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.
Seat belts, Feb 19, 2026
Driver's seat belt retractor doesn't retract all of the time. Hangs up & leaves slack. Bought car & wasn't as bad. Didn't talk to dealer until now. Drove car 800 miles & 4 months since purchase. Dealer service dept says no extended warranty etc. I'm past the original warranty period & the 3 month certified used car warranty. Car was sold on Oct 14, 2025. The equipment checklist form marked that all safety systems were working. I feel a slack belt, getting worse is a safety issue the manufacturer should fix in a 5 year old car. Date is now when it's gotten really slow. It was somewhat that way at purchase. Needed to be shook to retract. Al
Power train, Feb 16, 2026
REPEATED CAM SHAFT FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. THIS HAS HAPPENBED THREE TIMES IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS. IT IS CURRENTLY AT A STELLANTIS DEALERSHIP IN MICHIGAN. THERE IS USUALLY N O PRIOR WARNING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AS SOON AS THE ISSUE STARTS.
Suspension, Feb 9, 2026
Over the past year, I've noticed a suspension-related squeak - increasing in frequency - coming from the rear of my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited vehicle. I brought this to the attention of the Jeep dealer service dept where I purchased the vehicle, as well as to another independent auto repair shop, and both indicated they could not find anything wrong. Today, I saw news on the internet of the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited "rear coil spring" issue as described in this Safety Recall report [XXX] and now believe the noise I've been hearing may be related to this recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2026
I was driving on the highway. There were no other vehicles nearby. I heard a loud pop/bang. I thought a tire burst but then discovered the back windshield had shattered
Exterior lighting, Feb 7, 2026
Car has 28k miles. It is driven by a [XX] year old. It is a Jeep GC Summit which is top of the line for Jeep. Both headlights were blown and the dash warning system never alerted that the lights were out. Car is equipped with the headlight monitoring system. She never drives at night so I cannot give you an exact date but we think it has been out since 2024 which is the last Texas inspection it had and passed. Contacted Jeep Wave with concern and was blown off and sent to a VM which was never returned. You have a recall for the Laredo and Overland models but not the Summit. The DRL lights thankfully are bright but you still need headlights. Car has been set to auto for headlights due to her age. I am hoping you give this a serious look. I posted on Facebook and other people are having the same issues with the Summits. You have no headlights and nothing saying they are out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Jan 30, 2026, crash
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while making a left-hand turn, the wheels on the vehicle failed to follow the trajectory of the movement and failed to function as intended, and moved toward the curb. The vehicle came to a stop when it hit the curb. It was unknown if any warning lights were illuminated. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags did not deploy. The contact exited the vehicle, and upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front right and rear passenger-side tires were facing inwards. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact was not injured. No police report was filed. The insurance company was notified and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 24, 2026
This vehicle has ongoing issues with electrical systems. Any time temperature drops into negative digits the vehicle will drain both batteries to the point the auto is inoperable. Further jump starting the vehicle in a very low battery state is a futile venture. The issue leaves the vehicle and it's occupants stranded in sub-zero conditions.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2026
The 2021 Jeep grand cherokee I owned had problem when I started the vehicle It would not start and had to do it again and again to restart which damaged the starter and batteries I suffered a big monetary loss when I traded this car as Chrysler and Stellantis refused to acknowledge the recall of the fuel pump relay
Engine, Jan 11, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety-related defect involving my Chrysler vehicle equipped with a V6 Pentastar engine. During a routine oil change a few weeks ago, I was informed by the service provider that my engine oil level was extremely low, despite the oil change being performed earlier than the recommended interval. This was alarming, as the vehicle had not shown any warning lights or obvious leaks. The service provider advised me that Chrysler vehicles with the V6 Pentastar engine have a known issue related to a defective engine seal that can cause excessive oil consumption. I was told that Chrysler is aware of this issue, that it has been the subject of class action lawsuits, but that it has not been formally recalled. I have since submitted my information to a class action settlement related to this issue but have not received any response. Due to the risk of engine damage, sudden failure, or safety hazards while driving, I believe this issue should be formally reviewed and documented by NHTSA. I am submitting this report to help document a potentially widespread defect that may affect vehicle safety and to ensure appropriate action is taken to protect consumers.
Power train, Jan 6, 2026
35000 miles 4 wheel drive transfer case went bad. Company honored full repairs. I was the second owner of this vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 21, 2025, crash
I was driving north on I64, and a car in front of me suddenly stopped. Cruise control was on, but when i applied the brake, my car did not stopped, and cruise control speed up, before decreasing speed. Instead of turning off, and allowing the car to slow down. I had to swerve, causing to go off on the side of the highway, and held my foot on the brake for almost a mile, along the side of the highway, before the car came to a stop
Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2025, fire
My jeep started on fire in my garage. I put my items for the day in my jeep then started it the garage door was open. I started it at 0557. I went and got my son dressed brought him to the living room I heard noises from outside in the garage. I opened the door in the house to the garage, and it was full of smoke. There were flames coming from the front of the jeep. I called 911 at 0603. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? UNKOWEN How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The jeep engulfed in flame very quickly. If it wasn't for the quick thinking of my fiancé our home would have been a total loss as well. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? No, I have a complaint going with the BBB Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Police yes my jeep was bunted to the frame. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No, I have had no issues with my jeep.
