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.
Service brakes, Apr 15, 2022
Brakes locked up. Had to use all my body weight on brakes not to have a collision. 2nd major brake vehicle with this car.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 15, 2022
Driving on a highway in Kansas at 9pm the car slammed on brakes and sent a pedestrian warning. There is NOTHING out in the middle of Kansas, especially a pedestrian. This occurred 2 more times. The car would randomly brake.
Steering, Electrical system, Apr 15, 2022
There are lots of non stop electrical issues with this car , main problem they had a internal recall for power steering wheel, few weeks later I lost control of the power steering wheel while driving it had an error massage on the main dashboard , “power steering currently unavailable service required “ . Luckily I was pulling out of a parking lot and was only going few miles an hour and I was able to stop , if I was going highway speed not sure if I was here typing this . The car barker have 8500 miles on it and it’s a major safety hazard . From what I understand I was not the only one with that issue and jeep sweeps it under the rug , if they aware of the issue why they don’t contact the car owners to bring them to fix the issue. ? Only when someone dies they will
Electrical system, Apr 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving, the navigation system became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that a software update was needed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000.
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.
Steering, Apr 10, 2022
Steering wheel is very difficult to turn. The difficulty seems to vary somewhat with the temperature-- with the car extremely difficult to turn when both the car and weather are cold-- though even when warm it is more difficult to turn than it should be. The car operates as though there is no power steering when cold, or as if some component of the power steering is bad. The steering wheel also makes a ticking/brushing sound when turned (some component catching or rubbing against another component within the steering column). My safety is at risk because maneuvering the vehicle is difficult. It is especially difficult to maneuver at higher speed (the wheel is almost impossible to turn). Local dealership tested the vehicle and didn't report that they noticed any problems, though they never actually listened for any kind of friction or ticking in the steering column. They also have no frame of reference for how the steering wheel SHOULD turn, since they don't own the car, and as such would not be able to tell if there were a problem by feel alone. No warning messages appeared.
Forward collision avoidance, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while she was stopped at traffic light, as she was taking her foot off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal, the vehicle's automatic emergency braking system engaged and the vehicle came to a stop. The engine was running. The contact stated she was not aware of any warning light being illuminated. The contact had injured her right foot and was diagnosed with a torn Achilles tendon. The contact had taken the vehicle to a unknown local dealer, where it was had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
Steering, Electrical system, Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 75 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. The contact 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. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 19,146.
Steering, Lane departure, Mar 15, 2022
Power steering and lane keep assist have failed 3 times already for a new vehicle with less than 5k miles on it. Driven to/from work only.
Power train, Mar 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while performing a routine maintenance on the vehicle, she was informed that the vehicle was emitting an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that failure was associated with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.
Steering, Lane departure, Mar 5, 2022
The power steering and adaptive lane control system repeatedly fails. Loss of power steering makes the vehicle harder to turn. This problem was reproduced by a dealer and supposedly corrected by way of software update. This problem has not been corrected and continues to reoccur following the software update. The lamps for the power steering and adaptive lane control system appear when the systems are not working.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Mar 5, 2022
This is my second attempt to get someone to reach out. I have a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with approximately 3100 miles. This vehicle has been in the repair shop a minimum of 10 times. Power steering goes out at times while driving. This vehicle falls into the Lemon Law. I have been unable to reach anyone at Jeep Headquarters to assist with resolving this buy back. No one has returned my calls. This is a very serious safety concern
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, Power train, Exterior lighting, Mar 4, 2022
This vehicle had a new complete transfer case after owning 3 weeks was in the repair shop for approximately 1 month. 1 week later power steering goes out. back at the dealership. Power Steering goes out again get back 1 day and Power steering goes out as I am driving. Back to the Dealership. 3 x power steering goes out. Now says a repair has been done. This week transmission and interior lights possibly going out. Car purchased new November 4, 2021 has less than 3000 miles on it. Has been in the repair shop approximately 3 months of the 4 months its been owned. This car actually scares me to drive it because I never know what's going to happen.
