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: steering
102 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 5, 2024
Driving down road and stopped at stop sign and started to go Anglo-Saxon power steering And out warning lights came on
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 4, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a complaint regarding persistent power steering issues in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The recurring problem, specifically the "power steering unavailable / ALM unavailable" error, remains unresolved despite repeated attempts to address it through service appointments. This issue is concerning, and I believe it poses a safety risk that requires urgent attention. 1. Component/System Description: The power steering system in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L consistently displays the "power steering unavailable / ALM unavailable" error. 2. Safety Concerns: The unresolved power steering issue has created significant safety concerns. The sudden unavailability of power steering functionality affects the vehicle's maneuverability, posing a risk to both the driver and other road users. 3. Dealer Response: I have brought this matter to the attention of the dealership during multiple service appointments. However, a satisfactory resolution has not been provided. The unavailability of loaner vehicles during service appointments has further exacerbated the issue, as I rely on my car as my sole mode of transportation. 4. Documentation: I have documented the issue with screenshots of the error messages, providing clear evidence of the recurring problem. 5. Seasonal Limitation Claim: Disconcertingly, I was informed that a resolution could only be pursued during the winter season. This limitation is puzzling and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed solution. 6. Prevalence of the Issue: A cursory online search has revealed that many other Jeep Grand Cherokee L owners are experiencing similar power steering problems. This indicates a broader issue that requires thorough investigation and resolution. I am willing to provide any additional information or collaborate in further investigations.
Steering, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 21, 2023, crash
I was traveling on a road with light snow. There was a bend in the road. I lost steering and manual breaking causing the vehicle to strike a telephone pole head on. My air bags did not deploy.
Steering, Dec 20, 2023
Chrysler (corporate = Stellantis) is refusing to accept manufacturing responsibility for the extensive damage to my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (16,000 miles – with completely timely and up-to-date maintenance) when the steering components literally FELL APART while navigating out of my paved driveway at under 5mph with NO collision, provocation or explanation on September 2, 2023, rendering the vehicle undriveable. There was an ‘unofficial’ recall on the components. It should still be under warranty but, although none of the automotive professionals can come up with a reason why this happened, Stellantis Corporation is refusing to take any responsibility (or even communicate with anyone – other than to send generic emails saying ‘no’, with no viable explanation). NOTE: This vehicle was purchased new from Stateline Jeep/Chrysler in Fort Mills, SC. RECALL: [XXX] Many thousands of $$ in repair costs (IF, in fact, it can even be repaired – as the required parts have been on national backorder for all of these months.) and many thousands of $$ in rental car costs (vehicle has been at the dealership for 3+ months). All details, reports and pictures have been carefully documented by me. If this had happened on the major/busy road that I was about to drive on and/or ultimately the highway where we were headed instead of in my driveway, the results would 100% have been catastrophic for me/passenger and very probably other victims on the road. NOTE: I have pictures and other important documentation - this website won't let me upload. Please give me an email address to send them to. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Oct 14, 2023
Steering assist stopped working and EPS fault warning light, front crash collision detection fault, and front crash collision detect turned off, and traction control indicators appeared. After 3 cycles of the ignition and driving for 10 minutes to a safe location the warning lights went off and steering assist was restored.
Steering, Oct 8, 2023
Power steering became unavaible with no warning upon turning on my car.
