MYRModel Year Report

2021 Jeep Cherokee

▲ Better than typical
2021 Jeep Cherokee
RENDERED 2026-08-02T12:27:32.410Z

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Jeep Cherokee Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1981: 1 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 7 complaints 1985: 17 complaints 1985 1986: 21 complaints 1987: 57 complaints 1988: 97 complaints 1989: 191 complaints 1990: 270 complaints 1990 1991: 233 complaints 1992: 113 complaints 1993: 418 complaints 1994: 519 complaints 1995: 608 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: 2636 complaints 2015: 1776 complaints 2016: 1398 complaints 2016 2017: 1323 complaints 2018: 678 complaints 2019: 1582 complaints 2020: 258 complaints 2021: 136 complaints 2021 2022: 44 complaints 2023: 3 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2021: 136 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19811
19820
19830
19847
198517
198621
198757
198897
1989191
1990270
1991233
1992113
1993418
1994519
1995608
1996447
1997390
1998399
1999366
2000369
2001229
200617
20142636
20151776
20161398
20171323
2018678
20191582
2020258
2021136
202244
20233
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 51%

51% of complaints: power train — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ENGINE 16%

16% of complaints: engine — 22 distinct reports on file.

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, 20240403

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 15%

15% of complaints: electrical system — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH 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, 20240403

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

SERVICE BRAKES 10%

10% of complaints: service brakes — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20210312

AIR BAGS 6%

6% of complaints: air bags — 8 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20210312

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20201030 — suspension

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

R 20201030 — air bags

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

R 20210518 — power train

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

R Date not on file — power train

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 (69 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (20 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.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 1987 ▲ 1988

WORST YEARS

■ 2014 ■ 2015 ■ 2019

See all years ranked →

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 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.