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ProblemsByVinFile / 2021-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEENHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Jeep
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 403 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 102 complaints (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Jeep Grand Cherokee owner complaints by model year
What the defect is, what it can cause, and the free dealer fix — from the NHTSA campaign record. Check your own VIN before you buy or drive.
Reliability score
4.8 / 10
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
0
Critical
12
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2021 Grand Cherokee?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Steering: 102 complaints, classified severe
Electrical system: 66 complaints, classified severe
Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average
12 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 102 owner reports
· ~$700 to fix
electrical — 66 owner reports
· ~$850 to fix
powertrain — 50 owner reports
· ~$2,500 to fix
lighting — 32 owner reports
· ~$250 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged
severe on this model
.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 12 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 4.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The…
Front Drive shaft broke off vehicle while driving at 45 mph and lost control of vehicle. Vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle lost control and almost flipped over when the drive shaft broke off. Problem was confirmed by dealer. Manufacturer has not inspected vehicle…
When you go over a bump you have a loud hollow thump or bang coming from the rear suspension its not your normal noise from a bump their are 2 diffrent sounds 1 is normal the 2nd doesnt belong their. Something is loss or not sitting correctly you can even hear it louder if you…
Had a problem with your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
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.
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles
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.
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
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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 4.8 out of 10 based on 403 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Steering: 102 complaints, classified severe; Electrical system: 66 complaints, classified severe; Reliability score 4.8/10 — below the segment average; 12 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 102 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good used car to buy?
It scores 4.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 403 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 102 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Grand Cherokee has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 403 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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