Steering, Sep 9, 2023
EPS steering warning light activated. My VIN is not subject to NHTSA recall 23V-352, but that recall applies to Jeep Grand Cherokees built between 1/27/21 and 4/4/23, and mine was built 9/2021, so I'm not sure why it doesn't show a recall for my VIN.. This warning light seems related to that recall, and there might be many owners not being subject to the recall that should be.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 1, 2023
While driving 70mph on highway, all lights on dash illuminated, lane assist malfunctioned, wipers went on, blinkers stopped working, vehicle lost speed quickly. Was able to move it off the road, but stopped running before being completely on shoulder. Vehicle would not turn on again in any capacity and hazard warning lights would not function. Needed to have vehicle towed, awaiting final report on issues. No warning was given before this malfunction occured.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Aug 21, 2023
I have under 13,000 miles on my car. When i had barely 11k miles, my whole computer system and power steering system shut down 8 hours from my home while on a road trip with my three children and our dog. It left me in the middle of busy traffic and easily a target for oncoming traffic and was very dangerous. The steering g could barely be turned at all. We had this fixed and it’s happened again. I just returned from a trip. I was on my way to school and got stuck in rush hour traffic with my child in the car. The power steering and computer system locked up again and no air would work in the vehicle and the heat index is 115 today! I cannot trust this car and there are numerous lawsuits and complaints regarding this same issue! We could easily wreck and it would be life altering. The current situation is not showing up in my app so I only have the one incident. I’ve never felt so vulnerable. And Jeep is no help.
Steering, Electrical system, Jul 11, 2023
On May 4, 2023, immediately upon starting the car, warning lights were illuminated: Blind Spot Alert Unavailable - Service Required; Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop/Start System; Service Electronic Stability Control; Oil Change Required; Service Power Steering; Check Engine Light. Vehicle had no power steering. It was taken to the dealership several hours later, and at that time no warning lights came on and the car had power steering. Dealership indicated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. On July 1, while driving 75 mph on I-95 in New Hampshire, while on a road trip from NY to Maine, multiple warning lights illuminated and vehicle immediately lost power steering. I was barely able to get it to the shoulder. Not one Jeep dealership in the area was available to see the car. A local mechanic was able to hook it up and determined that the car lost connectivity. He agreed to keep the car while we continued on our trip with a rental car we found and contacted our Jeep dealer. Two days later, while waiting for our Jeep dealership to tow it home, we learned that the vehicle was completely dead and won't even accept a charge to the battery. Chrysler Customer Service was called and a case was opened on July 3rd. Upon calling back on July 5th, I learned that they "closed" the case. No one could explain to me why and I asked for it to be reopened. Called back on July 11th and spoke with a different representative who indicated the case was "closed" and there was no indication of my call from July 5th. Reiterated and clarified all information and now await a call from a Specialist. The car is still not in NY and is still at the mechanic in NH waiting to be picked up by Jeep to be inspected and fixed. My safety and that of my family, and those in the cars around me, were put at risk as a result of this incident as I lost the ability to steer the vehicle while traveling at 75 mph.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Jul 5, 2023
Not the first time but while I am driving the car steering will lock and I can no longer move it. The latest was when I went to see fireworks with my kids and while on the way there I was going to turn and while turning the steering locked and I couldn’t turn anymore so I had to break before I hit a pole but another car almost crashed into me, honked at me, and flicked me off. On the way home I was driving straight and Had to turn but couldn’t because the steering wheel locked and I almost drove into a canal. This is a safety issue that concerns me and I am scared for my life and my kids life and at this point I’m scared to drive because I don’t know when it will lock. I’ve taken it to jeep many times with no solution.
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 12, 2023
While driving on a major interstate going 75mph lost power steering suddenly and was unable to control the vehicle. Air alert went off stating they were not functioning. Adaptive cruise control stopped working, lane departure stopped working. Every single alert that could be alerting was going off simultaneously. Seat belts were fastened, however seat belt alarm continued going off. Very scary and unsafe situation on major highway with 2 children in my car.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 28, 2023
I was sitting in school pick up line with the Jeep off. I started it and everything was normal, until I pulled into the road. The power steering went out and the light on dash said lane management not working needs service. The light for the adaptive lane cruise control came on. I was driving and when I was trying to turn I would have to turn the wheel almost 360°! There was no issues or warnings lights prior to this happening. I called dealer and they got me in the next day. They say it needed a update but it's scary if this just happens without warning, especially if you are on the road.
