The Lemon Index

All cars · Jeep Cherokee · 2021

2021 Jeep Cherokee. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index64100 = average car
Complaints65NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold89,126U.S. model year
Per 100K sold73complaints
Year rank#3 of 9#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 6

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto 9-spdFWD23 / 31 / 26Regular$2,400
2.0L 4-cyl turboAuto 9-spdAWD21 / 29 / 24Regular$2,600
2.4L 4-cylAuto 9-spdFWD22 / 31 / 25Regular$2,500
2.4L 4-cylAuto 9-spdAWD21 / 29 / 24Regular$2,600
3.2L 6-cylAuto 9-spdFWD20 / 29 / 23Regular$2,700
3.2L 6-cylAuto 9-spdAWD19 / 27 / 22Regular$2,850

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 25,000 and 89,000 miles. Median 55,500, from 34 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Transmission & drivetrain70,00044,600–113,40019
Engine27,0002,100–81,5006
Electrical45,0002,200–102,5006

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Transmission & drivetrain34%
Electrical20%
Engine20%
Brakes12%
Airbags11%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
1761046018

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

  • 26V290000 May 2026 Power Train

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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

  • 24V516000 Jul 2024 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 21V310000 May 2021 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Cooler/Radiator / Hoses And Fittings

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

  • 20V657000 Oct 2020 Suspension / Front / Control Arm / Lower Arm

    Defect. 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.

    Remedy. 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.

Manufacturer communications 256

Jeep filed 256 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • Check engine lamp
  • Customer complaint may include engine oil leak/consumption
  • ADAPTER, Engine Oil Filter (Pentastar V6) All vehicles equipped with a 3.2L or 3.6L except for…

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Jeep Cherokee SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardOptionalNo

YouTube repair topics

100 videos about the 2014–2023 Jeep Cherokee, 27.6M views.

TopicVideosViews
Infotainment, battery & electrical5927K
Oil changes & service1492K
Driveshaft, axles & 4x43469K
Gauges, lights & wiring2408K
Heat, A/C & blend door3361K
Spark plugs & ignition coils2327K
Transmission & shifter2245K
Fuel pump, filter & tank1181K

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
2018159384239,437Electrical
2019337708191,397Engine
20205880135,855Transmission & drivetrain
2021646589,126Transmission & drivetrain
2022463140,322Transmission & drivetrain
2023–327,449Transmission & drivetrain

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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