2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has good reliability. There are 15 recalls and 427 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Jeep Grand-Cherokee. Severity signals include 21 crash-related complaints and 9 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (111), Electrical System (73), Power Train (50).

Grand Cherokee reliability snapshot

63/100

Latest model-year reliability score

3.5/5

RepairPal rating (medium)

$666

Avg annual repair cost vs $573 category avg

#15/26

Ranking in midsize SUVs · better than 42% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Jeep Grand Cherokee before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Best year to buyReliability, price and listing depth combined Years to avoidThe weakest years and stronger alternatives Common problemsComplaint patterns across model years Recall historyNHTSA campaigns grouped by model year Resale valueObserved prices, mileage and depreciation Maintenance & repair costYearly repair cost, reliability rating and segment rank

Most-reported 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

Steering111
Electrical System73
Power Train50
Unknown Or Other40
Exterior Lighting30
Engine15

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

Test power steering for responsiveness and warning lights
Check for erratic shifting or transmission warnings
Verify fuel pump operation and check for any starting issues
Inspect air conditioning system for functionality
Test infotainment system for freezing or blackouts
Check for any unusual noises from suspension components
Inspect for oil leaks or burning smells from the engine

What owners reported

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner complaints in detail

Owners have reported 21 crashes, 9 fires and 14 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.

Owner complaints111

STEERING

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering failures. Common symptoms include the steering assist ceasing to function, warning lights illuminating for the electronic power steering, and increased difficulty maneuvering the vehicle. Several complaints highlight these issues occurring around 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, including instances where the steering wheel locks or the vehicle loses control, resulting in collisions. Prospective buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues, especially given the associated recalls and the potential for unresolved safety risks.

Severity signals: 6 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints73

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owners report that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee often experiences issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the vehicle's startup and operational functions. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start, random shutdowns with a "Shift to P" message, and problems with the electronic start-stop feature. Complaints also highlight occurrences of the instrument cluster and settings switching languages unexpectedly, and some vehicles exhibit issues with the Body Control Module, leading to non-functional headlights or horns. Several reports involve fires, some occurring while the vehicle is parked and turned off, and one complaint mentions a crash due to the vehicle dying while driving. These problems often appear around 30,000 to 50,000 miles, indicating potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 4 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints50

POWER TRAIN

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission failures and transfer case problems. Common symptoms include erratic shifting, vehicles entering limp mode, and "Service Transmission" warnings. These issues often appear at relatively low mileages, with some reports noting failures as early as 8,100 to 19,481 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe sudden loss of power while driving and vehicles unexpectedly stalling or shutting off, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported issues and may want to verify if any repairs or updates have been performed.

Owner complaints40

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with sunroof glass shattering spontaneously being a frequent problem. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof exploding without any apparent external cause, often while driving, posing a safety hazard due to potential glass showering into the passenger area. Additionally, there are reports of fires occurring, sometimes while the vehicle is parked or shortly after starting, with at least one being traced to the battery compartment. Complaints also frequently mention problems with the air conditioning system failing prematurely, often around 36,000 to 58,000 miles, leading to significant repair costs. These issues, particularly the fires and sunroof incidents, have implications for safety and could be a concern for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 4 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints18

SERVICE BRAKES

Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Commonly described problems include warped brake rotors leading to vibrations and shaking, typically noted around 32,000 miles. Multiple complaints detail the automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops without warning and resulting in injuries. Additionally, some owners experience brake system failures, including loss of braking ability and issues with electronic stability control, often requiring repairs such as brake module replacements. These issues potentially pose safety risks, such as loss of vehicle control and unexpected stops, which are crucial considerations for prospective buyers.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports

Owner complaints17

ENGINE

Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, primarily involving unexpected engine shutdowns and excessive oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention the engine shutting off while driving, even at high speeds, posing a significant safety risk. Other symptoms include delayed starting, engine misfires, and oil leaks, often occurring around 20,000 to 70,000 miles. Multiple owners describe problems with the auto stop/start system and the intermixing of antifreeze and oil, which can lead to engine damage. These issues can result in loss of power and control, with one injury reported, making it crucial for potential buyers to consider these patterns when evaluating this vehicle.

