KnownCarProblems2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, most often about the transmission (59% of complaints, typically around 70,000 miles). It is 10th of 14 Cherokee model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Transmission
103 complaints · 59%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles. Parts named most often: transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline.
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 at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost automotive power. The 4WD warning light…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The "4WD" warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was started but failed to shift into gear. The vehicle was able to shift into reverse and was pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed. The…
Engine
29 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 27,000 miles.
Driving in a residential area, car kept sputtering. Rpm gauge kept going up and down while pressing in the gas multiple times while driving until it eventually shut down again. Engine light and battery light came on. This has occurred for the second time.
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…
Other or unspecified
26 complaints · 15%I was driving in a residential area (40 MPH) when my car suddenly jolted as if I had suddenly stepped on the brake pedal and then the gas pedal. I stopped for a red light, and the car suddenly stalled. The engine and battery light were on, the seat/steering wheel warmer, and air conditioning system completely shut…
Driving in a residential area, car kept sputtering. Rpm gauge kept going up and down while pressing in the gas multiple times while driving until it eventually shut down again. Engine light and battery light came on. This has occurred for the second time.
Electrical
23 complaints · 13%Half of these problems showed up before 45,000 miles. Parts named most often: 12v/24v/48v battery.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a message to âpark and restart the vehicleâ. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hazard lights failed to operate. The contact's wife coasted the vehicle to the side of the road.…
Brakes
14 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: antilock.
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee latitude. The contact stated while approaching another vehicle from the rear, the advance brake assist failed to perform as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle…
Driver assistance
12 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: automatic emergency braking, warnings, assist, blind spot detection.
Air bags
9 complaints · 5%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.
The contact rented a 2021 Jeep Cherokee latitude. The contact stated while driving approximately 70mph when the contact lost control of the vehicle and experienced a head-on collision to the front end of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to leave the vehicle post-accident, the driver-side interior door…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 3%Driving in a residential area, car kept sputtering. Rpm gauge kept going up and down while pressing in the gas multiple times while driving until it eventually shut down again. Engine light and battery light came on. This has occurred for the second time.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls
Transmission: power train
Risk: A failed ptu may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
Chrysler (fca US llc) is recalling certain 2019-2023 jeep cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (ptu) may fail.
Air bags: curtain
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Transmission: hoses and fittings
Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (103 complaints, typically around 70,000 miles); engine (29 complaints, typically around 27,000 miles); other or unspecified (26 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 7, 2026 (transmission). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2021 a bad year for the Jeep Cherokee?
- It is 10th of 14 Cherokee model years by number of complaints, with 176 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.