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, Feb 17, 2022
Power steering not available. Steering became manual
Steering, Feb 15, 2022
On several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering, making it difficult to maintain control.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2022
Driving on a highway when I got multiole error messages on my dash informing me that my power steering was unavailable, blind spot was unavailable, AEB was unavailable, ACC was unavailable, as well as active lane management was unavailable- and to service these immediately. My dash continued to beep and filter through these error messages for the remainder of my drive. During this, none of these features were working- as well as my power steering not working. This is the second time this has happened. Both times at highway speeds. Appointment has been made at dealership to have it looked at.
Steering, Feb 9, 2022
The power steering while driving turns off sporadically. You need to power off and power on the car to get it to come back. This is a safety issue for people that are not strong enough to handle a car without power steering. Jeep is stating there will be a module update sometime in the 1st qtr and not sure when that will be. They are also saying 1st qtr could mean end of May as they are on a different quarterly calendar.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 7, 2022
Occasionally start car and receive alert on dash stating the electronic power steering is unavailable and that lane management is unavailable. Vehicle has already been to dealership for another recall but it appears that the current issue still remains.
Steering, Feb 7, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The power steering system light has came on several times randomly since vehicle was purchased in November. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My families safety is at risk due to the loss of power steering and leaving us stranded unless we choose to drive the vehicle with the power steering light on. This is extremely unsafe for not only us but others on the road if we were to lose power steering causing an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? It has been in for service once so far to determine the cause. The dealer did a software update but we are still experiencing the loss of power steering. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No it has not. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes the service power steering light was illuminated on the dash when the power steering went out. Problem first appeared in January 2022.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 5, 2022
Came out from an event with my family, tried to start my car. Wouldn’t start. When it did start a bunch of lights same came on. Power steering unavailable, as well as active lane assist needs service.
Steering, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 3, 2022
The power steering icon lit up on the dash saying to bring it in for service. Tbe steering felt labored. The vehicle had under 2000 miles on it. After driving around for about 30 mins and then turning it off and going into a store I css as me out turned in the vehicle and all was fine again. The lane departure icon also said it was unavailable. This seems to happen when the temperature is cold outside. There was also a yellow icon that looked like a car crash that lit up on another night and said to bring in for service emergency braking was unavailable. These is quite unnerving gvyo happen in a brand new vehicle. I have read of many others having similar issues with their grand Cherokee L
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 3, 2022
When I turn on my vehicle, the error message Power Steering Unavailable will come on. Once the error message occurs, I can barely turn the steering wheel when I am driving my car. Most times after my car has sat (while I am work), the message will clear and power steering will be available again. On average this has been occurring every other day. The Jeep dealership where I bought my car has deemed it undrivable and taken it off the road until the problem has been corrected. Also when this light comes on, the Active Lane Management warning light will come on and doesn't work either.
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the "power steering unavailable, service required," appeared on the instrument panel. As she began to drive to the dealer, the "active lane management unavailable, service required" warning also appeared on the instrument panel. Once at the dealer, she was informed that a software update would be performed on the vehicle. Five days later, the "service four-wheel drive" warning message was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the computer module was reset; however, the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. A service tech informed the contact that he had been instructed to reset the computer module and that he knew that the reset would not correct the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 2,623.
Steering, Jan 31, 2022
Starting in December of 2021 I had no power steering. It went out and the light came on in the dashboard. Then again January 6th it happened again while driving my daughter to school. At this point it’s the second time and I realize it’s an issue. I brought it to dealership. They ran codes couldn’t find anything. Said next time it happens to bring it right in when the light is on. It’s very intermittent. It randomly will have no power steering. So fast forward to a week later, Jan 16th it went out again. I immediately drove it to the dealership in the middle of a snowstorm ( with no power steering) they ran the codes and I showed them a pic of my dashboard. Said the 4 codes that popped up have no update or fix. I have had a loaner car since. It’s 1/31/2022 at this point. It’s been 2 weeks. They are telling me an update should be coming. So I am paying for a vehicle that is unsafe to drive and I don’t even have. Also an issue that has no fix! I can not drive a half an hour back and forth to work and back and forth to my daughters school and have no power steering. This vehicle is unsafe to drive!!! Dealership doesn’t seem to have a fix either. Each week they say an update is coming only to call a week later with the news there is no update. Meanwhile my brand new car is just sitting at the dealership in the parking lot. Same car that I’m paying on each month. That is too dangerous to drive.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 30, 2022
The power steering is failing randomly on this new car with only about 8,000 miles. It mostly happens when it is colder and first thing in the morning. A message appears that says Power Steering Unavailable, Service Required. It also gives another error message that the lane departure assistance is not available, service required. I took the dealership, they claimed to fix it, and the next day, it had the same issue. They now have it and claim that only a software update can fix it. When the power steering is in a failed state the vehicle is harder to drive and does not have the lane assistance available.
Steering, Jan 29, 2022
On 1/28 my 2021 Grand Cherokee L with 658 miles suddenly did not have power steering. Leading up to this event, I warmed the car up for 10 minutes, then drove 1.5 miles to a nearby store without incident. Upon returning to the car, as I backed out of the parking spot, I noticed the power steering icon was lit on the dash and a warning message appeared saying power steering unavailable service required. I drove the 1.5 miles back home, parked the car, turned off the engine, let it sit for 5 minutes, then restarted the car and the same light and message appeared. The steering was difficult to manage, but fortunately I didn't need to drive very far and since I recognized the power steering was out, I was able to prepare for turns in advance. This could be a fatal flaw in the vehicle if driven at high speeds or if it were to happen unexpectedly while driving. On 1/29 I called the local dealer service department and scheduled an appointment for the first available time which is Monday 1/31. Upon starting the car this morning of 1/29, the light and message did not appear. I did not attempt to drive it. Upon reading Jeep forum threads, there are many other reports of the same problem. Jeep needs to quickly determine the cause of the issue and determine a sustainable resolution.
