After Electric Power Steering (EPS) Replacement, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) C221C-00 ECU Not Programmed/Flash Required Is Set
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L steering problems
moderate 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Before replacing the steering column control module (SCCM) due to wipers inop, wipers not turning off, wipers not returning to position, heated steering wheel not working and/or steering controls inop, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) light on, please follow these steps: 1.- Review if there is any active DTC. Refer to service library procedure and follow diagnosis steps. 2.- If failure still present, make sure all the switches', horn's, heated steering wheel, airbag's harness are properly connected and there is no corrosion or pinching, disconnect the switches & reconnect them, and reverify the issue. 3.- Verify if failure is still present, review if there is lack of communication between
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The customer is experiencing a clicking or pop noise from the steering knuckle and bearing area during turns while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Note: actual release date was 12/22/2025 The customer is experiencing a clicking or pop noise from the steering knuckle and bearing area during turns while driving.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MODULE - STEERING CONTROL
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe power steering suddenly disengaging or becoming rock-hard to turn, often with no warning. The service power steering light comes on along with multiple other dashboard warnings (check engine, traction control, ABS, collision warning), and in several cases the steering wheel locks completely. Some owners report losing power immediately on startup or after brief driving; others experience the failure during highway speeds. The issue tends to resolve temporarily after turning the vehicle off and restarting, which makes it nearly impossible to diagnose at the dealer—owners bring the vehicle in and all lights are off by the time a technician looks at it.
Multiple owners mention electrical glitching happening at the same time: radio screens going black, odometers blinking, seat belts dinging, all while the steering fails. One owner reported a Steering Column Control Module throwing a paddle shifter overheat code, citing two open recalls (NHTSA 24V-199 and 24E-025) involving an internal weld defect in that module. Another owner's vehicle was included in recall 24V132000 for suspension/steering, but the dealer wouldn't cover related damage.
Failures have been reported from 2,000 miles up to 78,000 miles. Dealership repairs include fuse array replacement, power steering module software updates, and occasionally full power steering assembly or rack-and-pinion replacement. One owner was unable to afford the assembly replacement after the initial fuse repair failed. Several owners note that despite symptoms matching known defects and published recalls, Stellantis refuses coverage because their specific VINs aren't flagged in the company's internal database.
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Electrical Loss & Module Failure
Power steering disengages or fails intermittently or completely, often accompanied by a 'service power steering' warning light and other dashboard warning lights (check engine, traction control, ABS, collision warning). The steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn or immobilized. Some owners report loss of multiple electronic systems simultaneously. In several cases, the issue resolves temporarily after turning the vehicle off and restarting.
When: 2–50,000 miles; occurs intermittently or without warning on startup or during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly disengages or becomes extremely difficult to turn; Service power steering warning light and multiple other dashboard lights illuminate; Steering wheel becomes locked or immobilized; Loss of power immediately upon startup or after brief operation; Issue resolves temporarily after vehicle shutdown and restart; Vehicle enters 'safety mode'; Multiple electronic systems malfunction simultaneously (radio glitch, odometer blinking, seat belt dinging)
Codes mentioned: DTCS communication loss codes, Service transmission / paddle shifter overheat code (Steering Column Control Module)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repairs include fuse array replacement, power steering module updates, and in some cases full power steering assembly replacement. One owner reported dealership quoted $250 for inspection; another was unable to afford power steering assembly replacement after fuse repair failed. Rack and pinion replacement reported in one case (approximately 41,000 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis/Jeep has issued a power steering module update TSB. Two safety recalls mentioned by owners (NHTSA 24V-199 and NHTSA 24E-025, related to Steering Column Control Module internal weld defect preventing airbag deployment) exist, but several owners report their VINs are not flagged for recall coverage despite matching symptoms. Recall 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) also referenced. Manufacturer has refused coverage in at least one case where owner's VIN was not in internal database despite matching known defect.
Intermittent Steering Control & Traction Loss
Vehicle exhibits intermittent loss of steering control combined with traction loss (vehicle sway, loss of traction in snow, or feeling of 'chugging'). Lights turn on and off without staying on, making diagnosis difficult at dealership.
When: After 2 months of ownership through 50,000 miles; recurrence in December 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to turn the steering wheel (intermittent); Traction control light illuminates intermittently; Vehicle sways or loses traction when driving in snow or over bumps; Vehicle feels like it is 'chugging' down the road; Warning lights (check engine, traction control, front collision) come and go without staying illuminated
Codes mentioned: Traction control fault, Check engine
Repairs/costs cited: Initial dealership repair included software update. Issue partially resolved briefly but recurred after approximately 50,000 miles. No permanent repair solution documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis issued a software update in 2021 that temporarily reduced symptom frequency but did not permanently resolve the issue.
Rear Suspension Failure (Possible Steering-Related Structural Issue)
Rear suspension fails after driving over minor road impact (railroad tracks or pothole). Lower control arms, shocks, axle shaft boots, and sway bar end link failed. Owner attributes this to a known suspension/steering recall but dealer denies coverage for collateral damage.
When: Approximately 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear of vehicle sways temporarily when driving over railroad tracks; Failure recurs when driving over bumpy road or pothole; Lower control arms, shocks, axle shaft boots, and sway bar end link broken
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted replacement of lower control arms, shocks, axle shaft boots, and sway bar end link but refused to cover collateral damage repair under recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis issued NHTSA Campaign 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) covering this issue, but dealership refused to cover collateral damage as part of recall repair.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
While driving, the power steering disengaged and made the vehicle difficult to steer. The power steering warning light illuminated in the dash and the vehicle went into safety mode. After letting the vehicle remain shut down, the error code rectified itself and the power steering warning disappeared. Vehicle was serviced by the dealership and a power steering module update was performed. The rack…
The dash lit up with all lights and it said SOS Power STEERING is out. I could not turn the wheel. The lights such as my miles was blinking, the seat belt was flashing along with dinging even though my seat belt was on. There has been recalls due to power steering issues but my car isn't on there. It put me and my son at risk for a terrible accident. I have taken it to a dealership.…
Started the vehicle and while pulling down the driveway the power steering suddenly went completely out. Warning lights began flashing and I was unable to steer vehicle. Stopped vehicle and turned off several times, however unable to overcome power steering loss, or reset warning lights. No other issues, considering the vehicle was just recently serviced for same complaint four weeks earlier…
There is a module that needs some sort of update I have power but my steering completely went out. All the lights in my dash came on, and my odometer started blinking. Ive read that newer models the 2023 edition also has this problem and has an open recall right now.
Had steering trouble with your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 12 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 59,650 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Jeep/Grand Cherokee L.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.