2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Cherokee. Owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 9 Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
173 complaints 4 recalls, 1 fire risk 8th worst of 9 Cherokee years
Top 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Transmission problems
100 complaints (58%) name the transmission, most often the transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE) and driveshaft.
Engine problems
28 complaints (16%) name the engine.
Electrical problems
23 complaints (13%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery.
Brake problems
14 complaints (8%) name the brakes, most often the control unit / module.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (34 of 173). The amber line is the middle value, about 56,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls
Transmission
Can stallThe power transfer unit (PTU) may fail. 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.
Recall 26V290000 · May 2026Curtain
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." 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.
Recall 24V516000 · Jul 2024Transmission cooler hose may leak fluid
Fire riskThe transmission oil cooler hose may not have been cured correctly during manufacturing, so it can leak transmission fluid. Leaking fluid raises the risk of a fire.
Fix: The dealer will inspect and replace the transmission oil cooler hose free of charge.
Recall 21V310000 · May 2021Lower arm
One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving. 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. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.
Recall 20V657000 · Oct 2020Get an email when your 2021 Jeep Cherokee gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Cherokee years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2021 Jeep Cherokee problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Cherokee. Owners have filed 173 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 9 Cherokee model years. The most reported problems involve the transmission, engine and electrical system.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners most often report problems with the transmission, engine, electrical system and brakes. 100 complaints (58%) name the transmission, most often the transfer case (4-WHEEL DRIVE) and driveshaft.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Cherokee transmission problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 45,000–106,000 miles, with a middle value near 70,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
4. Transmission (26V290000); Curtain (24V516000); Transmission cooler hose may leak fluid (21V310000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
Ask for service records covering the transmission, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2022, 2021 and 2020 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.