RoadVitals

2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
165
Latest Sep 27, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
15
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

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

91
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My power train unit (ptu) failed March 2026. At the time, no recall was in effect. I had to hire an independent mechanic to fix the issue because the local Jeep dealerships couldn’t start repair for five days after the ptu failed. After paying $4700 out of pocket for an official Jeep PTU replacement part, Jeep sent out a recall for the Cherokee. In May 2026, Jeep sent out a recall notice for 2019-2023 Cherokees for PTU failures. This affected 60,000 vehicles. I have a 2021 Cherokee. However, my specific VIN was not a part of the recall. As of today, my vehicle still has not been recalled. I contacted Jeep Customer Service to be reimbursed for my repair expense. However, they said I was not entitled to reimbursement because my VIN hasn’t been recalled. I am requesting that Jeep honors my request for reimbursement. After doing some research, the Jeep brand has been having PTU issues for years. They know it’s an issue and have yet to find a fix. They are still selling vehicles with a faulty PTU. Even now with my officially licensed replacement PTU, it could still have the defect. As a loyal Jerp customer since 2018, I am asking for assistance with obtaining reimbursement for my PTU repair. Thanks.

NHTSA ID 11767260 · filed Sep 27, 2026

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 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D

NHTSA ID 11766914 · filed Sep 25, 2026
All 91 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D

NHTSA ID 11766914 · filed Sep 25, 2026

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. However, code C14A7-97 confirms that the 1-speed units are suffering from the exact same internal mechanical and electrical component failures described in the active recall. The vehicle has been forced into permanent front-wheel-drive mode, causing a noticeable drop in handling and acceleration performance. This mechanical failure presents a sudden loss of drive power and a severe vehicle rollaway risk if the electronic parking brake is not manually cycled. NHTSA should investigate and expand Recall 40D to include 1-speed PTU Jeep Cherokees, as they share the same defective internal components and safety hazards.

NHTSA ID 11764839 · filed Sep 16, 2026
All 28 reports naming engine →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

23
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 65 mph on the highway on my daily commute. I had to coast the vehicle to the shoulder. This is the exact type of safety hazard described in the recall. FCA/Stellantis has not provided a repair solution, rental vehicle, reimbursement, or other meaningful transportation assistance. I continue to incur the expense of owning and paying for a vehicle that I cannot SAFELY operate. I am requesting that NHTSA review the length of time this recall has remained without an available remedy and the lack of assistance being provided to owners whose vehicles have already experienced the recall failure. I would also this complaint associated with my previous complaint and Recall 26V-290/40D

NHTSA ID 11766914 · filed Sep 25, 2026

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 of them telling me I didn't have a Warranty!!! Please respond my name is [XXX] phone # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11749175 · filed Jul 8, 2026
All 23 reports naming electrical →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 date.

NHTSA ID 11723032 · filed Mar 9, 2026

Their was no incident

NHTSA ID 11695339 · filed Oct 23, 2025
All 14 reports naming brakes →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 concern - with no resolution. Since the recall has now been formally issued, I have attempted to contact both that dealership and the certified Jeep dealership where the vehicle was originally purchased by phone and email to obtain recall assistance, repair guidance, and information regarding transportation options. Neither dealership has responded to my calls or email communication. The vehicle is currently unusable and poses a safetly concern due to the recall condition. I reply on this vehicle for daily commuting and transportation. Stellantis Customer Care was contacted, but a customer care case was not opened. At this time, I have been unable to obtain assistance, repair scheduling information, or guidance regarding the safe operation or transportation accomodations while the vehicle remains affected by the recall.

NHTSA ID 11739021 · filed May 20, 2026

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 scans show multiple critical failures: PO128 (the initial warning of a computer communication issues). Dealership (Echo Park) refuses to fix with the proper OEM part and denies my warranty, (I called it in on day 15 on my Warranty, 01/28/26) I let them know the fans were loud, RPMs fluctuating, tailpipe full of black soot and making a loud sputtering, this is burning up my fuel fast. My appt was on 02/10/26 They said there was nothing wrong with it. A couple weeks go by and then the check engine light turned on (after my Warranty) i took it back on 03/19/26, They visually verified the code, said I had to pay out of pocket to fix it with an aftermarket part not the OEM part. They set up an appt for 03/25/26. UO128 (lost communication with brake control module) and C008E-00(ECU internal performance). These codes are directly linked to the NHTSA safety investigation PE22- 009. When I took the vehicle to Allways [XXX] on March 23, 2026, the Service Department refused to perform a safety inspection without an upfront payment, despite the vehicle having exposed wiring in the steering column and part of an active federal safety probe. As a small business owner (Maid To Sparkle) grandmother who transports a [XXX] daily, I am now stranded with a vehicle that is unsafe to drive due to a documented a manufacturer defect. While at the dealership I was simultaneously on the phone with Jeep Customer Care. Despite the vehicle being under federal safety investigation for the exact ghost breaking I am experiencing both the dealer and corporate representative denied assistance and refused a safety inspection without an upfront fee This shows a coordinated refusal to address a documented safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),

NHTSA ID 11726675 · filed Mar 24, 2026
All 13 reports naming driver assistance →

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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, messages or other issues to the car prior to the accident

NHTSA ID 11713613 · filed Jan 27, 2026

Was driving down hwy and vehicle pulled out directly in front of me. Nothing i could do but hit the brakes. Severe front end damage done to my 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Airbags did not deploy. There were injuries. No one can figure out why the airbags didn't deploy on either the passenger side nor the driver side. Thankfully no one was killed. I believe there to be a defect in the airbags on this vehicle of not deploying. The collision was fast enough and enough front end damage to deploy. The airbags in the other vehicle that was involved deployed just fine. Ours however didn't. Asking Jeep to look at their 2021 cherokee models.

