2021 JEEP CHEROKEE

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transfer case awd

    6 stranded, 43 unsafe

    49
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 64,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power with the 4-wheel drive warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic…"~18,000 mi, complaint #2208501
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving [REDACTED ADDRESS], the vehicle lost 4WD functionality. The message “Service 4WD” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the 4W…"~44,600 mi, complaint #2187844
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle abruptly lost automotive power, and the vehicle coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact stated the power transfer unit had failed, causing the transmission to bec…"~88,000 mi, complaint #2196685
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 75 MPH on I-15 and accelerating, the transmission seized, and the vehicle skidded to the side of the roadway. The contact stated that the engine was running but the vehic…"~99,000 mi, complaint #2061477
  2. #2

    transmission automatic

    1 stranded, 12 unsafe

    13
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "MY 2021 JEEP'S POWER TRAIN UNIT BROKE AND DAMAGED OTHER CONNECTING PARTS WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY USING CRUISE CONTROL CAUSING A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THIS OCCURRED WITH ONLY 5696 MILES DRIVEN ON THE VEHICLE."~5,696 mi, complaint #1738581
  3. #3

    engine stall or no start

    1 stranded, 8 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 3,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "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 WH…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1727010
    • "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."~3,055 mi, complaint #1730960
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The contact was able to veer to the side of the roadway. The contact restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The check engine w…"~134,000 mi, complaint #1891860
  4. #4

    other

    6 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    8
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While driving, forward collision alarm came out, slowly more problem arose, power steering became unavailable, airbags red warning came up, engine caution light came up, transmission wouldn't shift to proper gear, ESP also failed."complaint #1816994
    • "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 fir…"complaint #1980395
    • "The padding (foam) underneath the cover of the car seat is cracked/broken. It is available whenever for inspection. By the foam being damaged, it is no longer safe to use according to multiple reliable sources. EvenFlo is claiming for it to be just as safe af…"complaint #2122735
    • "My 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is currently immobile due to an active safety recall involving vehicle movement/park functionality concerns, and loss of power. Prior to the recall being issued, one certified Jeep dealership inspected the vehicle regarding the…"complaint #2208374
    • "Nothing has happened yet. What is the timeline to correct this issue. The loss of power, and other issues that may happen could be catastrophic. Why is there no timeline required for resolutions? Notification are expected to begin to be sent by June 25,2026…"complaint #2218086
  5. #5

    airbag system

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=8)

    • "WE WERE IN A FRONT IMPACT VEHICLE ACCIDENT. AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY, BRAKES FAILED AFTER IMPACT AND THE ENGINE DIDN'T SHUT DOWN. I HAD TO DISCONNECT THE ECU POWER RELAY FOR THE ENGINE TO STOP."~1,400 mi, complaint #1733274
    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph and crossing an intersection, he crashed into another vehicle head-on. The contact stated the air bags did not deploy and the driver-side seat belt did not retract. Th…"~28,000 mi, complaint #1863395
    • "The contact rented a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude. The contact stated while driving approximately 70mph when the contact lost control of the vehicle and experienced a head-on collision to the front end of the vehicle. While the contact was attempting to leave t…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1776043
    • "Car accident on 1/24 hit tree head on around 35 mph with NO airbags deploying. Suffered from concussion and whiplash, and potential of more serious injury. Insurance will be inspecting vehicle in the next week to determine total loss. No warning lamps, mes…"~85,541 mi, complaint #2170351
  6. #6

    differential

    1 stranded, 4 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "PTU and rear end failure, it’s been in the shop 9 weeks and I am told will be another month. "complaint #1946684
    • "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"complaint #1949674
    • "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…"complaint #2073491
    • "While getting an oil change, the mechanic below noticed a crack in my rear differential. He sent me a picture. I have looked online and there are thousands of complaints for the same issue. I immediately contacted the local certified Jeep mechanic and was told…"complaint #2221059
    • "The vehicle has developed a safety-related defect involving the rear differential. During low-speed turns from a stop, in both forward and reverse, the rear drivetrain exhibits grinding, binding, and wheel hop, causing the vehicle to jerk and resist normal mov…"complaint #2223263
  7. #7

