Clunking when going over bumps, potholes, or turns. During diagnosis dealers may find rubber separating from the bushing on the handling link (SOL S2102000004 Rev C. for reference). This is normal and most likely is not attributed to the noise. Please follow normal diagnosis and ensure all tie-rod and ball joints are properly torqued and if worn, replace. If diagnosis leads to lower control arm replacement, the tension link(s) should be replaced first then test driven to ensure noise has disappeared before any handling link replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the suspension at roughly $900 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See suspension across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$900
| Model year | suspension complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 8 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 14 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 10 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 4 |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 17 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 17 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 46 |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 5 |
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA suspension complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering suspension on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
WL Front Control Arm Bushing - Handling Link Has Loose Rubber Appearance
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Service 4WD Message, With Any Combination Of The Following Front Axle Disconnect (FAD) Diagnostic Trouble Codes
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗***68375577A$ is not showing the correct verbiage please update and correct*** Clunking when going over bumps, potholes, or turns. During diagnosis dealers may find rubber separating from the bushing on the handling link (SOL S2102000004 Rev C. for reference). This is normal and most likely is not attributed to the noise. Please follow normal diagnosis and ensure all tie-rod and ball joints are properly torqued and if worn, replace. If diagnosis leads to lower control arm replacement, the tension link(s) should be replaced first then test driven to ensure noise has disappeared before any handling link replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Clunking when going over bumps, potholes, or turns. During diagnosis dealers may find rubber separating from the bushing on the handling link (SOL S2102000004 Rev C. for reference). This is normal and most likely is not attributed to the noise. Please follow normal diagnosis and ensure all tie-rod and ball joints are properly torqued and if worn, replace. If diagnosis leads to lower control arm replacement, the tension link(s) should be replaced first then test driven to ensure noise has disappeared before any handling link replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Suspension complaints span structural failures, sensor malfunctions, and unexplained noise. A sway bar link disconnected at 19,000 miles, eliminating lateral stability on a highway—a critical safety issue. Another owner experienced right rear lower A-frame fracture during normal ramp driving, causing the wheel to cock 30–40 degrees with no prior warning, nearly causing loss of control.
Air suspension owners report recurring problems: service suspension warnings, ride height sensor failures, and compressor overheating despite expensive replacements ($2,026 for rear compressor assembly alone). One owner spent $3,420 on three separate repair attempts over two months with no resolution. Multiple owners cite NHTSA recall notifications for suspension defects but remain unable to schedule repairs due to extended parts delays.
Standard (non-air) suspension complaints include jittering vibrations above 35 mph that render the ride exhausting, rear suspension thumping noises dealers cannot diagnose, and abnormal front-end noise appearing as early as 20 miles that disappears when tested on smooth roads. Motor mounts leak fluid at 30,000 and 41,000 miles—a dealership acknowledges this is "very common." A tie rod required replacement twice within 18 months. One owner, after collision repairs, reported lane departure system failure alongside unresolved suspension jerking issues. Dealer involvement ranges from no inspection to test drives on unsuitable road surfaces, leaving complaints undiagnosed.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee suspension reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Sway bar link disconnection
Front sway bar link (stabilizer link) becomes disconnected or fails, eliminating lateral stability during cornering and evasive maneuvers. Critical safety component.
When: 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal-on-metal clunking sound from left front area; Visible disconnection of sway bar link; Loss of vehicle stability and cornering control
Repairs/costs cited: Front sway bar link replaced at Jeep dealership. Part #68409879-AA, Link Stab 17029017.
Rear lower A-frame fracture
Right rear lower A-frame breaks during normal driving on a ramp, causing rear suspension to collapse and wheel to cock severely. No prior warning or symptoms. Owner attributes failure to defect rather than road hazard.
When: 30 mph on off-ramp, no mileage given
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud noise or failure sensation; Wheel cocked 30-40 degrees; Vehicle pulled sharply to one side; Loss of control and near-crash
Repairs/costs cited: Rear right suspension air bag spring and wheel/axle damage. Towed to dealer; parts awaited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed pothole; insurance unable to determine cause due to vehicle left on ground.
Air suspension system failures and sensor issues
Multiple failures of air suspension components including left front ride height sensor, air pump assembly, and control module. Recurring service suspension messages and stability/traction control warnings even after parts replacement.
