2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 404 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 20 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraJun 13, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
Campaign 24V436000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, front, control arm, upper ball jointFeb 22, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 2, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 10B.
Campaign 24V132000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionAug 14, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Dealers will update the Central Vision Park Assist Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 56A.
Campaign 23V577000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rear, springs, coil springsJun 8, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, repair the rear coil spring assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 64A. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall 26V051. All vehicles will need to have the new recall remedy performed.
Campaign 23V413000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, columnMay 18, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.
Campaign 23V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, tail lightsJul 28, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The tail light side marker assemblies may be damaged and not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace both body-mounted tail light assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z50.
Campaign 22V544000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Apr 28, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.
Campaign 22V284000 on NHTSA.gov
Child seat, vehicle tether anchorMar 24, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z24.
Campaign 22V180000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, lighting control module, softwareDec 9, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with smart lighting modules (SLM). An incomplete SLM software update may cause one or both headlights to become inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the SLM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y72.
Campaign 21V950000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control module, softwareNov 10, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have incorrect software which can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning.
Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the ORC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y79.
Campaign 21V873000 on NHTSA.gov
Exterior lighting, headlightsOct 14, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams. When the master lighting switch is set to the auto position, the high beam headlights will not activate unless the master lighting switch is first changed to the 'on" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Difficulty activating the headlight high beams may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y66.
Campaign 21V797000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, rearview mirrors/devicesSep 21, 2021
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A radio software error may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
FCA US LLC will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y67.
Campaign 21V729000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
62 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Apr 11, 2024
One day I smelled something burning after driving. I didn't see anything the first time but i kept smelling the burning smell and noticed a few days later oil dripping from underneath the car. Oil made its way ALL under the car, it traveled on various parts and created an oil coating. I made an appt to the Jeep dealership (Keffer jeep in Charlotte, NC) and they said the oil cooler failed. There were no obvious signs other than a slow leak from under the car, no warning lights, no change in performance. However had I not noticed coolant could have mixe in with oil and ruined the engine. Less than 32,000 miles on the car when it occured.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 3, 2024
It has been observed that the antifreeze and oil are intermixing in the antifreeze reservoir, causing the check engine light to illuminate and the system to register a code of PC304. This particular code is indicative of a cylinder misfire, which can cause the car to stop functioning properly and eventually lead to potential engine damage. To resolve this issue, it is imperative to replace the oil cooler filter adapter and flush the engine. This will ensure that the antifreeze and oil are no longer mixing and the engine is functioning efficiently. Therefore, it is highly recommended to take immediate action and get the necessary repairs done to avoid any further damage to the engine.
Power train, Engine, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power before stalling and shutting off. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The messages "Service Shifter" and "Transmission Temperature High" were displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was reprogrammed; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,899.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2023
Vehicle died suddenly in traffic 2 times. Was able to restart after a short while. Was a serious safety issue as I was at highway speed 1 of the 2 times. Vehicle is now at an independent garage. 40k miles. Not under warranty. Has not been inspected or diagnosed yet. No warning lights or codes showing.
Engine, Oct 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the vehicle independently shut off while pulling out in traffic. The vehicle was able to be restarted after a while. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 14, 2023
I purchased vechicle 9/11/21. The electronic start stop option is not Fuctioning. I understand you could stall In traffic if you use the option. I prefer to use standard way for safety.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 12, 2023
This was 5 -6 times my new car broke down 3 times for fuel pump problem then i have engine light on more than4-5 times . Now its still on they fixed it 2 month ago. I just buy this brand new car in 2021. Not completed 3 years yet and having 56700 kms on it .
Steering, Engine, Lane departure, Aug 29, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. While driving 45–50 MPH, the power steering became inoperable, and the vehicle shut down. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 14, 2023
Two days in a row - the jeep didn't start in the morning. After I started it with a starter. The first day, the buttons on the steering wheel and the safety system control stopped working. Incorrectly shows the fuel level. The second day when the car started with the help of a starter, the dashboard stopped working (completely went out). The battery was checked - it is 100% working The dashboard didn't work during the day. Everything worked in the evening. The engine speed does not rise above 3000 revolutions per minute. Now it doesn't show the fuel level in the tank correctly. Very often, security systems such as lane control and proximity to another car fail
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 31, 2023
While driving at highway speed the motor shut down without any warning. I was in the center lane of traffic and had no acceleration, no power steering, nothing the vehicle went dead in highway traffic at highway speeds. I had to coast and get over several lanes and on to the shoulder. Vehicle came to a stop on a narrow shoulder with speeding vehicles and 18 wheelers whizzing by. I had to cal 911 and get police to help so I wouldn't get rear ended. Had to wait on shoulder for an hour to get a tow to safety. The vehicle never restarted, and the transmission was locked in park. The vehicle is now at the jeep dealership to see what happened. I just read on line that Jeep Grand Cherokees have this problem and Jeep is not doing anything to repair. Please advise me on how to proceed with this. I have been driving for 50 years, and today was the scariest day of my life I thought we were going to die in a pile up. Doug savage
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V554000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal, clamoring sound would emit from the engine without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced 2 cam shafts and other engine parts; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time where a total of 18 different engine parts were replaced but to no avail. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a third time where it was kept for an extended period; she was later informed that there was no fault with the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Engine, Mar 14, 2023
Check engine light comes on vehicle shuts down has occurred 2xs now with in 25, ooo miles!
