A settled Cherokee with few complaints
The 2021 Cherokee drew about a third of the model average. The main repair to watch is the power transfer unit on 4WD models.
Updated November 2026 · based on 179 owner complaints and 4 recalls
201 67% below the Cherokee average
4 free to fix at a dealer
Every Cherokee year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2021 Cherokee
Top problems and what they cost
Power transfer unit whine
Whining or grinding at highway speed and a 'Service 4WD' message.
Fix: PTU $2,500 to $4,000
Transmission and drivetrain
Lower control arm recall
Recall 20V657 covers a lower control arm.
Fix: Free under recall
Suspension
Recalls
A transmission fluid leak increases the risk of a fire.
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.
An air bag that does not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
A failed PTU may result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Jeep Cherokee
- Confirm recalls 20V657, 21V310 and 24V516 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Cherokee has 4 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for whine at highway speed.A hum or whine that rises with speed often means worn wheel bearings or transmission and axle gears. Turning the radio off makes it easier to hear.Owners filed 77 complaints about "Service 4WD" and power transfer unit failure on the 2021 Cherokee.
- Check for 4WD warnings on the dash.The 4WD or AWD system sends power to all wheels through extra gearboxes. Warnings or grinding mean a costly repair, and on plug-in 4xe models check the battery system works too.Owners filed 77 complaints about "Service 4WD" and power transfer unit failure on the 2021 Cherokee.
Questions
Is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee reliable?
A settled Cherokee with few complaints. The 2021 Cherokee drew about a third of the model average. The main repair to watch is the power transfer unit on 4WD models.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
4 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Jeep Cherokee problems?
Power transfer unit whine; Lower control arm recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUV 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.