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.
Power train, Engine, Jan 4, 2022
my wife was driving. SUV was doing about 50 mph on highway. With left hand she hit the paddle shifter on the steering wheel. SUV went from auto trans mode to lower gear manual mode. Engine jump up in rpms, had to pull off road, stop car, restart car to get back into auto trans driving. This 2021 Grand Cherokee L has no way to disable the paddle shifters if you do not want to use them. This driving change can happen anytime, local or highway driving. You need to have them come up with software fix to disable paddle shifters.
Power train, Dec 31, 2021
Front Drive shaft broke off vehicle while driving at 45 mph and lost control of vehicle. Vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle lost control and almost flipped over when the drive shaft broke off. Problem was confirmed by dealer. Manufacturer has not inspected vehicle they had the dealer send pictures. No warning lights appear on dash before or after the incident.
Power train, Service brakes, Dec 28, 2021
Vehicle was in park on the drive way and rolled backwards about 20 feet before coming to a stop. Video from Ring camera is available in the link below. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QjvPBfN47gBhqLA37
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Lane departure, Dec 23, 2021
-The new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L-Limited was made to be a third, row off-road, all weather driven vehicle. #1: The front windshield is flush with the front pillars. This causes accumulated snow or off-road dirt to easily be pushed to the driver side window (with no way to wash off) and blocking the driver’s side mirror. This makes it impossible to to use the blind spot light on the side mirror. In my case, I had audio alarm turned off as not to wake the kids while driving across the country. So I had a couple of near misses until I was able to stop, clean the driver’s window and turn the blind spot alarm back on. This is not a big deal if driving in clear rain, just not off-road or snow. It’s available for inspection whenever needed. -Our safety was placed at risk by creating a blind spot, making my driver’s side mirror and sensor obsolete. This created me nearly striking the cars beside me. -I just returned from the dealership(Puyallup-Larsen Jeep)an hour ago and the staff admitted it was a flaw. They actually recommend I go buy some aftermarket window lip, that does not exist. It was disgraceful to say the least for them to admit a flaw and suggest I fix it on my own, after having my car for 8 hours and it having 3500 miles on it. -No warning lights other than the blind spot sensors activating that I could be sure was activated or not. #2: The third row seat over heated the phone charging cord, causing light cabin smoke and burning a slight hole in the gym bag. My 7 y/o twins were woken up and advised me she think she smelled smoke. I figured it was nothing, it a brand new vehicle. She said “something is burning Dad”. I turned the cabin light on as my 14 y/o said she now smelled something in the second row. I saw a light fog and immediately pulled over, ran to the back and yanked out the cord out of the car. The cord was overheated to my touch. The cord had burned the plastic bag the Happy Meal toy was inside. Available for inspection whenever.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Dec 20, 2021
VEHICLE LOCKS ARE NOT WORKING SAFELY. When locking doors on the vehicle the doors are easily opened when you pull the handle while sitting in the vehicle. All doors will open which is very dangerous especially since my grandkids sit in the back and can open the doors while the vehicle is in motion. I have a video showing the doors locked and i am able to open the doors when the vehicle is driving down the road.
Steering, Power train, Electrical system, Dec 18, 2021
Second incident in less than 2 months on Grand Cherokee L that has 2K miles. Vehicle experienced limp mode when stabilizer system malfunctioned when going 45mph. Began to stall and lost acceleration. Gas pedal was unresponsive. Second incident (~500 miles later) Power Steering Failure. Could not get vehicle out of garage. Luckily this malfunction did not occur on the highway. Was able to get it to dealer the next day and they fixed with software updates for only the effected power steering module. What other updates are needed and what happens if the braking system is next? I have lost all faith in Jeep’s ability to design a safe and reliable vehicle for my wife and 2 kids. My wife has anxiety driving her own car as well. The roll out of the L and Grand Wagoneer may be coming with potentially fatal flaws.
Steering, Dec 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence, restarted the vehicle after waiting approximately one hour and functionality was restored. The contact stated that the power steering warning message was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed. The failure persisted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Structure, Dec 8, 2021
When driving at highway speeds, the front hood flutters up and down really fast, which is a huge distraction as it draws the drivers attention and when the sunlight hits it just right, it causes a flashing beam of light like a strobe effect in the drivers eyes.
