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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Gas
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-10-26
F
Safety Signal
40 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
Counts recalls, not crash safety — this vehicle earned 4–5 of 5 stars from NHTSA. A much-recalled best-seller scores low here; see the methodology.
Recalls2 critical 16
Complaints24 crash · 9 fire · 15 injured reported 501
Crash ratingNHTSA overall 5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA 21 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is sold in the U.S. as a gas large SUV with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Grand Cherokee 2WD, is EPA-rated at 21 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for this model year, 2 rated critical, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 501 complaints, most often about the electrical system. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Jeep Grand Cherokee — photograph via Wikimedia Commons
Jeep Grand Cherokee · Photo: Elishur19 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Grand Cherokee 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl192621$3,200
Grand Cherokee 4WDGasAWD3.6L 6-cyl182521$3,200
Grand Cherokee L 2WDGasRWD3.6L 6-cyl192621$3,200
Grand Cherokee L 4WDGasAWD3.6L 6-cyl182521$3,200
Grand Cherokee 4WDGasAWD5.7L 8-cyl142217$4,450
Grand Cherokee L 4WDGasAWD5.7L 8-cyl142217$4,450
Grand Cherokee SRT 4WDGasAWD6.4L 8-cyl131915$5,500
Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WDGasAWD6.2L 8-cyl111713$6,300

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 43165, 43167, 43761, 43762, 43168, 43968, 43400, 43661.

Emissions & certification

Source: EPA emission certificates
ConfigurationSmog ratingEmission standardWhere it can be sold newSmartWay
Grand Cherokee 2WD, Grand Cherokee 4WD, Grand Cherokee L 2WD, Grand Cherokee L 4WD7 / 10California LEV-III SULEV30 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 30All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Grand Cherokee 4WD3 / 10California LEV-III ULEV125 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 125All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Grand Cherokee L 4WD5 / 10California LEV-III ULEV70 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 70All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—
Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WD1 / 10California LEV-III LEV160 / Federal Tier 3 Bin 160All 50 states (federal, all altitudes); California and states following California standards—

Certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S.

The smog rating scores tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, 1 (worst) to 10 (best), and is comparable only within a model year. The standard is the federal bin or California tier the configuration was certified to. Both come from the EPA certificate behind the window sticker.

Specifications filed with NHTSA

Source: NHTSA vPIC

Dimensions Exterior

Body styleSport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors4
GVWR classClass 2E: 6,001 - 7,000 lb (2,722 - 3,175 kg)

Engine Basics

Cylinders6
Displacement3.6 L
Engine configurationV-Shaped

Engine Output

Horsepower295 hp

Fuel Economy

FuelGasoline

Seating

Seat rows3
Seating capacity6 seats

Transmission

Drivetrain4x2
TransmissionAutomatic
Transmission speeds8

Driver assistance

Standard: Adaptive cruise control, Anti-lock brakes, Backup camera, Blind-spot monitoring, Electronic stability control, Lane departure warning, Lane keeping assist, Parking assist

Optional: Automatic emergency braking, Forward collision warning

Filed by the manufacturer with NHTSA under the federal vehicle-identification rule and decoded from the VIN pattern — not a manufacturer press kit, so it describes the configurations we could identify rather than every trim (seen: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit). Figures for the trim you are looking at may differ.

Dimensions & weight

Source: Transport Canada
Length189.8–204.7 in
Width (body, without mirrors)76.4–77.6 in
Height69.3–71.3 in
Wheelbase115.0–121.7 in
Track, front63.8–65.4 in
Track, rear64.2–65.4 in
Curb weight4,619–5,331 lb
Weight distribution, front/rear50/50 to 53/47

Measured by Transport Canada for its Canadian Vehicle Specifications database, which covers the North American versions of each model — here 7 configurations: 4-door SUV Laredo 4X4, 4-door SUV Limited 4X4, 4-door SUV Overland/Summit 4X4, L 4-door SUV AWD V6, L 4-door SUV AWD V8, L 4-door SUV RWD …. Where a range is shown, those versions differ. Width is the body without mirrors, which is why it can read narrower than a brochure figure. Before we used it we checked it against the US manufacturer press kits we hold (27 Sep 2026): wheelbase agreed within 1% on every vehicle we could compare, length on 98%, and the curb weight fell inside the manufacturer's range on 96%. Source dataset. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Licence.

