2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 409 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Cherokee years
Far fewer complaints than other years 21st of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
4–5 out of 5 stars (varies by version)

Owners have filed 409 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. That ranks 21st out of 32 Grand Cherokee model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (115 complaints, 28%), typically at around 1,812 miles. Complaints mention 20 crashes, 8 fires, 13 injuries. There are 12 safety recalls covering this model year.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee (WL) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System115 · ~1,812 mi
Steering102 · ~19,146 mi
Engine60 · ~16,500 mi
Power Train59 · ~28,000 mi
Unknown or Other56 · ~486 mi
Exterior Lighting42 · ~19,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion System40 · ~121 mi
Suspension30 · ~36,000 mi
Lane Departure29 · ~12,000 mi
Service Brakes29 · ~12,243 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System problems11528%1,812“start stop” (6%)—
Steering problems10225%19,146“service required” (9%)—
Engine problems6015%16,500“serious safety” (8%)—
Power Train problems5914%28,000“transfer case” (12%)—
Unknown or Other5614%486——
Exterior Lighting4210%19,000——
Fuel/propulsion System4010%121——
Suspension307%36,000——
Lane Departure297%12,000——
Service Brakes297%12,243——
Forward Collision Avoidance256%6,000——
Air Bags205%34,957——
Vehicle Speed Control174%34,177——
Seat Belts72%———
Wheels72%———
Structure61%82,000——
Back Over Prevention51%———
Seats51%158,000——
Visibility/wiper51%———
Service Brakes, Hydraulic31%34,000——
Visibility31%3,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling20%46,116——
Child Seat10%———
Fuel System, Gasoline10%30,000——
Service Brakes, Air10%32,000——
Tires10%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 106 complaints
2020: 3202032021: 502021502022: 10620221062023: 782023782024: 782024782025: 542025542026: 40202640

n = 409 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls (12)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Back over prevention: sensing system: cameraJun 13, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V436000 · 1,033,433 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint; steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:armFeb 22, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V132000 · 338,238 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Back over prevention:display functionAug 14, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V577000 · 162,713 vehicles

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Suspension:rear:springs:coil springsJun 8, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V413000 · 305,282 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Steering:columnMay 18, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V352000 · 89,372 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Exterior lighting:tail lightsJul 28, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V544000 · 99,186 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Apr 28, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V284000 · 1,308 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Seats:critical fasteners; child seat:vehicle tether anchorMar 24, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V180000 · 4,586 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Exterior lighting:lighting control module:software; exterior lighting:headlightsDec 9, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V950000 · 36,929 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Air bags: air bag/restraint control module:softwareNov 10, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V873000 · 99,255 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

Exterior lighting:headlightsOct 14, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V797000 · 7,082 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

Back over prevention: sensing system: camera; visibility:rearview mirrors/devicesSep 21, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V729000 · 69,138 vehicles

Problem: 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."

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

Fix: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Suspected Right-Rear Brake Caliper Failure Resulting in Sudden Vehicle Stop Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland 4x4 Incident date: [XXX] Location: Honolulu, Hawaii Approximate mileage: 64,000 miles Affected component: Right-rear brake caliper assembly On [XXX], while traveling approximately…

Service Brakes · received Oct 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11771414

Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, 3.6L V6 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost accelerator response while traveling on the highway. The engine initially remained running, but…

Electrical System · received Oct 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770597

I was driving 65 MPH on a highway in high traffic and the Fuel propulsion system failed without any lights or warning. It just stop responding to accerlation. It was extremely dangerous and CDOT had to come rescue us. We are lucky we were not hurt or killed. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is only 5…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Oct 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770712

The driver’s seatbelt sensor constantly goes off as not detecting that the seatbelt is buckled, while driving; this causes the alarm to continuously beep and also disables the airbag. Aside from the seatbelt issue, there is a standalone airbag issue that has been detected by the car’s health…

Air Bags · received Sep 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11768081

My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit with approximately 39,000 miles. The leather dashboard is delaminating and separating from the substrate. My Jeep dealer has inspected it and checked my VIN. They confirmed that Jeep previously provided extended coverage for essentially this type of dashboard…

Structure · received Sep 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11767689

Other Jeep Grand Cherokee years

← 2020 Grand Cherokee · 2022 Grand Cherokee →

See all Jeep Grand Cherokee problems by year, every Jeep model, or the Jeep VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners most often report electrical system, steering, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 115 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Cherokee model years, the 2021 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 4–5 out of 5 stars (varies by version) overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.