Jeep · Cherokee · 2021
2021 Jeep Cherokee
3
Recalls
121
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 3 recalls and 121 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: power train (41 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is power train with 41 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Jeep Cherokee currently shows 3 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 121 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are power train (41), unknown or other (11), engine (8).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Jeep Cherokee
- Recalls
- 3
- Complaints
- 121
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
17.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 24V516000July 08, 2024
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."
Remedy Status
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 ID: 21V310000May 04, 2021
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.
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 20V657000October 27, 2020
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
121 totalPOWER TRAIN
Apr 21, 2026
PTU overheated, message is "4WD unavailable" or "reduced functionality". PTU replaced by Jeep, new PTU has overheated and will not go out of 4WD low unless car is turned off, PTU cools off for 20 minutes, will then go out of 4WD low. Dealer has confirmed the problem. Not sure wha...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Apr 11, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle abruptly lost automotive power, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact stated the power transfer unit had failed, causing the transmission to become inoperable. The ...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Mar 13, 2026
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 creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic scans show multiple ...
Preview excerpt
SEAT BELTS
Mar 10, 2026
Seatbelt failure in a 2021 Jeep Cherokee at approximately 80,000 miles. The seatbelt is not functioning properly and does not operate as intended, creating a safety concern. The issue was diagnosed by the dealership, who confirmed the seatbelt failure and stated repairs are neede...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN
Feb 28, 2026
The 948TE 9-speed automatic transmission failed at approximately 75,000 miles on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee V6 80th Anniversary Edition. The Engine light eliminated while traveling down the highway. No noise or indication of engine or transmission trouble, Decided to head directly to ...
Preview excerpt
SERVICE BRAKES
Feb 23, 2026
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. It has happened multiple times when the car is at a stop and in drive (at a st...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jan 29, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio went black, with the message "Re-insert USB" displayed. The contact was unable to use the radio. Additionally, the rear-view camera, the AC/HEAT settings, and other sa...
Preview excerpt
AIR BAGS
CRASH1 injuryJan 24, 2026
Car accident on 1/24 hit tree head on around 35 mph with NO airbags deploying. Suffered from concussion and whiplash, and potential of more serious injury. Insurance will be inspecting vehicle in the next week to determine total loss. No warning lamps, messages or other issue...
Preview excerpt
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 24, 2026
the light came on that says cannot move vehicle, it just stopped. The Power Transfer Unit went out--I cannot get a part since it is backordered over 1200 people right now are having issues with the part of the vehicle
POWER TRAIN
Dec 16, 2025
PTU Failure. Known issue. 2017-2019 recalled but the part is still and issue and can lock up transmission. Recall needs to be extended to cover later years
Showing 10 recent complaints from 121 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Jeep models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Jeep Cherokee Years
2022 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r38c2020 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r231c2023 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2c2019 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.10r1,521c2018 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.7r665c2017 Jeep CherokeeCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.6r1,312c
More 2021 Jeep Models
2021 Jeep WranglerAnother 2021 Jeep option for same-year comparison.14r852c2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeAnother 2021 Jeep option for same-year comparison.12r391c2021 Jeep GladiatorAnother 2021 Jeep option for same-year comparison.7r265c2021 Jeep CompassAnother 2021 Jeep option for same-year comparison.75c2021 Jeep RenegadeAnother 2021 Jeep option for same-year comparison.2r61c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 3 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
NHTSA has received 121 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee are power train (41 reports), unknown or other (11 reports), engine (8 reports).
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 3 recalls on record for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.