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Factory warranty running out?

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is in the years where transmission, electronics and drivetrain repairs land on the owner. What an extended plan does and does not cover is worth reading before a dealer quotes you one.

What to check before you buy →

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Recalls (16)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Suspension

89D
328,381 vehicles
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving. Risk Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the rear coil spring lower isolators, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 29, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026. This recall replaces NHTS
NHTSA campaign 26V562000 reported Sep 1, 2026 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

20D
80,620 vehicles 32% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving. Risk Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 12, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 20D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Janua
NHTSA campaign 26V051000 reported Jan 29, 2026 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Back Over Prevention

11C
133 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The center stack upper display (DCSD) contains a transistor that may overheat and prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." Risk A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers replaced the DCSD, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 11C.
NHTSA campaign 25V083000 reported Feb 13, 2025 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

B3B
14 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection." Risk An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. Fix Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B3B.
NHTSA campaign 24V897000 reported Nov 27, 2024 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Back Over Prevention

66B, 79B
1,033,433 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
NHTSA campaign 24V436000 reported Jun 13, 2024 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

10B
338,238 vehicles 87% reported repaired
Problem 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. Risk A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 2, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 10B.
NHTSA campaign 24V132000 reported Feb 22, 2024 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Back Over Prevention

56A
162,713 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem 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." Risk A rearview image that does not display while in reverse decreases the driver's visibility of the rear view, increasing the risk of injury or crash. Fix Dealers will update the Central Vision Park Assist Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 56A.
NHTSA campaign 23V577000 reported Aug 14, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Suspension

64A
305,282 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving. Risk Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and if necessary, repair the rear coil spring assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 64A. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall 26V051. All vehicles will need to have the new recall remedy performed.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 23V413000 reported Jun 8, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
!critical

Steering

58A
89,372 vehicles 96% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control. Risk A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.
NHTSA campaign 23V352000 reported May 18, 2023 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

Z50
99,186 vehicles 91% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The tail light side marker assemblies may be damaged and not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will inspect and replace both body-mounted tail light assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z50.
NHTSA campaign 22V544000 reported Jul 28, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Engine And Engine Cooling

Z31
1,308 vehicles 90% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power. Risk An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.
NHTSA campaign 22V284000 reported Apr 28, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Child Seat

Z24
4,586 vehicles 95% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems." Risk A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Fix Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z24.
NHTSA campaign 22V180000 reported Mar 24, 2022 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Exterior Lighting

Y72
36,929 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with smart lighting modules (SLM). An incomplete SLM software update may cause one or both headlights to become inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will reprogram the SLM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y72.
Filed with NHTSAOwner letter PDF
NHTSA campaign 21V950000 reported Dec 9, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
▲high

Air Bags

Y79
99,255 vehicles 98% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have incorrect software which can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning. Risk Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash. Fix Dealers will reprogram the ORC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y79.
NHTSA campaign 21V873000 reported Nov 10, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
○minor

Exterior Lighting

Y66
7,082 vehicles 97% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams. When the master lighting switch is set to the auto position, the high beam headlights will not activate unless the master lighting switch is first changed to the 'on" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." Risk Difficulty activating the headlight high beams may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix Dealers will reprogram the vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y66.
NHTSA campaign 21V797000 reported Oct 14, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →
●moderate

Visibility

Y67
69,138 vehicles 100% reported repaired
Problem Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A radio software error 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." Risk A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash. Fix FCA US LLC will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y67.
NHTSA campaign 21V729000 reported Sep 21, 2021 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) the full filing, and every vehicle covered →

These are vehicle campaigns — the ones the automaker filed against this model. NHTSA also records equipment recalls, filed by a parts maker against a component (a tyre, a child seat, an aftermarket part), and those are not listed here or counted above. nhtsa.gov/recalls shows both for a VIN.

