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
404 reports, newest first.
Exterior lighting, Dec 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting). The contact stated that the taillights were no longer illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and recall notification; 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 failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Dec 4, 2022, crash
ON 11/19/2022 I AM DRIVING AT ABOUT 65 MPH GOING NORTHBOUND IN THE RIGHT LANE ON THE PALISADES INTERSTATE PARKWAY AT EXIT 2 IN NJ. A CAR PASSING ME IN THE LEFT LANE STRIKES A DEER WITH HIS LEFT FRONT AND THE DEER IS FLIPPED IN THE AIR. THE DEER IS NOW AIRBORNE AND IN THE RIGHT LANE. I DRIVE INTO THE DEER AND IT IMPACTS THE HOOD OF THE JEEP AND CRASHES THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD AND LANDS IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO BRAKE HARD BUT WAS ABLE TO PULLOVER ON A GRASSY AREA OAST THE EXIT ON THE RIGHT. I HAVE A DASHCAN VIDEO BUT I CANNOT UPLOAD TO REPORT. AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AND CN BE EMAILED TO YOU. CONCERN: 1. THE EMERGENCY ASSIST SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND DETECTED A COLLISION AND ASKED ME IF I NEEDED POLICE , FIRE OR AMBULANCE. 2. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DETECT A HIGH SPEED COLLISION AND DID NOT DEPLOY. WHY DID THE RESPONSE SYSTEM DETECT A COLLSION AND INQUIRED IF I NEEDED POLICE, FIRE AND AMBULANCE AND THE AIRBAG SYSTEM NEVER SENSED A HIGH IMPACT COLLISION WITH THE DEER.
Steering, Nov 22, 2022
Power steering failed for a day then was fine the next day. Our safety was not affected as it occurred at home. We received no recall regarding the issue. Dealership reported it was an "RSU" and corrected the issue with a software update
Steering, Nov 21, 2022
Power steering unavailable icon shows on dash and power steering is unavailable. Loss of power steering is safety hazard placing us and others at risk. Seems to occur more often in cold temps. Have contacted service department but have not heard back from them as of yet.
Steering, Lane departure, Nov 21, 2022
Both my power steering and lane assistance have been going unresponsive. Upon further investigation it sounds like this is a problem with numerous 2021 Jeep grand cherokee Ls and there is no recall. No power steering is a very dangerous situation
Steering, Electrical system, Nov 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and approaching a parking spot, several warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be recharged. The batteries were recharged but the contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Normandin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (900 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose, CA 95136:(408) 580-8875), where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle back to the first dealer: Putnam Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,550.
Exterior lighting, Nov 16, 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 contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the taillights failed to illuminate. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 16,300. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Exterior lighting, Nov 9, 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 contact stated that the rear taillights failed to function as needed while driving at night. The contact stated that the taillights operated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Nov 4, 2022
While in gear if would not go. Within the first 5,000 miles it was in the shop twice and had to have a new transmission installed. Drove it for another 5-6k miles and same thing happened again and dealership is saying it will need another transmission.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 1, 2022
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? *radio, sound, bluetooth connection, dashboard, entire screen of radio, navigation, speakers, transmission slipping occasionally - yes it was available for inspection How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? screen often updates itself while driving or the screen and dashboard turn completely solid white or black, preventing me from seeing speed, navigation or anything at all. The transmission often slips causing the jeep to lag. I still have a few dates of service following the forms that were uploaded. please contact me for all documents. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? YES Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? inspected by the original dealership Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no they first appeared on 12-22-21
Exterior lighting, Oct 19, 2022
No incident. Manufacturer and local dealers have no remedy available currently or in the foreseeable future outside of purchasing a new vehicle. Retract the recall until a valid remedy is available or impose requirements on the manufacturer to provide a remedy immediately.
Power train, Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on two separate occasions, the vehicle failed to accelerate after shifting from reverse(R) into drive (D) without warning, with the RPM revving without the vehicle responding. The contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer after the second failure; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact also stated while going downhill at low rate of speed, the vehicle independently downshifted twice without warning, which brought the vehicle to a near stop. The contact stated that the vehicle lunged forward with her foot on the brake pedal with an abnormal cranking sound coming from the transmission. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 16, 2022
Power steering becomes unavailable; the car will not drive; all safety features become unavailable. The first time happened in April 2022, vehicle only had 6k miles. I had to remove the power steering fuse and put it back in for the system to reset. The vehicle was taken to dealer for rapid response recall. October 2022, went to start car and the same message came out regarding power steering and safety features being unavailable, car would not start and had to reset the power steering fuse. The system reset, but now the engine light is amber and will not turn off; the vehicle has 16k miles. I will be contacting the service department first thing Monday morning
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle intermittently hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an unstated software needed to be updated. No warning lights were illuminated. The software was updated; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 12, 2022, crash
I was approaching the location where I was about to turn and began to slow down. Out of no where, the forward collision detection system was set off and automatic braking was applied, causing the SUV behind me to go right off the roadway to avoid a rear end collision. Traffic was extremely heavy at the time. The motorist caught up with me at the location I eventually turned into and accused me of slamming on brakes on purpose. I explained to them the malfunction that occured; however, they were still rightfully upset due to them having children in their vehicle, which caused panic. I let them know I would be reaching out to report the situation, as well as turning off the supposed safety feature until the issue could be rectified. This was a very dangerous situation and could have resulted in a major traffic collision, causing serious injury or death. I do have a dashcam video of the incident.
Engine, Oct 12, 2022
Engine mounts have failed. According to the FCA, they have a very large backorder on these parts, as this is an extremely common issue. Initially they denied that the motor mounts were an issue; however, since the major back order, they have reversed that claim. They also stated the motor mounts would be at the dealership on the 13th of October; however, they now state that they have no date due to major back order. They stated no recall was issued because it's not a safety hazard; however, according to multiple certified mechanics, this is a major safety hazard which can result in the motor shifting and knocking parts out from under the vehicle, causing pieces to hit the vehicle itself or other vehicles on the highway. It also will cause major damage to the engine and other components under the hood of the vehicle. The FCA still has not agreed to this claim, even as some of their own Mopar mechanics also stated the same information regarding it being a safety hazard.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Oct 8, 2022
Vehicle reported on instrument cluster a loss of Electronic Stability Control, Power Steering, blind spot alert, adaptive cruise control, and cruise control. We have been having electronic issues for >2 months. Previously the vehicle reported an estart fault and would randomly engage the ebrake. It would not allow disengaging the ebrake unless the car was restarted and/or hood was opened and shut. This occured while turning left at a light causing the vehicle to abruptly stop in the intersection. We have had the vehicle serviced 2 times, and now will return it for a third time for these electronics issues.
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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 19, 2022
I was driving 45-55mph,closest vehicle was about 4-5 car links in front on me, driving about same speed-when the breaks locked up. I had not hit the break! On my dash where the mph is located it turned red and said BREAK.It made the jeep pretty well come to a complete stop in a second. The seat belt caught my neck,my son (passages) seat belt caught his belt and hurt his stomach, my son (back seat driver side) hit the drivers seat pretty hard. I have now took my jeep into the dealer. No word yet in there findings. This was scary and could have ended very badly. We was fortunate enough not to have wreaked or worse. I don’t know who or where to contact someone about this issue.
Forward collision avoidance, Sep 15, 2022
I have had TWO incidents where the automatic emergency brake has engaged. The first was in a parking lot at low speed with no cars or objects near the car. The car completely seized up and I had to get a tow truck to take it to the dealer. The second incident I had to slow to zero for a dog in the road and then after it moved and I accelerated the brake engaged and I had to pull out of the road way so I would not get hit from behind. After the car sat parked for 8 hours I was able to drive it to dealer with an engine light on. At dealer the light went off so they were not able to diagnose anything .
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.
Air bags, Sep 6, 2022, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact that while driving at 35 MPH, he saw a shadow out of the corner of the left of his eye which he presumed to be a cat. In an effort to avoid hitting the animal, he steered the vehicle in the right direction and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the failure, the contact hit his head on the front driver-side window. The contact did not seek medical treatment; however, he sustained pain in both his left and right shoulders, and his lower back, and even experienced intermittent vomiting which he assumed to be the result of a concussion. A police report was filed. The contact was unaware if any property damage was sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Aug 31, 2022
When I started the car and backed out I was alerted that the power steering had a failure and lane departure warnings also. Power steering was not working. Left car for an hour and when I restarted it, warning light was off and steering worked again. Random power steering failure is extremely scary.
Exterior lighting, Aug 9, 2022
Trailer lightning error on dashboard (trailer package is factory installed)