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.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 1, 2024
There is a Manufacturer Recall Number10B NHTSA Recall Number24V-132 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available. When calling the dealership to schedule the fix they said they don’t have one and don’t know when one will be available they haven’t been given that information. In the meantime am I just supposed to drive a Jeep that could crash at any given time.
Seat belts, Feb 28, 2024
Passenger seatbelt does not retract nor does it have tension. If in a wreck it would not function properly.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2024
I went to turn on my Jeep Grand Cherokee L and received a "service power steering error message". I turned off the car, and when I went to turn it back on the reverse detection warning went off, the odometer consistently blinked and the service engine light came on. I was unable to reverse the car or drive the car forward and required it to be towed. I had two small kids in the car without power steering so significantly at risk. The vehicle is enroute to the local Jeep dealer and there were no warning signs or issues with the car prior.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2024, fire
On [XXX] we pulled car into garage between 1:30 AM 2:00 AM, car caught on fire and burnt entire house down. Chrysler is aware, and 3 fire inspectors said it caught on fire, in the battery compartment. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 8, 2024
The problem was related to Fuel pump malfunction, gas leaking. I was advice by a mechanic not to drive the car if there was a fuel leak. A jeep dealer replaced the fuel pump for a coast, since it was out of warranty 41,600 miles on it, but it is much less than the expected life for that part. I was driving on a Highway and suddenly the car started to stumbling and stopped, no lights or warnings, or messages were on.
Other or unspecified, Jan 28, 2024
Sun roof glass shattered while driving down the highway.
Suspension, Jan 25, 2024
On [XXX], while traveling on an interstate highway, I heard what sounded like a metal hitting metal coming from my left front tire. After parking my car I noticed what appeared to be the left front Sway Bar Link had become disconnected. (I have attached pictures to this report). On Wednesday [XXX], The car was taken to a Jeep Dealership for Repairs (Sansone Auto Mall 90-100 Route 1 Avenel NJ 07001) where they replaced the front Sway Bar Link. The purpose of the Sway Bar is so the vehicle can maintain stability and control when operating/steering the car. Specifically if you have to make quick turns or evasive steering to avoid dangers in the road. My vehicle only has 19,000 miles and this part should not have failed as it did. At the time of the malfunction I was traveling on an interstate highway and fortunately was able to safely operate my car. There were no warning lamps or alerts prior to this incident. My safety was put at risk as I was on a major interstate and had I needed to make a quick lane change or avoid a sudden danger this failed part could have caused me to lose control of the car. The failed part was replaced by jeep dealership. Part #68409879-AA. Link Stab 17029017 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Service brakes, Jan 24, 2024
Upon parking my car in my driveway (which has a slight slope), I put it in park and turned it off. I then opened my door and got out. Before I could close the door my car began to roll backwards and I had to jump back in the car to stop it very quickly. The door was open and got caught on the cement wall that lines my driveway as it rolled back. There is damage to the door and it will likely need to be completely replaced. The next morning I had my friend come over to follow me to a body shop to assess the damage. I reversed my car to the end of my driveway and got out to close the garage door. The same thing happened again right when I stepped out of the car, and I again had to jump back in very quickly to stop it from rolling into the street. I then had it towed to the nearest dealer (on 1/15), where they replaced the vacuum pump because the service stability control light was on. They claim to have tested it on a slope and could not replicate the problem. They checked it out and could not find anything wrong with the transmission either. I got my car back on 1/22 (with the door still needing to be fixed) and this happened again on 1/23. I pulled into my driveway, put it in park, and my car immediately rolled back. I then put my 4-wheel drive on and the parking brake and parked it. It was not rolling so I went inside. I looked at it before bed and it was in the same spot. The next morning I go out to my car and it has rolled backwards down my driveway. Luckily, it did not go into the street. I could have easily been injured on multiple occasions, as well as other people or cars if they were around. The next time I might not get so lucky.