Electrical system, Nov 20, 2025
Constant problems with starter engaging and not starting vehicle. This form only gave me one option for date; This has happened multiple times. This is a defective part, I went to Dick Scott dealership, tech wrote to check car and did not note defective starter; Wanted me to pay $118 to inspect the jeep. In the warranty jargon, it stated if it was a defective part, it would be replaced. I only have 32000 miles on the vehicle.
Power train, Nov 19, 2025
Transmission failure at 19,481 miles in my 2021Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4x4 V6. The vehicle has not been abused, and the mileage is low for its age. The symptoms—erratic shifting, limp mode, and “Service Transmission” warnings— are consistent with a known defect pattern affecting multiple FCA vehicles using the same transmission.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2025
THE ISSUE IS IN STARTING THE VEHICLE. WHEN I PUSH THE START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE STARTS, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUES TO TURN WITHOUT STOPPING AND TURNING OVER. I THEN PUSH THE START BUTTON AGAIN TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE AND MAKE ANOTHER ATTEMPT, AND THEN IT WILL START NORMALLY. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS. ALSO, SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUSH THE START BUTTON, NOTHING HAPPENS, AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START. IT TAKES A SECOND ATTEMPT TO START NORMALLY
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 2025
Engine died twice on busy freeway and needed to be towed to a shop. Shop verified the fuel pump was working. There is most likely a problem with the fuel pump relay.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2025
On Two seperate occasions, the message telling me to "Shift into P, and then desired gear." appeared while driving. I shifted into P while parked at an intersection both times and the car died. The second time it happened as I was driving away from Rairdon's Jeep in WA. I made it one street after having my ignition system replaced to the tune of $2,600. Was able to turn the car around and get it back to them. They have had my car for almost a month and state there is no error code, so they cannot diagnose.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 3, 2025
The vehicle does not start each time you attempt to start it. Randomly, with no specific conditions to replicate, you will start the vehicle and the starter will engage, but the vehicle will not start. The push button start will time out, you attempt to start the vehicle again, and it starts. This, from my research, is a known issue with 2016-2020ish Jeeps, with a fault in the Fuel Pump Relay, with the easiest fix to remote start your vehicle each and ever time you start it. This happens several times per week. I contacted the dealership we purchased the vehicle from, and our local Jeep service department. They were familiar with this issue, acknowledged its a pretty big problem, but because it is not a recall for Jeeps, there is nothing they can do except for me to bring it in and pay for all of the fixes for a known production issue.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2025
Known common problem with 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees, fuel pump issues. Vehicle fails to start when push button is pressed. After several attempts vehicle will start. These issue happens hundreds of times per year. Vehicle will stall while driving intermittently. Manufacture and NHTSA is well aware if this issue, as it has been documented hundreds and likley thousands of times by dealer ships across the US.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 26, 2025
First gear knocks hard in to gear,this happ en on uphills,cluster and the speed meter and the in infotainment screen has go pitch black,loss of power under acceleration and collapsing all the system of the car.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 8, 2025
There is a delay in my car starting when I push the start button. When doing some research online to see what the possible issue might be I found that other cars with the same make/model/year had this issue and was apart of a recall for the fuel pump relay.
Exterior lighting, Oct 1, 2025
The high beam lights are not working. Dealer said the shutter door internal to headlamp assemblies are unresponsive. BOTH headlamps went out at the same time. Dealer said they haven't seen any issues before with the high beams.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 30, 2025
When the cruise control is activated and the set(+) button to accelerate the car continues to accelerate after the button is released. The vehicle will accelerate to 100mph or higher. I have to deactivate the cruise control to get it to stop accelerating. The vehicle is available for inspection. +Unsafe to use cruise control for fear of excessive speed. I have taken to dealer, they say it is not covered under warranty. No other inspections have been performed. There are no warning messages or other symptoms indicating a failure. The problem first appeared when I purchased the vehicle in June of 2024.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 30, 2025
My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee will not start / turn over and if it did the car will shut off. This has been happening for the past week or so. I took it to my local Jeep dealership today and they are stating that both the fuel pump and the water pump need to be replaced. They also stated that the fuel pump recall does not apply to my vin. In addition to my fuel pump needing to be replaced, my water pump has failed too. It is severely leaking water. My Jeep is only 4 years old with barely 70,000 mi and is experiencing severe safety issues. I cannot drive it as it could shut down unexpectedly while I am driving thereby posing a major safety risk.
Electrical system, Air bags, Sep 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "No Seat Belt", "Service Air Bags", "Service Seat Belts" and "Auto Park Disabled" were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the driver and the front passenger's side seat occupant wearing their seat belts. Additionally, the brake and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) had failed, and the loss of communication with the ORC had caused the electrical failures. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V873000 (Air Bags), but the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.