The 2021 Cherokee suffers from catastrophic 2.4L Tigershark engine failures and persistent ZF 9-speed transmission issues that plague earlier KL-generation models, though newer builds show some improvement. The 3.2L V6 is more reliable but thirsty; the 2.0L turbo is newest but has limited track record.
2.4L Tigershark Engine Failure (Connecting Rod Bearing Failure)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or ticking noise from bottom end, especially cold start, Metal shavings in oil, Sudden loss of oil pressure, Complete engine seizure without warning
Fix: This is the big one. Connecting rod bearings fail due to inadequate oiling and design flaws in the MultiAir II system. Requires full engine replacement or rebuild. 18-25 labor hours for long block replacement. Many owners experience zero warning before catastrophic failure. FCA extended powertrain warranty to 10yr/150k on some VINs but 2021s often excluded.
Estimated cost: $6,500-10,000
ZF 9-Speed Transmission Harsh Shifting and Shuddering
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh 2-3 or 3-4 upshifts, Transmission shudder at low speeds (15-25 mph), Hesitation on acceleration from stop, Clunking into reverse, Check engine light with shift solenoid codes
Fix: The 948TE transmission received multiple software updates but hardware issues persist. Oil cooler line failures (subject to recall 23V-768) can contaminate fluid. Fixes range from software reflash (1.5 hrs) to valve body replacement (8-10 hrs) or full transmission rebuild. Fluid changes every 30k help but don't prevent failure.
Estimated cost: $400-5,500
Lower Control Arm Ball Joint Separation
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps, Wandering steering, In severe cases: sudden loss of steering control and wheel collapse
Fix: Subject to recall 22V-387. Ball joint can separate from control arm socket due to manufacturing defect. Recall replaces both front lower control arms. If not under recall, replacement is 2.5-3 hrs per side. This is safety-critical—check recall status immediately.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall) or $600-900
Water Pump Failure (2.4L)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant leak from front of engine, Squealing or grinding noise from accessory belt area, Overheating, Sweet smell from engine bay
Fix: The 2.4L Tigershark uses an external water pump driven by accessory belt. Bearing failures and seal leaks are common. Replacement is straightforward: 2-3 hours. Replace serpentine belt and thermostat at same time.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Exhaust Manifold Cracking (2.4L)
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Ticking or tapping noise from engine that increases with RPM, Exhaust smell in cabin, Check engine light (P0420 catalyst efficiency), Visible soot staining around manifold
Fix: Integrated manifold/catalytic converter cracks due to thermal cycling. Common on MultiAir engines. Requires manifold replacement: 4-5 hours labor. Aftermarket options available but may not pass emissions in strict states.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Active Grille Shutter Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0544 or P059F codes, Poor fuel economy, Slow warm-up in cold weather, Overheating in extreme cases
Fix: Motorized grille shutters behind front fascia fail (motor or linkage). Affects aerodynamics and cooling. Replacement requires bumper cover removal: 2-3 hours. Can be disconnected and left open as temporary fix if overheating.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rear Differential Leaking and Noise
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear oil leak from pinion seal or axle seals, Whining or howling noise from rear that changes with speed, Clunking on acceleration (worn spider gears)
Fix: Active Drive II 4WD systems see pinion seal leaks and bearing wear. Pinion seal is 2-3 hrs; bearing replacement requires full differential teardown (6-8 hrs). Fluid contamination from seal leaks accelerates wear. Check fluid level every oil change.
Estimated cost: $300-2,200
Owner tips
If buying a 2.4L model, have pre-purchase inspection include oil analysis and cold-start listening test for rod knock—walk away at first sign of lower-end noise
Change transmission fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime fill' claims—use Mopar ZF 8&9 ATF only
Check recall status on lower control arms and transmission cooler lines before purchase—these are safety items
Keep detailed service records if you own one—documented maintenance helps resale and potential warranty claims
The 3.2L V6 is the most reliable powertrain option but gets poor fuel economy; avoid the 2.4L if possible
Hard pass on any 2.4L model unless you enjoy expensive surprise engine replacements—the V6 is tolerable if priced $3-4k under book to account for transmission risk and fuel costs.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; H6 group may also fit as alternate
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Control Modules — 2021 Jeep Cherokee
Every control module on the 2018-2022 Jeep Cherokee — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, right side near hitch connector
🔧 Autel or wiTECH
⚠️ Tow package equipped models only. Handles trailer lighting and brake controller interface.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The power transfer unit (PTU) may fail.
Consequence: 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 are expected to be 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.
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN · 24V516000
2024-07-08
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."
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS · 21V310000
2021-05-04
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.
Consequence: 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.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · 20V657000
2020-10-27
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.
Consequence: 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.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee 2.4L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Built by master technician Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years.