2021 Jeep Cherokee: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee: 4 recalls, 168 owner complaints and up to 26 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #20V657000 · 2020 · 698 vehicles
What's wrong: One or both of the front lower control arms May fracture while driving.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V310000 · 2021 · 18,800 vehicles
What's wrong: The transmission oil cooler hose May have been incorrectly cured, allowing transmission fluid to leak.
Why it matters: A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the hose, free of charge. Owners notification letters were mailed May 18, 2021.
Airbags Vehicle recall #24V516000 · 2024 · 13 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #26V290000 · 2026 · 61,711 vehicles
What's wrong: The power transfer unit (ptu) May fail.
Why it matters: A failed ptu May result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 8 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (96): the most common themes are warning light on (30), hard / delayed shifting (25), noise or vibration (21).
- Engine (27): the most common themes are warning light on (11), stalls / loses power (9), electrical failure (8).
- Other / unknown (25): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (6), warning light on (4), electrical failure (3).
- Electrical (23): the most common themes are electrical failure (7), warning light on (7), stalls / loses power (5).
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee has 168 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 24 Cherokee model years for complaints (well below the 602 average). Complaints peaked in 2026 (58 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 49,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (320 complaints, 3 recalls), 2022 (51 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.2 L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners have filed 168 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (96), engine (27), other / unknown (25).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee get?
EPA ratings run up to 26 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic 9-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Jeep Cherokee repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.