    battery and charging

    3 stranded, 1 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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…"~49,000 mi, complaint #2153694
  8. #8

    parking brake

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I put my car in tow mode, after hooking up my RV, followed all proper procedures, after I turned key off and closed the door, between then and when I started to roll, the emergency brake AUTOMATICALLY ENGAGED! I burned up my two rear Jeep tires and could hav…"complaint #1790883
    • "Bought used for my daughter in Jan 2023. Car had 30,290miles. The parking brake has been coming on while she’s driving. She is also getting a forward collision service message, as well as Lane assist service message. It’s gonna cost us $1K to repair. I hope t…"complaint #1923636
    • "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. "complaint #1950160
    • "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 a…"complaint #2184395
  9. #9

    control module

    2 unsafe, 1 broken

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The vehicles automatic off switch does not turn back on when you release the break. It gives an error message saying the option is unavailable. I have to turn. The vehicle off and turn it back on. The vehicle has less than 37000 miles on it and was bought bran…"complaint #1831961
    • "automatic stop start that activates when you are at a stop light either gives you and error that it won't work about 1/3 of my driving trips. on 2 occasions it has totally shut off the vehicle leading to all sorts of dash error lights coming on, and requirin…"complaint #1894693
    • "Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles"complaint #2234716
  10. #10

    engine internal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "July 3 purchased used Jeep 2021 18,500 miles from a Lincoln Dealer July 5-7 notified dealer something wrong with engine July 10 drop off at Lincoln dealer was told Jeep would be taken to there Jeep Dealer in Titusville for service July 16 we find out Jee…"complaint #2124338
    • "UNKNOWN purchased a used 2021 Jeep on July 3, 2025 received the CARFAX showing it passed all tests however, after I drove off the lot the engine sounded funny, took it back on July 10, they send the car to a Jeep dealer who stated it needed a new engine I…"complaint #2138203
  11. #11

    suspension arms and bushings

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving and felt the wheel jerk and heard a crack noise under the front end of my car immediately after my vehichle was pulled abruptly to left causing me to hit a curb. WHen I got out and inspected the vehichle it looked as if the tire had been tilted i…"complaint #1779312
    • "Control Arms - lower control arm both sides of the vehicle Confirmed by the dealership service department and given an estimate of cost for repair Has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance or others. No warning lights have come on. Just a cru…"complaint #1915560
    • "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)…"complaint #2009724
  12. #12

    abs module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM THE REAR, THE ADVANCE BRAKE ASSIST FAILED TO PERFORM AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS…"~3,912 mi, complaint #1747899
  13. #13

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The first time it happened was 9/23/2022. I was accelerating away from a traffic light, going to make a left turn, and warning lights came on and the car didn't want to go. The orange check engine light was on, there was a red symbol of a throttle venture and…"complaint #1848375
    • "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…"complaint #2156307
  14. #14

    adas collision warning

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2021 JEEP CHEROKEE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NON OPERATIONAL FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED NO AUDIO, MESSAGES, AND NO BRAKING DISPLAYED WHEN APPROACHING OTHER VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED, BUT NO ERRO…"complaint #1815820
    • "I purchased this 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it has developed a life-threatening defect where it performs an uncommanded braking while driving at speed. Without any warning the car slams on the brakes creating an immediate risk of a Rear end collision. Diagnostic…"complaint #2189833
  15. #15

    brake booster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The emergency brake activated when I step on the gas at a light. It would disengage until I turned the car off and back on. It was raining during the time. When I called the dealership(Darcars dodge and Jeep, Temple Hills, Ms) they claimed they’d never heard o…"complaint #1845229
    • "The emergency brake engages on its own and the fuel saving on/off feature is not working and the vehicle stalls while driving."complaint #1928123
  16. #16

