2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls and problems

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 4 safety recalls and 184 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
184
Crashes / fires
10 / 4
Injuries / deaths
8 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls

Recall 26V-290: Power Train

Reported May 7, 2026 · 61,711 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.

Risk: A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.

Fix: Dealers will update the Drivetrain Control Drivetrain Control Module, PTU, and Electronic Park Brake software, and replace the PTU, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters explaining the safety risk were 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.

Recall 24V-516: Air Bags

Reported Jul 8, 2024 · 13 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 21V-310: Power Train

Reported May 4, 2021 · 18,800 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)

Problem: 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.

Risk: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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.

Recall 20V-657: Suspension

Reported Oct 27, 2020 · 698 vehicles affected · Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Problem: Chrysler (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.

Risk: A front lower control arm fracture while driving may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash without prior warning.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front lower control arms and replace them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W81. Note: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until they have been inspected and repaired if needed.

2021 Jeep Cherokee problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train111
Engine29
Unknown or Other27
Electrical System24
Service Brakes13
Forward Collision Avoidance11
Air Bags9
Fuel/Propulsion System5
Suspension5
Lane Departure4
Steering3
Seat Belts2

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 5
  • Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) — 4
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 2
  • Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Tires › Sidewall — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Jeep Cherokee complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Power Train · reported Nov 11, 2026
Subject: Unreasonable Delay in Safety Recall Remedy (NHTSA Recall 26V-290 / FCA Recall 40D) – Request for Regulatory Intervention & Repurchase Enforcement I am the registered owner of a 2021 Jeep Cherokee (Current Odometer: 52,289 miles / 84,151 km). On May 7, 2026, FCA US LLC (Stellantis) issued Safety Recall 40D (NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-290) regarding a critical defect in the two-speed Power Transfer Unit (PTU). According to the recall notice, internal failure of the PTU can cause an unexpected and unrecoverable loss of motive power at any speed or allow the vehicle to roll away while in…
Power Train · reported Nov 6, 2026
My power transfer unit went out, and has currently been sitting at a dealership since March 9, 2026 due to parts being on backorder.
Power Train · reported Nov 6, 2026
I recieved a 4WD service error on my dashboard. I took it to my mechanic and they said the following codes came up. C14A7-97 PTU Motor P0606-49 Internal Control processor -internal electronic failure U0010-00 CAN interior bus I see that there are recalls for the PTU on other Cherokees for this year, so I want you to know it is happening to my vehicle too.
Power Train · at 86,000 miles · reported Nov 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message “Service 4WD” remained displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the PTU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who also diagnosed the vehicle with PTU failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Power Train · at 85,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V290000 (Power Train); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, an abnormal whining noise emanated from underneath the vehicle, and the vehicle experienced a loss of motive power. While attempting to accelerate, the engine RPM increased; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact pulled over and restarted the engine; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic…

Other Jeep Cherokee years

Compare all Jeep Cherokee years · All Jeep models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee: 26V-290 (power train), 24V-516 (air bags), 21V-310 (power train), 20V-657 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?

Owners report power train problems most often (111 reports), followed by engine (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Jeep recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Jeep dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.