2021 Jeep Cherokee: Reliability Data

Source: NHTSA — 173 complaints
173
Total Complaints
27,364mi
Median Mileage
Power Train
Top Issue
16
Crash Reports

When Do Complaints Happen?

Distribution of NHTSA complaints by vehicle mileage at time of report.

3,055 25th Percentile
27,364 Median Mileage
44,600 75th Percentile

What Fails?

Most reported component issues from NHTSA complaints.

Power Train
55
Engine
22
Electrical System
20
Unknown Or Other
20
Service Brakes
13
Air Bags
8
Suspension
5
Automatic Emergency Braking
5
Fuel/Propulsion System
4
Warnings
4

Severity Assessment

16
Crashes
8
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths

Sample Complaint Reports

"I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA (40 MPH) WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY JOLTED AS IF I HAD SUDDENLY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE GAS PEDAL. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT WERE ON, THE SEAT/STEERING WHEEL WARMER, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ..."
"I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA (40 MPH) WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY JOLTED AS IF I HAD SUDDENLY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE GAS PEDAL. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT WERE ON, THE SEAT/STEERING WHEEL WARMER, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ..."
"I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA (40 MPH) WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY JOLTED AS IF I HAD SUDDENLY STEPPED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THEN THE GAS PEDAL. I STOPPED FOR A RED LIGHT, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED. THE ENGINE AND BATTERY LIGHT WERE ON, THE SEAT/STEERING WHEEL WARMER, AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM ..."

Source: NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Names and identifying details omitted.

When Were Complaints Filed?

Number of complaints by the year the issue occurred.

When Does Each Component Fail?

Median mileage at complaint for top components.

Power Train 55 complaints
25th: 27,364 mi Median: 38,000 mi 75th: 44,600 mi
Engine 22 complaints
25th: 2,638 mi Median: 27,027 mi 75th: 60,750 mi
Electrical System 20 complaints
25th: 2,500 mi Median: 41,100 mi 75th: 92,000 mi

Where Are Complaints Coming From?

Top states by complaint count.

TX: 18 NY: 12 OH: 10 MI: 10 PA: 8 WA: 8 AZ: 8 VA: 7 NM: 7 AR: 7

Jeep Cherokee — Other Years

See how this model compares across different model years.

YearComplaintsCrashes
199036818
199129714
199217521
199357160
199461868
1995732110
199658472
199749660
199855342
199951649
200050632
200132933
2014393297
2015262980
2016201352
2017188641
201896418
2019227165
202031511
2022602

Active Recalls (3)

Federal safety recalls issued for this vehicle.

Hoses And Fittings
Campaign 21V310000 | 04/05/2021
A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
Lower Arm
Campaign 20V657000 | 27/10/2020
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.
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
Curtain
Campaign 24V516000 | 08/07/2024
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
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.

Extend Your Transmission Life

Based on the most common issues reported for this vehicle.

  • Change transmission fluid at manufacturer intervals — not 'lifetime' fluid
  • Come to a full stop before shifting from reverse to drive
  • Don't ride the brakes on hills — use a lower gear
  • Check transmission fluid level and color monthly — dark fluid needs changing
  • Address slipping, hard shifts, or delayed engagement immediately

Vehicle Rankings

Most complained Worst transmissions Worst engines Worst brakes Most crashes Compare vehicles

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Data source: View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov | NHTSA ODI Complaints Database. Public domain.

Methodology: Complaint counts and mileage distributions are computed directly from consumer-reported NHTSA complaints. This data represents reported issues, not failure rates — vehicles without complaints are not represented. Full methodology.

Data through: 2026-03-28