NHTSA defect investigations

Suspension:Rear:Springs:Coil Springs — Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures open

On June 8, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US, LLC (FCA) filed Safety Recall 23V-413 affecting certain 2022–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and2021–2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles to address rear coil springs that may not have been properly installed during vehicle production. An improperly installed rear coil spring may detach while the vehicle is in motion, creating a road hazard that can increase the risk of a crash for following motorists and may result in injury to other road users. Since the filing of Recall 23V-413, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received twenty (20) unique consumer complaints alleging rear coil spring detachments occurring after the recal

Opened Dec 11, 2025 · action RQ25005 · the investigation’s page →

Whether any of this applies to one specific Grand Cherokee

A campaign covers a build range, not a model year, so two identical-looking cars from 2021 can differ. Both of these check a VIN against the manufacturer’s own list, free, in about ten seconds. Jeep publishes its own lookup because federal rule 49 CFR 573.15 requires it to, and to keep it current to within seven days.

Hear about a recall before the letter does

The manufacturer’s letter is the last step of a recall: it has up to 60 days after filing to mail owners, at the address on the registration. We email you the day NHTSA posts a recall on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with what to do next. Nothing else, ever — no newsletter, no marketing, one-click unsubscribe in every message.

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Parts & accessories for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
501complaints filed

24 involved a crash · 9 a fire · 15 injuries · 0 deaths reported

16 per 10,000 built · Jeep reported 322,257 Grand Cherokee built (its Early Warning production report to NHTSA)

Filed per year: 2020: 3 · 2021: 50 · 2022: 106 · 2023: 78 · 2024: 81 · 2025: 100 · 2026: 83

In owners' own words

Filed with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, one per problem area. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. I was idling at a light, which means the engine had auto-shut off. The light turned green and I stepped on the accelerator. Car kicked back on like normal and I got back up to speed ~45 mph.
Engine Jun 23, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11668585
My vehicle was experiencing the exact same HVAC/AC issues described in Customer Satisfaction Notification Z33 for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Although the campaign specifically lists my make, model, and year, Stellantis claims my VIN is not covered.
Electrical System Jun 20, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11668070
May 16,2025 my power steering light came on. I checked the fluid, and when I turned it back on it was gone. The next day, I started driving all my safety lights in dash & mirrors came on. When I pulled into my kids school it made a strange noise. I then drove right across the street to Lees tires.
Steering May 16, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11661515
ABS , Traction Control, Power brake booster, AEB inoperative after routine brake pads/rotor service. Vehicle was put into service mode via touch screen radio, rear brake service performed. Upon initial brake pedal application, required to exit service mode for rear brakes, to return caliper piston contact to brake pad.
Service Brakes Mar 19, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11649365
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System Jun 19, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11667880
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.
Seat Belts at 70,000 miles Jun 5, 2025 NHTSA owner report · ODI 11665024

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Reported by Jeep itself: 109 death-or-injury claims on this model year in its quarterly Early Warning reports to NHTSA (49 CFR 579.21): 144 injured, as claimed, not verified — about 34 per 100,000 built. Every Grand Cherokee model year, by year and system → Dated and by system, they are exhibit F of the defect dossier.

When owners reported it

Reported at 25k

miles, typically

Half the 76 owner reports with an odometer reading on file fall between 7,000 and 57,000 miles. That is when problems get reported, which is not the same as when they start — and not a failure rate, because nobody knows how many of these cars never had a problem at all.

under 10k 21
10k–20k 14
20k–30k 7
30k–40k 7
40k–50k 5
50k–60k 5
60k–70k 3
70k–80k 6
80k–90k 3
90k–100k 1
100k–150k 3
150k + 1

Median mileage by component

ComponentReportsMedian milesVs same age
Steering1925,0001.0×
Power Train1534,0000.69×
Electrical System132,6230.09×

Vs same age is this model year’s median for the system divided by the median of every 2021-model-year complaint about the same system, all makes: under 1× means owners of this car reported it at lower mileage. Here, owners reported earlier than same-age vehicles: electrical system (0.09×). Which systems go early across the whole fleet: the component study.

Across 2018–2022 model years the Jeep Grand Cherokee ranks 43 of 79 nameplates in the odometer-at-first-complaint study: owners reported problems at 1.16× the mileage of vehicles the same age (median 26,000 miles against a fleet 23,512).

Odometer readings as filed by owners with NHTSA. Readings under 100 or over 400,000 miles are dropped as data entry rather than history, and a component needs at least 12 readings before a median is shown for it.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV 2WD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★☆☆20%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Driver-assist crash reports (1)

Source: NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01
1report filed

1 severity unknown

Nov 2021 to Nov 2021 · 0 with an air bag deployment · 1 towed

What was engaged, and what was hit

System named: not named in the filings

Crash partner: Pickup Truck 1

Filed by: APTIV

IncidentSystemStruckInjury allegedStateSpeedReport
Nov 2021Level 2Pickup TruckunknownIL—10561-1595

A report under the General Order is a notice the manufacturer or operator must file within days of hearing of a crash in which a Level 2 driver-assist or automated-driving system was engaged within 30 seconds of impact. It is filed before anything is verified, and entities with telematics hear of far more crashes than entities that rely on complaints, so counts say as much about the reporting as about the car and are not comparable across makes. Nothing is normalised by fleet size. Every report on file, by make and year → · NHTSA’s page and files

Service bulletins & campaigns

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications
Extended coverage on file 5 filings by the manufacturer with NHTSA naming this model year

The term and the vehicles it covers are the manufacturer’s, as NHTSA’s summary of each filing states them; a dealer checks one particular car by its VIN. Every Stellantis warranty extension (117) → · Every warranty extension on file, all makes →

Communicationsfiled with NHTSA 1,713
Most recentmanufacturer date 2026-10-14
Kindsas classified by NHTSA 1684 service bulletins, 16 warranty extensions, 13 others

Most often about: Electrical System, Structure, Equipment, Engine, Power Train.

  • 115210 Service bulletin
    2026-10-14 · Structure — Body
  • HEADLAMP
  • 115211 Service bulletin
    2026-10-14 · Structure — Body
  • HEADLAMP
  • S2621000004 Service bulletin
    2026-09-30 · Power Train
  • The Customer May Complain About a Popping Noise, Grinding Noise, or an Intermittent No Reverse or Forward Transmission Engagement. The Tech May Find Damaged and/or Worn Transmission Output Shaft Splines (850RE Transmission Only)
  • 114721 Service bulletin
    2026-09-23 · Structure — Body
  • APPLIQUE - FRONT DOOR
  • 08-221-26 REV. B Service bulletin
    2026-09-23 · Electrical System
  • R1H Radio U41.10 Software Update - Dealer Option Customers may experience one or more of the following: SYMPTOM: ● **Speakers may emit a humming, screeching, buzzing, clicking, or bass noise (not related to the amplifier).** ● FCW OFF light ON with no DTCs and can't turn off. ● Blank screen and then reboot every 2 minutes and 40 seconds. (Rearview Camera Functions Normally). ● Paddle shifters not
  • 9100897Rev1 Service bulletin
    2026-09-10 · Suspension
  • Qudra Lift Reman Compressor Excessive Repairs on Quadra Lift Reman Compressors Part Numbers: 68041137AF / R8572790AA / 68087233AA / 52124932AE / 52124934AE / 68064343AC Purpose The Star Parts Catalog has been updated to support component-level repair of the Quadra-Lift air suspension system. Replace only the component confirmed failed through diagnostics. Avoid replacing the complete assembly when
  • 9100905 Service bulletin
    2026-09-10 · Electrical System
  • Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
  • 114538 Service bulletin
    2026-09-10 · Unknown Or Other
  • EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING

A service bulletin is the manufacturer telling its dealers how to diagnose or repair a known condition. It is not a recall, not a finding that the vehicle is defective, and the work is not automatically free — though a bulletin is often what a dealer works from when you describe a symptom, so quoting the document number can save a diagnosis. The count is every communication filed; the list shows the most recent, one entry per campaign, because a single campaign is usually filed as several documents on the same day. The summaries are NHTSA's; the full documents come from the manufacturer.