    driveshaft axle cv

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 25 MPH, there was a clunking sound coming from the rear of the vehicle, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The vehicle was immediately driven to…"~27,364 mi, complaint #1906713
  17. #17

    infotainment head unit

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the radio went black, with the message "Re-insert USB" displayed. The contact was unable to use the radio. Additionally, the rear-view camera, the AC/HEAT se…"~92,000 mi, complaint #2189866
  18. #18

    sunroof

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact's wife owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 50 MPH, the sunroof imploded and the shattered glass panel pieces almost injured his wife. The contact's wife veered to the side of the road. The contact's wife th…"~14,074 mi, complaint #1809544
  19. #19

    wheel or rim

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "turning from secondary road onto main road, us high 41 ruskin fl. as i was gaining speed, heard a large pop sound. traveled approx 1/4 mile to dollar general store parking lot. examined tire and the inside wall had dlown a hole t SHAPE approx 2 inches in lengt…"complaint #1790414
    • "While breaking in heavy freeway traffic the right rear tire began to wobble heavily causing loss of control and nearly causing an accident. Took the vehicle to a dealership repair facility and they took a photograph and advised me of the “extremely hazardous”…"complaint #1855422
  20. #20

    wiring harness

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "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.…"~64,000 mi, complaint #2156026
  21. #21

    brake pads and rotors

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While putting on new tire valve caps, I noticed a drip of something wet on the inside of one of the rims. It smelled like brake fluid. I took the car to the dealership for inspection. I was told that I couldn't drive the car, that the caliper was leaking brak…"complaint #1764253
  22. #22

    cruise control conventional

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 CRUIS…"complaint #1950270
  23. #23

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #2223825
  24. #24

    engine oil consumption

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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"complaint #1949672
  25. #25

    evap system

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #2149013
  26. #26

    fuel tank and lines

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Gas is leaking inside the engine compartment from a gas line that goes into the engine."complaint #1819956
  27. #27

    glass and windshield

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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…"complaint #1812862
  28. #28

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I own a 2021 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk that is included in the PTU safety recall involving sudden loss of motive power and/or loss of the PARK function. My vehicle began exhibiting the exact symptoms of this recall in April 2026 and has been undrivable since tha…"complaint #2231664
  29. #29

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 l…"complaint #2233759
  30. #30

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Seatbelt failure in a 2021 Jeep Cherokee at approximately 80,000 miles. The seatbelt is not functioning properly and does not operate as intended, creating a safety concern. The issue was diagnosed by the dealership, who confirmed the seatbelt failure and stat…"complaint #2191844
  31. #31

    software or update

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact felt that the vehicle had lost motive power. The contact stated that there was a message to “Park and Restart the vehicle”. The contact was able to pull over and restar…"~41,100 mi, complaint #1859626
  32. #32

    steering column

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I bought the car in 7/23 at Auto Savvy Sta fe New Mexico, after 3-4 weeks the power steering wheel light on I called the dealer so they checked n then they said nothing is wrong so after that the lights . The car were 3 times at the dealer and the last time wa…"complaint #2087257
  33. #33

    steering electric assist

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "After approximately 30 minutes of operation, the vehicle begins to develop an intermittent steering play. The best way to describe it is like when a torque wrench reaches the torque setting and breaks. A slight steering correction suddenly breaks a small amo…"complaint #1828835
  34. #34

    timing belt or chain

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "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 s…"complaint #1977113
  35. #35

    unintended acceleration

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While at a complete stop vehicle’s rpms went up and launched forward on its own. It continued to do so several times despite pressing the break pedal fully. Vehicle did the same thing only a couple of weeks after being purchased but I was unsure if it had bee…"complaint #1898095

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for JEEP CHEROKEE directly.