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, Apr 13, 2025
Since it was brand new it likes to shift hard into reverse or drive from park. Sometimes it shifts with NOTHING going on like it should Other times there is subtle thump into gear other times it's a harder thumb into gear. There is 2 or 3 levels of hard shift into gear. Valve body and Output shift kit have already been replaced and it's STILL happening
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 2, 2025
I was driving down the highway and all of the sudden and with zero warning the engine cut off but the effect it had on the car was very severe engine braking as it automatically downshifted very aggressively which caused me to go from about 80mph to a stop VERY quickly. The dash looked as if I simply had the car switched to on without starting the engine. There were no warning lights lit. Shifting into park and turning the car completely off and back on allowed it to start again with no further symptoms.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 29, 2025
I bought the Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited in 2021. Since I bought it I have had one problem after another with this SUV. This is the list of repairs on my car since 2021... and Jeep has done nothing to compensate for my troubles. I feel like I got a lemon of a car and I would never purchase another jeep again. We have maintained the car and have records of all oil changes and tire rotation and all necessary maintance that should have been done on the car. July 31 2024... evaporator core fixed car leaking all over AC fixed... jeep couldn't find problem then finally did. Oct. 4 2024.. new radiator... car leaking all over... once again hard time finding problem March 26, 2024... two new batteries installed car hard time starting... was not problem cause March 27, 2024.. same problem brought back and now I need a fuel pump ( car had burning smell and I was driving it because they could not diagnose the problem )and because they made we wait a week to get it checked out they said there could be more damage to car not sure. Fuel pump should last 100,000 miles.. my car has 68, 000.00 In the three and half years with this car I have had one safety problem after another and I am upset I travel to help my elderly parents on Long Island and each time I am afraid something is going to go wrong with this car. I am so very upset on how the performance of a three year old car is running. I feel people need to know that Jeep is not a reliable brand of car. I am so upset and feel that my car is not reliable and safe for driving long distances and short distances. Thank you for listening to my story. I appreciate you letting others now how my experience with Jeep has been. Thank you
Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2025
Yesterday, with the temperature at 70°F in Michigan, I attempted to turn on my air conditioning and realized it was no longer working. The system was only pushing out hot air and never cooled. I immediately took my vehicle to the dealership for a diagnosis. Thankfully, I had started an extended warranty in January, because I was shocked to learn that the repair would cost around $2,500 to replace the evaporator, which had completely failed. Upon researching, I found that an evaporator should typically last between 8 to 10 years. I have owned my vehicle since January 2021, and with only 36,117 miles, I find it unacceptable that this critical component has already failed. I take excellent care of my vehicle and stay on top of all maintenance, so there is no reason this part should be failing this soon. What’s even more concerning is that when I spoke with the service advisor, they mentioned that the part was on backorder because many people with my same year, make, and model are experiencing the same exact issue. If this is a widespread problem, it raises serious concerns about the quality and longevity of this component. A $2,500 repair for something that should last much longer is unreasonable. I am submitting this report to document the issue and to bring awareness to what seems to be a common failure with this vehicle. Thank you,
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2025
Rear windshield randomly exploded. Defroster was NOT on, no rapid change in temps, nothing on the road, nor people around. I’d been driving 2-3 hours already on this morning it occurred. Temps were around 30-40f
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2025
The vehicle makes a kind of knock when changing to 3rd or 4th gear, which could be the transmission.
Exterior lighting, Mar 5, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the low beam headlights were inoperable. The contact attempted to set the headlight knob from automatic to manual however, the low beam headlights failed to function as needed. The contact stated that the high beam headlights and running lights operated as designed. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who checked the fuse box and determined that the fuses for the lighting system were functioning as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V950000 (Exterior Lighting); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2025
I was driving on [XXX] in November 2023 in Georgia when my sunroof (front panel, the part that opens) spontaneously exploded. No rock or debris hit us to cause this. The interior fabric sunroof cover was closed so the popcorn glass was contained. If the cover had not been closed, the glass would have rained down on me and my front seat passenger. I pulled over at the next exit and was able to temporarily seal the giant hole in the sunroof from the elements. Eventually a body shop was able to remove and replace the broken glass. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Seat belts, Feb 14, 2025
Buckle no longer works to buckle seat belt
Power train, Feb 12, 2025
I drove my car out of my garage on the way to work and just outside my house, the transmission bucked when shifting from 3rd to 4th gear and the p0733 code appeared. I turned around and went home and took another car to work. I had previously taken my jeep with ~85,000 miles to my local dealer wanting the 4 wheel drive and transmission service as I do with all of my cars. It was driving fine, but seemed like the gas mileage was decreasing a bit which I shrugged off. The dealer informed me that the transmission wasn't serviceable. I thought this was odd, but they did the 4 wheel drive service and said everything was good. When I got the error code, I called my local independent transmission shop who said they could look at it in 2 days, so I didin't drive it until the ~10 minute drive to drop it off. They called the next day and said the transmission was done- burnt fluid and bits of clutch in the fluid. They couldn't even find a rebuilt trasmission because according to them so many are failing. They quoted me $8700 for a new transmission from Jeep which I begrudgingly agreed to because what else could I do? I've had one car's transmission fail (Jeep Wrangler but it had 220,000 miles and was 15 years old so I could accept it. The shop received the new transmission from Jeep and then called me saying the valve body was bad, it would not communicate with the car. They went through warranty struggles with Jeep who after another week finally sent another valve body, which also did not work. Finally, they figured out they were sending unprogrammed valve bodies with the transmission and the car needed to be towed to the dealer to program...more $$$. So, after a3+ weeks I finally got my car back today. I've looked online and wondered what I could have done- there are so many similar examples out there of similar experiences, Wrangler transmissions failing with low miles; it's unforgivable that Jeep says the transmission can't be serviced!
