Problems · NHTSA complaints
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L problems
Owners filed 97 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with NHTSA between Dec 2024 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (28).
Complaints
97
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system28
- Steering20
- Forward collision avoidance20
- Suspension17
- Power train16
- Engine10
- Exterior lighting6
- Seats6
- Service brakes5
- Lane departure4
- Air bags3
- Vehicle speed control3
- Seat belts2
- Fuel/propulsion system2
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
46
48
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 46 |
| 2026 | 48 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Electrical system
28 reports
“My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland has experienced repeated and escalating safety‑related failures involving the electrical system, telematics/SOS functions, powertrain components, and suspension. These failures have continued despite major warranty repairs and now pose a significant safety risk. Timeline of Defects: In August 2026 at ~52,276 miles, the vehicle required over $10,000 in repairs. Failures included: no A/C cooling, compressor and fan not engaging, evaporator leak, low refrigerant, and A/C clutch not activating. The driver seat cooling failed, the seat fan dragged, and both massage seat modules were shorted. The engine had an oil pan leak, idler and tensioner noise, and collapsed engine mounts. Immediately after these repairs, in September 2026, new electrical and safety issues began. Jeep Connectivity stopped working, purchased WiFi failed, and both the Assist and SOS emergency functions became inoperative. The vehicle displayed incorrect warnings (low oil pressure, low tire pressure) and experienced intermittent no‑start conditions requiring towing. Multiple system alerts appeared at once, suggesting BCM, gateway module, CAN‑bus, or…”
Steering
20 reports
“STELLANTIS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION # 98439287/FOLOW UP FOR NHTSA COMPLAINT # 11769254/STELLANTIS CATASTROPHIC STRUCTURAL FAILURE / RECALL REMEDY FAILURE: - The front wheel and upper control arm completely separated from the steering knuckle while driving on the road. On October 5, 2026, while driving on a public road, my 2021 Grand Cherokee Limited suffered a catastrophic structural component failure where the wheel and upper control arm completely separated from the steering knuckle, causing an immediate and hazardous loss of steering control. This exact failure matches the critical safety components covered under an active manufacturer safety recall 10B/NHTSA 24V-132. The recall was repaired at the dealership on 08 July 2024. Despite the component failure matching an open safety recall, Stellantis is stonewalling the recall remedy. Stellantis corporate customer service is improperly misclassifying this life-threatening structural failure as a standard parts warranty issue rather than a safety recall failure. Consequently, they have denied the provision of a loaner or rental vehicle, leaving me without safe transportation. Furthermore, the manufacturer is…”
Forward collision avoidance
20 reports1 crash
“I own a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L covered under a Mopar Maximum Care extended warranty. My vehicle frequently displays the following safety-related warnings: - Auto Emergency Braking (AEB) Limited Functionality – Service Required - Blind Spot Alert Unavailable – Service Required - Active Lane Management (ALM) Unavailable – Service Required These warnings occur randomly, sometimes appearing and disappearing repeatedly within seconds. Because the malfunctions are intermittent and unpredictable, they are difficult to reproduce during a scheduled inspection. I have documented multiple incidents through photographs and videos. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership, where technicians conducted an approximately 50-mile test drive but could not reproduce the warnings. Despite reviewing my documented evidence, both the service department and service manager stated that no further action could be taken unless the warnings appeared during their inspection. This response is particularly concerning because the warnings involve critical safety systems, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane management. Their intermittent…”
Suspension
17 reports1 crash2 related recalls
“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 contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ride was abnormally bumpy, and the front passenger's side wheel felt out of round, and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, there was an unknown warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V051000 (Suspension); however, the part failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure became progressively worse. Two dealers were contacted about a loaner vehicle due to safety concerns; however, one dealer denied assistance, and the second dealer advised that a callback would be provided.”
Power train
16 reports
“The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. The contact stated that three times while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The message “Service Transmission” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 53,331.”
Engine
10 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?- Left and Right 3.6L Engine Mount. Vehicle purchase 7/23/2021. Yes available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?-The failed engine mounts are a safety concern because the mounts premature wear causes the engine to move which can damage other vital components of the vehicle. The excessive engine movement can cause damage to steering, drive train, fuel cooling, and electrical components, which could lead to loss of vehicle control, or a breakdown. If the mount fails completely, the engine can shift enough to affect shifting, steering, or throttle operation increasing the risk of a crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealer has inspected it each time that I sent it for a oil change, but diagnostic was not completed until April 2026. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?-The…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.