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
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2023
Started noticing hard reverse shift when vehicle was cold. Took to the dealership, tech could not find any issues other than it shifted hard in reverse. Tech found no leaks, performed PCM reflash. Still no problems found. Tech did not check transmission fluid level on vehicle. Must be checked at the dealership. Tech recommended replacing transmission even though could not find any issues. A few days later while driving at highway speed the vehicle suddenly downshifted to 3rd gear nearly causing me to loose control. Vehicle would not shift into fourth gear. Had to limp vehicle home.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2023
Sunroof randomly exploded while driving down the road with no other vehicles or objects nearby
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2023
My heat and air and defrost comes on and off when it is raining my defrost do not work that is a safety hazard if I Can not defrost my window when it rain and snow nothing works in my truck it works when it wants to . This should be a recall this was a brand new when I brought it should not be having these problems already at theses miles , also my locks don’t want to lock my driver door I have to push it lock.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? This vehicle as well as thousands of other Jeep, Wagoneer, Ram and Dodge vehicles with the UConnect 5 system has a glitch which causes the navigation to reboot. Forums show this is happening in many vehicles to many owners. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? When the system restarts, it changes screens unexpectedly which causes the drivers eyes to be drawn to the screen. The driver also has to take their eyes off the road to push a button to get the navigation off the screen. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealer's only offer was to 'factory reset' the system, however that only fixed the issue for a day or so. Then it reverts back to 'TomTom Loading...'. The native Navigation system installed in this system is TomTom. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have made many attempts to contact the manufacturer and dealer to get this repaired over the last year only to be told that a fix has not been identified. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Other than the message of 'TomTom Loading...', no there have been no other messages.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2023
Leather Instrument Panel (IP) Cover Delaminating. Older models appear to have a service notice but the newer models do not.
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2023
I’ve had this recall for a while now. Got the notification soon after I purchased vehicle in 2-2022 and manufacture still hasn’t resolved this issue.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2023
On May 12, 2023 when driving through Albuquerque, NM on I-40 our panoramic sunroof exploded. As best we could tell, nothing hit it and there we no pressures changes as we were on the west side of Albuquerque headed west. Fortunately we did not have it open so no glass got in the car. We called our insurance after we stopped to buy plastic bags and tape to cover the damaged sunroof. Once we got to our destination we called the local dealership and they said they couldn't get us in for 2 weeks. It would have been nice if they said we'll get you worked in to at least cover it to keep rain from getting in. It's now been over a week and the glass is still back ordered and we have not ETA on getting it in. Frustrating that Jeep isn't able to quickly repair what I would call a safety item.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2023
I have a panoramic sunroof and while driving down the road the rear panel of the sunroof exploded outward. Sounded like a gunshot.
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2023
Driving on I70 West near Idaho Springs, CO and the rear panel on the panoramic sunroof exploded upwards. No debris hit, it just exploded upwards.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jan 16, 2023
The Recall z50/ 22V544 has been outstanding for the tailamp since August 2022 and still has no remedy.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Dec 22, 2022
Bought vehicle in October - dealer was only able to give me the vehicle 2 months later. When I picked up the vehicle it smelled like something electric was burning. I texted my sales guy from the lot he didn't respond immediately I thought maybe it's just something outside the vehicle. Brought it home found it there is a recall on this vehicle and it doesn't accelerate efficiently. When I took it back to the dealership the dealer couldn't fix it and refused to take the vehicle back. I have paid my car payments for a vehicle I can't use. Please help me resolve this issue
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 24, 2022
I was putting my 4 month old baby into the back seat. Simultaneously my mother was trying to open the back hatch to put bags in. As I shut the back door where my son was, my mom somehow ended up locking the car while trying to open the hatch. I was completely unaware that my key was even in the car. We tried unlocking every single door but nothing was working. I opened my app to unlock it that way and it said "Activation of service in progress. We're configuring your vehicle. Please try again later" and would not let me purchase or click anything. I recognize it is my error for not re-subscribing to Jeep Mopar services but I do not believe any car should ever lock if there is a key inside of it. On top of this, I tried calling Jeep for assistance. I still have my trials active for assistance and security. The first woman I spoke to told me I had to accept a text message first. As I waited for this to come through, panicking about my son inside, I told her the situation and she said she cannot help, only send someone out there to assist. I found this to be another safety failure on Jeep's part as I was clearly calling from the number on my account, where they were sending a code to verify - I just needed someone to unlock my car remotely OR allow me to purchase Mopar quickly to get back into my app. None of these were options given to me. The woman on the phone said she had to transfer me to someone else. We waited and waited and no one ever came on the phone. It was clear we were disconnected. I called the number again and this time a man answered. When I explained the situation he said, very rudely, that it was a 911 situation, not a Jeep situation. We called 911 and rescue vehicles did arrive but it took a very long time. It would have been 10x faster to have help from Jeep in that situation and get my car unlocked remotely or been allowed to active mopar for quicker access. I would have been able to open the door to my 4 month old child a lot quicker.
Other or unspecified, Sep 7, 2022
Vehicle had soaked and saturated drivers side carpeting and padding underneith. It was leaking when the Air Conditioniing was near the middle of the console (about half way inbetween the gas pedal and edge of seat) When taken to the dealer it was stated that there was no AC drain hose installed on assembly. After seeing where they installed it, it was very clear nothing was there on assembly. Drivers side fllor completely soaked through and no considration for damage to rugs and moisture.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2022
My Jeep Grand Cherokee L (long model with 3rd row seating) has a panoramic sunroof. Today while driving on the highway, the panoramic sunroof exploded right in the center of each section. It has two sections which overlap when fully open. There were no warning signs, lamps, or cracks prior to this. The glass shattered and flew behind us and all over the inner sunshade. It was extremely scary and dangerous! My son was in the back seat and would’ve been hit with broken glass had the sunshade been open. I haven’t filed any claims with Jeep or my insurance co yet. Please help!
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”.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 11, 2022
Backstory: This vehicle has had electrical issues since the day after signing the lease. The second day of driving the vehicle would not start and flashed all the sorts of engine failures. The dealership could not find anything wrong with it after two weeks and deemed it "repaired." Then, 2 days later the vehicle would not start again and flashed all sorts of of engine and system failures. After 4 months of going through FCA's process for the Lemon Law buyback, FCA presented a buyout offer that was inadequate and contained numerous release clauses we were not comfortable agreeing to. We choose to seek Mass Lemon Law State Arbitration as our right to ensure we achieved a fair outcome. FCA pulled our replacement vehicle and in essence forced us to drive to take back and drive the vehicle after it was again "repaired" this time by replacing a battery. The dealership that repaired the vehicle drove it for a week before we were comfortable taking it back. Incident: A month later, while driving the vehicle on a busy main road (at approx. 15 MPH), the vehicle started to alert that various systems were disable and the transmission started to shift violently and the engine reved. The ABS, airbags, lane departure, powering steering, and other systems said they were disabled and that the transmission was disabled. Fortunately, there was a parking lot on the right, I was able to turn into the lot, and attempt to find a safe place to stop. The parking lot was busy and before I was able to pull into a parking space, the car shut off and would not turn on. The hazard lights would not function, and the vehicle was blocking traffic and multiple parked cars. The car would occasionally start and stay on for 10 to 30 seconds at a time, but either the parking brake was locked or the transmission shifted violently as I pressed the gas pedal. After 20 minutes, I managed to limp the car to a safe spot and await a tow. The vehicle is at the dealership. There is also video.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2022
New vehicle purchase. Uconnect Media Screen has failed and dealer and Jeep states it is unavailable to be repaired. Vehicle Handsfree Text, vehicles Back up Camera, Vehicles Mirror Dimmers and other key safety features are not available.
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.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
The vehicle has Uconnect system with Bluetooth, WiFi, Apple Car play etc. The incoming volume on the connected device is always (let me repeat that with emphasis) ALWAYS at maximum. An incoming call literally blows you to the back seat with its volume. I have set it, saved it, set it again, saved it again….to no avail. At one point I was on a crowded interstate surrounded by traffic and the call nearly caused a crash. I have also researched this issue online, and I see hundreds upon hundreds of posts with the EXACT SAME COMPLAINT. And, before you can ask the question: YES I have tried ALL of those solutions, and absolutely none of them work. All of the online posts concern different Chrysler/jeep/Dodge vehicles with Uconnect systems. They all exhibit this issue. This one failure alone is enough to make the vehicle too dangerous for the road. It is so dangerous, that I am also filing a complaint with the NHTSA. From the online posts and my conversations with a local dealer, it is apparent that this is something Chrysler/Jeep has no interest in fixing. Perhaps a formal intervention from a regulatory agency is what’s required. It seems to affect many different models, so this Jeep is not an isolated incident.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 6, 2021
Vehicle was left at dealer on 12/3 to address the infotainment screen gltiching and turning off and to address a recall. The dealer performed a software update and addressed the recall. I picked vehicle up on Saturday, 12/4. The infotainment screen flashed off again and I noticed the transmission shutters and bangs during a downshift and when I lift off the gas pedal. It was observed on Sunday, 12/5 that the nightvision images freezes and glitches while using.
Other or unspecified, Nov 30, 2021
While on the freeway, the left speakers went out and then the car slow down and would not accelerate. The car was able to roll to the emergency lane. The safety of myself and my son were at risk due to being on the freeway and the car slowed down without warning. Cars were blowing their horns. Also, the main screen which houses the back up camera and gps is not functioning. This issue was brought to the attention of the Jeep dealer about 2 weeks ago. I was informed that a part is needed. The part is expected around the 15th which is an inconvenience and safety concern..
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2021
During the first 3,000 miles of owning the vehicle, on 3 separate occasions, the vehicle has failed to shift from first to second gear, appearing to get stuck in neutral. Because this is occurring when the vehicle is first beginning to accelerate this is happening when entering intersections, changing lanes, and crossing lanes causing the vehicle to rev while either coasting (due to the positive motion prior to shifting) or sit motionless when on-coming traffic is approaching. The only way to get the vehicle back in motion is to completely stop the vehicle (irrespective of the dangerous location) put the vehicle in park, then back in drive, and try accelerating again in hopes that the vehicle will shift on a second attempt. One one of the three occasions so far, this occurred while exiting a parking lot but before entering a changing lane on a busy street. On another occasion it caused me to get stuck on a blind curve. The issue occurs intermittently and to date I have not been able to get the dealer to remedy the issue. Their text msg response at TransitTowne Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM in Elma, New York, is that "..there is no codes in the system and there is no updates available for the software. There is nothing to diagnose if there is no code and everything checks out in the system. ... The Jeep does have an 8 speed transmission that is all electronically controlled and it can take some getting used to." This is the response I received after dropping the vehicle off at 10 a.m. and receiving a call the same day that my car is ready to be picked up at exactly 1:03 p.m. (which included the time to perform an oil change, tire rotation, resolve a missing trim issue, and investigate an issue with the tailgate). The only warning was the beep that goes off when the car is in close proximity of an impact (due to the other cars approaching as I try to get the back in motion) but the warning is useless until I can get the car back in motion to avoid an impact.
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.