2021 Jeep Cherokee
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 7 |
| 1985 | 17 |
| 1986 | 21 |
| 1987 | 57 |
| 1988 | 98 |
| 1989 | 191 |
| 1990 | 275 |
| 1991 | 234 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 418 |
| 1994 | 522 |
| 1995 | 610 |
| 1996 | 447 |
| 1997 | 390 |
| 1998 | 399 |
| 1999 | 366 |
| 2000 | 369 |
| 2001 | 229 |
| 2006 | 17 |
| 2014 | 2645 |
| 2015 | 1784 |
| 2016 | 1406 |
| 2017 | 1331 |
| 2018 | 683 |
| 2019 | 1628 |
| 2020 | 288 |
| 2021 | 156 |
| 2022 | 48 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2026 | 5 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
57% of complaints: power train — 89 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveshaft.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle's wheels locked up. The contact sustained injuries to the neck and whiplash and pain. The service 4WD warning light was illuminated after the failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260727
The PTU UNIT HAS FAILED TWICE ALREADY ON MY VEHICLE! THE FIRST TIME IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND COVERED; THIS LAST TIME IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, AND I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR IT, $3,186.02.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260720
16% of complaints: engine — 25 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240403
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
13% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20210312
Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES and AIR BAGS
9% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing air.
CRASH FIRE6% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 10 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 20V657000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 24V516000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V310000 — check if this car was fixed
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
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.
Campaign 26V290000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (89 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 26V290000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V657000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 24V516000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V310000 (power train) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.