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 1, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *radio, sound, bluetooth connection, dashboard, entire screen of radio, navigation, speakers, transmission slipping occasionally - yes it was available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? screen often updates itself while driving or the screen and dashboard turn completely solid white or black, preventing me from seeing speed, navigation or anything at all. The transmission often slips causing the jeep to lag. I still have a few dates of service following the forms that were uploaded. please contact me for all documents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? inspected by the original dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no they first appeared on 12-22-21
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unstated software needed to be updated. No warning lights were illuminated. The software was updated; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
Engine mounts have failed. According to the FCA, they have a very large backorder on these parts, as this is an extremely common issue. Initially they denied that the motor mounts were an issue; however, since the major back order, they have reversed that claim. They also stated the motor mounts would be at the dealership on the 13th of October; however, they now state that they have no date due to major back order. They stated no recall was issued because it's not a safety hazard; however, according to multiple certified mechanics, this is a major safety hazard which can result in the motor shifting and knocking parts out from under the vehicle, causing pieces to hit the vehicle itself or other vehicles on the highway. It also will cause major damage to the engine and other components under the hood of the vehicle. The FCA still has not agreed to this claim, even as some of their own Mopar mechanics also stated the same information regarding it being a safety hazard.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2022
My 21 Jeep Cherokee shipped from Detroit Stellantis HUGE cover up FLOOD car. My JEEP is 8 mons new. I leased it 12/7 contacted Uconnect on 12/13 for Powertrain Malfunction indicator light on. Dealer claims vehicle health reports aren’t accurate. At dealer 3/14/22 service found stored fault for oil, low oil, carpet was destroyed, getting oil changed at 2300 miles. Dealer only recorded oil change on car fax. 3/31st- June I filed a buy back claim w/ Chrysler. Chrysler denied. At dealer 6/11 code P060A, stop/ start doesn’t work, car stalls, radio turns up/down on its own, center consaul base popped out, burning Oil life rapidly. No work done. At dealer 6/14 ”faulty oil pump” said manager, car bucks on highway, car locked me out at 12:30 am called Uconnect they couldn’t bypass. They stated door was open still locked out, stranded multiple times, car will not start. Dealer has me reschedule get rental 6/21-6/29 to replace oil pump, and fix all issues. Dealer state My oil tank is full but dash says 41% oil .Electrical sys. is messed up Called lemon law atty, accepted case. Chrysler receives atty CLAIM whileJeep was still in the shop. dealer didn’t fix anything BUT ROTTED CARPET- OIL PUMP on back order CHRYSLER REFUSES to pay for loaner while oil pump is on back order. The car DOESN’T start. Pump to arrive late July. VM from dealer, Chrysler told dealer my vehicle is SAFE TO DRIVE w/ faulty oil pump. I called dealer to find out status of pump my Jeep needs another oil change at 5,000 mls & ENGINE LIGHT ON Dealer refused srvc b/c Chrysler told them about the lawsuit. Atty called dealer stated it’s a claim against Chrysler. Dealer still refused. My car won’t start,ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. TONS OF SAFETY ISSUES Called another Chrysler dealer VM they REFUSED to service Jeep. 7/23 took JEEP to 3rd Chrysler dealer found: PO6DA, B25AF-2A, B1561-13 Dealer SAID UNSAFE TO DRIVE! I HAVE NO CAR, NO $ CHRYSLER REFUSING TO PAY LOANER. Atty said this is FRAUD. Jeep won’t be in srvc 8/11 FRAUD
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 17, 2022
Vehicle is making a knocking noise when in drive and fully stopped. This occurs after drive the vehicle for about 10 miles, once the engine warms up. I've been told that it was a purge selenoid and it's normal. Was also told it was an EGR Valve and also advised that it was the air suspension. Meanwhile they have a open star case stating it's the motor mounts. 100s of people are having the same issue on the facebook group I'm in, as well as forums and no one is getting anywhere. Also my radio system is making a hissing noise and the android auto connection is not stable and doesn't stay connected. They currently have no fix for this. My steering wheel is slightly off to the right to go straight. They stated the alignment is good and that it does that because incase the driver falls asleep, it would drive them off the road instead of into oncoming traffic. That's sounds extremely bogus and very dangerous.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 17, 2022
