2021 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE L Safety Overview

Component: SUSPENSION

"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."

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

"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."

Component: 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."

Component: STEERING

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

Component: 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."

Component: 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."

Component: SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

"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"

Component: STEERING,SUSPENSION

"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."

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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)"

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

"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."

Component: 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"

Component: 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."

Component: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

"While stopped at a red light, the auto start/stop feature of the vehicle failed to re-start the car causing complete failure. My wife was the first vehicle at a the light in a busy intersection with a [XXX] old in the vehicle. The electronics of the vehicle completely failed causing complete shutdown and unable to restart. Vehicle was towed after blocking intersection for 30 minutes. This has happened before but not for total and complete failure. This failure caused a complete battery drain leading to the need for two new batteries. The vehicle has a history of electronics/software issues and failures and associated start/stop system issues. This failure was diagnosed to be caused by a faulty relay and costed me $2000 in repairs. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)"

Component: STEERING,SUSPENSION,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"

Component: STEERING,SUSPENSION,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)"

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

"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."

Component: 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."

Component: 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."

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,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"

Component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

"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."