NHTSA ID 11513670 · filed Mar 24, 2023
All 8 reports naming airbags →

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Aug 11, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID 11699616 · filed Nov 15, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding a recent PTU failure associated with a recall on my Jeep vehicle. This issue nearly cost me my life when the vehicle abruptly stopped in the middle of a highway. Unfortunately, Jeep has refused to cover rental expenses related to this incident. Initially, the company did not acknowledge the problem, and now it appears they are purposefully delaying necessary diagnostics to evade responsibility. Given the circumstances, I feel it is imperative to seek legal counsel to protect my rights and ensure that my safety concerns are addressed appropriately. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

NHTSA ID 11753132 · filed Jul 27, 2026

SVC 4WD light came on took to repair shop found it needs a new transfer case

NHTSA ID 11747457 · filed Jun 30, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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?

NHTSA ID 11603887 · filed Jul 22, 2024

While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which resulted in the tire coming off of the vehicle. A claim was turned into insurance carrier and repairs have been completed to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11586379 · filed May 1, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 was there for 9 weeks. So they said they changed the steering column, the clock spring and the lights came back. So one time I lost the control, on the high way so after that I haven’t used the car.

NHTSA ID 11657641 · filed Apr 29, 2025

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 ID 11595812 · filed Jun 21, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While I was driving, I suddenly heard an extremely loud popping/banging noise that sounded like a gunshot. Immediately afterward, I discovered that the moonroof glass had shattered. Nothing fell onto or struck the vehicle, and nothing from inside the vehicle hit the glass. There were no warning lights, messages, or noticeable symptoms beforehand. The glass appeared to shatter suddenly and without an obvious external impact. To the best of my knowledge, the cause is unknown, and I am reporting the incident because the moonroof glass appeared to fail unexpectedly during normal driving.

NHTSA ID 11765006 · filed Sep 17, 2026

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 then continued to drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the sunroof glass was replaced. The local dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,074.

NHTSA ID 11462414 · filed Apr 27, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 after reporting the damage. I have sent photos of the damage to EvenFlo and they claim that they will not replace it due to being bought from a 3rd party retailer (brand new) and also claim it’s still perfectly safe to use. It was also inspected by the hospital prior to bringing my daughter home (there was no damage).

NHTSA ID 11682148 · filed Aug 21, 2025

While driving the front left wheel started to come off the axel. The stability control light came on prior to the incident. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership for a mechanic to inspect the vehicle. A mechanic at a Chrysler dealership inspected the vehicle and the following was repairs were needed- new axle shaft, new knuckle, and new arm control. The axle broke and knuckle broke which resulted in the tire coming off of the vehicle. A claim was turned into insurance carrier and repairs have been completed to the vehicle.

NHTSA ID 11586379 · filed May 1, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 stated repairs are needed. I was quoted $522 for the repair, and only partial goodwill assistance has been offered. Despite this being a critical safety component, I have not been provided a loaner or rental vehicle while the repair is expected to take 5–10 days. This leaves me without safe transportation. I am concerned about the safety risk of a failed seatbelt and the lack of full support for a safety-related defect

NHTSA ID 11727980 · filed Mar 30, 2026

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. The contact sustained injuries on his chest due to hitting the steering wheel and had bruises/swelling on his right foot. The contact sought medical attention at a nearby hospital. The contact stated the other driver was taken by an ambulance but was unaware of their injuries. A police report was filed. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle and stated he saw smoke from the engine due to the antifreeze leaking. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ID 11500272 · filed Jan 5, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

In May 2021 I leases a brand new car. In Jan 2021 I was driving my car and at a busy intersection, my car stalled. I just got a full tank of gas but the low fuel tank light came on. The car would not turn off, the clutch was stuck and I could not shift out of any gear. I brought my car in to the service center where I bought my car and let them know that I think electrical issues were causing problems with my fuel gauge and my clutch. They held on to my car from Jan 20-Mar 28th they could not say what electrical problems caused my car to stall or my fuel tank to register as low but they gave me a whole new transmission. At this time I had only about 2,700 miles on the car. Less than a month later I stalled again on a busy road but I was able to pull the car over and waited for a family member to arrive to help. After letting the car sit for a little I was able to start the car again however the low fuel light came back on and the engine light came on. Additionally this time I was not able to shut off the car, radio, blinkers did not work, as well as break lights did not work. I brought the car back in and expressed my concerns about the electrical problems causing saftey issues on April 20 2021. I drove to the dealership with my hazards in which it stalled 3 times on my way there. They had my car til April 26 and said a cluster of alerts came up and the reset them but they couldn't guarantee it wouldn't happen again. Only one day later I started my car to find the fuel tank alert on again and the car not being able to turn off and brake lights, signal lights were not working and the windshield wipers going crazy. I then called a tow truck to tow my car as it was unsafe to drive. Now my car has been in the shop since April 27 almost 50 days and counting and they still can't find what is causing the issues. They want to release my car again but cannot guarantee it will not happen again. I am terrified to drive the car as nothing was fixed and very unsafe.

NHTSA ID 11469360 · filed Jun 15, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 the vehicle post-accident, the driver-side interior door handle would not function and open the driver-side door. Which resulted in the contact having to open the door via the exterior door handle. All airbags deployed minus driver-side airbags. A police report was filed and the contact sought medical treatment and sustained a mild concussion, a hematoma on legs, and bruising on the chest abdomen, and face. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was awaiting diagnosis. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID 11438645 · filed Oct 29, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .