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: other or unspecified
55 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2026
I’ve had to replace a total of two times my transmission, including the heater cooler, condenser antifreeze, coolant equipment The radiator tire rods. I have a document multiple documents that will show everything that has been done to my car because of all these malfunctioning parts inside of the car I’ve asked myself so many times why is my car not on recall two transmissions in less than five years it’s not normal. The First transmission was replaced before 10,000 miles and my car doesn’t even happy at 40,000 miles.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 20, 2026
I was driving my car and the car shut off at 30 mph. It completely stopped and the steering wheel locked up. Started flashing start/stop and told me to put it in park. Glad no one got hurt and hope it doesn’t do it again.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2026
I was driving on the highway. There were no other vehicles nearby. I heard a loud pop/bang. I thought a tire burst but then discovered the back windshield had shattered
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2025, fire
My jeep started on fire in my garage. I put my items for the day in my jeep then started it the garage door was open. I started it at 0557. I went and got my son dressed brought him to the living room I heard noises from outside in the garage. I opened the door in the house to the garage, and it was full of smoke. There were flames coming from the front of the jeep. I called 911 at 0603. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKOWEN How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The jeep engulfed in flame very quickly. If it wasn't for the quick thinking of my fiancé our home would have been a total loss as well. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have a complaint going with the BBB Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police yes my jeep was bunted to the frame. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, I have had no issues with my jeep.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2025
THE ISSUE IS IN STARTING THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PUSH THE START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE STARTS, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO TURN WITHOUT STOPPING AND TURNING OVER. I THEN PUSH THE START BUTTON AGAIN TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT, AND THEN IT WILL START NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUSH THE START BUTTON, NOTHING HAPPENS, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. IT TAKES A SECOND ATTEMPT TO START NORMALLY
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2025
On Two seperate occasions, the message telling me to "Shift into P, and then desired gear." appeared while driving. I shifted into P while parked at an intersection both times and the car died. The second time it happened as I was driving away from Rairdon's Jeep in WA. I made it one street after having my ignition system replaced to the tune of $2,600. Was able to turn the car around and get it back to them. They have had my car for almost a month and state there is no error code, so they cannot diagnose.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
The air conditioner compressor blew at 58,000 miles. No certified jeep dealership in the area had the equipment necessary to replace it. I went to an autobody shop with that capability who said at that mileage this should not have happened in a well maintained car. It is $3000 to repair. This happened mid summer with high heat temperatures and no cold air. This put me at risk for hyperthermia as well as my dog. Oliverian Auto in Pike NH confirmed the issue. No warnings from the car, just no cold air, only hot air. First happened in July of this year.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
Back up camera fading out and dangerous to try and back up with camera messed up.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2025
Vehicle will randomly shut off with "Shift to P" message on dash. No warning lights or errors found very unsafe to drive.
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
Yesterday, with the temperature at 70°F in Michigan, I attempted to turn on my air conditioning and realized it was no longer working. The system was only pushing out hot air and never cooled. I immediately took my vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis. Thankfully, I had started an extended warranty in January, because I was shocked to learn that the repair would cost around $2,500 to replace the evaporator, which had completely failed. Upon researching, I found that an evaporator should typically last between 8 to 10 years. I have owned my vehicle since January 2021, and with only 36,117 miles, I find it unacceptable that this critical component has already failed. I take excellent care of my vehicle and stay on top of all maintenance, so there is no reason this part should be failing this soon. What’s even more concerning is that when I spoke with the service advisor, they mentioned that the part was on backorder because many people with my same year, make, and model are experiencing the same exact issue. If this is a widespread problem, it raises serious concerns about the quality and longevity of this component. A $2,500 repair for something that should last much longer is unreasonable. I am submitting this report to document the issue and to bring awareness to what seems to be a common failure with this vehicle. Thank you,
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2025
The vehicle makes a kind of knock when changing to 3rd or 4th gear, which could be the transmission.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2025
I was driving on [XXX] in November 2023 in Georgia when my sunroof (front panel, the part that opens) spontaneously exploded. No rock or debris hit us to cause this. The interior fabric sunroof cover was closed so the popcorn glass was contained. If the cover had not been closed, the glass would have rained down on me and my front seat passenger. I pulled over at the next exit and was able to temporarily seal the giant hole in the sunroof from the elements. Eventually a body shop was able to remove and replace the broken glass. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2025, fire
On Feb 5, 2025, vehicle was started with remote start (in garage with garage door open). Within a few minutes, the entire cabin was engulfed in flames. No warnings, no prior vehicle issues, no recalls. Fire department was called and got fire out. Cause unknown, but appears to have been related to electrical. No or minimal damage under hood. Insurance now has possession of vehicle. Unsure of inspection but they did gather photos and declare a total loss. This could have happened while I was driving, injuring me, my family and others. This could have burnt my garage and/or house down. Please reach out to me for questions or more info. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2024
