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, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 22, 2025
I believe it is something with the engine or an electrical component. I was driving and as I was parking my car shut off, was not able to completely park back end of the car is sticking out. I looked up if there were any current recalls using my VIN and nothing appeared. I did my own researching and found that there have been recalls for that model regarding the PTU, Power Steering and Power Loss which is the issue I am experiencing. My car turns off on its own and does not get any type of power. Started having trouble turning on my car over Labor Day weekend was not able to travel due to what I thought was my battery having issues, people were jumping me to be able to start my car. I then had my battery tested at O'Reilly's on 9/3/2025 and when trying to jump start my car they shorted my engine block fuse which I was told after having my car towed to the mechanic and they took a look at it. I replaced my main battery thinking that would solve the issue and it did not and this was before the mechanic looked at it. I then had it towed to a mechanic where they replaced the engine block fuse and I was told that the car was good and running after paying on 9/19/2025. I left the mechanic and came to work where after two hours I tried to start my car and it did not. I called the mechanic and was told it was my auxiliary battery after they came to look at the car and inspect it once again that same day 9/19/2025. I purchased and replaced the auxiliary battery and was able to start and drive the car for 1.6 miles to my brothers apartment from my work before the car turned off on me as I was trying to park. There was an error message on the car at the time when it turned off which read with a caution symbol, "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" and then turned off.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was idling abnormally fast. Additionally, the contact stated that upon releasing the brake pedal, while the vehicle was in drive(D), the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated while driving 25-35 MPH and depressing the brake pedal to make a turn, the vehicle failed to decelerate as needed, causing the contact to pass the turn and almost caused a crash. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned around. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Nissan dealer where it was purchased, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The Chrysler dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,354.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2025
The air conditioner compressor blew at 58,000 miles. No certified jeep dealership in the area had the equipment necessary to replace it. I went to an autobody shop with that capability who said at that mileage this should not have happened in a well maintained car. It is $3000 to repair. This happened mid summer with high heat temperatures and no cold air. This put me at risk for hyperthermia as well as my dog. Oliverian Auto in Pike NH confirmed the issue. No warnings from the car, just no cold air, only hot air. First happened in July of this year.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2025
Electric start is cranking but engine takes up to 10 seconds or longer to turn over. This happens from cold start and even the stop start when in drive at a stop sign or stop light. It is either an issue with fuel injection/fuel pump or something else as it is not a battery issue just replaced them to be sure or a starter issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2025
Back up camera fading out and dangerous to try and back up with camera messed up.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 1, 2025
Jeep's engine turned off while driving, was able to coast and use the brakes to come to a full stop. The engine turned off while driving in a tunnel in the mountains; it was very unsafe. There was no shoulder to pull off to, no extra space to walk around the car, with only 1 other lane available for all the backed-up traffic behind me; CDOT had to tow me out of the tunnel, where I then had to wait on the side of the highway for AAA. There were no warning signs, lights or messages prior to the failure. Had to be towed to the Jeep dealership, where the fuel pump was replaced. There have been recalls on this part for other Jeeps, but my VIN did not show that this was a recall for this specific yr /model.
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 25, 2025
When starting car, the push to start feature will not turn over and continuously cranks multiple times. The entire fuse box was replaced because the dealer told me that was the issue. The car is a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. Numerous people online said they were forced to replace the fuel pump? Although Faulkner Buick in Trevose told me that there’s nothing wrong with my fuel pump. I can’t keep getting charged for repairs that are not necessary. Could this be a faulty part? that so many people have the same issue? Could you please investigate this as I just bought the car a month ago And it’s been at the dealer three times already. Thank you.
Electrical system, Aug 19, 2025
have a delaminating touchscreen which is causing a safety issue.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2025
The fuel pump and then in turn, the auxiliary pump failed. The car would keep turning over a lot before it started. The engine would stop in the middle of travel. This put us in risk as we travelled down the freeway. We took it to the dealership for inspection, and they found a defective fuel pump. There were no warning lights, messages when this occurred.
Steering, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Aug 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ESC and “Service 4WD” warning lights illuminated, causing the vehicle to shake abnormally. Additionally, the transmission unexpectedly shifted to 4WD Low while driving. The steering wheel vibrated while making a turn, and the vehicle jerked. The vehicle also intermittently failed to start immediately and made a clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the ABS had failed, and that the drive train control module and transfer case control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2025
I went to put the car in park from driving and the car began jumping. The air conditioning fan stopped working inside the cabin. The air conditioning is not working in full speed and is not blowing hot out cool air.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jul 29, 2025, crash
Was pulling into a parking spot on the 2nd level of parking garage and the Jeep accelerated and hit the cement wall at front of garage space. It accelerated on its own. The front of the jeep was crushed, and I ended up with a fractured sternum and a seat belt hernia which I will have surgery in the next couple of weeks. The airbags did not deploy. And I did not press on the gas pulling into the parking spot --- it just accelerated on its own. When I first got in the car the system showed that systems disabled, but the then the message went away. When I pressed seat one, it did not go in place and I had to adjust it on my own. I continued on to my dermitologist appointment , pulled into the the parking space and the instant brake when too close did not break and the air bags did not deploy. Thru me into the cement wall, and the whole front of the car was demolished, Not epairable.