Severity signals: 0 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports

Owner complaints15

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the fuel pump, leading to vehicles failing to start or stalling unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include repeated attempts to start the vehicle, the engine shutting off while driving, and being unable to restart the vehicle, often without prior warning lights or alerts. These issues are noted to occur across various mileages, with some reports as early as 1,000 miles and others around 68,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple owners describe stalling in traffic or on highways, posing risks of accidents. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a vehicle with a similar mileage range.

Owner complaints15

SUSPENSION

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the suspension, particularly involving loud noises over bumpy surfaces and components like sway bar links and tie rods requiring replacement. Complaints often describe symptoms such as abnormal sounds, vibrations, and handling difficulties, sometimes at relatively low mileages around 20,000 to 42,000 miles. Several reports mention parts like the rear lower A-frame and air suspension components failing, sometimes attributed to defects rather than external damage. Safety implications include one crash incident where suspension failure contributed to loss of control, and multiple owners express concerns over the potential for accidents due to these issues. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated safety risks.

Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

Owner complaints10

AIR BAGS

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with eight complaints involving crashes and six reporting injuries. A common pattern is the failure of airbags to deploy in various crash scenarios, including frontal, rear-end, and side impacts, as well as collisions with stationary objects and animals. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating without prior incidents, and some mention previous recall repairs that did not resolve the issue. Mileage at the time of incidents varies, with some reports noting around 13,000 to 27,914 miles. The lack of airbag deployment is a significant safety concern, particularly given the variety of crash types and the occurrence of injuries, which potential buyers should consider.

Severity signals: 8 crash, 0 fire, 6 injury reports

Owner complaints8

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, especially when cruise control is engaged, with some vehicles accelerating beyond 100 mph unless manually deactivated. There are also reports of the vehicle failing to decelerate when the brake is applied, leading to crashes in some cases. Mileage at the time of incidents varies, with some reports occurring as early as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes resulting from loss of control due to these speed control issues. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential for speed control malfunctions when evaluating this model.

Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports

2021 Grand Cherokee recalls (15)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Grand Cherokee. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 24V436000Jun 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: 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.
SUSPENSION, STEERINGNHTSA 24V132000Feb 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: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V577000Aug 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: 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.
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 23V413000Jun 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: 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.
STEERINGNHTSA 23V352000May 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: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V544000Jul 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: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGNHTSA 22V284000Apr 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: 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.
CHILD SEAT, SEATSNHTSA 22V180000Mar 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: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V950000Dec 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: 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.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 21V873000Nov 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: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 21V797000Oct 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: 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.
VISIBILITY, BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 21V729000Sep 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: 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.
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 26V051000Jan 29, 2026
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
Consequence: Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, are expected to be mailed February 12, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 20D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 30, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
EQUIPMENT, BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 25V083000Feb 13, 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The center stack upper display (DCSD) contains a transistor that may overheat and prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers replaced the DCSD, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 11C.
AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V897000Nov 27, 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B3B.

Used-market value

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee resale snapshot

54.7%estimated value retained after 5 years

720listings in the model-level benchmark

$24,990median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

Compare Jeep Grand Cherokee value by year →Full Jeep Grand Cherokee market analysis at CarResaleValue →

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the road

254,445 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Honda Passport

Reliability: 84/100·Rivalry score: 90

Compare vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee →

Toyota Highlander

Reliability: 84/100·Rivalry score: 90

Compare vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee →

Toyota Grand Highlander

Reliability: 88/100·Rivalry score: 90

Compare vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee →

Honda Pilot

Reliability: 81/100·Rivalry score: 90

Compare vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee →

Reliability verdict for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

With a 65/100 score against a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee lands below typical reliability for its class. The data points to a moderate reliability picture that trails peers rather than matching them, which raises buyer risk relative to the segment baseline.

Complaints are not confined to a single system. Steering stands out as the leading area, but electrical system and power train reports also carry meaningful weight, with additional volume spread across lighting and miscellaneous categories. That mix suggests issues are distributed across multiple vehicle domains instead of being narrowly concentrated. Recall activity is elevated, indicating a higher level of corrective action than a limited-recall year.

Overall, this model-year presents moderate-to-elevated reliability risk versus the segment average.

What you get in a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee report

Available title brand history

Odometer readings & rollback detection

Accident & damage records

Auction sales with photos

Open safety recalls

Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

15 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

The most-reported 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problem areas are: Steering (111), Electrical System (73), Power Train (50).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.