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2021 Jeep Cherokee: common problems and reliability
One of the better Cherokee years.
168 owner complaints, most about power train. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Cherokee?The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 168 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cherokee years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Cherokee?
Across the 16 Cherokee model years we track, complaint volume runs from 3 (2023) to 2,649 (2014). With 168 complaints, the 2021 Cherokee sits below the model's median of 1,336.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Cherokee
power train:automatic transmission:cooler/radiator:hoses and fittings
Campaign 21V310000Chrysler (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.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 20V657000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee Latitude and Jeep Cherokee Limited vehicles. One or both of the front lower control arms may fracture while driving.
air bags:side/window:curtain
Campaign 24V516000Chrysler (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."
power train
Campaign 26V290000Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation. For the original XJ generation (produced until approximately 2001), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with owners praising legendary reliability, mechanical simplicity, and rugged capability.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cherokee. See the full Cherokee owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Cherokee listings typically run $11,283–$18,052.
Other Cherokee model years
Compare every Cherokee year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cherokee against its rivals
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