Air bags, Jul 24, 2025
The leather of the dash that covers the airbag area has become unglued completely and is wrinkled all across the dash, and I am concerned the safety crash features will not work correctly now with premature failure of the adhesives that hold such a large area on the dash.
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, the headlights flashed off and on and the horn activated. The contact stated that eventually the vehicle failed to start and was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that Body Control Module (BCM) was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 47,100.
Electrical system, Jul 13, 2025
The auto stop-start feature not functioning, with a message "Stop/Start Unavailable Service Stop Start System Now
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2025
On May 17, 2025, my vehicle suddenly shut down in heavy traffic on a major NYC highway (no shoulder), creating a hazardous situation. There was no warning or alert before the engine shut off completely. I was unable to restart the car, and the gear shifter was locked. The brake pedal also became unresponsive temporarily. After some time, the brake unlocked, but the ignition remained inactive and the vehicle was immobilized. The car had to be removed by emergency tow and later diagnosed by a Jeep dealer. The root cause was determined to be failure of the fuel pump(s). Additionally, a blown fuse in the Power Distribution Center (PDC) was discovered. The dealer replaced both fuel pumps under warranty. Jeep has refused to acknowledge this as a safety issue or reimburse emergency expenses despite full documentation. This is a serious safety issue, especially since: There was no prior warning Vehicle failure occurred in heavy traffic Driver was stranded in a live lane The issue appears related to core electrical/fuel systems I have identified over 20 similar complaints from Jeep owners of their cars also shutting down in traffic, often without warning. These have been shared on owner forums and consumer boards. I believe this indicates there is a wider pattern that may indicate a safety defect.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2025, crash
The car keeps dying while I’m driving and saying “shift to park” and then slamming on the brakes and dying. The card is 4 years old with 44k miles. I had to sit on the side of the road in 93 degree heat in Florida while pregnant and waiting on a tow truck. How has someone not died because of this? I’ve seen SEVERAL posts of people saying the same thing happened to theirs. It’s SO unsafe.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 19, 2025
This Car have a lot issues we the computer in the car, the car I was missing oil in the engine ,the piston. Blows out No light engine On the car have a lot problems we trans mission No light On,I Have problems we transfer Case No light on, Now still having problems if backups sometimes is No light on,I don’t know if Normal but if have a lot safety concerns in this car.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2025
Vehicle will randomly shut off with "Shift to P" message on dash. No warning lights or errors found very unsafe to drive.
Power train, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Jun 13, 2025
Vehicle shifts from park to drive jumping gears ,making loud noises, Accelerating by its self and jumps aggressively into gear. Transmission is slipping, late engagement when shifting, and shifting rough. sometimes it will low rpm. Rpm is going up and down. Making total transmission failure and transfer case failure. Melting the hot and cold lines. Mechanic found aluminum melted and oil burn. Rpms fluctuate and gets hung up during shifting while driving.
Engine, Jun 12, 2025
The vehicle (2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee) was on the road for about 90 minutes when the engine shut off for no reason at 65 mph in noon rush hour traffic. We were in the left lane and had to coast through 2 lanes of traffic and an exit approach while trying to avoid a deadly crash with high-speed traffic. There were no warning lights or alarms on in the car. The only message was that we needed to put the car in park to restart. We finally came to stop and waited a minute and restarted the engine and were able to make it home. I called the dealer, and the next appointment was 3 weeks out. I tried driving during a rainy day before the dealer appointment and the vehicle shut off 3 times in 3 blocks, so I returned home and waited for the appointment date. As of today, the dealer says there are no codes and in 2 test rides the car is running just fine. This is a huge safety issue and I hope that we can get help before anything happens again.
Power train, Electrical system, Jun 9, 2025
Service shifter message keeps showing every-time I turn on the vehicle. Eventually it just stays on. Took vehicle in for service and when dealer was installing new shifter, it shorted out other components. Jeep still hasn’t found a permanent fix.
Suspension, Power train, Electrical system, Jun 6, 2025
Vehicle code: C1562-98 AIR PUMP CONTROL - air suspension compressor is overheating or there's a problem with the control system, leading to issues with adjusting the vehicle's height. With further inspection he found a leak in the air bag fittings. Vehicle Power Control Module has caused vehicle to shutoff while driving on the highway. Air suspension and electrical issues continued after 60 days of attempted repairs.
Power train, May 19, 2025
Once you start driving after letting the vehicle sit the transmission will “slip” multiple times jerking the car and everyone in it. Occurs every day around 4 pm and various times
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 30, 2025
The car have a lot of problems engine total failure, mounting joints failure, acelere by him self, jerking,,while driving vehicle kicks aggressively in to gear, oil cup broken down make in the engine to blow oil over , no oil in engine. Sometimes missing 3. Quarters of oil because the seal of the engine no last , is a lot problems in this car