2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, filed between 2021-02-14 and 2026-09-17. The most common problem areas are the power train (93, 57%), engine (26, 16%) and electrical system (22, 14%). Owners reported 10 crashes, 4 fires and 8 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Jeep Cherokee complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 93 | 57% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 26 | 16% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 23 | 14% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 22 | 14% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 13 | 8% | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 10 | 6% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 5% | 7 | 1 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 1% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 93 complaints
- 93 complaints of 162 (57%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 9 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; the latest, campaign 26V290000, says: “The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.”
Engine: 26 complaints
- 26 complaints of 162 (16%) name the engine.
- 9 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee covers this system.
Electrical system: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 162 (14%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 9 of them also name the engine; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee covers this system.
Service brakes: 13 complaints
- 13 complaints of 162 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 5 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 10 complaints
- 10 complaints of 162 (6%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 5 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee covers this system.
Air bags: 8 complaints
- 8 complaints of 162 (5%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire and 7 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; the recall, campaign 24V516000, says: “An improperly secured connector for the right-side curtain air bag may prevent the air bag from deploying as intended.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2024 | 15 |
| 2025 | 45 |
| 2026 | 52 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names CHEROKEE, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's most common problem areas are the power train (93 of 162 complaints), engine (26 of 162 complaints) and electrical system (22 of 162 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
NHTSA has 162 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, including 10 reported crashes and 4 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.