2021 Jeep Cherokee Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
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
- Powertrain (other)7942.5%
- Engine2513.4%
- Electrical2211.8%
- Brakes147.5%
- Driver assistance137.0%
- Airbags84.3%
- Suspension52.7%
- Tires & wheels52.7%
- Fuel system52.7%
- Steering31.6%
- Other / unspecified21.1%
- Seat belts21.1%
- Visibility10.5%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Exterior lighting10.5%
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Drive train control module & actuator replaced at less than 75,000 miles
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
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 settings, and other safety features were inoperable and unavailable. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired because the parts were no longer being manufactured. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were no longer being manufactured. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
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.
Their was no incident
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
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.
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),
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
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
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.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
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?
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.
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.
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.
SVC 4WD light came on took to repair shop found it needs a new transfer case
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .