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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
79
Latest Sep 21, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

27
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L experienced a complete failure of the passenger-side headlamp assembly at approximately 70k miles. The entire passenger-side headlamp became inoperative,not just one individual light. I received no headlamp out or exterior lighting warning on the instrument panel. At exactly the same time that the headlamp failed, the vehicle's odometer began flashing. Diagnostic scanning identified fault codes B22204-87 and U1222-00. Disconnecting the battery did not restore the headlamp or correct the flashing odometer. I am concerned because NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-950 (FCA Campaign Y72) involved certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles and a Smart Lighting Module software condition that could cause one or both headlamps to become inoperative. I do not know whether this recall condition cause my vehicle's failure, but my symptoms appear similar to the condition described in that recall. I took my vehicle into the local jeep dealership for recall work and included the inoperable headlamp, they told me there was no recall and said I needed to replace the entire headlamp for $1800 or $185 for a system scan. I was not advised of any diagnostic trouble codes, Smart Lighting Module communication, or smart lighting module software status had been evaluated before the headlamp replacement was recommended. I was not informed of a possible software or module-related cause for the failure. Because NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-950 (FCA Campaign Y72) addresses headlamp failure associated with Smart Lighting Module software on certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles, I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a similar condition.

NHTSA ID 11764770 · filed Sep 16, 2026

A vehicle was purchased at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Bentonville, AR. The sales department had a third party install a non-oem windshield. Dealer attempted repairs, but the records show discrepancies of statements and record. The dealer ignored the instructions to recalibrate the windshield, though the receipt stated “elevated risk of collision” if not calibrated. The owner had on going issues that service should have connected to the windshield and calibration. The windshield of this vehicle has immense safety features that were ignored. The liability to willfully hand over the keys of a known unsafe vehicle is high. The dealership sent a repair request to warranty, only to be denied for “faulty or negligent install” then the service department said “long story short sales will cover the repair” after requesting formal warranty communications did the owner become aware on 7/30/26 and start the process of correction.

NHTSA ID 11757008 · filed Aug 14, 2026
All 27 reports naming electrical →

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

22
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

A vehicle was purchased at McLarty Daniel Chrysler Bentonville, AR. The sales department had a third party install a non-oem windshield. Dealer attempted repairs, but the records show discrepancies of statements and record. The dealer ignored the instructions to recalibrate the windshield, though the receipt stated “elevated risk of collision” if not calibrated. The owner had on going issues that service should have connected to the windshield and calibration. The windshield of this vehicle has immense safety features that were ignored. The liability to willfully hand over the keys of a known unsafe vehicle is high. The dealership sent a repair request to warranty, only to be denied for “faulty or negligent install” then the service department said “long story short sales will cover the repair” after requesting formal warranty communications did the owner become aware on 7/30/26 and start the process of correction.

NHTSA ID 11757008 · filed Aug 14, 2026

This is the second time I got into an accident and the (ADAS) made me crash.. I was far enough to brake safely but the system keeps me going forward..it drags me as if there is ice on the ground..if it was off my car would not have been in any of these accidents..this feature is not safe..I feel like my life is in danger when it is on

NHTSA ID 11743798 · filed Jun 12, 2026
All 22 reports naming driver assistance →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The steering started to feel intermittently difficult and then would release. It has been looked at by 2 mechanics and they report that it appears to be a structural failure of the front strut. The strut tower has separated from the body, the adhesive has failed, the rivets have broken loose, and the movement is causing the strut tower to contact the steering shaft resulting in intermittent binding of the steering. All involved believe this is a serious safety defect and a manufacturing issue. Because the car is out of warranty Jeep is denying any reasonability. There have been no accidents with this vehicle and no inciting event.

NHTSA ID 11759807 · filed Aug 26, 2026

Power steering failed. It is currently at the dealership having the rack and pinion replaced.