Visibility, Feb 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass fractured without impact. The contact stated that the sound was like a gun shot. In addition, the contact stated that the glass pieces entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that a piece of the fractured glass was lodged in her right eye. The contact stated that the failure occurred while on vacation and traveling out of state. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to assist with a nominal part of the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,500.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2025, fire
On Feb 5, 2025, vehicle was started with remote start (in garage with garage door open). Within a few minutes, the entire cabin was engulfed in flames. No warnings, no prior vehicle issues, no recalls. Fire department was called and got fire out. Cause unknown, but appears to have been related to electrical. No or minimal damage under hood. Insurance now has possession of vehicle. Unsure of inspection but they did gather photos and declare a total loss. This could have happened while I was driving, injuring me, my family and others. This could have burnt my garage and/or house down. Please reach out to me for questions or more info. Thank you.
Power train, Feb 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that after his wife had parked and turned off the vehicle in the driveway, the vehicle inadvertently rolled down the driveway. The contact restarted and parked the vehicle in the driveway again, and activated the parking, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2405 S Telegraph Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302); however, both dealers were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500. The VIN was unavailable.
Suspension, Jan 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at various speeds over bumpy road surfaces the front end of the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two separate occasions. The dealer test-drove the vehicle on a road surface that was not bumpy, and the dealer inspected the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that there was no failure found. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20.
Air bags, Lane departure, Dec 31, 2024, crash
Was in an accident another car hit us running approximately 45-50 when we was turning in. And no airbags deployed
Air bags, Dec 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact was informed that there were no records indicating previous repairs performed by the dealer. The contact stated that in 2023 the failure had occurred, and the repair was covered under an undisclosed recall repair. The contact was informed that there were no records indicating any previous repairs performed by the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,914.
Exterior lighting, Dec 26, 2024
When the lights are set on Auto mode the high beams feature will not work. You push the steering column cluster switch forward to turn on high beams and it kicks it back immediately and will not turn on high beams. This is a huge safety issue. We've had to drive through wooded areas at night with elk and deer on the roads and almost been hit. Jeep needs to recall this and modify to allow high beam while using the Auto headlight setting.
Power train, Dec 18, 2024
Started my 2021 Grand Cherokee Jeep started to drive light on dash transmission service and my vehicle would not go over 35 had to get off highway and get towed .10pm on 12/18/2024
Forward collision avoidance, Dec 1, 2024
Software update was pushed on or around 11/22/2024. After update front collision system warning light on dash. Doors fail to auto lock when driving off. Options to toggle front pedestrian breaking now missing that would turn off the light. Jeep Facebook groups show multiple people with same year having the same problem after software update FCA-MY24.U29.42-PROD
Steering, Suspension, Nov 21, 2024, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while accelerating after having stopped at a traffic signal at approximately 15 MPH she felt the steering wheel had locked, pulled the vehicle to the right, and crashed into a guard rail. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle's front end had been damaged. The contact stated that both the driver's and passenger side front tires had also been damaged by the crash into the guard rail. The contact stated that police were on the scene and wrote a report. The contact stated she had been treated by EMS, but was not transported to a hospital. The contact stated she had pain in her neck and both shoulders. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic in her home state. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the right and left control arms needed to be replaced and that the pinch bolt at the UCA ball joint and the knuckle had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact had been contacted by her local dealer about NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension and Steering). The contact related the crash to the recall. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the dealer for the recalls and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Steering, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the power steering failure warning light had illuminated. While attempting to steer the vehicle, the steering wheel felt loose while driving at various speeds and the vehicle was difficult to steer. The failure had become more persistent over time. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the steering gear had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V352000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 58,000.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering). The contact stated that approximately one week after the recall was completed, while driving approximately 40 MPH and following a curve in the roadway, the contact heard an abnormal clicking sound coming from the suspension on the front driver's side wheel well. The contact stated that prior to the recall repair being completed, the vehicle had never made abnormal sounds from the front suspension. The contact related the failure to the recall repair. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer and was informed that a diagnostic test was needed. The contact declined, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 13, 2024
Car is sputtering when turning on
Seats, Nov 12, 2024
Passenger seat lumbar inflated out and won't go back down. It has also popped off the back plastic on the seat. This is a known issue as we have found multiple incidents online. It is causing discomfort and pain when sitting. No inspections yet as we fear it could cost thousands to fix with less than 50k miles on the vehicle.
Exterior lighting, Nov 5, 2024
High beams will not activate while car is in "Auto Headlamp" mode. If you toggle the high beam stalk nothing happens. I have to physically hold the high beam stalk down for the lamps to work while in "auto" mode. If I want to use the high beams without holding the stalk down I have to switch the Headlamps to the "on" position using the headlamp control switch. Using my hand to hold down the stalk in order to access my high beams is a huge safety hazard requiring me to have only one hand on the steering wheel. Switching the headlamp mode to auto to access my high beams is more hazardous as I have to take my eyes off the road to find the control switch. There is no "automatic high beam" mode available through my vehicles on board options. This has been an issue since I purchased the vehicle new. Unfortunately weighing my options I an unable to use the high beams because it is too much of a hassle to do so. I thought this issue was recalled but after speaking with Jeep and my dealership I was told otherwise.