2021 Jeep Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 166 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 12 Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 10 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Power trainMay 7, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The 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.
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.
Campaign 26V290000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/window, curtainJul 8, 2024
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."
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.
Campaign 24V516000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, cooler/radiator, hoses and fittingsMay 4, 2021
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.
A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 21V310000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, lower armOct 27, 2020
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 20V657000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2026
UNKNOWN I have found this recall notice online but have not had any direct contact from the manufacturer MOPAR about the recall. This recall sounds like a significant safety issue, I need to know if I should discontinue drive the vehicle and be provided another means of transportation.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2026
Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2026
On [XXX], I purchased a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Limited from Blaise Alexander Hyundai in State College, Pennsylvania as a first vehicle for my [XXX] son. No problems were apparent during the brief test drive or drive home. On [XXX], during my son’s first driving lesson, we discovered that the right turn signal would randomly and repeatedly fail to remain engaged. I later learned that similar “self-canceling” turn-signal problems have been reported in Jeep vehicles and resulted in safety recalls for certain models. I immediately contacted Tyler (salesman), as documented by my phone records. He initially instructed me to have the vehicle checked at a local Johnstown dealership for warranty coverage and stated that Blaise Alexander would repair it if the warranty did not apply. I then learned from Carfax that the basic warranty had expired around January 2025. When I contacted Tyler again, he reversed his position and said the dealership would not repair the vehicle, suggesting the problem occurred after purchase. After several calls, the sales manager agreed to inspect it. I brought the vehicle to Blaise Alexander on January 22, 2026. The next day, the manager identified the problem and estimated an $800 repair. Although he called it “a typical problem with this model Jeep,” he refused to cover the cost and offered to split it. I declined and retrieved the vehicle on January 24. It had only been driven approximately three times since purchase. I requested the repair quote but it was not provided. I believe the defect was pre-existing and that Blaise Alexander knew or should have known about it. The dealership’s statements, the timing, my research, and related recalls support this belief. The defective signal affects roadworthiness and may prevent the vehicle from passing Pennsylvania inspection. Had I known about the defect, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I am seeking repair at the dealer's cost, or in lieu of that a buyback of the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2026
Have a safety recall on my vehicle. Jeep has had this issue for the last couple of years (unbeknownst to me) and still don’t have a remedy for the issue. I’m concerned it’s going to continue to cause damage to my vehicle. Found out there was a recall from a carfax email. It took Jeep an extra month to notify me.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2026
The interior screen has become pixelated with different colors. This effects my back up camera which is a big safety hazard. All of the climate control, radio and general info are also on this screen. I have not had it diagnosed at the dealership because they charge 160.00 to just hook up to diagnostics.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 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, Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2025
I have had a service 4wd light on for months. The Power Transfer Case part has been on backorder from jeep for over 4 months and I have been left with out a vehicle this entire time with no updates or information about when the parts will be available.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2025
My jeep initially shutoff while driving on the interstate at 70 mph last December. I took it the dealership and they kept it for 2 months and replaced several parts. I got it back and it shutoff the next day, but started after l let it sit for an hour. Then it went for weeks with no issues, then it started happening again, so I took it to a different dealership. They also repaired different issues. I got it back and it shutoff again on the interstate at 70 mph in rush hour traffic. Both times were scary and unsafe situations. The jeep has been at the dealership now over a month with no diagnosis. It has been at 2 dealerships for a total of 4 months. I've researched this and found out that there are a lot of people having the same problem with this jeep and similar types. I'm wondering why is this not a safety recall issue, because both of my situations could of ended badly if I had panicked. Please have this situation addressed or reviewed before it causes bodily harm! The manufacturer/dealership doesn't seem to take this seriously!!
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 15, 2025
SVC 4WD
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2025
PTU power transfer case. Service PTU light came on. We had the jeep dealership read the code and informed us that we needed to replace the PTU power transfer case. They said that it can be dangerous if completely going out because it can cause sudden loss of power. Afaulty power transfer unit (PTU) is dangerous in a Jeep because it can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increase the risk of a crash, or lead to a rollaway incident when the vehicle is parked. Jeep has issued multiple recalls for PTU-related issues, particularly for some Cherokee models, due to potential manufacturing defects that can lead to transmission failure however the year of my jeep is not included but it is the same issue that is currently recalled. I was also told that the PTU is on backorder because of the recall. It is on backorder for longer than 45 days. Why isn’t my Jeep included in the recall?