NHTSA ID 11751062 · filed Jul 17, 2026
All 16 reports naming steering →

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

12
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

On April 24,2026 , as pull out my driveway heading to work only to get a 1/4 mile from home car stopped in highway. As I power and restarted tried to select a different gear never went in gear. Towed by to dealership as confirmed transmission was stuck with inly 67000. They replaced with new transmission & drive shaft, costing over $7,000. Warranty company paid part of rent car but still out of $300

NHTSA ID 11737978 · filed May 14, 2026

I brought my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L to the dealership for its scheduled ~40,000 mile service. During that visit, I specifically reported that something felt off with the transmission/drivetrain. The dealership inspected the vehicle and stated that no issues were found. Approximately one week later, the vehicle experienced a sudden and severe drivetrain failure. While driving approximately 45 mph on a surface street and accelerating to cruising speed, the vehicle began shaking violently. There were loud mechanical noises from underneath the vehicle consistent with components coming apart. At the same time, the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate. Pressing the accelerator produced no forward movement. Due to the loss of power, I was forced to coast out of active traffic and onto a side street where I was able to safely stop. The condition was sustained and the vehicle was not drivable after the incident. When attempting to assist the tow truck driver, I shifted the vehicle to drive and pressed the accelerator. The engine revved but the vehicle did not move. When shifting back to park, the vehicle displayed an error message: “Cannot shift to Park, vehicle moving too quickly,” despite being stationary. This failure created a safety hazard due to loss of acceleration and unpredictable vehicle behavior. This is particularly concerning because a drivetrain issue was reported during a service visit shortly before the failure and was not identified. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the failure. The issue occurred suddenly and without advance indication. The vehicle had recently been serviced and cleared by the dealership despite a reported drivetrain concern. A failure of this nature at speed could significantly increase the risk of a crash, depending on traffic conditions.

NHTSA ID 11735755 · filed May 5, 2026
All 12 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My AC compressor and condenser have stopped working without any reason. The air conditioner does not work at all, it does not make the air cold and the heat in [XXX] is lethal. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11737943 · filed May 14, 2026

I was driving my vehicle home after a nearby out of town errand. I was on US-95 between Potlatch ID and Moscow ID which is a very hilly, curvy 2-lane 60mph highway with little to no cell service. As I ascended my first big hill, my engine light came on flashing and the ride became noticeably bumpy. I could not call anyone for many miles yet, so I put on my safety hazards and continued driving, hoping to make it to town. With each hill my car became more unstable and seemed to be struggling to accelerate. Once I had cell service just outside of Moscow I called my husband to tell him what was happening, where I was at and proceeded to head to an auto repair shop. Once I drove into Moscow, my car was incredibly shaky and noisy and the engine seemed to struggle to stay engaged at stop lights. I brought it to Hive auto repair and they told me that my engine was misfiring, but that they would run a level 1 diagnostic that day. When they called with the results, they confirmed the following information: Scanned for DTCs and found P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected. On this 3.6L engine, Cylinder 1 is located beneath the intake manifold, requiring intake removal for further access and testing.-- I continued to level 2 inspection and removal of the manifold which showed significant problems within the engine at Cylinder Head 1. There was oil intrusion and low compression, consistent with warping of the head. They said that this was a known issue with this engine on Stellantis vehicles because of an EGR valve on cylinder 1 2018/2022. Even though I had my Jeep regularly serviced at McGee Jeep in Barre VT, they never tested for this because it wasn't recommended or in the scheduled maintenance. But when I spoke with them they confirmed this is a known issue. I understand it is a severe, dangerous and expensive repair, but usually occurs after the warranty expires. I now have an unsafe, undriveable vehicle with a $14k repair pending.

NHTSA ID 11720408 · filed Feb 25, 2026
All 8 reports naming engine →

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

7
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V562000 (Suspension); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

NHTSA ID 11765883 · filed Sep 21, 2026

The steering started to feel intermittently difficult and then would release. It has been looked at by 2 mechanics and they report that it appears to be a structural failure of the front strut. The strut tower has separated from the body, the adhesive has failed, the rivets have broken loose, and the movement is causing the strut tower to contact the steering shaft resulting in intermittent binding of the steering. All involved believe this is a serious safety defect and a manufacturing issue. Because the car is out of warranty Jeep is denying any reasonability. There have been no accidents with this vehicle and no inciting event.

