← New search

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 726.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 65 of 403 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 114 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports8 fire reports12 injury reports

What owners actually said

403 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2021
Steering

When weather is 50F power steering light turn on, no power steering is available.

NHTSA ODI #11442051

Mileage unknown · Nov 26, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesSteering

The car lost communication with the Body Control Module causing multiple features to malfunction, including power steering, while we were on the road. It's a 2021 vehicle that we leased only 29 days prior to the incident. Yes, with multiple important features malfunctioning at once, we were at risk. Fortunately, we were not on…

Read full complaint

The car lost communication with the Body Control Module causing multiple features to malfunction, including power steering, while we were on the road. It's a 2021 vehicle that we leased only 29 days prior to the incident. Yes, with multiple important features malfunctioning at once, we were at risk. Fortunately, we were not on a highway or driving in inclement weather or this would have been even more dangerous. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer after the incident. There were no prior warning signs and the problems came about rapidly.

NHTSA ODI #11441784

Mileage unknown · Nov 24, 2021
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension

On 11/11/21 I started vehicle and placed in drive to pull out of driveway. Upon moving the steering wheel became locked and would not allow me to steer. The “Service active dampening system “ warning came on along with “Service power steering”. I was able to put vehicle in reverse and back into driveway but the steering was sti…

Read full complaint

On 11/11/21 I started vehicle and placed in drive to pull out of driveway. Upon moving the steering wheel became locked and would not allow me to steer. The “Service active dampening system “ warning came on along with “Service power steering”. I was able to put vehicle in reverse and back into driveway but the steering was still not functioning. After vehicle sat off for few minutes I restarted and appeared fine but check engine light came on. I took to dealer the same day. After 3 days they could only determine that the computer had shut down. No other explanation or resolution except that if happens again to have it towed there. What if this were to happen while driving at highway speed?

NHTSA ODI #11441554

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2021
Air BagsCrash

This vehicle has been involved in two significant front end accidents and a rear end accident and the airbags have failed to deploy on impact during all three accidents. Direct damage occurred to the bumpers of the vehicles during all three incidents as well.

NHTSA ODI #11440372

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2021
Exterior Lighting

The high beams do not light when turned on by pushing the left stalk forward. They do function if the left stalk is pulled back. But after about a minute they turn off again. I experienced this on a dark highway with no traffic or other lighting outside.

NHTSA ODI #11440284

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2021
Electrical SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other

During the first 3,000 miles of owning the vehicle, on 3 separate occasions, the vehicle has failed to shift from first to second gear, appearing to get stuck in neutral. Because this is occurring when the vehicle is first beginning to accelerate this is happening when entering intersections, changing lanes, and crossing lanes …

Read full complaint

During the first 3,000 miles of owning the vehicle, on 3 separate occasions, the vehicle has failed to shift from first to second gear, appearing to get stuck in neutral. Because this is occurring when the vehicle is first beginning to accelerate this is happening when entering intersections, changing lanes, and crossing lanes causing the vehicle to rev while either coasting (due to the positive motion prior to shifting) or sit motionless when on-coming traffic is approaching. The only way to get the vehicle back in motion is to completely stop the vehicle (irrespective of the dangerous location) put the vehicle in park, then back in drive, and try accelerating again in hopes that the vehicle will shift on a second attempt. One one of the three occasions so far, this occurred while exiting a parking lot but before entering a changing lane on a busy street. On another occasion it caused me to get stuck on a blind curve. The issue occurs intermittently and to date I have not been able to get the dealer to remedy the issue. Their text msg response at TransitTowne Jeep Chrysler Dodge RAM in Elma, New York, is that "..there is no codes in the system and there is no updates available for the software. There is nothing to diagnose if there is no code and everything checks out in the system. ... The Jeep does have an 8 speed transmission that is all electronically controlled and it can take some getting used to." This is the response I received after dropping the vehicle off at 10 a.m. and receiving a call the same day that my car is ready to be picked up at exactly 1:03 p.m. (which included the time to perform an oil change, tire rotation, resolve a missing trim issue, and investigate an issue with the tailgate). The only warning was the beep that goes off when the car is in close proximity of an impact (due to the other cars approaching as I try to get the back in motion) but the warning is useless until I can get the car back in motion to avoid an impact.

NHTSA ODI #11440163

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2021
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

After first rain back floorboards we're soaked and now there is a mildew smell. Car does not drive correctly when excelling, and electronics are working sometimes and not others.

NHTSA ODI #11439652

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

Ok the brake make nose the front and off the jeep Rockledge like the control arm is bad the fuse box in the engine room was replaced I here a rocketing sound on the right side off the front end off this not

NHTSA ODI #11439384

Mileage unknown · Oct 29, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control

Vehicle was purchased last month. Grand Cherokee L Altitude. Has <1,400 miles. Check engine light came on. Warning for Electronic stabilizer system. Lost acceleration. Vehicle stalled once coming to a stop. And then once I turned it back on and tried to drive, the vehicle would not accelerate over 25mph. Reset then car drove fin…

Read full complaint

Vehicle was purchased last month. Grand Cherokee L Altitude. Has <1,400 miles. Check engine light came on. Warning for Electronic stabilizer system. Lost acceleration. Vehicle stalled once coming to a stop. And then once I turned it back on and tried to drive, the vehicle would not accelerate over 25mph. Reset then car drove fine. But then incident occurred again. Glitchy software or modules. This should not occur in a BRAND NEW vehicle. Unsafe.

NHTSA ODI #11438715

Mileage unknown · Oct 25, 2021
Service Brakes

While driving, failure of breaks. White smoke billowing out of engine compartment limiting visibility. Smoke worsens with pumping break, appears to be burning break fluid. Requires parking brake to stop.

NHTSA ODI #11438150

Official recalls

12

24V436000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Jun 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

24V132000 · Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm; Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

Feb 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Suspension:front:control Arm:upper Ball Joint

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.

Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm

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.

Consequence: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

23V577000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function

Aug 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

23V413000 · Suspension:rear:springs:coil Springs

Jun 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

23V352000 · Steering:column

May 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

22V544000 · Exterior Lighting:tail Lights

Jul 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

22V284000 · 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

22V180000 · Child Seat:vehicle Tether Anchor; Seats:critical Fasteners

Mar 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Seats:critical Fasteners

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."

Consequence: A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

Child Seat:vehicle Tether Anchor

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."

Consequence: A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: 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.

21V950000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights; Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software

Dec 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Exterior Lighting:lighting Control Module:software

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."

Consequence: Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Exterior Lighting:headlights

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."

Consequence: Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V873000 · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software

Nov 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module:software

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.

Consequence: Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Air Bags

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.

Consequence: Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V797000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Oct 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Difficulty activating the headlight high beams may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

21V729000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices

Sep 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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices

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."

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Jeep Grand Cherokee problems