2021 Jeep Cherokee
Common Problems
Ranked from 105 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
11 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Electrical System Issues Causing Dashboard Errors
36complaintsMedium severityElectricalVarious electrical system issues cause dashboard errors, including loss of power steering and malfunctioning warning lights.
- 2
Power Transfer Unit (PTU) Failure
36complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe PTU can fail internally, causing an unexpected loss of drive power or allowing the vehicle to roll while in park.
Related recall: 21V310000
- 3
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
24complaintsHigh severityOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctioned, leading to potential accidents.
- 4
4WD System Malfunction
20complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe 4WD system can fail, leading to the 'Service 4WD' light coming on and the vehicle losing power.
Related recall: 21V310000
- 5
Engine Stalling
12complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalled while driving, leading to potential accidents and breakdowns.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Service Brake Issues
6complaintsMedium severityOtherThe parking brake engaged automatically while sitting at a traffic light, causing inconvenience and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Airbag Deployment Failure During Crash
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalAirbags fail to deploy during crashes, increasing the risk of injury or death for passengers and drivers.
- 8
Automatic Transmission Failure Causing Loss of Power
2complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to lose power and enter limp mode, often requiring a software update or repair.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V310000
- 9
Drivetrain Failure Causing Complete Loss of Power
2complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe drivetrain fails suddenly, causing a complete loss of power and control, often requiring immediate roadside assistance.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V310000
- 10
Service Brake Malfunction Causing Uncontrolled Vehicle
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesService brakes fail to engage properly, causing the vehicle to become uncontrolled and potentially leading to accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Suspension Bolt Defect Leading to Loss of Control
2complaintsMedium severitySuspensionDefective suspension bolts lead to sudden loss of control and steering play, increasing the risk of accidents.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V657000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.