Diagnostic trouble codes on file

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications and complaints

Codes documented against this model year in the federal record. A code appearing here does not mean this vehicle will set it — it means the code is part of this nameplate-year's documented history.

CodeWhat it meansMost often filed underWhere it appears
U0131
U0131 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Steering9 bulletins
P0301
P0301 on Jeep →
Cylinder 1 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →7 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0302
P0302 on Jeep →
Cylinder 2 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →7 bulletins
P0303
P0303 on Jeep →
Cylinder 3 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →7 bulletins
P0304
P0304 on Jeep →
Cylinder 4 is misfiring.Engine · Ignition coils →6 bulletins · 1 owner report
P0733
P0733 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins · 1 owner report
P032FManufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P0480
P0480 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Engine6 bulletins
P0716
P0716 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P07E4
P07E4 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P1B13Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins
P1B14
P1B14 on Jeep →
Manufacturer-defined — the meaning is set by the automaker, not the standard.Power Train6 bulletins

Generic codes (the second character is 0 or 2) mean the same thing on every vehicle sold in the United States. Manufacturer-specific codes (1 or 3) mean whatever the automaker assigned, and no honest source can define them for you — which is why the ones here carry the evidence instead of a definition. A code is a link when enough separate federal documents name it across the catalogue to be worth a page of its own; the rest are listed here, where the vehicle is the context that makes them mean something.

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At the New York inspection station

Source: New York State DMV

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%).

New York inspections 1.1%

failed emissions

19,116 initial inspections of 18,802 vehicles.

MeasureThe 2021 Grand CherokeeEvery 2021 vehicleBehind it
Failed the emissions check1.1%1.9%19,084
Failed the safety inspection1.6%1.5%19,116
Air-bag warning lamp stayed lit0.18%0.19%19,116
Miles driven a year10,60610,343odometer at inspection
Average odometer55,98154,681odometer at inspection

New York’s emissions test on these model years is an on-board diagnostics check: it fails a car whose check-engine light is on or whose self-tests have not finished. First inspections only, so a car that failed and came back is counted once; private and special plates, not taxis, livery or commercial plates. A rate appears only where at least 200 inspections stand behind it. “Every 2021 vehicle” is every 2021 model-year car, SUV and pickup inspected in the same window, all makes. This is the state’s record of test results, not a reliability score by itself. Source: New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Vehicle Inspections (data.ny.gov, Open NY terms).

Common questions about the 2021 Grand Cherokee

Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kits

Does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have any recalls?

NHTSA has posted 16 recall campaigns for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2 of them rated critical. The most serious on file is 24V132000, covering Steering. 2 of them were filed with no repair available at the time — NHTSA's file records what the manufacturer had in hand on the filing date, not what exists today. The manufacturer's own estimate for when a fix would be ready: March 2026. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls; a recall applies to specific build ranges, not every car.

How safe is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA gave the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5 stars overall in its New Car Assessment Program tests — 4-star frontal crash, 5-star side crash, 4-star rollover. WhichTrim also grades it F (40/100) on its recall record, which is a different question from crash protection.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Across the 8 EPA-rated configurations of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the best EPA combined figure is 21 mpg. Figures are the EPA's own, per configuration, and every one is listed above.

What are the dimensions of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Transport Canada measured it at 189.8–204.7 in long, 76.4–77.6 in wide (body, without mirrors), 69.3–71.3 in tall, on a 115.0–121.7 in wheelbase. Curb weight: 4,619–5,331 lb depending on configuration. Those are its measurements of the North American versions; every figure is in the table above.

What do owners complain about on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners have filed 501 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often about electrical system, steering, power train. Of those, 24 involved a crash, 9 a fire, 15 reported injuries. Complaints are unverified owner reports, so treat the pattern as a signal and the individual report as an anecdote.

How clean is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The EPA smog rating for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee runs 1 to 7 out of 10 across its configurations. That score covers tailpipe pollutants other than greenhouse gases, and it only compares vehicles within the same model year. It is certified for all fifty states, so it can be registered new anywhere in the U.S. Its configurations were certified to different standards — California LEV-III LEV160, California LEV-III SULEV30, California LEV-III ULEV125, California LEV-III ULEV70, Federal Tier 3 Bin 125, Federal Tier 3 Bin 160, Federal Tier 3 Bin 30, Federal Tier 3 Bin 70 — which the table above lists per configuration.

