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, Electrical system, Lane departure, Jul 5, 2023
Not the first time but while I am driving the car steering will lock and I can no longer move it. The latest was when I went to see fireworks with my kids and while on the way there I was going to turn and while turning the steering locked and I couldn’t turn anymore so I had to break before I hit a pole but another car almost crashed into me, honked at me, and flicked me off. On the way home I was driving straight and Had to turn but couldn’t because the steering wheel locked and I almost drove into a canal. This is a safety issue that concerns me and I am scared for my life and my kids life and at this point I’m scared to drive because I don’t know when it will lock. I’ve taken it to jeep many times with no solution.
Other or unspecified, Jun 20, 2023
Leather Instrument Panel (IP) Cover Delaminating. Older models appear to have a service notice but the newer models do not.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 13, 2023
Driving through my subdivision, no other cars in sight, no animals, no people, nothing in front of me and the automatic emergency braking mechanism engaged and brought my car to a sudden stop.The brakes engaged on their own, tires squeeled and my body jolted, almost hitting my head on steering wheel. Automatic brake sensors have activated before for no reason as no objects were in sight, but never has the vehicle actually stopped on its own. Luckily I was in my subdivision with no one behind me otherwise someone could have rear ended me and an accident would have occurred with injuries
Other or unspecified, Jun 13, 2023
I’ve had this recall for a while now. Got the notification soon after I purchased vehicle in 2-2022 and manufacture still hasn’t resolved this issue.
Exterior lighting, Jun 13, 2023
PER THE INFORMATION I CAN FIND - THE PREVIOUS RECALL # IS "21V797000" - I took my Jeep GC L in for the recall per the campaign and the work was complete yet it was not corrected. I have been back to the dealer 3 separate times no one can provide an update as to why this issue is not able to be corrected. I still cannot turn my high beams on without having to move the headlights to the 'on position.' Per the info available on the previous recall, "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."
Steering, Air bags, Seat belts, Jun 12, 2023
While driving on a major interstate going 75mph lost power steering suddenly and was unable to control the vehicle. Air alert went off stating they were not functioning. Adaptive cruise control stopped working, lane departure stopped working. Every single alert that could be alerting was going off simultaneously. Seat belts were fastened, however seat belt alarm continued going off. Very scary and unsafe situation on major highway with 2 children in my car.
Exterior lighting, Jun 12, 2023
Manufacturer has not timely provided repair for tail light recall NHTSA incident number 22V-544 (Jeep Recall Z50).
Vehicle speed control, Jun 1, 2023, crash
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while parking the vehicle in a parking lot, it accelerated independently causing the vehicle to jump the curb and crash into a pole. The contact stated he had the brake pedal to the floorboard but failed to stop the vehicle. No air bags deployed. The contact stated no one was injured nor sought medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to an auto collision center. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. The VIN was not available. The contact stated that the problem might be with the transmission.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V554000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2023
On May 12, 2023 when driving through Albuquerque, NM on I-40 our panoramic sunroof exploded. As best we could tell, nothing hit it and there we no pressures changes as we were on the west side of Albuquerque headed west. Fortunately we did not have it open so no glass got in the car. We called our insurance after we stopped to buy plastic bags and tape to cover the damaged sunroof. Once we got to our destination we called the local dealership and they said they couldn't get us in for 2 weeks. It would have been nice if they said we'll get you worked in to at least cover it to keep rain from getting in. It's now been over a week and the glass is still back ordered and we have not ETA on getting it in. Frustrating that Jeep isn't able to quickly repair what I would call a safety item.
Structure, May 20, 2023
While driving over Donner Summit (7000 ft elevation) on HWY 80 towards Reno, the Sun Roof shattered with a loud pop. Fortunately, the sun roof visor was closed so shattered glass didn't make it into the car. I have been reviewing online forums and have found there are other instances of this happening with a similar vehicle like mine which is a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. https://www.jeepgarage.org/threads/shattered-sunroof.240280/
Electrical system, Lane departure, Back over prevention, May 20, 2023
Battery has died three times within 1.5 years…
Engine, May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal, clamoring sound would emit from the engine without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced 2 cam shafts and other engine parts; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time where a total of 18 different engine parts were replaced but to no avail. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a third time where it was kept for an extended period; she was later informed that there was no fault with the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 28, 2023
I was sitting in school pick up line with the Jeep off. I started it and everything was normal, until I pulled into the road. The power steering went out and the light on dash said lane management not working needs service. The light for the adaptive lane cruise control came on. I was driving and when I was trying to turn I would have to turn the wheel almost 360°! There was no issues or warnings lights prior to this happening. I called dealer and they got me in the next day. They say it needed a update but it's scary if this just happens without warning, especially if you are on the road.
