klepZ OwnerReports
Jeep / Cherokee / 2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee problems

Owners have filed 245 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 42.4% of them, far more than any other system, ahead of engine at 11.4%.

Complaints245
Crashes16
Fires8
Injuries11
Deaths0

What owners report breaking

Power train 42.4% · 104
Engine 11.4% · 28
Unknown or other 10.6% · 26
Electrical system 9.4% · 23
Service brakes 5.3% · 13
Forward collision avoidance 4.5% · 11
Air bags 3.7% · 9
Fuel/propulsion system 2.0% · 5
Severity

Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 8 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.

Reading the numbers

Across the 20 model years of the Jeep Cherokee in this data, 2021 draws comparatively few complaints; 2014 is the outlier year.

Filings are rising, 168 in the last three years against 77 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.

The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 42,850 miles.

In owners' own words

My 2021 Jeep Cherokee suffered a complete failure of its 1-speed PTU and ESM module, causing a loss of 4WD capabilities. This is the exact same failure mechanism and safety risk outlined in recall 40D, but 1 speed units are being excluded from coverage. My vehicle is at dealership awaiting for this PTU. Service 4WD light on dashboard. Not safe to drive. Power train
The service 4wd light is on. The dealership said it is a PTU problem. They want $2500 for a new PTU and of course add more money for labor. This seems to be a manufacturer problem not a car owner problem. It should be a recall item as it has been for 2017-2019 Jeep Cherokees. The dealer should fix this at no cost to the auto owners. Power train
Power Takeoff Unit Assembly failed at 61,000 miles. This unit has had three recalls and 5 parts revision that I can find but dealer refuses replacement under warranty due to warranty being 60,000 miles. This part clearly has defects ongoing since 2014 or before and yet FCA continues to produce them and fails to support them. Power train

Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Safety recalls

Checking NHTSA for open recalls…

Other Jeep Cherokee years

Compare all 20 model years →