The 2021 Jeep Cherokee exhibits significant reliability concerns due to multiple recalls affecting critical systems like the powertrain and airbags. Given the average failure mileage of 46,027 and a peak failure range between 20k-40k, potential owners should be cautious.
Key Factor:Critical system recalls
✓
Standard Safety Record
The 2021 Cherokee maintains a standard safety record for JEEP, with 3 recalls documented.
3 recalls for this vehicle4.4 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
With three recalls affecting pivotal components such as the powertrain, suspension, and airbags, the reliability of the 2021 Jeep Cherokee is called into question. Issues like a leaking transmission fluid cooler hose or a risk of front control arm fracture while driving could lead to severe safety hazards. Additionally, the improperly secured curtain air bag connectors compromise passenger safety in an accident, violating federal safety standards. For a vehicle in this segment, reliability is vital for both peace of mind and overall satisfaction.
A clean slate isn't just preferred; it’s expected in today’s market. The presence of serious recalls in relatively new models can deter buyers who expect more from brands with off-road pedigree like Jeep. These defects aren't minor irritations but could potentially leave drivers stranded or worse during critical moments.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊
Expert Analysis
📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Warning
⚖️
Vs Brand: Better than avg (4.4)
📝
Summary: Year-over-year reliability for Jeep has fluctuated, but this model raises concern due to its multiple recalls within the first production year. Compared to prior models, which had fewer defects and recalls, the current profile suggests heightened risk for both current owners and prospective buyers.
Safety & Reliability Score
66/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-24
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 JEEP Cherokee
Model Year2021
MakeJEEP
ModelCherokee
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr21
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct21
ISSUEFirst Report
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Aug24
RECALLRecall Issued
Consumer Complaint Analysis
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
26 complaints (26% of total)
➡️
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
13(13%)
🟡Medium
28(28%)
🟢Low
59(59%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
For owners, seeing issues crop up between 20k-40k miles means they should be vigilant about maintenance checks as they approach that mileage threshold. If you own a Cherokee in this range, it's crucial to stay ahead of these potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or safety hazards.
📊 Mileage data extracted from 29 of 100 complaints (29% coverage)
0-20k
5 reports (17%)
20k-40k
9 reports (31%)
40k-60k
6 reports (21%)
60k-80k
7 reports (24%)
80k-100k
1 reports (3%)
100k+
1 reports (3%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAINSUSPENSIONAIR BAGS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Train
Issue: Transmission oil cooler hose may leak fluid.
✅
Have your transmission inspected for leaks immediately.
🔍
Inquire about any service records related to recall repairs.
Campaigns:21V19721V20021V236
2
Suspension
Issue: Front lower control arms may fracture while driving.
✅
'Schedule routine inspection of suspension components without delay.'
🔍
'Confirm that previous owner has addressed this recall.'
Campaign:21V200
3
Air Bags
Issue: 'Right-side curtain airbag may fail to deploy.'
✅
'Verify airbag systems are functioning correctly during servicing.'
🔍
'Request proof of all completed recall repairs from seller.'
Campaign:21V197
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your JEEP dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (3)
Campaign: 21V310000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS
▼
Summary
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.
Consequence
A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 20V657000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
▼
Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 24V516000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN
▼
Summary
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."
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Cherokee.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Cherokee performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 39,641
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Cherokee.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning26%
Noise13%
Acceleration Issues10%
Battery9%
Accident9%
Stall8%
Crash/Accident7%
Check Engine Light7%
Jerk6%
Fire5%
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
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
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN
I took my vehicle to dealer shortly after purchase due to jerking forward during stops. A software update was performed and did not have any issues until recently. The past few weeks it began to hesitate upon acceleration and jerked forward harshly into first gear. Today there is a very noticeable prolonged hesitation during acceleration and an odd revving noice coming from TPU. This should be a major recall given the frequency and severity of the issue which could lead to a crash.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sweet/alcohol smell in the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent while in the process of performing a stress test drive. There was a popping sound from the ignition, and it stopped on the interstate. Upon opening the hood, he noticed smoke and flames, and the vehicle fully ignited and caught fire. The fire department was on the scene to extinguish the fire and determined that the cable installation or hose installation failure of equipment/leak resulted in an electrical fire. There was no reported crash, air bag deployment, or police report filed. The local dealer was contacted, who referred to the manufacturer and the NHTSA hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the hazard lights failed to operate. The contact's wife coasted the vehicle to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the battery had failed. The dealer replaced the battery. The contact stated that the battery warning light was not illuminated before the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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!!
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
About a month ago I noticed the gas pump clicking off quickly, way before the tank is full. I have been unable to fully fill my tank since. No accidents have occurred to cause a problem but my engine light is on and after getting it read it says it's an EVAC issue. When placing the nozzle in the tank a large amount of air noise is heard.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
2021 78784 MILES WONT DRIVE 4 WHEEL LIGHT ON DEALER STATES NEES NEW PTU SAYS THERES MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE PTU BUT WILL NOT COVER UNDER WARRANTY. $ 4, 000 TO REPAIR 99 COMPLIANTS HERE ALONE
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
PTU failure
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway a message popped up that the 4 wheel drive system was unavailable. Then the orange error message displayed the svc 4wd. Then it went off. I called the dealership and was told to get it checked sometime, but since it went off there was no rush. I told him to check it when I brought it in for an oil change. Apparently they did not check it for error codes. No error messages or lights when I went to work. Came out to go home and the battery was dead. Called the dealership for a jump. They came and jump started me. When I put the car into reverse, it wouldn't go. I called the dealership again and they came back and said I'd need to get my Jeep towed to them. My Jeep was towed on Wednesday, October 29. It took the dealership a week to look at my car and find out that the PTU had metal chunks and slime in it.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V310000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Frequently Asked Questions
'What are common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?'
'The most common issues reported include recalls related to critical components like suspension control arms that may fracture and transmission oil cooler hoses that can leak fluid. Furthermore, there are concerns about airbag deployment failures due to connectors not being secured properly—a serious safety risk.'
'How do I know if my 2021 Jeep Cherokee is affected by a recall?'
'You can check your vehicle's VIN on the NHTSA website or contact your local dealership for recall status. It’s essential for maintaining your vehicle's safety and ensuring compliance with federal regulations.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
🔑
If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified JEEP service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in JEEP's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒
If You're Buying Used
Obtain proof of recall completion for all 3 campaigns before purchase.
Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.