NHTSA ID 11759807 · filed Aug 26, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front passenger's seat lumbar system independently inflated and failed to deflate as intended. The contact stated that the excessive inflation caused the seat back pocket to fracture. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure was a safety hazard because of the air bags. The dealer was made aware of the failure, and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure with similar vehicles. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA ID 11745614 · filed Jun 22, 2026

Passenger seat will always become inflated and will not deflate at times. The vehicle is shut down and seat is properly deflated, overnight it will return to inflated. This seems very unsafe for any passenger.

NHTSA ID 11737557 · filed May 13, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This is the second time I got into an accident and the (ADAS) made me crash.. I was far enough to brake safely but the system keeps me going forward..it drags me as if there is ice on the ground..if it was off my car would not have been in any of these accidents..this feature is not safe..I feel like my life is in danger when it is on

NHTSA ID 11743798 · filed Jun 12, 2026

Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Issue Type: Electrical System / Loss of Power / Braking System While operating my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L on Interstate 40 at approximately 70 miles per hour, with two minor children in the vehicle, the vehicle suddenly and without any prior warning began to rapidly decelerate, despite continued pressure on the accelerator pedal. At the time the deceleration began, there were no warning lights, alerts, or indications of any malfunction. The vehicle exhibited a significant loss of power, and it felt as though it was being mechanically restricted or “dragging,” severely limiting its ability to maintain highway speed. Only after the vehicle had already begun to decelerate did a brake system warning indicator appear on the dashboard. This sequence of events indicates that the warning system did not provide advance notice of the failure. This sudden and uncommanded deceleration created an immediate and serious safety hazard, particularly given the vehicle’s speed and surrounding interstate traffic. The inability of the vehicle to respond appropriately to acceleration input placed occupants at risk of a rear-end collision or other serious traffic incident. Although the warning indicator later turned off, the vehicle continued to operate abnormally, with ongoing reduced acceleration and diminished responsiveness. This incident occurred without prior warning, and the delayed activation of the brake warning indicator raises serious concerns regarding a potential defect involving the vehicle’s electrical, braking, and/or powertrain control systems, including possible failure of system monitoring or alert mechanisms. Given the circumstances including highway speed, sudden loss of propulsion, delayed warning notification, and the presence of child passengers. I respectfully request that this issue be formally investigated as a safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID 11728679 · filed Apr 1, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, all the air bags inside the vehicle except the steering wheel air bag, inadvertently deployed, without the vehicle being involved in a crash. After the air bags deployment, the seat belts were no longer operating normally. There was no air bags warning light illuminated before the failure. The contact sustained neck and back injuries, and medical attention was needed. There was no Police report filed. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

NHTSA ID 11756984 · filed Aug 14, 2026

I am reporting a failure of the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) in my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland. The failure is manifesting as an error message saying "service transmission" and the code that it is throwing says that the paddle shifters are overheating. This component is identical to the modules currently under Safety Recall 36B (NHTSA 24V-199) and Equipment Recall 15B (NHTSA 24E-025). The manufacturer has admitted that these modules possess an internal weld defect that prevents the driver’s side airbag from deploying in the event of a crash. Despite the clear safety risk and the fact that this model year/body style (WL) is the primary population for this defect, the manufacturer (Stellantis/Jeep) refuses to cover the repair, stating my specific VIN is not "flagged" in their internal database. I am concerned that the scope of the existing recalls is too narrow and that my vehicle is currently being operated with a non-functional or unreliable driver's airbag system due to this known hardware defect. I am requesting an investigation into why 2021 Grand Cherokee L models with these exact symptoms are being excluded from the safety remedy.

NHTSA ID 11723299 · filed Mar 10, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L experienced a complete failure of the passenger-side headlamp assembly at approximately 70k miles. The entire passenger-side headlamp became inoperative,not just one individual light. I received no headlamp out or exterior lighting warning on the instrument panel. At exactly the same time that the headlamp failed, the vehicle's odometer began flashing. Diagnostic scanning identified fault codes B22204-87 and U1222-00. Disconnecting the battery did not restore the headlamp or correct the flashing odometer. I am concerned because NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-950 (FCA Campaign Y72) involved certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles and a Smart Lighting Module software condition that could cause one or both headlamps to become inoperative. I do not know whether this recall condition cause my vehicle's failure, but my symptoms appear similar to the condition described in that recall. I took my vehicle into the local jeep dealership for recall work and included the inoperable headlamp, they told me there was no recall and said I needed to replace the entire headlamp for $1800 or $185 for a system scan. I was not advised of any diagnostic trouble codes, Smart Lighting Module communication, or smart lighting module software status had been evaluated before the headlamp replacement was recommended. I was not informed of a possible software or module-related cause for the failure. Because NHTSA Safety Recall 21V-950 (FCA Campaign Y72) addresses headlamp failure associated with Smart Lighting Module software on certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles, I am concerned that my vehicle may be experiencing a similar condition.