Power train, Engine, Jan 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power before stalling and shutting off. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The messages "Service Shifter" and "Transmission Temperature High" were displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was reprogrammed; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,899.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2024, fire
I started my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the automatic start on November 2, 2023 and 5 minutes later it was in flames. Chrysler has an inspection done but will not tell me the cause. It is a total loss. Chrysler will not give my insurance company the letter of guarantee to complete the claim.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Jan 9, 2024
Radio not turning on at all
Vehicle speed control, Jan 8, 2024, crash
I was driving on a road when the car suddenly accelerated for no apparent reason. I hit the brake and nothing happened. When the car accelerated, it was like when you hit resume when you have cruise control on. I did not have cruise control on. To avoid hitting a vehicle in front of me, I went off the road to the right, hit a chain link fence and stopped in a field. The car was declared a total loss by the insurance company. Earlier that day, the car was giving me a warning to brake, when I was not near another vehicle. On other occasions before this, the car would tell me to put my hands on the steering wheel when I was gripping the steering wheel.
Steering, Jan 7, 2024
As I was driving vehicle steering got really hard and all lights come up on the dash, pulled over and turn engine off wait for a while and turned back on, problem didn't solve, I contacted the Dealer before and they say there is no recall for these issue on these vehicle, it is very Danger and scary to be driving and not knowing if is safe or not.
Steering, Jan 5, 2024
Driving down road and stopped at stop sign and started to go Anglo-Saxon power steering And out warning lights came on
Power train, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 5, 2024
In 2022 I attempted to back into a parallel parking space and the emergency braking system kept activating to prevent backing up. Attempted getting corrected at dealer but no trouble codes available. Was driving, slowing down to stop at about 22mph, emergency braking system kicked in, shifted into auto stick, switched back reactivated normal drive. Six months later, was at a stop sign, on green light, turned left from left lane, accelerating to approximately 25mph, suddenly emergency braking activated again, again had to use auto stick to kick out of emergency braking. Luckily car behind me was not tail gating. end of message 04:56-Fri-01/05/24
Steering, Lane departure, Jan 4, 2024
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a complaint regarding persistent power steering issues in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The recurring problem, specifically the "power steering unavailable / ALM unavailable" error, remains unresolved despite repeated attempts to address it through service appointments. This issue is concerning, and I believe it poses a safety risk that requires urgent attention. 1. Component/System Description: The power steering system in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L consistently displays the "power steering unavailable / ALM unavailable" error. 2. Safety Concerns: The unresolved power steering issue has created significant safety concerns. The sudden unavailability of power steering functionality affects the vehicle's maneuverability, posing a risk to both the driver and other road users. 3. Dealer Response: I have brought this matter to the attention of the dealership during multiple service appointments. However, a satisfactory resolution has not been provided. The unavailability of loaner vehicles during service appointments has further exacerbated the issue, as I rely on my car as my sole mode of transportation. 4. Documentation: I have documented the issue with screenshots of the error messages, providing clear evidence of the recurring problem. 5. Seasonal Limitation Claim: Disconcertingly, I was informed that a resolution could only be pursued during the winter season. This limitation is puzzling and raises concerns about the effectiveness of the proposed solution. 6. Prevalence of the Issue: A cursory online search has revealed that many other Jeep Grand Cherokee L owners are experiencing similar power steering problems. This indicates a broader issue that requires thorough investigation and resolution. I am willing to provide any additional information or collaborate in further investigations.
Electrical system, Jan 4, 2024
I am writing to file a complaint regarding an ongoing issue with the 10.1-inch infotainment screen in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The problem specifically pertains to the consistent disconnection of Android Auto, a critical feature for modern vehicle functionality. I believe this issue poses a safety risk and warrants further investigation. 1. Component/System Description: The malfunction involves the 10.1-inch infotainment screen, which controls various vehicle functions, including Android Auto connectivity. 2. Safety Concerns: The persistent disconnection of Android Auto has jeopardized my safety and the safety of others on multiple occasions. This issue interrupts vital functions such as navigation, communication, and hands-free operation, posing a risk of distraction and diminished driver focus. 3. Dealer Response: I have sought assistance from the dealership for this issue. However, their response has been inadequate. The dealership attempted a system reset, which proved ineffective in resolving the problem. The malfunction persists despite their intervention. 4. Confirmation by Dealer/Service Center: The dealer confirmed the issue but failed to rectify it. Their inability to address the problem raises concerns about the effectiveness of the current troubleshooting methods employed by Jeep service centers. 5. Third-Party Inspection: As of now, the vehicle or the malfunctioning component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. 6. Warning Signs: Prior to the complete failure, warning signs were evident. The Android Auto disconnection issue was preceded by intermittent connectivity problems, displaying error messages and disruptions in the infotainment system. These warning signs were reported to the dealership. I am open to providing any additional information or cooperating in any further investigation deemed necessary.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2023
Started noticing hard reverse shift when vehicle was cold. Took to the dealership, tech could not find any issues other than it shifted hard in reverse. Tech found no leaks, performed PCM reflash. Still no problems found. Tech did not check transmission fluid level on vehicle. Must be checked at the dealership. Tech recommended replacing transmission even though could not find any issues. A few days later while driving at highway speed the vehicle suddenly downshifted to 3rd gear nearly causing me to loose control. Vehicle would not shift into fourth gear. Had to limp vehicle home.
