2021 Jeep Cherokee Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has a complaint index of 30, ranking 8th out of 11 model years, and earns a Good verdict. NHTSA lists 162 complaints, 4 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls, with transmission and powertrain issues making up 57% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 30/100
- #8 of 11 Cherokee years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 162
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 4
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 8
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
Top 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain93 (57%)
- Engine29 (18%)
- Other24 (15%)
- Electrical System22 (14%)
- Brakes14 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras11 (7%)
- Airbags8 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (4%)
- Fuel System5 (3%)
- Steering3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Curtain airbags failed to deploy during front and side-impact crashes, even in collisions that triggered the other vehicle's airbags.
- Front lower control arms or wheel components have cracked or come loose while driving, causing the vehicle to pull or the wheel to tilt.
- The electronic parking brake has engaged unexpectedly while driving or while in tow mode, in one case burning up rear tires.
- Owners reported underhood fires while driving, including one preceded by a sweet or alcohol-like smell and popping from the ignition area.
- A 4WD warning has appeared along with the transmission refusing to shift into drive until cycled between park and drive.
2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V290000May 7, 2026Transmission & Powertrain61,711 vehicles
Power train
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 24V516000Jul 8, 2024Airbags13 vehicles
Air bags:side/window:curtain
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."
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 21V310000May 4, 2021Transmission & Powertrain18,800 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:cooler/radiator:hoses and fittings
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.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
2021 Jeep Cherokee fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
- Relative to other Cherokee model years, the 2021 rates Good, with a complaint index of 30 and rank 8th out of 11 years tracked. NHTSA lists 162 complaints and 4 recalls for this year.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- Transmission and powertrain issues dominate, accounting for 57% of complaints (93 of 162), with a median failure mileage of 63,000 miles.
- Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Cherokee covering the power transfer unit, an airbag connector, a transmission oil cooler hose leak, and front lower control arms. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Cherokee compare to other bad years like 2014 or 2019?
- The 2021 model's complaint index of 30 is far below the 2014 (100) and 2019 (90) model years, which both carry an Avoid verdict, making 2021 one of the better years for this generation.
- Did the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have airbag failures?
- NHTSA lists 8 airbag-related complaints for 2021, including reports of curtain airbags not deploying in crashes; a 2024 recall addressed an improperly secured curtain airbag connector on 2021-2022 models.