Car is sputtering when turning on
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2024
Vehicle has a known issue where all of the sudden the entertainment system volume will drive to 100% volume with no ability to turn it down, only off. Turning it off renders the navigation and communication screens and some other functionality inoperable. The sound is something that happens with no warning and in some instances could cause a driver to brake hard, accelerate, swerve, etc. or simply lose concentration while driving when trying to figure out how to turn down/off the extensive volume that is not only alarming, but deafening. Manufacturer and dealerships are aware of the problem and in many cases are charging to repairs this even though the fix in most cases is a simple software update! This is dangerous and should be investigated for a possible recall or at least offered as a no cost repair.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2024
I have a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 with less than 30,000 miles on it. The leather dash is currently peeling away and bubbling. There was a recall back in 2014 by Chrysler, but they have ever since taken away the recall because they "claimed" they have fixed the problem. I will attach pictures of my vehicle and other similar Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland's that I have found in the market. Looking to get this situated but my local Jeep dealer said this would be a out of pocket cost and not covered by the manufacturer.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2024
Panoramic sunroof exploded and showered glass all over myself and my family. We were driving on the highway and it did not appear that anything hit the sunroof, it just exploded right from the center.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2024
Multimedia screen blacked out, the touchscreen itself works but the screen is black (or blank) we took this to the dealership and they informed us they are not sure how to fix the issue other than replace the whole screen, we had taken the vehicle to the dealership prior stating the screen would cut out or black out. The dealership found nothing wrong. Finally when the screen completely blacked out the vehicle was out of warranty by 1,000 miles and would not be covered under the warranty. We do not have the finances to pay for the replacement. The multimedia touchscreen is the hub of the entire car, we are unable to view anything behind us when backing up the car in reverse as the rear view camera is tied to the screen. This poses a risk of injuring children when backing up. We are also unable to control multiple settings within the vehicle as well as able to view any warning lights that may pop up. The dealer has stated they are aware of similar issues with the same make/model. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership. The only warning we have had is the screen blacking out and reseting while driving and the screen blacking out for extended periods of time before resoring.
Other or unspecified, May 20, 2024
The sunroof glass above the driver/front passenger seats suddenly exploded/shattered while driving on a highway at about 55 mph, for no apparent reason. The sunroof was closed at the time, same as the sun shade underneath it and it was not operated either.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2024
I was driving my usual route home from work during rush hour on [XXX] in Seattle, Wa when my sunroof glass exploded on my 2021 Grand Jeep Cherokee. My first thought was that a tire had blown, it was so loud! Experiencing no loss of control, I quickly realized that the sound was my sunroof glass disintegrating when I heard glass shards rattling overhead. Thankfully my sliding visor was closed as I usually have this open. Of course had it been open I would have had glass shower down on me causing an accident and possibly seriously damaging my vision! I got home safely where I called my car insurance to report what happened. I asked if they wanted me to send photos of the exploded sunroof glass they told me there was no need since it should be a simple fix. Well it has not been so. Insurance sent me to a local collision shop a few days later which turned me away since there was no collision. I called several glass places after this myself and was told by each one they don't deal with replacing sunroof glass. I contacted a Jeep dealership told them my situation, what had happened. The dealership scheduled for me to come in 30 plus days for an inspection since that was first availability. I called several dealerships to try to get seen earlier they were all a month out give or take for appointments. Given the suddenness of the explosion and the apparent absence of any external cause, it seems to me that it was caused by a manufacturing flaw, or design defect, in the glass or its frame. Although I am a longtime owner and fan of Jeep vehicles I find that this was unacceptable since this is obviously a potential safety issue, as well as a major inconvenience. I also feel Jeep should cover the expense on this! I owned a Jeep Compass prior to my Grand Cherokee that had a sunroof and never had an issue. I don't want this to happen to others and this goes for anyone who has a sunroof that this could happen without any warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Mar 28, 2024, crash
UNKNOWN, reared ended an 18 wheeler and the findings do not show that forward collision or steering operated to prevent the accident.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
I went to turn on my Jeep Grand Cherokee L and received a "service power steering error message". I turned off the car, and when I went to turn it back on the reverse detection warning went off, the odometer consistently blinked and the service engine light came on. I was unable to reverse the car or drive the car forward and required it to be towed. I had two small kids in the car without power steering so significantly at risk. The vehicle is enroute to the local Jeep dealer and there were no warning signs or issues with the car prior.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2024, fire
On [XXX] we pulled car into garage between 1:30 AM 2:00 AM, car caught on fire and burnt entire house down. Chrysler is aware, and 3 fire inspectors said it caught on fire, in the battery compartment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2024
Sun roof glass shattered while driving down the highway.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2024, fire
I started my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the automatic start on November 2, 2023 and 5 minutes later it was in flames. Chrysler has an inspection done but will not tell me the cause. It is a total loss. Chrysler will not give my insurance company the letter of guarantee to complete the claim.