complaints
Service Brakes (brakes)7% · 10 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance (automatic emergency braking, sensors)3% · 5 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)3% · 5 complaints
“UNKNOWN I have found this recall notice online but have not had any direct contact from the manufacturer MOPAR about the recall. This recall sounds like a significant safety issue, I need to know if I should discontinue drive the vehicle and be provided another means of transportation.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2026
“While I was driving, I suddenly heard an extremely loud popping/banging noise that sounded like a gunshot. Immediately afterward, I discovered that the moonroof glass had shattered. Nothing fell onto or struck the vehicle, and nothing from inside the vehicle hit the glass. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms beforehand. The glass appeared to shatter suddenly and without an obvious external impact. To the best of my knowledge, the cause is unknown, and I am reporting the incident because the moonroof glass appeared to fail unexpectedly during normal driving.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Sep 2026
“While driving i lost power and heard whining and grinding. Loss of power. Had to get it to towed to the dealership where it remains as their no remedy.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the "4WD Service" warning light illuminated, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the 4WD warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Aug 2026
“I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding a recent PTU failure associated with a recall on my Jeep vehicle. This issue nearly cost me my life when the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of a highway. Unfortunately, Jeep has refused to cover rental expenses related to this incident. Initially, the company did not acknowledge the problem, and now it appears they are purposefully delaying necessary diagnostics to evade responsibility. Given the circumstances, I feel it is imperative to seek legal counsel to protect my rights and ensure that my safety concerns are addressed appropriately. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH with cruise control engaged, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission momentarily shifted into neutral(N) before returning to normal functionality. The message "Service All Wheel Drive" was displayed. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“Jeep Cherokee 2021 with less than 44,000 miles. pTU accentuates went out. VIN not in recall despite the make, model, and problem being recalled on 60,000 other jeeps already. If not fixed the car can freeze and possibly roll over or roll away when in park. I feel jeep should pay for this as part of their recall.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2026
“PTU failure at 62000 miles. There is a recall for the exact issue on the exact part for 2019 to 2025 Jeep Cherokees but this one, as well as several thousand others, somehow do not fall under this recall. Why? From what the dealer told us this is a "critical safety issue that could result in serious injury or death" so why would this not be a recall along with the 60000+ other ones? Dealer told me this was sushi a critical safety issue they would not return the car to me until it was fixed, and part was 2 month back ordered which was last week but still hear nothing. What is the hold up with a recall on this?”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“Service 4wd light came on. Driver side clinking noise came from tire area. Took my jeep to the dealership in which they diagnosed the problem as a PTU (Power train unit) failure. The part is on 2 months back order”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026

When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 8 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 4 campaigns

Lower arm (suspension)20V657000 · Oct 2020

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.

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.

Power train26V290000 · May 2026

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

Remedy: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were 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.

Hoses and fittings (power train)21V310000 · May 2021

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.

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.

Curtain (air bags)24V516000 · Jul 2024

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."

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.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2021 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 · 4x2

How other years compare

Counts are not adjusted for time on the road here - see all Cherokee years ranked fairly for the age-adjusted comparison.

Check your exact Cherokee by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?

NHTSA has 166 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The most complained-about area is power train (56% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 50,000 miles or less.

Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have open recalls?

4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.