2021 Jeep Cherokee Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 176 owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The EPA rates it 21 to 26 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 4
- Owner complaints
- 176
- Crashes / fires reported
- 10 / 4
- EPA combined
- 21–26 MPG
2021 Jeep Cherokee recalls
Power TrainMay 7, 2026 · NHTSA 26V290000+
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.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Air BagsJul 8, 2024 · NHTSA 24V516000+
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.
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."
Power TrainMay 4, 2021 · NHTSA 21V310000+
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.
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.
SuspensionOct 27, 2020 · NHTSA 20V657000+
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Power Train103
- Engine28
- Unknown or Other26
- Electrical System23
- Service Brakes14
- Forward Collision Avoidance11
- Air Bags9
- Fuel/Propulsion System5
2021 Jeep Cherokee gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee FWD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,450 |
| Cherokee FWD | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 22 | 31 | 25 | $2,550 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 |
| Cherokee FWD | 3.2 L 6 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 20 | 29 | 23 | $2,800 |
| Cherokee 4WD | 3.2 L 6 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 19 | 27 | 22 | $2,900 |
| Cherokee 4WD Active Drive II | 3.2 L 6 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 |
| Cherokee Trailhawk 4WD | 3.2 L 6 cyl, Automatic 9-spd | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, most recently for the power train (May 7, 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Owners filed 176 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are power train (103), engine (28), unknown or other (26).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Cherokee at 21 to 26 MPG combined (best version: 23 city / 31 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.