2021 Jeep Cherokee problems and complaints
Owners have filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The most-reported areas: Power Train (103), Engine (28), Unknown Or Other (26).
Key takeaways
- 176 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 10 involve a crash, 4 a fire, 8 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 103 | 59% |
| Engine | 28 | 16% |
| Unknown Or Other | 26 | 15% |
| Electrical System | 23 | 13% |
| Service Brakes | 14 | 8% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 11 | 6% |
| Air Bags | 9 | 5% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | 3% |
| Suspension | 5 | 3% |
| Lane Departure | 3 | 2% |
| Steering | 3 | 2% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 1% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Power Train - filed 2026-10-15
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee suffered a complete failure of its 1-speed PTU and ESM module, causing a loss of 4WD capabilities. This is the exact same failure mechanism and safety risk outlined in recall 40D, but 1 speed units are being excluded from coverage. My vehicle is at dealership awaiting for this PTU. Service 4WD lig...
Power Train,unknown Or Other,engine - filed 2026-10-15
SVC 4WD light came on the dashboard. Took to the dealership, they said it was a PTU issue and it needed to be replaced. $3800 and 45 days to fix. NHTSA notes recalls for my year make and model for my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux but does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Jeep says nothing they can do since the...
Power Train - filed 2026-10-15
PTU issue- located a recall for 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee Power Transfer Unit recall; my VIN wasn't one the ones listed. took vehicle to the local jeep dealership and the advised that PTU internal damage needs to be fixed.
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More for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.