I started driving through an intersection after sitting, stopped at a traffic light. I stepped on the gas pedal and the car wouldn’t move. It made a loud reviving noise but wouldn’t go anywhere for about 15-20 seconds. I put my hazard lights on and sat for a few more seconds and then put it in park, and then back into drive. I was able to pull onto the median of a very busy road. My vehicle was brought to the dealership who said there’s nothing wrong with it
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 11, 2022
The engine mounts on the right side of the motor are defective. It was discovered after I brought the car in for a drum-like noise coming from the engine. The vehicle is less than a year old and has less than 10,000 miles on it. Dealership indicated this has been a recurring problem in some of the new model Grand Cherokee vehicles and the manufacturer is aware of it. They indicated a recall has not been issued as they believe there isn’t a safety concern.They have ordered new engine mounts for vehicle, but they don’t have an ETA on when parts will arrive. They refused my request for a courtesy rental or loaner car. They indicated car was safe to drive. However, I disagree and expressed my concerns to the dealer. They said I would have to call “corporate”.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 10, 2022
Electrical issues stalled car without warning while driving. Vehicle restarted briefly and stalled again with electrical warnings.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 21, 2022
2/18/2022, I was driving down Bethany and 75 in Allen, Texas when my vehicle made a sputtering noise then the gears went out. Could not engage the gears to Drive or Reverse. I coasted the vehicle to the church parking lot where I sat for 6 hours waiting on a tow truck. When tow arrived, vehicle's brake and parking break had to be pushed down to allow vehicle to go into neutral. Vehicle would turn on, but the ac/heating system did not work, radio was shorting out and vehicle remained locked in Park. Check engine light came on after the sputtering and did not turn off. Vehicle was serviced the previous week at Dodge City McKinney with no reported issues of this caliber. Per dealership, codes are showing issues with the transmission and engine. Vehicle only has 9347 miles and if I had been on a major highway, I could have been severally injured when the vehicle stopped. Dealership, made no attempt to review the issue upon its arrival.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 19, 2022
Last night, my BRAND NEW car (Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited) tried to kill me. Driving down 1187 going 40 miles an hour, it came to a DEAD STOP, put itself in park and would not crank or start back up. All I could hear in the panic was screeching tires from cars trying not to hit me. The seatbelt also did not stop me and I was thrown into the steering wheel. My car has less than 900 miles on it. After a panic attack of EPIC proportions and a sleepless night, I immediately drove it to the dealership today and of course they can find NOTHING wrong with it. They are going to keep it a few days to double check a few things, but to say I will no longer be able to drive this car without SEVERE anxiety is an understatement. It has less than 1000 miles on it and I haven't even made my first payment. Trading it in, I will automatically lose $3100. If I don't trade it in, I don't think I would ever be able to get over the anxiety of driving it. Talk about a lose/lose situation. All I could think about is if I had been going faster and there had been more traffic, I could have KILLED someone including myself. Thank you to the kind salesman who, when I pulled up this morning, said "I love your car" and I proceeded to break down crying and hand him the keys and say you can keep it. He was so helpful in calming me and getting it checked out right away. I've owned it 21 days exactly. Honestly I am not sure I want to take the chance of it happening again.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 31, 2022
I purchased this car on 1/12/2022. It immediately began to have issues, first a coolant leak and then a check engine light. I have been told the check engine light is related to RFH codes for passive entry and Chrysler cannot provide a a date for the software update . I am forced to forced to drive a brand new vehicle with a check engine light on, not knowing if it’s safe. I feel this is unacceptable, I see many stories of the same vehicle just shutting down while driving.
Power train, Engine, Jan 4, 2022
my wife was driving. SUV was doing about 50 mph on highway. With left hand she hit the paddle shifter on the steering wheel. SUV went from auto trans mode to lower gear manual mode. Engine jump up in rpms, had to pull off road, stop car, restart car to get back into auto trans driving. This 2021 Grand Cherokee L has no way to disable the paddle shifters if you do not want to use them. This driving change can happen anytime, local or highway driving. You need to have them come up with software fix to disable paddle shifters.