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2021 Jeep Cherokee

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Cherokee.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, with its 6.0-quart engine oil capacity and specified 5W-20 or 5W-30 viscosity, sits as a relatively settled entry in the model's long reliability arc that spans from 1990 through 2026. Its 137 owner complaints and four recalls are modest when measured against the 2014 peak of 2,636 complaints, with power train issues representing the most common grievance among owners. This positions the 2021 model year on the more dependable side of the Cherokee's history, suggesting that by this point Jeep had moved past the worst of the generation's growing pains, even if the platform hadn't yet reached the near-flawless complaint levels that would arrive by 2023.

Model year202620232022202120201991199019891988

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 34 · 700 CCA battery, OE oil filter 04892339BE. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 34 · 700 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP235/50R19 99HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter04892339BE alt 68191349AC
Engine air filter68245310AA alt 68320315AB
Spark plugSP149125AF alt SP148183AD
BatteryBBH7A001AA
Front wiper blades68197138AC alt 68197139AA
Serpentine belt04627166AC alt 04627534AA
Thermostat04893377AA alt 05047264AB
Cabin air filter68535624AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length181.5 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height66.5 in
Wheelbase106.3 in
Curb weight3662 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Cherokee of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.6 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.60 sec — 2021 Trailhawk V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Trailhawk V6 3.2L V67.60 sec15.80 sec271 hp4x4
2019Latitude Plus 2.0L Turbo I-46.60 sec15.20 sec270 hp4x4
2019Latitude 2.0L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.20 sec270 hp4x4
2019Overland V6 3.2L V67.20 sec15.50 sec271 hp4x4
2019Limited 2.0L Turbo I-47.50 sec15.80 sec270 hp4x4
2019Trailhawk 2.0L Turbo I-47.60 sec16.00 sec270 hp4x4
2019Trailhawk V6 3.2L V68.30 sec16.40 sec271 hp4x4
2017Overland V6 3.2L V67.50 sec15.80 sec271 hp4x4

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.0 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 engine oil, DOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.35 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity948TE
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity948TE
Brake FluidDot 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Brake FluidDOT 3 · SAE J1703 · DOT 4 · DOT 3

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.83 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.83 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.67 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugRear: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: 26.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill PlugPTU: 30.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug30.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.023-0.025 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity.875; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil TypeFD46XG
Oil Capacity4.1 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.06 lbs.; Refer to underwood AC specification label. If R-134-a is specified
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypeND-12

Service checks

Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)53.0-63.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance11.4-12.6 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Oil Pressure4.0 minimum @ Curb idle speed. psi
Engine Oil Pressure RPM25.0-80.0 psi @ 3,000 rpm's rpm
Engine Oil Pressure RPM11.6

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque32.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 129.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 89.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.7
Minimum Pad Thickness0.060 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.024; Rear: .409
Maximum Rotor RunoutMeasured with

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Inspection Procedure (Lower) — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tire and wheel assembly can now be removed. Step 3: Attach a dial indicator mount to the steering knuckle and align the plunger in the direction of the ball joint stud axis. Plunger should be touching the rear of the ball joint socket in lower control arm. Step 4: Zero dial indicator by pushing up on the lower control arm. Step 5: Insert a pry bar between lower control arm and knuckle from the front of vehicle. Step 6: Push up the knuckle from the lower control arm until the needle of the indicator stops moving. Step 7: Document reading on dial and replace lower ball joint if reading exceeds specifications.
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s) — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 65°89 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90°15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 68°37 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolts finger tight., Step 215 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tighten all bolt finger tight., Step 27 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners in reverse order., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. **Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90° ** Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps. Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° without using a torque wrench. Step 5: Loosen all fasteners. Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 130° without using a torque wrench.22 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5122 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
111.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 45°11 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant at 150,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 150,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Driveshaft U-Joint (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Sunroof Assembly (lubricate) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The current generation of the Jeep Cherokee experienced its highest federal complaint volumes in 2014 (2,636) and a secondary spike in 2019 (1,588), establishing a historically volatile record for the platform. Fortunately, the 2021 model year sits firmly on the downward slope of that arc, dropping to just 137 complaints and 4 recalls compared to 259 complaints and 3 recalls in 2020, and preceding an even lower 45 complaints in 2022. Within the 2021 data, Power Train issues dominate with 55 complaints, followed by Unknown or Other (11) and Engine (8), while 10 crash and 4 fire complaints were also logged; the federal record does not specify the root causes for these failures. Compared to the generation's peak problem years, the 2021 Cherokee demonstrates a significantly improved and stabilizing federal record. Provided you ensure the Power Train and Engine systems are thoroughly inspected prior to purchase, the 2021 model represents a statistically favorable and good year to buy within this generation.

4
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
256
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
137
Owner complaints
10 involved a crash · 4 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’90’91’92’93’94’95’96’97’99’00’01’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 137 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train55
Unknown Or Other11
Engine8
Electrical System4
Air Bags4
Suspension4
Service Brakes3
Power Train,Unknown Or Other3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 4 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V310000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Cooler/Radiator:Hoses And FittingsReported 04/05/2021

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. 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…

20V657000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 27/10/2020

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. 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 256 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S2523000003 REV.A2026-04-22StructureDoor Latch, Handle And Ajar Additional Service Information.
08-075-26 REV. A2026-04-15Electrical SystemRear Taillamp Condensation Clearing Procedure On occasion, vehicle exterior taillamp…
18-044-262026-03-21EngineFlash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction…
S2208000045 REV.C2026-03-18Unknown Or OtherBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Cherokee. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 34 batteryVehicles taking 6.0 qtEngine oil filter 04892339BEEngine air filter 68245310AASpark plug SP149125AFBattery BBH7A001AA

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Cherokee take?

6.0 qt of 5W-20 Mopar, Pennzoil and Shell Helix. 5W-30 may be used., per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Cherokee have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.