Most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of the 176 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Jeep Cherokee complaints by model year
Best Cherokee years: 2022, 2021, 2020. Years to avoid: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017, 2016. Compare all years →
2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls (4)
Power train
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.
Air bags › Side/window › Curtain
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.
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.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Cooler/radiator › Hoses and fittings
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.
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
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.
What 2021 Jeep Cherokee owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 103 →
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the contact heard a popping sound coming from the hood. The contact stated that the engine revved, and the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. The contact pulled the vehicle off the roadway. The contact stated that the vehicle remained on and failed to shut off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PTU failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the AWD warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the PTU failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was safe to drive however, the failure recurred. …
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 on a ramp at 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle lost drive power. No warning light was illuminated. The electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted, and the electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed; however, parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Engine & cooling all 29 →
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sweet/alcohol smell in the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent while in the process of performing a stress test drive. There was a popping sound from the ignition, and it stopped on the interstate. Upon opening the hood, he noticed smoke and flames, and the vehicle fully ignited and caught fire. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire and determined that the cable installation or hose installation failure of equipment/leak resulted in an electrical fire. There was no reported crash, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH and making a turn on the same day, the failure recurred, nearly causing the contact to crash into a vehicle and to be rear-ended by another vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had recurred on another occasion. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to their location for a diagnostic test. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Electrical system all 23 →
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure recurred while at a complete stop. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving. The contact also stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated intermittently while driving. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a service station. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio went black, with the message "Re-insert USB" displayed. The contact was unable to use the radio. Additionally, the rear-view camera, the AC/HEAT settings, and other safety features were inoperable and unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
2021 Jeep Cherokee engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 23 / 31 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 31 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 21 / 29 / 24 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 29 / 23 |
| 3.2L 6-cyl | 9-speed automatic | AWD | 19 / 27 / 22 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a good car?
Based on 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Cherokee rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Cherokee at the same age. It is one of the best Cherokee years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The transmission & drivetrain — 103 complaints, 59% of all complaints for this model year, most often about transfer case (4-wheel drive). Next are the engine & cooling (29) and electrical system (23).
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, the most recent from May 7, 2026 (power train). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Jeep Cherokee?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2022, 2021 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014, 2015, 2019, 2017 and 2016. See the full Jeep Cherokee years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 60,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.