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
166 reports, newest first.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 9, 2025, crash
The vehicle gave us a service 4wd warning on my wife's way home from work. The car had numerous issues driving it home. It wouldn't move in drive, until it was put in park and then back into drive and it would automatically engage the parking brake. Once she brought it home I went to check the vehicle. I got into the vehicle, put it into reverse and backed up the driveway. Once I stopped and placed the vehicle in drive it automatically engaged the parking brake. I put the vehicle in drive disengaged the brake pulled the car forward toward my house. I stopped the car placed it in park. The vehicle kept rolling about 2 ft. Into my garage door and then engaged the parking brake.. I don't know what is wrong, I have never seen a vehicle do this. I have checked and this is a common problem. I don't know why this isn't recalled. It is a dangerous vehicle like this.
Power train, Dec 29, 2024
PTU is going out causing jeep to not have 4wd. 67k miles. Causing the jeep to not be able to get traction on a busy highway causing a traffic jam in snow. Putting people’s safety at jeopardy.
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
Power train, Dec 2, 2024
Driving on the road when the power transfer unit failed. Car would was not in gear, was able to get to side of road but could have been very dangerous. Towed to dealer and was told that part is on back order and would be 1-2 months to get it and there are55 on back order. Factory has hold on them. This is warranty under the power train and should be in stock . This type of failure could cause a crash and possible death. Should be a rercall.
Power train, Sep 20, 2024
Powertrain unit failed at 74k mileage. This is a chronic issue with Jeep Cherokees and cost $3,400 to repair as warranty expired at 60k.
Suspension, Jul 22, 2024
2021 Jeep Cherokee purchased with 33,000 miles. Around a month to a month and a half after we thought the brakes were needing replaced, couldn't get an appointment anywhere. At inspection we are told that the brakes are fine but the lower control arm (drivers) is bad and it was nothing that I had done. I have documentation from the mechanic stating this and can be provided. We believe this should be part of the recall. What front control arm goes bad before 35,000 miles?
Power train, Jul 19, 2024
PTU failure or blockage. Only 30,000 miles. 3year factory warranty has passed by 2 months, part can be over 2,000$
Power train, Jun 26, 2024
The vehicle started jerking and then the front wheel drive would lose power. The 4WD light came on the dash. We took it in and were told there were pieces broken off inside the PTU and the PTU needed to be completely replaced. This happened 600 miles over the manufacture warranty would have replaced it.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Jun 21, 2024
I purchased a brand new car and the ABS system keeps failing. My car has passed inspections but for this continues to be a problem
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!
Suspension, Wheels, May 1, 2024, crash
While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which resulted in the tire coming off of the vehicle. A claim was turned into insurance carrier and repairs have been completed to the vehicle.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 3, 2024, fire
The Jeep caught fire underneath while I was driving on the highway. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of the problem prior to failure. I saw flames come up over the front of the car and immediately parked and ran with my child. We could have died.The fire and stopped car in the middle of the highway could have caused a pile up of crashes. It is unknown what component or system failed and I don't believe it is available for inspection as State Farm decided not to move forward with inspection. They declared it a total loss.
Power train, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 21, 2024
1. Engine timing chain making rattling noise. Yes Automatic Emergency braking activates when there is no collision imminent. Yes 2. Faulty Timing chain can cause significant damage to engine while driving Faulty automatic braking system can cause accident if stopped abruptly in traffic. 3. Timing chain has been inquired by mechanic. Video of the noise. Needs to be confirmed by dealer for warranty 4. No 5. No warning
Engine, Mar 14, 2024
Jeep stuttered and jerked on the freeway and then dropped out of gear. I managed to get to the shoulder but the engine would just rev and not go fwd while in drive or manual mode. I could not engage the parking break and when in park, the jeep would still roll forward. I turned the jeep off and on several times but it would not engage in forward gear, but the rpms would go up. I could put the jeep in reverse but no forward gear would engage
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.
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2024
ON 5 JANUARY 2024 THE VEHICLE WAS IN MY GARAGE AND WAS DEAD, TRIED TO JUMP START, STILL WOULD NOT START. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE, VEHICLE GOT TO DEALER AND THEY USED THEIR JUMP START SYSTEM. DEALER RAN SYSTEM TEST AND CHARGED BATTERY AND FOUND NO FAULTS. OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS CHARHING RATE WAS 14.4V FOR A FEW DAYS, THEN DROPPED TO 13.6V AND EVENTUALLY DROPPED TO 12.3V BUT THEN WOULD JUMP BETWEEN 12.3V AND 13.6V. ON 25 JANUARY VEHICLE AGAIN DEAD, WILL NOT JUMP START, ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AGAIN. AT DEALER NOW, 26 JANUARY SO DEAD KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK DOOR. DEALER STATES THIS HAS BEEN AM ONGOING COMMON ISSUE WITH THE MODELS THAT USE THE AGM BATTERIES. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 17,000 MILES,
Vehicle speed control, Dec 14, 2023
ON ACTIVATING AND SETTING CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE CORRECTLY MAINTAINS STEADY SPEED. WHEN PRESSING THE (+) BUTTON TO INCREASE SPEED, VEHICLE ACCELERATES BUT UPON REMOVING FINGER THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO ACCELERATE UNTIL APPLYING BRAKES OR YOU DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. I'VE BEEN TO JEEP DELEAR TWICE AND THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE WHICH IS ABSURB. THEY SAID THE COMPUTER CONTROL UNIT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED WHICH I WILL HAVE DONE. I BELIEVE THE TECHNICIANS DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS ACTUALLY AND JUST CHECKED CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION. JUST WANTED TO ALERT YOU TO THIS MALFUNCTION.. THANK YOU
Service brakes, Dec 14, 2023
Parking brake automatically engaged while sitting at traffic light. First time it has done it. Just had an inspection on car a few months back and nothing was wrong with car at that time.
Power train, Dec 12, 2023
The rear differential PTU can cause the car to lose all control if it fails and this was a proven issue on previous Cherokee models and this model inherits the same issue
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.
Power train, Oct 17, 2023
The vehicle ran hot, smelled of hot metal and fluids. When moving the transmission from Park to Drive nothing would happen, pressing the accelerator caused the engine to rev, then it would lurch into Drive. Same thing would happen going into reverse. Moving down the road there would be a clunking noise as you accelerated or slowed down. The car seemed like something was slowing it down , like dragging brakes. This was intermittent for some time and then got worse. The Jeep dealer replicated the problem, did the diagnostics and tried a software fix. Dealer concluded the transmission was so damaged it had to be replaced, which they did under warranty, at 36,000 miles. The transmission could have locked up or slipped into neutral while driving.
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.
Power train, Sep 14, 2023
The service department where I bought the SUV said the power transfer unit was bad and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. So its been parked there in the back parking lot for three weeks. I had told them every time that I took it in for a oil change that there was a problem. They said it needed a software update, but it didn't help. Then after more than year and the forth time complaining about the noise and feel of the car, it's all of a sudden unsafe to drive and need to be parked until fixed.