NHTSA ID 11764770 · filed Sep 16, 2026

I have had recalls on my vehicle since I purchased it and have taken it back to dealer and they state they are unable to fix them. I still have no brights still have a check engine light for the code on transfer case clutch and there is one that my tire could fall off. I drive 60 miles a day and have 3 small children this is very unsafe and they refuse to do anything about it

NHTSA ID 11684626 · filed Sep 2, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that while attempting to latch the front driver’s side seat belt, the seat belt buckle pretensioner failed to remain latched. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed as needing a seat clasp replacement; however, parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA ID 11710583 · filed Jan 13, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt buckle was sticking. The contact was unable to lock the seat belt into the buckle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the seat belt and the buckle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V180000 (Child Seat, Seats); however, the VIN was not included, and the recall involved a different seat inside the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID 11665024 · filed Jun 5, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

[XXX] approx.[XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on [XXX] the Jeep without any warning sputtered and stopped in the middle of traffic. I could not get the car to keep running, and finally wouldn't start at all. I called the Sarasota Sheriff's Dept who came to the scene and found the situation to be dangerous to my vehicle and others using [XXX] they towed the vehicle to Sarasota Jeep on South 41. Received a call from Jeep on July 14, 2025 they advised me it was the Fuel pump integrated Power module which led to the stalling and eventually preventing the Jeep from starting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID 11673713 · filed Jul 15, 2025

My Jeep over the last year has automatically put itself into park while I’m driving down the highway! I’ve had near miss accidents due to this. No warning lights, no signs something is wrong. It just either slams itself into park and locks up, then won’t turn off. The last times without warning my engine shuts off, my screen pops up saying put into park to start engine and the vehicle puts itself into park automatically. It’s happens fast to! I was swerved by other drivers each time. Jeep will do NOTHING about this! My power steering goes out randomly also. This has happened more than once since the end of 2023! I’m now scared to drive it.

NHTSA ID 11667880 · filed Jun 19, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I am reporting that the vehicle is having a constant knocking sound and weird rocking driving problem when in motion leading to pulling to one side and uneven balancing even with perfect alignment and no alignment issues. Vehicle has been serviced at the dealership without any remedy to the problem and was informed that other vehicles for the same model type Jeep 2021 Grand Cherokee L. Control Arms and other components were replaced and the problem was not resolved

NHTSA ID 11750457 · filed Jul 14, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

High Beam Headlights not working on Auto mode. Was inches away from Hitting a deer due to the high beam headlights not working. This would have been a very serious accident and I had my toddler in the car with me..... Same vehicle models have a recall for this, Recall is --- NHTSA Recall 21V-797, also known as Recall Y66, involves Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) vehicles due to a potential issue with difficulty activating high beams. The recall was issued because the high beam activation mechanism may not function as required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108 S9, potentially reducing visibility for drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notified owners about this recall on October 28, 2021... Part Number - 68374988AA... Vehicle is 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Laredo 4x4 3.6L V6..... Dealership service will not service this since there isn't a recall shown for my Jeep vin specifically. Even though there are identical models that have this recall. Jeep Dealership wants over $900 just to check and maybe service this issue..... This is a very serious issue. I have already scheduled an appointment on 7/18/2025 to have 3 other recalls fixed at this dealership and would like to ask for you to please have them service this issue as well since this is an oversight on the manufacturers end..... This high beam issue was caused by an oversight during vehicle programming, affecting "Body Controller Modules" with part number 68374988AA

NHTSA ID 11672589 · filed Jul 10, 2025

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .