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2021 Jeep Cherokee problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2021 Jeep Cherokee has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 4safety recalls
- 176owner complaints
- 10crash reports
- 4fire reports
- 8injuries reported
176 complaints, against an average of 994 for the other 10 Jeep Cherokee model years.
Every Jeep Cherokee model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The components named most often in the 176 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2021 Jeep Cherokee owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 176 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2021 Jeep Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?28 owners · 15.9%
- Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?17 owners · 9.7%
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Jeep Cherokee?10 owners · 5.7%
- Why does my 2021 Jeep Cherokee idle rough, misfire or hesitate?9 owners · 5.1%
- Has the 2021 Jeep Cherokee had transmission failures?8 owners · 4.5% · Recall 21V310000
- Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 Jeep Cherokee?6 owners · 3.4%
Has the 2021 Jeep Cherokee been recalled?
4 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Fix: 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.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain 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."
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission: Cooler/Radiator: Hoses And Fittings 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.
Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Arm 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAA possible loss of motive power or park function due to wear in the power transfer unit
Risk: A possible loss of motive power or PARK function due to wear in the Power Transfer Unit.
Fix: Reprogram the Drive Train Control Module and Electric Park Brake.
What do 2021 Jeep Cherokee owners report?
12 of the 176 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
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 light on dashboard. Not safe to drive.
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 NHTSA does not show a recall for my specific VIN#. Vehicle was taken to Jeep Chrysler AutoNation in Golden Colorado. Apparently having a faulty PTU can be a MAJOR safety issue. Please advise.
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.
I am reporting a safety concern involving the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system on my 2021 Jeep Cherokee Altitude FWD with a 2.4L engine. Every time I start the vehicle, the dashboard displays the warning message "FCW Unavailable – Service Required." The warning remains displayed while I am driving, indicating that the Forward Collision Warning system is not functioning properly. This is a safety concern because the vehicle is equipped with Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, which is designed to help warn the driver of potential frontal collisions. With this system unavailable, I…
I entered my vehicle and noted the panel below the steering column was sagging. Upon closer inspection, it appeared to be an airbag, specifically the driver-side knee bolster air bag. I took the vehicle in for service at the dealership, and two technicians stated the air bag was partially deployed. The panel was continuing to sag and the air bag was more visible. My vehicle was not involved in an accident - the dealership technicians also verified this by inspecting my vehicle's bumpers. Despite my air bag hanging outside of its panel, there were no warning lights on the dash indicating the…
My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk has been effectively unusable since April 19, 2026 due to the PTU issue associated with FCA Recall 40D/NHTSA Recall 26V-290. I previously filed a complaint regarding this vehicle. It has now been 5 months with no repair remedy available. Due to being told by the certified dealer, Mopar, Jeep/Stellantis (who closed my claim because they claim the vehicle is safe to drive despite of having an outstanding safety recall) I thought I would attempt to drive the vehicle again. On September 15, 2026, the vehicle lost all motive power while I was traveling approximately…
Vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude Lux equipped with a 1-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU) / Active Drive I system. The vehicle experienced an abrupt failure of the AWD system, triggering an immediate "Service 4WD" warning light on the dashboard. Dealership diagnostics confirmed trouble code C14A7-97 (Power Transfer Unit Rear Axle Motor Circuit - Component Internal Failure), requiring a complete PTU replacement estimated at $2,200. This vehicle is currently excluded from Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA Campaign 26V290000) solely because it utilizes a 1-speed PTU rather than a 2-speed PTU…
Twice in the past year, the vehicle stalled after coming to a stop at a red light. The morning after the most recent incident, the car would not start. I had it towed to the dealership. That was Luther Brookdale Dodge, Jeep and Ram in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Two weeks ago, I began to intermittently see the message '4WD Unavailable - Service Required'. I brought it yesterday, and was told that the Power Transfer Unit was in need of replacement. I travel as an special education case manager and teacher quite a distance every day to work. The roads in the wintertime can be quite challenging…
I bought my 2021 jeep in 2023 at Matthew's in Pa and from day 1 my antifreeze has been leaking, I Bought the extended Warranty and they told me I didnt buy it and wouldn't fix nothing, so I took it back down there and other guy told me yes I had a Warranty but it's outdated and nothing they can do, which isn't fair on me! Now my heater core is bad which from get go that was the problem but they couldn't figure it out! Now I have every light on seat belt, air bag, engine light, parking brake, lane assit, etc and I can't afford to fix it and the inspection is due but can't get it fix all because…
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee sporadically and infrequently engages the parking brake and hazard flashers. In order to disengage it, the car must be put in park and turned off then on, sometimes repeatedly. It has happened multiple times when the car is at a stop and in drive (at a stoplight, etc.) Recently it started happening while driving. The parking brake engaged and the car slammed to a stop nearly causing the car behind me to rear-end me. The dealership's service department has not been able to duplicate the problem or find any codes indicating a problem. They confirmed the software is up to…
Driving a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk on the interstate with cruise control engaged. All of a sudden the vehicle decelerates/downshifts and the display screen flashes "4WD System Unavailable Service Required" and "4WD Neutral Warning". Trying to cross traffic to get to the shoulder of road and almost hit due to deceleration. Press gas pedal and nothing. Traction control light flashes on. Coast cross traffic to shoulder side of the road. Shut off Jeep. Check for loss of fluids and/or parts. Check brakes. Nothing. No smoke. No burning smell. Turn vehicle on. Vehicle automatically engages…
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?
2021 Jeep Cherokee: questions owners ask
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; the most common categories were power train (103, 58.5%), engine (28, 15.9%), electrical system (23, 13.1%). There are 4 safety recalls. 10 complaints mention a crash, 4 mention a fire, 8 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
Across 176 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are power train (58.5% of complaints), engine (15.9% of complaints), electrical system (13.1% of complaints), service brakes (8% of complaints), forward collision avoidance (6.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; the most recent (campaign 26V290000, 2026-05-07) concerns Power Train. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2021 Jeep Cherokee stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
28 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (15.9%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "While driving i lost power and heard whining and grinding. Loss of power. Had to get it to towed to the dealership where it remains as their no remedy." (NHTSA complaint 11761318, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have all-wheel-drive or 4x4 problems?
17 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (9.7%) describe all-wheel-drive, 4x4 or transfer case faults. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11771311, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
10 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (5.7%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11699616, November 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2021 Jeep Cherokee idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
9 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (5.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "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." (NHTSA complaint 11704383, December 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2021 Jeep Cherokee had transmission failures?
8 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (4.5%) describe transmission failure, slipping or a replaced transmission. A related recall exists: campaign 21V310000 (power train: automatic transmission: cooler/radiator: hoses and fittings). The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. One owner wrote: "While on a XXX road trip through [XXX] with my son, my Jeep was initially operating normally. We were leaving a hiking site when the Jeep gears would not engage." (NHTSA complaint 11764684, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why are the ABS and stability control lights on in my 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
6 of the 176 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee (3.4%) describe ABS, traction or stability control warnings or faults. One owner wrote: "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" (NHTSA complaint 11595812, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Cherokee
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.