This page covers 5 recalls, 124 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
22–26 mpg combined
9–10.7 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 6 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's complaint record by a wide margin, with the transfer case and its power transfer unit (PTU) at the center of most reports. Owners frequently describe a "4WD unavailable" or "service required" warning appearing on the dash, sometimes intermittently at first before becoming persistent. Several owners report the PTU overheating, which can lock the vehicle in 4WD low until the unit cools down. More serious reports describe the vehicle dropping out of drive and into neutral at highway speeds, leaving the driver unable to accelerate or re-engage the transmission. PTU failure leading to a complete loss of drive is mentioned in multiple complaints, with several owners noting the vehicle had to be towed. Electrical system and engine complaints each account for a smaller share of reports, with no single dominant symptom pattern standing out in those categories the way PTU-related issues do in the powertrain group.
124
Total Complaints
10
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 5 recalls, the most serious involving front lower control arms that can fracture without warning while driving, causing sudden loss of steering control. This recall affects Latitude and Limited trims specifically.
On the drivetrain side, two related issues cover fire and loss of drive power. A transmission oil cooler hose can leak transmission fluid, which raises the fire risk if fluid contacts hot engine components. Separately, the power transfer unit, which splits drive power between the axles, can fail and cause a loss of drive power or allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly if it was holding position on a slope.
There is also a safety equipment concern: a connector for the right-side curtain airbag may not be properly secured, which can prevent that airbag from deploying in a side impact. In a crash where the bag fails to inflate, occupants on the right side lose the protection designed to keep them from being ejected or struck by intruding structure.
At a glance
What can fail
The power transfer unit may fail, which can affect the vehicle's ability to distribute power to the wheels.
What the fix does
Chrysler is developing a repair. Interim letters will be mailed June 25, 2026, with final repair instructions sent later.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connector for the right-side curtain air bag may not be properly secured, which could prevent the air bag from deploying during a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the connector at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission oil cooler hose may have a manufacturing defect that causes it to burst and leak transmission fluid.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the transmission oil cooler hoses and replace them if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission oil cooler hose may have been incorrectly cured during manufacturing, which can allow transmission fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the hose at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower control arms may crack or break while you're driving, potentially affecting vehicle handling and safety.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front lower control arms and replace them if damaged, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
