MYRModel Year Report

2021 Jeep Cherokee

▲ Better than typical
2021 Jeep Cherokee
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:25.755Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
171
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2021

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

58% of complaints

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 275 complaints 1990 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1995: 610 complaints 1995 1996: 447 complaints 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2000 2001: 229 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2014: 2,650 complaints 2015: 1,791 complaints 2016: 1,411 complaints 2016 2017: 1,335 complaints 2018: 685 complaints 2019: 1,659 complaints 2020: 314 complaints 2021: 171 complaints 2021 171 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 9 complaints
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1986: 21 complaints 1986 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1989 1990: 275 complaints 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1992 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1995: 610 complaints 1995 1996: 447 complaints 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2001: 229 complaints 2001 2006: 17 complaints 2014: 2,650 complaints 2015: 1,791 complaints 2015 2016: 1,411 complaints 2017: 1,335 complaints 2018: 685 complaints 2018 2019: 1,659 complaints 2020: 314 complaints 2021: 171 complaints 2021 171 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 9 complaints 2026
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1981: 1 complaint 1982: 0 complaints 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1984 1985: 17 complaints 1986: 21 complaints 1986 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 98 complaints 1988 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 275 complaints 1990 1991: 234 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1992 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 522 complaints 1994 1995: 610 complaints 1996: 447 complaints 1996 1997: 390 complaints 1998: 399 complaints 1998 1999: 366 complaints 2000: 369 complaints 2000 2001: 229 complaints 2006: 17 complaints 2006 2014: 2,650 complaints 2015: 1,791 complaints 2015 2016: 1,411 complaints 2017: 1,335 complaints 2017 2018: 685 complaints 2019: 1,659 complaints 2019 2020: 314 complaints 2021: 171 complaints 2021 171 2022: 49 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2023 2026: 9 complaints

2021: 171 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19820
19830
19847
198517
198621
198757
198898
1989191
1990275
1991234
1992114
1993418
1994522
1995610
1996447
1997390
1998399
1999366
2000369
2001229
200617
20142,650
20151,791
20161,411
20171,335
2018685
20191,659
2020314
2021171
202249
20233
20269

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

58% · 99 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive) and driveshaft.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2026-07-27

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, 2026-07-20

Engine

16% · 28 reports
FIRE
Show 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, 2024-04-03

Also filed under Electrical system and fuel/propulsion system

Electrical system

13% · 22 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIRE
Show 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, 2021-03-12

Also filed under Service brakes and air bags

Service brakes

8% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing air.

CRASHFIRE

Forward collision avoidance

6% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

FIRE

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2020-10-30Suspension20V657000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2020-10-30Air bags24V516000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2021-05-18Power train21V310000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    Date not on filePower train26V290000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Jeep Cherokee — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 99 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 28 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 22 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 26V290000 · Power train
  • Recall 20V657000 · Suspension
  • Recall 24V516000 · Air bags
  • Recall 21V310000 · Power train
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 58% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.