2021 Jeep Cherokee Engine Problems
NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 09/08/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
How engine ranks on this vehicle
Share of the 156 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee overview page.
What owners report
“The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that there was an abnormal sweet/alcohol smell in the vehicle. There were no warning lights…”NHTSA complaint 11704201 — filed 12/10/2025
“The vehicle was sold by DriveTime (Highland, Indiana) on August 29, 2025, with a known safety recall (Y18 â Transmission Oil Cooler Hose, NHTSA 21V-310)…”NHTSA complaint 11694625 — filed 10/20/2025
“UNKNOWN purchased a used 2021 Jeep on July 3, 2025 received the CARFAX showing it passed all tests however, after I drove off the lot…”NHTSA complaint 11692526 — filed 10/10/2025
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine complaints by year filed
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have engine problems?
Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2021 Jeep Cherokee: 25 of 156 complaints on file (16%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.
How many complaints does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have in total?
156 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Across all categories, 10 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 8 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.
What does NHTSA's engine category include?
NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.
