Research · Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls and 410 owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve electrical system (115) and steering (102). The EPA rates it 17–21 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–21mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4–5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
12campaigns
Latest Jun 2024
Owner complaints
410
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,050est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

12 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Back over prevention: camera

Over-the-air fixFree remedy

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. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Jun 13, 2024NHTSA 24V436000

Suspension: upper ball joint

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.

SuspensionReported Feb 22, 2024NHTSA 24V132000

Back over prevention: display function

Free remedy

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. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Aug 14, 2023NHTSA 23V577000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

410 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system115
  2. Steering102
  3. Engine61
  4. Power train59
  5. Exterior lighting42
  6. Fuel/propulsion system40
  7. Suspension30
  8. Service brakes29
  9. Lane departure29

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
19961,342
19971,380
19981,429
19992,004
20001,829
20011,111
20021,476
2003761
20041,295
20052,052
20061,297
20071,109
2008734
2009138
2010118
20111,640
20121,644
2013805
20142,388
20151,369
2016312
2017364
2018855
2019370
2020241
2021410
2022377
2023408
2024254
202580
202632
Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
8
Injuries reported
13
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

115 reports1 crash4 fires
“Vehicle: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland, 3.6L V6 Incident Date: [XXX] Location: [XXX] Safety Complaint: On [XXX], while driving my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland on [XXX], the vehicle suddenly lost accelerator response while traveling on the highway. The engine initially remained running, but pressing the accelerator pedal produced no response. Multiple warning indicators illuminated simultaneously, including the electronic throttle control, ABS, traction control, airbag, and four-wheel-drive systems. The vehicle also exhibited unusual electrical behavior, including unexpected activation of the high-beam headlights. The vehicle subsequently became completely inoperable and would no longer crank or start. The sudden loss of propulsion while traveling in highway traffic created a serious safety hazard and placed me at risk of a collision. This incident follows an extensive history of significant mechanical failures and repairs to this vehicle, including: Replacement of the cylinder head following repeated overheating and engine misfires. Complete transmission replacement following transmission-related failures. Replacement of the radiator and cooling fan…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 12, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11770597

Steering

102 reports6 crashes
“Steering is erratic while driving. Car is shifting left and right by itself while driving down the road feeling like the tires want to go different directions from one another. Steering wheel makes noticeable movement on its own left and right while going down a straight smooth road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 25, 2026SteeringODI 11720346

Engine

61 reports2 crashes1 fire
“Oil Filter Housing/Oil Cooler Failure Causing Oil and Coolant Contamination, Serpentine Belt Failure, and Engine Overheating My 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo E, equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, has developed a significant oil leak originating from the oil filter housing/oil cooler assembly. A mechanic has identified this assembly as the source of the oil leak and confirmed that its failure is allowing engine oil to mix with the coolant. In addition to internal oil and coolant contamination, engine oil is leaking externally onto surrounding engine components, potentially including the serpentine belt and pulley system. The vehicle recently experienced a complete serpentine belt failure while driving, resulting in engine overheating and requiring me to pull over immediately to prevent additional engine damage. I am concerned that oil leaking from the housing assembly may have contributed to the premature deterioration and failure of the serpentine belt. The oil contamination of the cooling system presents additional safety concerns, including reduced cooling efficiency, damage to cooling system components, and the possibility of severe engine damage…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026EngineODI 11773595
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl · 5.7L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Midgrade Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192621$3,050414
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · All-Wheel Drive
182521$3,050427
Grand Cherokee 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive
142217$4,350533
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
20.4%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 15501Vehicle 15472
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 Grand Cherokee questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?

12 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?

Owners filed 410 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (115), steering (102), engine (61). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 17–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026