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2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls & problems

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 4 safety recalls and 176 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (104 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls
Complaints176filed by owners
Crashes · fires10 · 4reported in complaints
NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars
2021 Jeep Cherokee in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power trainMay 7, 2026

Power train

Recall 26V29000061,711 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem
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.
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.
Air bagsJul 8, 2024

Side/window › Curtain

Recall 24V51600013 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
Power trainMay 4, 2021

Automatic transmission › Cooler/radiator › Hoses and fittings

Recall 21V31000018,800 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.
SuspensionOct 27, 2020

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 20V657000698 vehicles

Problem
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.
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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk16.9%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk17.4%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2021 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2021 Jeep Cherokee NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cherokee FWD

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Cherokee FWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 31 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

24mpg combined
City / highway21 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Cherokee FWD

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 29 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II

23mpg combined
City / highway20 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD

22mpg combined
City / highway19 / 27 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 26 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD

21mpg combined
City / highway18 / 24 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

3.2 L · 6 cyl · Automatic 9-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power trainTransfer case (4-wheel drive); Driveline › Driveshaft10410167,000 mi
Engine2802027,027 mi
Unknown or other26000—
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery2311045,050 mi
Service brakes13210—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings11010—
Air bags971734,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system5010—
Suspension5200—
Lane departureAssist; Blind spot detection4000—
Steering3000—
Seat belts2102—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.