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the charging system replaced. The vehicle and repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.
Steering, Mar 3, 2022
On certain mornings, when the temperature is below 40 degrees, when the car is started it states that the power steering is unavailable and service is required. The power steering is sluggish and is not easy to drive. As the temperature warms up during the day, the power steering will return. It has been to the dealership on three occasions and currently there is no fix for this problem. Chrysler has told me that the problem is intermittent and the car is drivable without power steering. There is also a service bulletin on this and they expect a software update in the middle of the 1st quarter. We are now near the end of the 1st quarter with no fix in sight. What's more worrisome is that they are saying the vehicle is drivable. This problem has been confirmed by Chrysler and the dealership.
Electrical system, Mar 1, 2022
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the crash warning lane departure alert was sounding and failed to disengage. The contact stated that the vehicle would indicate that the vehicle was running even though the vehicle had not been started. The speedometer failed to provide the correct information and the seats would move independently. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle there had been several electrical issues with the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who linked the failure to the radio frequency hub. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000. Dealer stated that the radio frequency hub needs repair but they are unable to get the part as it part of a recall on the 2022 model.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 27, 2022
The vehicle lost both power steering and lane keep assist during normal operation. The mechanical fall back steering still works, but that requires significant more force to turn the steering wheel. The issue went away next time I started the vehicle.
Steering, Feb 24, 2022
Warning came up that Power steering is unavailable. There have also been numerous occasions before this where no warning has come on, but the steering wheel has a bad vibration while driving
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 21, 2022
2/18/2022, I was driving down Bethany and 75 in Allen, Texas when my vehicle made a sputtering noise then the gears went out. Could not engage the gears to Drive or Reverse. I coasted the vehicle to the church parking lot where I sat for 6 hours waiting on a tow truck. When tow arrived, vehicle's brake and parking break had to be pushed down to allow vehicle to go into neutral. Vehicle would turn on, but the ac/heating system did not work, radio was shorting out and vehicle remained locked in Park. Check engine light came on after the sputtering and did not turn off. Vehicle was serviced the previous week at Dodge City McKinney with no reported issues of this caliber. Per dealership, codes are showing issues with the transmission and engine. Vehicle only has 9347 miles and if I had been on a major highway, I could have been severally injured when the vehicle stopped. Dealership, made no attempt to review the issue upon its arrival.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 19, 2022
Last night, my BRAND NEW car (Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited) tried to kill me. Driving down 1187 going 40 miles an hour, it came to a DEAD STOP, put itself in park and would not crank or start back up. All I could hear in the panic was screeching tires from cars trying not to hit me. The seatbelt also did not stop me and I was thrown into the steering wheel. My car has less than 900 miles on it. After a panic attack of EPIC proportions and a sleepless night, I immediately drove it to the dealership today and of course they can find NOTHING wrong with it. They are going to keep it a few days to double check a few things, but to say I will no longer be able to drive this car without SEVERE anxiety is an understatement. It has less than 1000 miles on it and I haven't even made my first payment. Trading it in, I will automatically lose $3100. If I don't trade it in, I don't think I would ever be able to get over the anxiety of driving it. Talk about a lose/lose situation. All I could think about is if I had been going faster and there had been more traffic, I could have KILLED someone including myself. Thank you to the kind salesman who, when I pulled up this morning, said "I love your car" and I proceeded to break down crying and hand him the keys and say you can keep it. He was so helpful in calming me and getting it checked out right away. I've owned it 21 days exactly. Honestly I am not sure I want to take the chance of it happening again.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Feb 19, 2022
Power steering randomly goes out and random electrical issues and faulty sensors indicators. Vehicle has 8,000 miles I fear for my safety to safely operate this vehicle putting my life in danger and others on the highway.
Steering, Feb 18, 2022
Power steering is intermittently unavailable
Steering, Feb 17, 2022
Power steering not available. Steering became manual
Steering, Feb 15, 2022
On several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering, making it difficult to maintain control.