NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Jeep Cherokee Safety Ratings
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 131 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee achieves an Average rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 76/100. Its crash protection, as documented by NHTSA, proves competitive. However, the vehicle's overall safety profile is tempered by a notably thin score in avoidance technology and a defect record that does not align with its otherwise solid crash-test performance.
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-impact rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee ranks 91 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 131 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 91 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee lands at 76/100, a three-point drop from the 2020 model year's 79/100, both within the Average band but moving in the wrong direction. The slide is traceable to the defect-record component of the Index, which contributes only 10 out of a possible 20 points, reflecting the weight of four active recall campaigns against this specific model year. Crash protection, at 61 out of 70, is the clear strength of the 2021 vehicle and is anchored by that 5-star side-impact result. The avoidance-tech score of 4.5 out of 10 is a structural drag: lane departure warning is absent entirely, and forward collision warning is only optional rather than standard. That gap between strong passive protection and weak active-safety equipment is the defining tension of this particular year's safety profile. The 131 owner complaints, with Power Train accounting for more than half of all reports, align with the powertrain-related recall campaigns and suggest the PTU and transmission hose issues are generating real-world concern among owners of this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Jeep Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee achieves a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in side-impact protection, a notable result in its NHTSA crash-test assessment. Its overall rating is 4 stars, with both frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance evaluation also scoring 4 stars. The rollover risk for the Cherokee is measured at 17 percent, and dynamic tip testing resulted in a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15499
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2021 Cherokee. Components affected include the power transfer unit, the right-side curtain air bag connector, the transmission oil cooler hose, and the front lower control arms on Latitude and Limited trims. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive appears in the available campaign summaries, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN26V290000
Risk: 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 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
Reported 2026-05-07
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN24V516000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-07-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLER/RADIATOR:HOSES AND FITTINGS21V310000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-05-04
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM20V657000
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.
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.
Reported 2020-10-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
Owners have filed 131 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train (67 reports), Engine (22), and Electrical System (21). Reported allegations also include 10 crash events and 4 fire incidents, though none of these claims have been independently verified.
131 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
At least four recall campaigns apply to the 2021 Jeep Cherokee; anyone considering a used model should confirm all open campaigns have been serviced, particularly those concerning the power transfer unit and curtain air bag connector.
- The 2021 Cherokee's Safety Index fell three points from the 2020 model year's 79/100, driven primarily by a defect-record sub-score of only 10 out of 20 points tied to its four active recall campaigns.
- A PTU recall covering 2019-2023 Cherokees and a transmission oil cooler hose recall specific to the 2021 model year mean powertrain-related safety issues are documented at the federal level for this vehicle.
- The right-side curtain air bag connector recall is unique to 2021-2022 model years, making it a year-specific safety item that used-vehicle shoppers must verify has been remedied.
- Lane departure warning is entirely absent on the 2021 Cherokee, and forward collision warning is optional rather than standard, producing an avoidance-tech sub-score of only 4.5 out of 10 and limiting the vehicle's active-safety capability relative to competitors with standard driver-assist packages.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Jeep Cherokee places
The 2021 Jeep Cherokee qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Jeep Cherokee safety questions
Was the 2021 Jeep Cherokee crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Jeep Cherokee, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Jeep Cherokee crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Jeep Cherokee earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Cherokee have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Jeep Cherokee?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 131 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Jeep Cherokee. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Cherokee years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15499), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Jeep Cherokee 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 91 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.