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 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 102 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 25,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
102
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 18 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 14 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 14 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 13 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 102 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 45 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 7 |
6crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 102.
Owners have filed 102 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 of 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokees describe a pattern of steering failures spanning electrical and mechanical origins. The most common complaint is power steering becoming unavailable without warning, particularly during cold morning starts or randomly at highway speeds. Warnings appear—"Power Steering Unavailable, Service Required"—and the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Dealers have attempted fixes with software updates, module resets, and in some cases steering gear or assembly replacements, yet owners report the problem returns or persists.
A second cluster involves cascading electrical failures where power steering, airbags, brake assist, stability control, and lane management all fail simultaneously. Vehicles have lost all communication with control modules, stranding owners on highways or in traffic, and in one case the vehicle would not accept a battery charge at all.
Mechanical steering failures round out the complaints: control arms and ball joints fail, sometimes allegedly after improper installation by the manufacturer; steering wheels lock up mid-turn; and suspension components "literally fell apart" in at least one case at low speed without any collision. Owners cite recall campaign 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering), but replacement parts remain on national backorder, leaving vehicles unrepaired for months.
Chrysler's response has been inconsistent—acknowledging intermittent issues but claiming vehicles are "drivable" without power steering, issuing software updates without permanent results, and in some cases denying warranty coverage despite vehicles being under warranty mileage.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering unavailable / loss of assist
Electronic power steering system loses assist or becomes unavailable, often triggered by electrical system faults or software issues. Vehicle may fail to start or require hard reset (key cycle, fuse removal). Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn, particularly concerning at highway speeds and in traffic.
When: Varies widely: cold morning starts (below 40°F), random intermittent failures, early in vehicle ownership (under 2,000 to 16,000 miles), both low and highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Power Steering Unavailable / Service Required warning light and message on dashboard; Steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn, requiring excessive force; Loss of electronic power steering assist; Vehicle may fail to start or go into limp mode; Often accompanied by other warning lights: Check Engine, Blind Spot Alert, Lane Departure / Lane Management, Stability Control, Emergency Brake, Adaptive Cruise Control; Intermittent clearing of fault after restart or when vehicle warms up
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Power Steering Unavailable, Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Blind Spot Monitor, Service Lane Management / Lane Keep Assist, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed: software updates (October 2022 release mentioned), power steering module reset, steering gear replacement, complete power steering assembly replacement. Owners report fuse reset (removal and reinsertion of power steering fuse) temporarily restores function. Some cases required steering column replacement. Grease contamination in power steering connectors found in at least one case and cleaned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates released (October 2022 mentioned); Chrysler/Mopar has acknowledged issue as intermittent with no guaranteed permanent fix. Service bulletins issued. Case managers have resisted warranty claims citing 'no remedy at that time.' Dealership procedure often limited to software update without full diagnosis. One owner reported being told fix only available in winter season. Multiple owners state Chrysler claims vehicle is 'drivable' without power steering.
Electrical system / Body Control Module communication loss
Multiple electrical systems fail simultaneously due to loss of communication between vehicle control modules or internal electrical faults. Results in cascade failure affecting power steering, airbags, braking systems, transmission, and driver assistance features.
When: Occurs with varying mileage, from under 700 miles to 19,000+ miles; often without prior warning; some instances after extended driving or after vehicle sits
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously: power steering, airbags, brake assist, electronic stability control, blind spot, lane management, emergency braking, rear collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control; Vehicle loses power steering and becomes difficult to steer at highway speeds; Vehicle may not start or vehicle computer shuts down completely; Loss of air conditioning and heating; Turn signals and warning lights fail to operate; Vehicle may go into park lockout (cannot be shifted out of park); Dashboard beeping and continuous cycling through error messages
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Unavailable, Service Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Alert Unavailable, Lane Management / Lane Keep Assist Unavailable, Airbag System, Brake System / Emergency Braking Unavailable, Stop/Start System, Four-Wheel Drive System, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have diagnosed: battery discharge/failure (battery recharge or replacement attempted), Body Control Module communication faults, computer system shutdown. Repairs attempted include battery replacement, module reset, software update. Multiple owners report dealership unable to diagnose root cause or unable to reproduce failure. Vehicle towed to dealership in several cases. One owner reports vehicle completely dead, would not accept battery charge.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service opened cases then closed them without explanation or follow-up; representatives unable to explain closure. No permanent fix identified. Multiple software updates released but owners report recurrence. Manufacturer offering no direct assistance in several complaints.
Cold-temperature power steering degradation
Power steering system exhibits reduced assist or complete failure when ambient temperature is below approximately 40°F, particularly on first morning start. Power steering may gradually restore as vehicle warms up during driving.
When: Cold weather mornings (below 40°F); typically first start of day when vehicle is cold
Symptoms owners cite: Power Steering Unavailable message appears on cold mornings; Steering wheel extremely difficult to turn, feels as though no power assist is present; Ticking or brushing sound from steering column during turns; Sluggish, labored steering response; Power steering function gradually improves as engine warms during drive; Lane Departure Assist also unavailable or limited
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Unavailable, Service Power Steering, Service Lane Management
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership testing has not identified mechanical problems. Software updates released to address issue; Chrysler indicated mid-first-quarter software update expected (as of early 2022). One owner reports dealership stated vehicle is 'drivable' without power steering. No confirmed permanent repair identified in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler confirmed issue as intermittent problem; stated vehicle is drivable and indicated software fix expected in Q1 (timeline not met as of complaint date). Service bulletin issued. No permanent resolution provided.
Steering component mechanical failure (control arms, ball joints, pinch bolts)
Front suspension steering components fail mechanically, including upper control arm ball joints, pinch bolts at knuckle, and lower control arms. Failures may be related to improper installation during manufacturing or defective components. One owner reports steering components 'literally fell apart' at low speed without collision.
When: Varies from under 5 mph in driveway (one case) to 70,000 miles; multiple owners cite failures after incorrect/improper installation persists for thousands of miles
Symptoms owners cite: Upper ball joint makes noise and becomes loose; Steering control lost, especially when raining or going over bump; Loss of steering control; vehicle pulls to one side; Steering wheel locked, unable to turn; Front-end damage from crash into guardrail or curb; Abnormal clicking sound from front suspension wheel well after repair; Steering components literally fell apart at low speed without collision (one case)
Codes mentioned: Suspension and Steering (NHTSA Campaign 24V132000 referenced)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs documented: replacement of right and left control arms, replacement of pinch bolts and knuckles at upper control arm ball joints, steering gear replacement, steering column replacement. One owner cited 12 attempted repairs by dealership without resolution. Parts cited as being on national backorder. One owner reports vehicle has been in repair shop for 3+ months with parts unavailable. One owner reports recall work done may have created new abnormal sounds; dealership unwilling to diagnose without owner paying for diagnostic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) issued; however, replacement parts reportedly on national backorder delaying completion. Manufacturer initially stated 'no remedy at that time' for some owners. One owner alleges dealership falsely claiming recall completed on MOPAR records when vehicle never serviced. Warranty coverage disputed; one owner claims vehicle still under factory warranty but manufacturer refusing responsibility.
Steering wheel locking or refusing to turn
Steering wheel locks up or becomes immobilized, preventing turning of the vehicle. Can occur during turns or while steering. Distinct from power steering loss in that steering may be mechanically locked rather than just lack of assist.
When: Intermittent, multiple occurrences reported; one case after recent service/repair; occurs at various speeds including low-speed turns
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks and cannot be turned; Vehicle pulled to right during acceleration, causing crash into guardrail; Occurs while making turns at low speed; Reoccurs multiple times (owner reports several incidents over short period); No warning lights in some cases; service power steering warning in others
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanical diagnosis determined: pinch bolt and knuckle failures (NHTSA Campaign 24V132000 referenced). No successful permanent repair identified in narratives; owner has taken vehicle to Jeep multiple times 'with no solution.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner related crash to recall campaign 24V132000; vehicle not yet taken to dealer for recall at time of complaint. Manufacturer response not documented.
Steering system difficult to turn / heavy steering
Steering wheel requires excessive force to turn across a range of speeds, feeling as though power steering is not functioning or severely degraded. May include mechanical binding or rubbing sounds from steering column.
When: Varies by temperature (worse when cold); persistent across various driving speeds; one case noted difficulty increasing at higher speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel extremely difficult to turn, nearly impossible at higher speeds; Steering feels labored and requires excessive driver effort; Ticking or brushing sound from steering column when turning; Difficulty turning wheel varies with temperature (worse when cold/car is cold); Difficulty increases when vehicle is warm; No warning lights illuminated in some cases
Codes mentioned: None documented for this mode
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership tested vehicle and reported no problems found; mechanic acknowledged lack of frame of reference compared to owner experience. No repair completed. Another case resulted in installation of complete new electric steering assembly after extended warranty period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No documented manufacturer response. Dealership unable or unwilling to confirm problem exists.
Steering misalignment / pull to one side
Vehicle steering does not track straight; vehicle pulls or drifts to one side requiring driver to hold wheel offset to maintain straight-line travel. One owner alleges dealership claimed intentional design to prevent crashes if driver falls asleep.
When: Persistent issue from ownership; noted early in ownership; one case at 127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel offset to the right to drive straight; Vehicle pulls to one side; Wheels facing inward (toes in) after low-speed maneuver; Uneven tire wear
Codes mentioned: None documented
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment check performed; dealership stated alignment is good. Owner disputes explanation given by dealership. One case resulted in total loss determination by insurance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims misalignment is intentional design feature, which owner disputes as dangerous.
Synthesized from 102 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Vehicle had no high beams. Vehicle has no running lights at night. Rear console climate control intermittently works. Idles at 1500 on a cold start. Vehicle doesn’t have power steering when started in a cold day. Have to turn off and on to fix.
I was traveling on a road with light snow. There was a bend in the road. I lost steering and manual breaking causing the vehicle to strike a telephone pole head on. My air bags did not deploy.
Chrysler (corporate = Stellantis) is refusing to accept manufacturing responsibility for the extensive damage to my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L (16,000 miles – with completely timely and up-to-date maintenance) when the steering components literally FELL APART while navigating out of my paved driveway at under 5mph with NO collision, provocation or explanation on September 2, 2023, rendering the…
Second incident in less than 2 months on Grand Cherokee L that has 2K miles. Vehicle experienced limp mode when stabilizer system malfunctioned when going 45mph. Began to stall and lost acceleration. Gas pedal was unresponsive. Second incident (~500 miles later) Power Steering Failure. Could not get vehicle out of garage. Luckily this malfunction did not occur on the highway. Was able to get it…
Had steering trouble with your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
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?
It's a meaningful issue. 102 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 12,000 and 38,000 miles, with the median around 25,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 38,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
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.