Steering, Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 21, 2023, crash
I was traveling on a road with light snow. There was a bend in the road. I lost steering and manual breaking causing the vehicle to strike a telephone pole head on. My air bags did not deploy.
Steering, Dec 20, 2023
Chrysler (corporate = Stellantis) is refusing to accept manufacturing responsibility for the extensive damage to my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (16,000 miles – with completely timely and up-to-date maintenance) when the steering components literally FELL APART while navigating out of my paved driveway at under 5mph with NO collision, provocation or explanation on September 2, 2023, rendering the vehicle undriveable. There was an ‘unofficial’ recall on the components. It should still be under warranty but, although none of the automotive professionals can come up with a reason why this happened, Stellantis Corporation is refusing to take any responsibility (or even communicate with anyone – other than to send generic emails saying ‘no’, with no viable explanation). NOTE: This vehicle was purchased new from Stateline Jeep/Chrysler in Fort Mills, SC. RECALL: [XXX] Many thousands of $$ in repair costs (IF, in fact, it can even be repaired – as the required parts have been on national backorder for all of these months.) and many thousands of $$ in rental car costs (vehicle has been at the dealership for 3+ months). All details, reports and pictures have been carefully documented by me. If this had happened on the major/busy road that I was about to drive on and/or ultimately the highway where we were headed instead of in my driveway, the results would 100% have been catastrophic for me/passenger and very probably other victims on the road. NOTE: I have pictures and other important documentation - this website won't let me upload. Please give me an email address to send them to. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 11, 2023
Vehicle died suddenly in traffic 2 times. Was able to restart after a short while. Was a serious safety issue as I was at highway speed 1 of the 2 times. Vehicle is now at an independent garage. 40k miles. Not under warranty. Has not been inspected or diagnosed yet. No warning lights or codes showing.
Tires, Dec 9, 2023
My vehicle has 22,000 miles on it. The dealer has determined that they are at 4/32 and are wearing prematurely. He also indicated that Jeep (Nielsen Jeep) is aware of this and it is simply unfortunate that all four (4) tires (Michelin Premier LTX, 265/60R18) on my vehicle wore evenly and prematurely. As I indicated to the dealership servicing my vehicle, the tires do not grip in inclement weather and often result in skids, a safety issue especially when my two 12yr olds are in the vehicle with me. Tire warranted at 55,000 miles should not wear prematurely and thus making it unsafe to operate the vehicle.
Power train, Nov 28, 2023
Driveshaft became loose while driving
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2023
Vehicle lost power and stalled on major highway during rush hour traffic. Would not restart. Due to the amount of traffic and sudden deceleration, vehicle was impaired on a major throughway. No warning lamps appeared and all sensors were within normal range prior to incident. Vehicle was towed to Jeep dealership and confirmed the problem was a defective fuel pump. Simply not acceptable for a relatively new, well-maintained vehicle with only 25,000 miles. Incident could have caused serious bodily harm given the abrupt loss of power and major highway on which the incident occurred.
Power train, Nov 3, 2023
The vehicle turned off once while driving and the check transmission light comes on periodically. l took it in for service, however, the dealer was not able to find the problem. Since leaving the repair shop the check transmission indicator comes on while driving and turning.