RoadVitals

2021 Jeep Cherokee

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
150
+13 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest May 7, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
14
8 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 150 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), engine and electrical categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 256 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN

May 7, 2026
61,711 units potentially affected
The defect: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
The risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk are expected to be 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 40DView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Jul 8, 2024
13 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number 71BView on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS

May 4, 2021
18,800 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)Manufacturer number Y18View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 12, 2026

Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles

NHTSA ID
11756387
Incident
Aug 6, 2026
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 11, 2026

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 on which to travel. This vehicle should be included in the list of affected vehicle trims that are listed for the multitude of Jeep vehicles part of the PTU related recall. I need to know that the vehicle is being repaired with a part that is safe, not the same PTU used originally, in manufacture, which has been found to be unsafe.

NHTSA ID
11756116
Incident
May 14, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 10, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the “4WD Service” warning light illuminated, and while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the power transfer unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V343000 (POWER TRAIN); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 161,000.

NHTSA ID
11756056
Incident
Aug 5, 2026
Mileage
161,000 mi
Filed Aug 9, 2026

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 lesson, we discovered that the right turn signal would randomly and repeatedly fail to remain engaged. I later learned that similar “self-canceling” turn-signal problems have been reported in Jeep vehicles and resulted in safety recalls for certain models. I immediately contacted Tyler (salesman), as documented by my phone records. He initially instructed me to have the vehicle checked at a local Johnstown dealership for warranty coverage and stated that Blaise Alexander would repair it if the warranty did not apply. I then learned from Carfax that the basic warranty had expired around January 2025. When I contacted Tyler again, he reversed his position and said the dealership would not repair the vehicle, suggesting the problem occurred after purchase. After several calls, the sales manager agreed to inspect it. I brought the vehicle to Blaise Alexander on January 22, 2026. The next day, the manager identified the problem and estimated an $800 repair. Although he called it “a typical problem with this model Jeep,” he refused to cover the cost and offered to split it. I declined and retrieved the vehicle on January 24. It had only been driven approximately three times since purchase. I requested the repair quote but it was not provided. I believe the defect was pre-existing and that Blaise Alexander knew or should have known about it. The dealership’s statements, the timing, my research, and related recalls support this belief. The defective signal affects roadworthiness and may prevent the vehicle from passing Pennsylvania inspection. Had I known about the defect, I would not have purchased the vehicle. I am seeking repair at the dealer's cost, or in lieu of that a buyback of the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA

NHTSA ID
11755771
Incident
Jan 3, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving on a ramp at 40-45 MPH, there was an abnormally loud grinding sound coming from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle lost drive power. No warning light was illuminated. The electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted, and the electronic parking brake engaged automatically. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the PTU had failed; however, parts were not available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to provide limited reimbursement for rental car expenses. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11755511
Incident
Jul 19, 2026
Mileage
45,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2026

PTU failure at 62000 miles. There is a recall for the exact issue on the exact part for 2019 to 2025 Jeep Cherokees but this one, as well as several thousand others, somehow do not fall under this recall. Why? From what the dealer told us this is a “critical safety issue that could result in serious injury or death” so why would this not be a recall along with the 60000+ other ones? Dealer told me this was sushi a critical safety issue they would not return the car to me until it was fixed, and part was 2 month back ordered which was last week but still hear nothing. What is the hold up with a recall on this?

NHTSA ID
11754810
Incident
May 22, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park(P), the 4WD warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID
11754723
Incident
Aug 3, 2026
Mileage
60,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Aug 3, 2026

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 that time. The recall was announced in May 2026, but Stellantis has still not provided a repair remedy. As of today, my vehicle has been out of service for approximately four months due to the recalled condition. I have received the recall notification letter, but it continues to state that no remedy is available. This has left me without the use of my vehicle for an extended period despite an acknowledged safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Stellantis’ failure to provide a timely remedy for this safety recall. My vehicle has been undrivable since April 2026 because of the recall condition and remains unusable due to the lack of an available repair. This vehicle CANNOT be safely driven.

NHTSA ID
11754404
Incident
Apr 19, 2026

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

S2208000045 REV.D

STRUCTURE:BODY

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

S2523000003 REV.A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; STRUCTURE:BODY

Door Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.

08-075-26 REV. A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Rear Taillamp Condensation Clearing Procedure On occasion, vehicle exterior taillamp assemblies get fogged with a light layer of condensation on the SYMPTOM: inside of the lenses Fig. 1. This may be reported after the lamps have been turned on and brought up to operating temperature, turned off and then rapidly cooled by cold water (such as rain, or the water from a vehicle wash). Lens fogging can also occur under certain atmospheric conditions after a vehicle has been parked outside overnight (i.e. a warm humid day followed by clear cool night). This will usually clear as atmospheric conditions change to allow the condensation to change back into a vapor. Turning the taillamps on will usually accelerate this process. This bulletin is to communicate the procedure for rear taillamp condensation clearing.

18-044-26

ENGINE

Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P25E4-00 - B Camshaft Position - Unable To Achieve Locked Position Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P05BD-00 - Stop-Start Mode Switch Range/Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0116-00 - Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor 1 Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P062B-00 - Internal Control Module Fuel Injector Control Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0604-00 - Internal Control Module Random Access Memory Ram Error. (In Active or Stored status) ● P060C-00 - Internal Control Module Main Processor Performance. (In Active or Stored status)** ● P018B-00 - Fuel Pressure Sensor "B" Circuit Range/performance. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P1CEA-00 - Boost Side EVAP Purge System Performance. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P06DD-00 - Engine Oil Pressure Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P00C6-00 - Fuel Rail Pressure Too Low - Engine Cranking. **(In Active or Stored status)** ● P0300-00 - Multiple Cylinder Misfire. **(In Active or Stored status)** Customers may also experience one or more of the following: ● **Oil Level High Warning in the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC).** ● Fully Autonomous Parking Assist (FAPA) is not deactivated when accelerator pedal is pressed. ● Vehicle is not heating up fast enough at freezi

S2208000045 REV.C

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

9100778

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

If replacing $8474412A$ with $8474413A$ version, verify vehicle is proxied and configured properly. The 4412 part does not have RSD (SXM) capability. The 4413 part has RSD (SXM) capability and will not have an antenna connected. If replacement radio does not function, verify RSD sales code is added to configurator.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Jeep Cherokee by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2027000
2026320
2025000
2024000
2023310
2022483059.9
2021Viewing1504064.9
20202783061.9
20191,61111060.1
20186807159.9
20171,3256158.7
20161,4039260.8
20151,78011461.1
20142,63913359.2
2006170027.2
20012298160.7
20003697161.4
19993668161.0
199839811159.0
199739010263.1
199644710161.9
199560811967.7
19945199966.5
199341871566.7
19921135969.5
19912339667.7
19902709666.8
19891916366.4
1988974361.9
1987579767.9
1986218367.6
1985177465.4
1984774
1983013
1982022
1981122
1980132
1979021
1978120
1977010
1976041
1975050
1974031
1973100

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.