Other or unspecified, Mar 29, 2025
I was driving on the highway with no overpass, no foreign objects flying, not behind anyone, and my sunroof shattered and exploded all over me with no explanation.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Mar 12, 2025
Failed rear driveline failed rear differential and failed DTCM. Jeep is still sluggish upon shifting to acceleration. Clunk from park to drive and cold start to warm up normal to drop to normal rpm then rev up to 2.0 while sitting still. I have suspicions that the PTU could be having issues after all the above was replaced
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2025
2/16/2025 Light for 4WD came on when the temperature was 11 degrees. 4WD System Unavailable Service Required 2/19/25 & 2/25/25 Taken into the dealer and stated that Debris in the PTU causing Actuator to stick - will need to be replace PTU - if approved will need to locate part. Car difficult to put into park
Other or unspecified, Dec 10, 2024
Unknown. While driving this vehicle, the engine just shuts off when stopping. The first time it happened it flashed to put vehicle in park and restart. It shut off and was unable to restart it. It happened 4 other times when at a stop, just shuts off off. Was able to restart it after a few minutes
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 28, 2024
There are times I go to start my car and it has nothing. No lights no door dinging nothing. I started it up on day to go to work and got to the gas station and shut it down to run in quick. Came out 5 mins later and it acted as if someone took my battery out. The car was totally dead. After about 10-15 mins it lit back up and was able to start. Another time it happened in the dead of winter and I was picking my son up. We went to get in the car and all 4 doors were opened. No lights came on and wouldn’t start and as my kids shut doors it would flicker. Times it comes back to life and as soon as you hit the start button it goes black again. It’s been at Tristar and c Harper both and cannot replicate so no fix. I’m afraid it’s going to catch fire or something one day. In the shops for a month and a half total and no results. It’s very intermittent so does not do it all the time. Sometimes it will go a month and be fine then act up 3 times in one week. Please help! I don’t feel safe!
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2024
I've been experiencing repeated instances of my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux 4X4 shutting off while I'm driving, without any warning lights. The message "Shift to P to start" appears on the screen. On several occasions, the car shut off unexpectedly, almost causing accidents. Despite multiple visits to the IG Burton service department, no fault codes were found. Chrysler told them to replace the crank sensor. They were very confident that was the problem, but the issue recurred again 13days after I got the vehicle back. They replaced my fuel pump this time but still have no evidence to prove that is the issue. They continue to guess at parts and I have to be the guinea pig to see if they got it right. This has been its 4th time in the shop and well over 10 time has this vehicle shut off on the highway. I believe jeep should step in at this point and find the cause of this problem or label the vehicle defective if they cannot. This ongoing issue has caused me frustration, anxiety, and safety concerns. I feel unsafe driving the vehicle. Especially after being told the last time they "felt confident" only for me to be stuck waiting for a tow truck in the road a few days later. The uncertainty surrounding the problem and the recurring nature of the incidents have greatly undermined my confidence in the vehicle's reliability and safety. I also have a detailed report of every time the vehicle has shut off/ been to the service department but I can't get it to attach on this site.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2023
Engine oil color is made of plastic and can crack and can cause you to lose your engine to no oil pressure and coolant and can cause an accident if you do not know because it would lock up the engine
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2023
The vehicle was running in the freeway suddenly transmission alert message pop up at the dashboard and the vehicle slowly stop in the middle of the busy freeway, took it to Chapman Jeep dealership and the vehicle was fixed for PTU malfuntion, got my car back but there was a burning smell everytime I drove and step out of the vehicle. I have been trying to call the dealership but no response yet.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2023
PTU and rear end failure, it’s been in the shop 9 weeks and I am told will be another month.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 15, 2023
The emergency brake engages on its own and the fuel saving on/off feature is not working and the vehicle stalls while driving.
Other or unspecified, May 16, 2022
the front part of the panoramic sunroof exploded while I was driving. This was the area directly above the driver and passenger seat. The vehicle is currently at the car dealer. Glass came off into the vehicle and could have possibly blown off the roof of the vehicle onto the road or other vehicles. There was no warning that this was going to break. The sunroof was closed and rarely, if ever, used as the car was just purchased in December 2021. Some Glass came off of the sunroof onto the driver and passenger.
Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 2022
Power loss while driving, which poses a safety hazard Transmission shifting into neutral How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? 1. Vehicle lost power and shifted into neutral while accelerting into traffic 2. Vehicle was driving highway speeds and spontaneously lost power and shifted into neutral while in traffic Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes - vehicle has been repaired and at dealership 2xs and scheduled for a 3rd on April 6, 2022 Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Jeep is aware of issue and has requested star claim on next visit Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There is no warning of power loss or shifting into neutral ( spontaneous). After the D on gear shift flashes.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2021
DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, CAR KEPT SPUTTERING. RPM GAUGE KEPT GOING UP AND DOWN WHILE PRESSING IN THE GAS MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING UNTIL IT EVENTUALLY SHUT DOWN AGAIN. ENGINE LIGHT AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. THIS HAS OCCURRED FOR THE SECOND TIME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 14, 2021
I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA (40 MPH) WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY JOLTED AS IF I HAD SUDDENLY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE GAS PEDAL. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT WERE ON, THE SEAT/STEERING WHEEL WARMER, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. THE MONITOR KEPT SAYING TO STEP ON THE BRAKE/START THE CAR, I ATTEMPTED TO DO THIS AND NOTHING. I SHUT THE CAR OFF AND THEN TRIED TO TURN IT ON AGAIN MULTIPLE TIMES AND NOTHING. THANKFULLY, MULTIPLE PEOPLE STOPPED TO PUSH ME OFF INTO A PARKING LOT, BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE STARTED BEEPING AND THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE WHATSOEVER. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY TWO MONTHS, THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. IF THIS HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT.