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.

Complaints by model year
  1. 404

Of the 2021 reports, 20 involved a crash and 8 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.

Primary concernElectrical system114 reports · 28% of complaints
Owner complaints404Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship12 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Electrical system114
  2. Steering102
  3. Engine60
  4. Power train58
  5. Other or unspecified55
  6. Exterior lighting42
  7. Fuel/propulsion system38
  8. Service brakes32

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

404 reports, newest first.

  1. Electrical system, Feb 27, 2023

    In January all lights loss of the power steering assist, traction control, lane assist, emergency brake, backup assist, airbags, etc. illuminated while driving. Made it home car failed to start next day, had to have it towed. Dealership replaced battery (car only 1 year old). 4 weeks later driving on highway doing 70 with whole family in car same thing occurs. Got off highway and parked. Total loss of power steering at this point and car undeliverable. Had to get it towed again. Dealership now says need to replace both batteries. This seems to be a HUGE safety issue. Multiple complaints online of the same thing occurring.

  2. Power train, Feb 24, 2023

    We were stopped for redlight at busy multilane intersection, light turned green, went to accelerate vehicle revved to over 3000 rpms but would not shift out of first gear, got to side of road put vehicle in neutral and then back into drive and was able to proceed. Took vehicle to Chrysler Jeep Dodge dealer service center after doing diagnostic they did computer update; they then got a diagnostic code to replace transfer case. The vehicle did this again about 3 months later took it to dealer they did diagnostic unable to find anything. Vehicle did it again about 2 weeks later took it to dealer and they performed a computer update. This is a very dangerous situation when vehicle will only barely move at busy intersections, and you are in a middle lane and can't get into and outside lane and off the road in a timely manner. When this happened the first time the vehicle only had a bit over 10,000 miles on it, it currently has slightly over 12,000 miles on it. This problem is intermittent, and the dealer has not been able to replicate it. Anytime that it happened there were no light indicators on dash.

  3. 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.

  4. Suspension, Exterior lighting, Feb 20, 2023

    1) Back up camera goes blank periodically. A few times the monitor would not come on at all. Frightening when I am using it for directions. 2) Service System 4WD light has come on. Jeep dealer said it is a Disconnect Acetutor (?). I have appt to repair but am concerned it might not be safe to drive. 3) Cannot figure out how to get high beams to automatically turn off when oncoming vehicle is approaching.

  5. Suspension, Electrical system, Air bags, Feb 16, 2023

    Steering wheel airbag cover cracked without pressing on the horn or any force. The lift gate will go up halfway and instantly come back down without pressing the button to make it come back down. And, the front passenger tie rod has been replaced twice in 18 months.

  6. Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Feb 14, 2023

    On 12/31/2022, I received six notifications from my app regarding “theft alarm triggered”. Go outside horn is honking. Turn off and continued. January 2, 2023 I brought vehicle into jeep as my entire dash was glitching in and out. Couldn’t see my speed limit. Interior lights were turning on and off. Back light on interior tailgate was blinking. They had my car a few days and it was “fixed”. February 3, 2023 vehicle wouldn’t start. Replaced battery. Vehicle dash began glitching, interior lights turning on and off and theft alarm notifications. Brought into jeep they said it was the battery even though we just replaced battery. They replaced battery and called me to pick up the next day. 2/7/2023 same issues began occurring. However, when car was powered off, a buzzing sound was heard and interior lights were turning on and off. 2/8/2023 vehicle would not start. Had to be towed to dealership. Concerned there is an electrical issue that could cause a fire. Unsure if issue was reproduced but I have several videos all time stamped and dated to show delegates what is happening.

  7. 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.

  8. Exterior lighting, Feb 13, 2023

    Hi, I wish to submit a compliant as Jeep have still not issued a remedy for my 2021 vehicle. This is a new expensive vehicle that I'm unfortable driving my young children in so I'm suprised and dissapointed it is taking Jeep so long to resolve.

  9. Exterior lighting, Feb 10, 2023

    Unknown

  10. Exterior lighting, Feb 8, 2023

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  11. Electrical system, Feb 7, 2023

    While driving 65 mph, the power steering assist, traction control, lane assist, emergency brake, backup assist, air bags, and check engine warning lights all illuminated, and the vehicle failed to operate and function as needed. Had to used excessive force to steer the vehicle off the road and had to repeatedly pump the brake pedal. Additionally, the turn signals and warning lights failed to operate as needed. quickly pulled over and was able to make it to a parking spot. Could have been rear ended. Unable to drive the vehicle towed to a dealer. Second time the same issues occurred. Had to quickly react before getting rear-ended while driving 50 mph. The power steering assist, traction control, lane assist, emergency brake, backup assist, air bags, and check engine warning lights all illuminated, and the vehicle failed to operate and function as needed. Quick response to pull over so we weren't hit. No symptoms prior to all the lights flashing and losing power steering.

  12. Exterior lighting, Feb 3, 2023

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that he had to manually hold the high-beam headlights switch with his left hand while driving for the high-beam headlights to operate as needed. The contact stated that the high-beam headlights would deactivate and not operate as needed without the switch being held. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer and made them aware of the failure, but the vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V797000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100.

  13. Exterior lighting, Feb 1, 2023

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and other unknown dealers were contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  14. Exterior lighting, Jan 26, 2023

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  15. 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.

  16. Exterior lighting, Jan 22, 2023

    Known recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V554000 (Exterior Lighting) since July 28, 2022. Remedy still not available and major safety concern with potential vehicle wreck! Taken to dealership twice and remedy not available.

  17. Electrical system, Jan 18, 2023

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a computer failure, causing an unknown module to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH and pulling out of the parking lot, the message "Activate The SOS" was displayed. The contact called Jeep Emergency System Department and inquired about assistance with turning off the emergency system and was informed that there was no indication that the SOS system message had been activated. The contact parked, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the instrument panel lights and center display failed to activate even though the engine was still running. The vehicle lost motive power independently turned off and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the parking sensor module had failed, causing correlated damages to other unknown modules. The dealer replaced the parking sensor module; however, after driving the vehicle, the dealer diagnosed that the PCM and powertrain transfer case needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to trade the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000.

  18. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 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.

  22. Exterior lighting, Dec 29, 2022

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V554000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  23. Exterior lighting, Dec 28, 2022

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  24. Exterior lighting, Dec 22, 2022

    The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

  25. 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