Exterior lighting, Apr 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 13, 2023
I am writing to file a complaint regarding the long start or failure to start issue with my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo. This problem began occurring at around 17,000 miles of use and has happened sporadically but with increasing frequency ever since. When I push the Start button, the vehicle may crank continuously until it times out or sputters to life right at the end of the timeout. This problem can be demonstrated repeatedly by parking the vehicle out in the sun for a few hours and then attempting to start it. I am concerned about the safety risks that this issue presents. The failure to start or long start could put me and others in danger if the vehicle stalls while driving or if I am unable to start it in an emergency situation. I have taken my vehicle to a Jeep dealer, and they have confirmed that they have experienced the same problem. However, the vehicle does not generate any warning lights or codes when it happens. Based on my research, I have found that several other owners of 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees have reported similar issues, some of which started at the same mileage as mine. I believe that the problem is caused by a faulty valve in the fuel pump assembly that fails to retain pressure after the car sits for a while. I strongly urge you to investigate this issue further and consider issuing a recall for affected vehicles. It is my belief that Jeep/Chrysler/Stellantis has a chronic problem on their hands that may warrant a recall and replacement of fuel pumps across a specific range of Grand Cherokees. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Steering, Apr 10, 2023, crash
While driving a short distance from home, the power steering in the vehicle went out. Unable to straighten the vehicle out, the car jumped onto a sidewalk, knocked over a light pole and drove through someones yard until the power steering kicked back in and allowed the vehicle to return to the road. Had there been someone walking on the sidewalk, or someone in the front yard of the home, it could have caused a death. Since the accident, the car has been in the body shop awaiting repairs. There were no codes present when doing diagnostics.
Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2023
Recall was announced back in August of 2022 and a stop sale was issued on all unsold vehicles due to safety concern. Here we are seven months later and my vehicle still hasn't been repaired. If it was to unsafe to sell then we shouldn't be driving it unfixed. Not sure why the NHTSA isn't forcing this issue to be fixed. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCMN-22V544-1970.pdf
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2023
Traveling in my Jeep Grand Cherokee L 2021 with family from the Dallas-Fort Worth area to San Marcos along 130 outside of Austin and fuel pump went out (this was recently diagnosed via phone by a Jeep mechanic at Covert Jeep in Austin 4/3/23) causing engine to fail at 85 miles an hour with no warning. Forcing me to navigate through traffic and attempt to get to the shoulder with cars, trucks, and 18 wheelers traveling upwards of 85 miles an hour. Also, was told the fuel pump for my vehicle was on back order with about 150 people waiting for this part (leading me to think a recall should be issued to have this part looked at). Secondly, as I was waiting the woman in front of me asked if it was my fuel pump and that her went out on the Jeep of the same body style. I replied I wasn't sure, because at the time I wasn't sure (Friday 3/31/23).
Visibility/wiper, Mar 24, 2023
The front A-pillars (on both sides of the windshield) are too wide, and block critical visibility needed while driving, especially at crosswalks with pedestrians. In addition, from the driver's seat, the passenger's outside mirror, doesn't allow for any visibility between the pilar frame and the mirror, thus further widening the blind spot on the right side making it difficult to see pedestrians in crosswalks.
Exterior lighting, Mar 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V544000 (Exterior Lighting) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service brakes, Mar 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stopped abruptly without warning. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the dealer agreed that the vehicle had experienced a failure however, the dealer was unsure of the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 24,000.
Service brakes, Mar 18, 2023
The rear rotors and pads became so pitted and damaged so quickly that the brakes shake like a mad man and it seems to be extremely common in the newer jeeps. A remedy or recall for inferior materials used in the pads or rotors may be needed. I know it’s about 30% braking in the rear so in theory those pads/rotors should certainly last far longer.
Engine, Mar 14, 2023
Check engine light comes on vehicle shuts down has occurred 2xs now with in 25, ooo miles!
Exterior lighting, Mar 3, 2023, fire
On Feb 14th 2023 I hit a deer. Got out of my jeep to check damage. Had a broken headlamp overall seemed OK & repairable. Got back in the jeep & continued driving. When I got home & parked in my garage I noticed an odd smell. Looked at the jeep noticed a small fire. Backed the jeep out of the garage & called the fire department. By the time the fire department arrived the entire front of the jeep was on fire. My jeep ended up being a total loss. What is going on with the lights that they would catch fire?