FaultScore

FaultScore report

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L problems

Owners have filed 127 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L with NHTSA between 2024 and 2026. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 6 worst.

C

FaultScore 49/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

How this is worked out

The numbers

127

Complaints

4

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries reported

65,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

17%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 70 vs 50 Severity 28 vs 50 Early failure 28 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 70
Against the median year of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 28
5.5% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2021 compares with every other Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 18,000 mi

Steering 15 11.8%

Median failure at 59,650 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires

Median failure at 84,350 miles

Engine & Cooling 8 6.3%
Seats 6 4.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 57,000 mi

Suspension 5 3.9%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

Brakes 4 3.1%

1 crashes, 0 fires

Acceleration & Cruise Control 3 2.4%
Airbags 3 2.4%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 84,000 mi

Seat Belts 2 1.6%

Median failure at 65,500 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 2 1.6%
Lights 2 1.6%
Wheels 1 0.8%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 0.8%

Exactly what failed

NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.

Warnings 12 54.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking 6 27.3%
Warning 1 4.5%
Assist 1 4.5%
Adaptive Cruise Control 1 4.5%
Blind Spot Detection 1 4.5%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 16.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 2 16.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 25.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 5 41.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Dec 2024 peak 13 Aug 2026

NHTSA investigations into the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.

1 investigation is still open.

RQ25005 Opened 11 Dec 2025 Still open SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures

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 tw...

Recalls on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

26V051000

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

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.

25V083000

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:VIDEO (TOUCH)SCREEN/MONITOR/UNIT

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.

24V897000

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

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.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

at 84,000 miles Portland, OR 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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 complaint #11756984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Covington, GA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11743798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Covington, GA Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11743798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Nutley, NJ Crash

SEATS

Drivers seat self inflate causing the seat belt to tighten mid drive . Causes severe back pain.

NHTSA complaint #11686950 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Eynon, PA Crash 1 injured

AIR BAGS

The airbags did not deploy

NHTSA complaint #11679870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Leesburg, FL Fire

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Jeep caught on fire in my garage in the middle of the night when it was off, burnt my entire house down, 4 fire investigaters and a forensic scientist, swaid the fire started in the battery compartment.

NHTSA complaint #11639887 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Saginaw, MI

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The hood will pop open while driving. There is a safety catch so it won't open all the way but it urges you to get off the road. This has happened 3 times to me already. The last time was 8/4/26.

NHTSA complaint #11758133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,000 miles Portland, OR 1 injured

AIR BAGS

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 complaint #11756984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rogers, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11757008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rogers, AR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11757008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rogers, AR

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

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 complaint #11757008 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rockport, TX

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11751062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

WHEELS

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 complaint #11750457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

STEERING

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 complaint #11750457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Brooklyn, NY

SUSPENSION

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 complaint #11750457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mamaroneck, NY

STEERING

While my wife was driving our 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on [XXX] northbound in NY on the way with our children to school, she experienced a loss of steering as the wheel became almost impossible to turn. At the same time, the power steering light came on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mamaroneck, NY

SUSPENSION

While my wife was driving our 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on [XXX] northbound in NY on the way with our children to school, she experienced a loss of steering as the wheel became almost impossible to turn. At the same time, the power steering light came on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mamaroneck, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While my wife was driving our 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee on [XXX] northbound in NY on the way with our children to school, she experienced a loss of steering as the wheel became almost impossible to turn. At the same time, the power steering light came on. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11746605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 57,000 miles Port Saint Lucie, FL

SEATS

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 complaint #11745614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Covington, GA Crash

SERVICE BRAKES

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 complaint #11743798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Covington, GA Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 complaint #11743798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Notasulga, AL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT ALERT WHEN OPENING OR CLOSE . THE TBM MODULE DOES NOT UPDATE CAUSING A FEE OF $198.95

NHTSA complaint #11739246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Notasulga, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE PASSENGER DOOR DOES NOT ALERT WHEN OPENING OR CLOSE . THE TBM MODULE DOES NOT UPDATE CAUSING A FEE OF $198.95

NHTSA complaint #11739246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Turkey, NC

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11737978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Multiple switches that make the windows go up and down in the car all broke around the same time. The switches are inoperable meaning the doors cannot be locked or unlocked and the windows cannot be rolled up or down in for multiple windows.

NHTSA complaint #11737940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 complaint #11737943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

ENGINE

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 complaint #11737943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Austin, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

When a car in front of me is slowing down while the adaptive crusie control is on and I have the distance set to 3 or 4 lengths, the farthest one available, and the adaptive cruise control is set, the car will start slwoing down like the cars ahead of me and if I switch lanes to go around of the car that is slowing down and there is another car in front of me of the lane I move into that adaptive crusie control acts as if there is no car in front of me in the lane and will begin to accelerate until I engage the brake. So for example I'm traveling in the far right lane of a four lane road, two going north and two going south. I have my adaptive crusie control on and set to 50 MPH and the distance set to 4 car lengths (max) and then the car in front of me starts to slw down. The adaptive crusie control will adjust and start to slow down as well. So I decide to get into the next lane over to my left, where there also happens to be another car 1 or 2 car lengths in front of me, the adaptive crusie control will not detect that car after lane change and will begin to accelerate back up to 50 MPH when it should still be slowing down to avoid a collision. This has happened multiple times.

NHTSA complaint #11737947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sterling, VA

SEATS

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 complaint #11737557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cedar Park, TX

POWER TRAIN

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 complaint #11735755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lansdale, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

In May 2025 the vehicle randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays switched to Italian, changed to Metric, and we got the update and FCW Off light stuck on. Numerous other settings had been reset. Took to dealer and had to pay for the fix - they noted a STAR bulletin on my invoice. Then this past weekend (May 2, 2026) it happened again. At least this time it didn't go Italian and Metric on me, but lots of other settings were changed. Did not test the paddle shifters but will do that soon. Current software version says FCA-MY24.U29.42-PROD. I've seen other posts with a newer version - not sure if / why not on my Jeep yet.

NHTSA complaint #11735441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.