CarModelProblems.com

2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Power Train — runs 5.9× the fleet median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.
137Complaints
4Recalls
10Crashes
4Fires
7Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Power Train (50.4% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Power Train complaints here are 5.9× the median for that category across the 2391 model-years tracked on this site.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Power Train69 · 50.4%RecalledRecall 21V310000 · Recall 26V290000
Engine22 · 16.1%No official action
Electrical System21 · 15.3%No official action
Service Brakes13 · 9.5%No official action
Air Bags8 · 5.8%RecalledRecall 24V516000
Suspension5 · 3.6%RecalledRecall 20V657000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

POWER TRAIN69 · 50.4%
ENGINE22 · 16.1%
Unspecified / other20 · 14.6%
SERVICE BRAKES13 · 9.5%
AIR BAGS8 · 5.8%
SUSPENSION5 · 3.6%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING5 · 3.6%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM4 · 2.9%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS4 · 2.9%

Percentages are the share of the 137 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooler/radiator:hoses And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 21V310000 · 2021 · reported 05/04/2021

A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

NHTSA campaign 20V657000 · 2020 · reported 10/27/2020

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:side/window:curtain

NHTSA campaign 24V516000 · 2024 · reported 07/08/2024

An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train

NHTSA campaign 26V290000 · 2026 · reported 05/07/2026

A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“PTU Failure. Known issue. 2017-2019 recalled but the part is still and issue and can lock up transmission. Recall needs to be extended to cover…”NHTSA complaint 11705902 — filed 12/18/2025 · POWER TRAIN
“I have had a service 4wd light on for months. The Power Transfer Case part has been on backorder from jeep for over 4 months…”NHTSA complaint 11701952 — filed 11/28/2025 · POWER TRAIN
“2021 78784 MILES WONT DRIVE 4 WHEEL LIGHT ON DEALER STATES NEES NEW PTU SAYS THERES MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE PTU BUT WILL NOT COVER…”NHTSA complaint 11698499 — filed 11/10/2025 · POWER TRAIN

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

232021222022322023222024622025342026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

Power train issues are the most-reported category, cited in 69 of 137 NHTSA complaints (50.4%), followed by engine (22), electrical system (21), unspecified/other issues (20). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?

137 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 10 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V310000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.