2021 Jeep Cherokee

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee is a compact SUV offering a blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It comes with three engine options: a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, a 2.4L Inline-4 producing 180 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.2L V6 producing 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque. All engines are paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Cherokee for its comfortable ride, user-friendly infotainment system, and available four-wheel-drive systems that provide good off-road performance. Common complaints include lackluster fuel economy (especially with the V6), a sometimes hesitant 9-speed transmission, and a higher price point compared to some competitors.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Engine Misfires
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires can occur, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and the check engine light illuminating. This can be due to faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the misfire (using an OBD-II scanner) and replace the affected components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the component(s) needing replacement and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report higher than normal oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This may be related to piston ring issues.
  • Solution: Regular monitoring of oil levels and potential engine rebuild or replacement in severe cases.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and the repair required)
  • Recalls: None Found

3.2L V6

• No Issues Found

Transmission

9-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: The 9-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh or jerky shifts, especially at lower speeds. Hesitation when accelerating is also a common complaint.
  • Solution: Software updates/reflashes from the dealership may improve shifting behavior. In some cases, valve body replacement or full transmission replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 for software updates, $1,000 - $3,000+ for valve body replacement, $4,000 - $7,000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Uconnect System Freezing/Lagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The Uconnect infotainment system may freeze, lag, or become unresponsive.
  • Solution: Perform a system reset, update the software, or, in severe cases, replace the Uconnect module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for system reset, $0 - $150 for software updates (if not covered under warranty), $500 - $1500+ for Uconnect module replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Backup Camera Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report issues with the backup camera, including a black screen, distorted image, or failure to activate.
  • Solution: Check the camera connection, update the software, or replace the camera unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for connection repair, $0 - $150 for software updates (if not covered under warranty), $200 - $500+ for camera replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee presents a mix of positives and potential issues. While the comfortable ride and available 4x4 systems are appealing, potential engine problems (oil consumption in the 2.4L, misfires in the 2.0L) and transmission issues are significant concerns. Electrical issues with the Uconnect system and backup camera also surface. The severity and cost of repairs vary widely, from relatively inexpensive software updates to potentially costly engine or transmission replacements. Prospective buyers should be aware of these common issues and carefully inspect any used Cherokee before purchase.