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, Nov 30, 2021
Rough shifts from 1st gear to 2nd gear. When making a a full stop transmission does hard kick.
Steering, Nov 30, 2021
When weather is 50F power steering light turn on, no power steering is available.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Nov 26, 2021
The car lost communication with the Body Control Module causing multiple features to malfunction, including power steering, while we were on the road. It's a 2021 vehicle that we leased only 29 days prior to the incident. Yes, with multiple important features malfunctioning at once, we were at risk. Fortunately, we were not on a highway or driving in inclement weather or this would have been even more dangerous. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer after the incident. There were no prior warning signs and the problems came about rapidly.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Nov 24, 2021
On 11/11/21 I started vehicle and placed in drive to pull out of driveway. Upon moving the steering wheel became locked and would not allow me to steer. The “Service active dampening system “ warning came on along with “Service power steering”. I was able to put vehicle in reverse and back into driveway but the steering was still not functioning. After vehicle sat off for few minutes I restarted and appeared fine but check engine light came on. I took to dealer the same day. After 3 days they could only determine that the computer had shut down. No other explanation or resolution except that if happens again to have it towed there. What if this were to happen while driving at highway speed?
Air bags, Nov 14, 2021, crash
This vehicle has been involved in two significant front end accidents and a rear end accident and the airbags have failed to deploy on impact during all three accidents. Direct damage occurred to the bumpers of the vehicles during all three incidents as well.
Exterior lighting, Nov 12, 2021
The high beams do not light when turned on by pushing the left stalk forward. They do function if the left stalk is pulled back. But after about a minute they turn off again. I experienced this on a dark highway with no traffic or other lighting outside.
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Nov 4, 2021
Ok the brake make nose the front and off the jeep Rockledge like the control arm is bad the fuse box in the engine room was replaced I here a rocketing sound on the right side off the front end off this not
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 29, 2021
Vehicle was purchased last month. Grand Cherokee L Altitude. Has <1,400 miles. Check engine light came on. Warning for Electronic stabilizer system. Lost acceleration. Vehicle stalled once coming to a stop. And then once I turned it back on and tried to drive, the vehicle would not accelerate over 25mph. Reset then car drove fine. But then incident occurred again. Glitchy software or modules. This should not occur in a BRAND NEW vehicle. Unsafe.
Service brakes, Oct 25, 2021
While driving, failure of breaks. White smoke billowing out of engine compartment limiting visibility. Smoke worsens with pumping break, appears to be burning break fluid. Requires parking brake to stop.
Electrical system, Oct 20, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the “Call SOS” feature failed and was nonfunctional. The message "SOS call unavailable" was displayed. Also, while operating the vehicle, the left and right turn signals intermittently failed, and the message Left/Right turn signal error was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and no service was performed. The failure mileage was 800.
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact noticed several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle would not restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer who diagnosed that an electrical module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Oct 19, 2021
Ongoing software issues. The gauge cluster screen continues to glitch. Turning bright green or red/green vertical lines. RPM and MPH are still visibility but you lose all other functionality. Navigation on gauge cluster screen will get stuck in a loop, or flat out will not work/load. A few occasions have said the option is not available. Main console screen/system will randomly turn off and restart while driving. Bluetooth won’t hold a steady connection, kicks off randomly. Also, connection will create a clicking noise at times. Only way to stop it is to disconnect the device, turn off the car and reconnect to Bluetooth. Emergency call error notice when turning on vehicle. Approach lights randomly turn on/off when car is parked and keys are no where close to proximity. False warning lights pop up at night, flashing a red dog. Overall software system is very slow and unresponsive. I’ve taken the car into the shop to have them preform the “software recall” two times at separate dealership. Nothing has been fixed. I then allowed the dealership to keep my car for a week to troubleshoot. They claimed the problem had been fixed but I’m still experiencing issues. Took my car to the dealership 2 days after I picked it up, same issues. They were coming up on close and didn’t want to deal with the issue. The next morning the software bugged out again, took it back to the dealership and their “fix” was to factory reset the vehicle. I’ve been to the dealership a total of 4 times for this issue with no resolution. Jeep is unresponsive and does not care to fix the issues.
Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2021
Sunroof shattered