Are there service bulletins for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The manufacturer has filed 1713 service bulletins and related communications with NHTSA for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, most often covering electrical system, structure, equipment. The most recent is dated 2026-10-14. A bulletin is not a recall: it is the repair procedure a manufacturer sends its dealers for a condition it knows about, and the work is not automatically paid for. It is still worth knowing — if the symptom matches, quoting the bulletin number at the service desk can save a diagnosis. The document numbers and summaries are listed above.

How does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee do at state inspection?

In New York’s inspection lanes over the 12 months to Oct 10, 2026, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee failed the emissions check on 1.1% of first inspections — lower than the 1.9% for every 2021 model-year vehicle inspected; and the safety inspection on 1.6% (every 2021 vehicle: 1.5%). The figures are New York State DMV’s own inspection records, first inspections only, and the table above sets each one against every vehicle of the same model year.

What we hold, and what an empty row means

Paid vehicle-history reports will not tell you the difference between “nothing happened to this car” and “we never received that record” — both of the big two say as much in their own help pages. Most of what is on this page comes from complete federal registers, so we can tell you which is which, row by row.

DataHeldSourceWhat it covers — or what empty means
Fuel economy & configurations8 configurationsEPA certification recordsEvery configuration the EPA certified for sale, with its own test figures.
Emission certificates8 configurationsEPA emission certificatesSmog rating, standard and the sales area that decides where the car can be sold new.
Recalls16NHTSA recall campaignsA complete federal register: every campaign covering this model year, with severity and advisory flags.
Owner complaints501NHTSA complaint databaseAlso complete, but unverified: these are reports owners filed, not findings. Counts scale with how many were sold.
Crash ratings2 testedNHTSA NCAPOnly the configurations NHTSA chose to crash-test, which is never all of them.
Service bulletins1713NHTSA manufacturer communicationsEverything the manufacturer told its dealers about a defect or malfunction, short of a recall.
Investigations1NHTSA Office of Defects InvestigationOpen and closed defect investigations, with the agency's own narrative.
Driver-assist crash reports1NHTSA Standing General Order 2021-01Crashes the manufacturer or operator reported with a Level 2 or automated-driving system engaged. Notices, filed before verification; not comparable across makes.
Specifications filed with NHTSA13 fieldsNHTSA vPIC, decoded from VIN patternsWhat the manufacturer filed under the federal VIN rule — a configuration, not the full trim ladder.
Measured dimensions7 fieldsTransport Canada, Canadian Vehicle SpecificationsLength, width, height, wheelbase, track and curb weight, measured on the North American versions.
Trims, pricing & equipmentnoneManufacturer press kitWe have not transcribed a press kit for this model year yet. This is our gap, not the manufacturer's — the one row here where an empty cell means we are behind.

Rebuilt nightly; this page was generated 2026-10-26. Every figure above is traceable to the source named beside it, and the JSON for this page carries the same values with their identifiers.

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). The most serious recall counts in full and each further one counts 85% of the one before, because a vehicle sold in millions is recalled more often than a rare one without being more dangerous — and because a flat subtraction bottomed the scale out, scoring a vehicle with 22 recalls within a point of one with six. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Read it as what it counts: recall campaigns on the federal record, weighted by severity. The damping reduces the sales bias by roughly 40% but does not remove it: like our complaint counts, this is not normalized by how many were sold, so a best-seller still scores somewhat worse than an obscure model with the same real risk. NHTSA crash ratings, do-not-drive and park-outside advisories, and the crash, fire, injury and death counts in owner complaints are reported separately on every page and never blended into the letter — a vehicle can hold five stars and a poor letter at once, and where that happens we say so rather than leave you to notice. Because the scale subtracts from a clean sheet, a model year too new to have been recalled, complained about or bulletined scores full marks on an empty record; we label those grades provisional rather than present them as earned.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed nightly.

JSON for this page · API