2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
22/100
#8 most-complained of 10 Cherokee years
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has a complaint index of 22 and ranks 8th worst of 10 model years, earning a 'Best' verdict relative to other Cherokee years. NHTSA lists 162 complaints and 4 recalls, led by transmission and powertrain issues at 57% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 162
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 10 / 4
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 29 hwy
Top 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in front-impact and t-bone collisions, sometimes with brakes also failing after impact.
- A rented Cherokee lost control at highway speed and suffered a head-on collision, with the driver-side interior door handle jamming afterward.
- Front left wheel or control arm issues caused the vehicle to pull abruptly or the wheel to come off the axle, in some cases tied to a suspension recall.
- The vehicle caught fire underneath while driving on the highway with no prior warning lamps.
- The parking brake automatically engaged unexpectedly, in one case while towing, causing tires to burn.
- An abnormal sweet/alcohol smell preceded a popping sound and smoke from under the hood near the ignition.
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 ranks 8th worst out of 10 with a complaint index of 22, giving it a 'Best' verdict among Cherokee years.
- What is the most common problem on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- Transmission and powertrain issues are the top problem area, accounting for 93 of 162 complaints (57%), 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 transmission oil cooler hose, front lower control arms, a curtain airbag connector, and a power transfer unit issue shared with 2019-2023 models.
- How does the 2021 Cherokee compare to other bad years like 2014 or 2019?
- The 2014 Cherokee has a complaint index of 100 and the 2019 has 89, both rated 'Avoid,' while the 2021 sits much lower at 22, rated 'Best' among Cherokee years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
- EPA rates the 2021 Cherokee at 23 mpg combined (20 city/29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800.