NHTSA data · free2021 Jeep CherokeeProblems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)
Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, ranked by the component that failed most.
Complaints on file
176
Recalls issued
4
Crashes reported
10
Fires reported
4
What breaks most
- Power Train103 complaints · 58.5%
- Engine28 complaints · 15.9%
- Electrical System23 complaints · 13.1%
- Service Brakes14 complaints · 8%
- Forward Collision Avoidance11 complaints · 6.3%
Recalls on this model year
- 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.
Campaign 21V310000 · reported 04/05/2021 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
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.
Campaign 20V657000 · reported 27/10/2020 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- 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
Campaign 24V516000 · reported 08/07/2024 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Power Train
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Campaign 26V290000 · reported 07/05/2026 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
What owners report
Power Train
- My 2021 Jeep Cherokee suffered a complete failure of its 1-speed PTU and ESM module, causing a loss of 4WD capabilities. This is the exact same failure mechanism and safety risk outlined in recall 40D
- SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. NHTSA notes recalls for my year make and model for my
- PTU issue- located a recall for 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit recall; my VIN wasn't one the ones listed. took vehicle to the local jeep dealership and the advised that PTU internal damag
Engine
- SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. NHTSA notes recalls for my year make and model for my
- My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding t
- Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux equipped with a 1-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / Active Drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the AWD system, triggering an immed
Electrical System
- My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding t
- I bought my 2021 jeep in 2023 at Matthew's in Pa and from day 1 my antifreeze has been leaking, I Bought the extended Warranty and they told me I didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it ba
- I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes cre
Service Brakes
- The 2021 Jeep Cherokee sporadically and infrequently engages the parking brake and hazard flashers. In order to disengage it, the car must be put in park and turned off then on, sometimes repeatedly.
- Their was no incident
- Driving a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on the interstate with cruise control engaged. All of a sudden the vehicle decelerates/downshifts and the display screen flashes "4WD System Unavailable Service
Forward Collision Avoidance
- I am reporting a safety concern involving the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Altitude FWD with a 2.4L engine. Every time I start the vehicle, the dashboard displays t
- I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes cre
- The car is reporting service 4WD, they are saying the PTU is bad. Took it into the dealership today.
Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.
Check your own VIN
This page covers the 2021 Jeep Cherokee in general. Enter your VIN for the recalls, complaints and crash ratings specific to your exact vehicle.
Buying a used 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
A detailed vehicle history report can check for title brands, available accident records, and reported odometer readings for the specific VIN — none of which government complaint or recall data typically cover.
Run a vehicle history report Detailed Vehicle History, 10% offOther model years
More Jeep models
Disclosure: some links on this page (vehicle history reports, warranty options) are affiliate links. They fund the free checker, and your price never changes. Recall, complaint, rating and fuel-economy data are official U.S. government records for the year, make and model and are not a substitute for an inspection or a title history report on the specific vehicle. Not affiliated with any government agency.