Steering, Jan 28, 2022
Upon starting my vehicle in the morning (4200 miles on odometer) the power steering warning indicator came on. I noticed the icon after attempting to back out of my garage and the steering wheel felt hard to turn. With the vehicle being hard to turn, this put myself and child at risk if I continued to drive. I drove my child to school and returned the vehicle to my garage. Approximately 2 hours later, I attempted to start my vehicle and the power steering warning light did not come back on.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 28, 2022
Incident occurred on 1/27, ~1,760 miles. V6, 4x4. Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited I started the car and a red steering wheel icon popped up on the dashboard. Then a message popped up saying "power steering unavailable, service required". I was still able to drive the car but steering felt very "heavy". I've only had the car for 2 months.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 26, 2022
At 1321 miles Power steering went unavailable while driving, restarted car and it was still unavailable. Car now has 1700 Miles and have had the issue 7 times. Dealer can not get me in until Feb 15th, 2021. Which is unexceptionable. With no power steering other safety features are unavailable, like cruise control, lane senors and other. I’m making this claim hoping for a full recall on this issue. Many others having the same problem.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 19, 2022
What Component Failed: Power Steering & Lane Management. When Component Failed: 01/19/2022 at approx. 6:45am Car Available for Inspection?: YES Details: While driving from home to work this morning, the instrument cluster displayed an error message "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required" and a red warning light with a steering wheel and exclamation mark above it. I was traveling at approx. 55mph on the interstate. Because the power steering failed, the active lane management features also malfunctioned. Safety Impact: I was driving on the interstate at a high speed. Fortunately I was on a straight-away and had time to react for an upcoming turn/bend in the highway. Loss of power steering made it difficult to change lanes, merge, and make turns. This decreased safety by making it more difficult to control the vehicle. The lane management feature also malfunctioned and decreased safety. This features warns me if the car is crossing into another lane and also provides steering assistance to course correct when the driver doesn't respond fast enough. Because power steering and lane management failed, I had difficulty turning the vehicle and maintaining safe position in my lane, especially on curvy and high-speed roads. Inspection/Reproduction of Issue: The vehicle is currently at the dealer where it was purchased for inspection by the service dept. This issue has not been reproduced on this particular vehicle. However, this issue was confirmed and reproduced on another Grand Cherokee L I purchased in November 2021. The current vehicle I am reporting the issue for is a replacement car because the vehicle purchased in November 2021 also had the same issue with the power steering, lane departure and lane management.
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 19, 2022
My power steering doesn't work. It happens when immediately turning the vehicle on. It makes it very difficult to turn the wheel when driving. I have tried to turn the vehicle off then restart but it stays on. The power steering light turns on and off as it pleases throughout the days/weeks. The vehicle has been inspected three times by the certified dealership. It first appeared in November 2021. Lane departure warning light comes in periodically causing the feature to not work.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 18, 2021
Second incident in less than 2 months on Grand Cherokee L that has 2K miles. Vehicle experienced limp mode when stabilizer system malfunctioned when going 45mph. Began to stall and lost acceleration. Gas pedal was unresponsive. Second incident (~500 miles later) Power Steering Failure. Could not get vehicle out of garage. Luckily this malfunction did not occur on the highway. Was able to get it to dealer the next day and they fixed with software updates for only the effected power steering module. What other updates are needed and what happens if the braking system is next? I have lost all faith in Jeep’s ability to design a safe and reliable vehicle for my wife and 2 kids. My wife has anxiety driving her own car as well. The roll out of the L and Grand Wagoneer may be coming with potentially fatal flaws.
Steering, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence, restarted the vehicle after waiting approximately one hour and functionality was restored. The contact stated that the power steering warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Steering, Nov 30, 2021
When weather is 50F power steering light turn on, no power steering is available.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2021
The car lost communication with the Body Control Module causing multiple features to malfunction, including power steering, while we were on the road. It's a 2021 vehicle that we leased only 29 days prior to the incident. Yes, with multiple important features malfunctioning at once, we were at risk. Fortunately, we were not on a highway or driving in inclement weather or this would have been even more dangerous. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer after the incident. There were no prior warning signs and the problems came about rapidly.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
On 11/11/21 I started vehicle and placed in drive to pull out of driveway. Upon moving the steering wheel became locked and would not allow me to steer. The “Service active dampening system “ warning came on along with “Service power steering”. I was able to put vehicle in reverse and back into driveway but the steering was still not functioning. After vehicle sat off for few minutes I restarted and appeared fine but check engine light came on. I took to dealer the same day. After 3 days they could only determine that the computer had shut down. No other explanation or resolution except that if happens again to have it towed there. What if this were to happen while driving at highway speed?
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2021
After first rain back floorboards we're soaked and now there is a mildew smell. Car does not drive correctly when excelling, and electronics are working sometimes and not others.
Steering, Power train, Jul 6, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after purchasing the vehicle from the dealer, she attempted to shift the gear selector to neutral, however, the gear shifter failed. The contact stated that the steering wheel ceased. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The local dealer diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the quadra drive needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the dealer attempted to repair the steering twelve times however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that recently the brake warning light was illuminated, and the contact was unable to turn on or turn off the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer Glendale Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Parts & Service (Glendale Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram Parts & Service: (818) 242-4161) however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 500.