Steering, Apr 10, 2023, crash
While driving a short distance from home, the power steering in the vehicle went out. Unable to straighten the vehicle out, the car jumped onto a sidewalk, knocked over a light pole and drove through someones yard until the power steering kicked back in and allowed the vehicle to return to the road. Had there been someone walking on the sidewalk, or someone in the front yard of the home, it could have caused a death. Since the accident, the car has been in the body shop awaiting repairs. There were no codes present when doing diagnostics.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Feb 23, 2023
Car has had erratic electric steering at low speed when making turns. Weird noise from electric steering system. We drove 6 miles to a local park. Walked the trails then got back into this car. Started up. Warnings came up on screen. 1 Service Stability system, 2 service blind spot monitor system, 3 rear collision avoidance unavailable, 4 Blind spot monitoring system became inoperative. 5. Electric steering became extremely difficult to operate. We restarted car 2 times and all the above warnings came on each time. As it was Saturday Evening, we limped car home. Parked in Garage and I started it 2 hours later with all the above warnings. Left overnight and started Sunday afternoon 2/11/23, no warnings. Drove car to selling dealership, parked in line for repairs and it is still there. Dealership has finally gotten in an entire electric steering assembly, as this was the stored codes from 2/10/23, and they are supposed to be installing it tomorrow 2/24/2023. Failure of an electric steering unit on a car that has no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front tires is a chilling event that needs tobe investigated. Thankfully I did not wreck the car, but I parked it because of the malfunction, and on hindsight, I should have had it hauled to the Dealership instead of driving it there.
Steering, Power train, Feb 14, 2023
Turning the car on, there was a failure of our power steering and the steering wheel was not functional. Check engine light and power steering error lights came on. After turning car on and off, we were able to drive (check engine light remained on) to a dealership. They performed a software update that Chrysler released in Oct 2022. This is the second time this has happened to us (first in April 2022, car had to be towed), there are forums of similar issues for this model. Dealer was able to pull the codes and said they have seen other similar instances of this issue. "We cannot guarantee this won't happen again" it was physically inspected and did not see any obvious issues. This is absolutely a safety issue and should result in a recall in my opinion if it is a known issue that is a safety hazard.
Steering, Air bags, Service brakes, Jan 9, 2023
Driving down a steep icy hill all warning lights illuminated and power steering completely failed. This is the second time for this specific failure. The vehicle is extremely hard to control without power steering and could have easily caused an acident. The vehicle was repaired at a local dealership both times.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Dec 30, 2022
Vehicle had no high beams. Vehicle has no running lights at night. Rear console climate control intermittently works. Idles at 1500 on a cold start. Vehicle doesn’t have power steering when started in a cold day. Have to turn off and on to fix.
Steering, Nov 22, 2022
Power steering failed for a day then was fine the next day. Our safety was not affected as it occurred at home. We received no recall regarding the issue. Dealership reported it was an "RSU" and corrected the issue with a software update
Steering, Nov 21, 2022
Power steering unavailable icon shows on dash and power steering is unavailable. Loss of power steering is safety hazard placing us and others at risk. Seems to occur more often in cold temps. Have contacted service department but have not heard back from them as of yet.
Steering, Lane departure, Nov 21, 2022
Both my power steering and lane assistance have been going unresponsive. Upon further investigation it sounds like this is a problem with numerous 2021 Jeep grand cherokee Ls and there is no recall. No power steering is a very dangerous situation
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and approaching a parking spot, several warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be recharged. The batteries were recharged but the contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Normandin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (900 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose, CA 95136:(408) 580-8875), where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle back to the first dealer: Putnam Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,550.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 16, 2022
Power steering becomes unavailable; the car will not drive; all safety features become unavailable. The first time happened in April 2022, vehicle only had 6k miles. I had to remove the power steering fuse and put it back in for the system to reset. The vehicle was taken to dealer for rapid response recall. October 2022, went to start car and the same message came out regarding power steering and safety features being unavailable, car would not start and had to reset the power steering fuse. The system reset, but now the engine light is amber and will not turn off; the vehicle has 16k miles. I will be contacting the service department first thing Monday morning
Steering, Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2022
This is the second time the power steering and other lane assist devices have gone out in my car. It is completely undrivable and Jeep advised last time they didn’t have a fix.