When: Started at approximately 42,000 miles; repeated within months of initial repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Service suspension warning message on dash; Ride height message recurring; Stability control light illuminated; Traction control light illuminated
Codes mentioned: C1562-98 (Air pump control - overheating or control system failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Left front ride sensor replaced ($380.88); rear air suspension compressor assembly replaced ($2,026.31); transfer case control module replaced ($1,013.33). Air pump leak found in fittings; compressor overheating issues persisted after 60 days of attempted repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states other Jeep owners reported same air suspension issues; suggests broader defect awareness.
Rear coil spring squeaking and deterioration
Persistent squeaking from rear suspension increasing in frequency over time. Owner later became aware of NHTSA recall (unspecified recall number) related to rear coil spring issue. Dealer and independent shop unable to identify cause.
When: Over one year of ownership; recall notification received
Symptoms owners cite: Recurring squeaking noise from rear; Increasing frequency over time
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; dealers found nothing wrong on inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Safety Recall report issued (number redacted); appears to be part of formal recall campaign.
Front-end noise over bumps with no dealer diagnosis
Abnormally loud noise from front end when driving over bumpy road surfaces. Dealer test-drove on smooth road surface and found nothing, leaving complaint undiagnosed and unrepaired.
When: At approximately 20 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal sound from front end on bumpy surfaces
Repairs/costs cited: No diagnosis or repair completed despite two dealer visits.
Suspension vibration and jitter on standard (non-air) suspension
Washboard-like vibrations and jittering throughout the vehicle at speeds above 35 mph on a vehicle with standard coil spring suspension, not air suspension. Affects steering control and cabin comfort. Undiagnosed on new vehicle.
When: New vehicle condition
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and jittering at speeds over 35 mph; Unsettled, washboard-like ride quality; Difficult steering; Exhausting driving due to road undulations transferring to cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet inspected by dealer or manufacturer.
Rear suspension thump noise with loose or misaligned components
Loud hollow thump or bang from rear suspension when going over bumps—distinct from normal bump noise. Suggests loose or improperly seated suspension component. Dealer visited twice without finding or repairing issue.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loud hollow thump/bang from rear suspension on bumps; Two distinct sounds—one normal, one abnormal; Noise amplified when spare tire removed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visited twice; no repairs made. Vehicle returned with same mileage and snow still on roof and grille, suggesting no inspection.
Tie rod premature replacement
Front passenger side tie rod required replacement twice within 18 months of ownership, indicating accelerated wear or defective component.
When: Within 18 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rod wear requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Front passenger tie rod replaced twice.
Motor mount liquid leakage
Driver and passenger side motor mounts leak hydraulic fluid. Dealership confirms this is a common problem for this model. Leaking mounts allow engine movement causing potential torque issues.
When: 30,000 miles (driver side); 41,152 miles (passenger side)
Symptoms owners cite: Liquid leaking from motor mounts on both sides; Engine movement/torque
Repairs/costs cited: Driver side motor mount replaced at 30,000 miles; passenger side replaced at 41,152 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed this is a very common problem.
Suspension repair and lane departure system failure post-collision
Following collision repairs, vehicle failed suspension inspection with multiple parts replaced (left pension chamber link, bearing, toe suspension, rear axle, compression). Subsequently developed lane departure warning failure.
When: 42,000 miles (after collision)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerking off road involuntarily; Lane departure warning not operating
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple suspension components replaced: left pension chamber link, bearing, toe suspension, rear axle, compression. Tire alignment performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Suspension recall parts unavailable—extended delay
Multiple owners received NHTSA suspension recall notifications (campaigns 23V413000 and 24V132000) but parts for repairs remain unavailable months after recall issuance. Manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for parts distribution.
When: Recall notification issued; parts delayed beyond reasonable timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Recall parts unavailable
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; parts unavailable at dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaigns 23V413000 (Suspension) and 24V132000 (Suspension, Steering) issued; parts distribution disconnection acknowledged.
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
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 sit in the back if you remove the spare tire its even louder & more distink its been to the dealer 2times now once over…
Had suspension 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 suspension problem on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $900.
At what mileage does the suspension typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, suspension issues most often appear around 42,000 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 $900 for suspension 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 suspension?
No active recalls currently cover suspension 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.