2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering side/window and video (touch)screen/monitor/unit. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Power steering loss with warning lights.” Jeep vehicles use the Oil Change Indicator system to signal when oil is due. Wrangler and Gladiator owners who actually use 4WD off-road should treat the schedule below as Schedule A (severe) — water crossings, sand, and rock crawling demand differential and transfer case service at half the published intervals. Grand Cherokee and Cherokee follow the standard Mopar schedule.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #24V897000 · Nov 27, 2024

Issue: 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.

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

Campaign #25V083000 · Feb 13, 2025

Issue: 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.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Campaign #26V051000 · Jan 29, 2026

Issue: 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 January 30, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Campaign #26V562000 · Jan 9, 2026

Issue: 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, are expected to be 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 NHTSA recall numbers 26V051 and 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA
  • Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures

    Action #RQ25005 · opened Dec 11, 2025 · linked recall 26V051

    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 im…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Power steering loss with warning lights

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12-05 → 2026-08-14

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746605
Started the vehicle and while pulling down the driveway the power steering suddenly went completely out. Warning lights began flashing and I was unable to steer vehicle. Stopped vehicle and turned off several times, however unable to overcome power steering loss, or reset…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705112
After the vehicle was parked on my driveway overnight, I started driving and i got this Steering warning lights Service power steering messages Multiple electronic systems glitching at the same time I had to stop in the middle of the street because the steering wheel was super…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723426

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Instrument cluster switching to Italian with FCW disable

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2024-12-05 → 2026-05-04

Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch to Italian along with cluster and radio display settings reverting to default settings, auto door locks and paddle shifter becomes inoperative (with no menu to enable), pedestrian emergency brake…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11694717
Randomly, and without warning, the instruments, gauges, and displays will switch into a language I do not speak or understand (Italian). Coinciding with the switch to Italian language, cluster and radio display settings revert back to default settings, auto door locks and paddle…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678995
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735441

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Seat lumbar system self-inflation and failure to deflate

SEATS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03-17 → 2026-06-22

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745614
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737557
Drivers seat self inflate causing the seat belt to tighten mid drive . Causes severe back pain
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686950

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Drivetrain and transmission failure while driving

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-04 → 2026-05-14

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735755
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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11737978
The contact stated while driving 70 MPH on an interstate and depressing the brake pedal to avoid a crash, the automatic emergency braking system suddenly engaged, and the vehicle experienced a drivetrain failure. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. There…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11678672

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Engine camshaft and misfire failures

ENGINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-05-13 → 2026-02-25

Jeep grand Cherokee L, the 3.7L V6 engine in the Jeep has experienced camshaft and valvetrain issues, often related to wear and lubrication problems. Sides a ticking and rough running/banging engine. Caused by faulty camshafts. The company knows the cam shafts are faulty, in…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11684310
As I ascended my first big hill, my engine light came on flashing and the ride became noticeably bumpy. I could not call anyone for many miles yet, so I put on my safety hazards and continued driving, hoping to make it to town. With each hill my car became more unstable and…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11720408
Presented as camshaft position sensor with loss of power, poor acceleration and general misfires. After many weeks of diagnostic and repairs, turns out to be a problem with the camshaft intake. Specifically the entire cam kit. Appeared 1 week after purchase as a check engine…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660650

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Vehicle unexpectedly shifting into park while in motion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-06-19 → 2025-06-28

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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667880
While driving at 60mph, the vehicle became unresponsive and electronically shifted into park unexpectedly. No warning lights were present, and the dealership's service department could not replicate the issue
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11659289
I hear the engine kick off and lost all acceleration (everything else was normal). Warning popped up on the dash that "vehicle is not in park". I put on my hazards, braked to a stop, put the vehicle in park (nothing happened), hit the push button to turn the vehicle off, waited…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11668585

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Air bag inadvertent deployment or non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08-11 → 2026-08-14

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…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11756984
I am reporting a failure of the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM) in my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland. The failure is manifesting as an error message saying "service transmission" and the code that it is throwing says that the paddle shifters are overheating. This…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723299
The airbags did not deploy
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11679870

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Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 8,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: SAE 0W-20 every 8,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: SAE 5W-20 every 8,000 miles. EcoDiesel 3.0L: 10,000 miles. 4xe plug-in hybrid: 8,000 miles or annually.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate tires every 8,000 miles. Wrangler with 33+ inch off-road tires: rotate every 5,000 miles to prevent uneven wear from solid axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 8,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake every 8,000 miles. Wrangler and Gladiator pads wear faster than Grand Cherokee due to higher curb weight per axle.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Front Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Replace front differential fluid every 60,000 miles. Wrangler off-road use (water crossings, sand): inspect every 30,000 miles for water contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Rear axle fluid every 60,000 miles. Limited-slip differentials require Mopar friction modifier. Wrangler Rubicon with locking differentials: same schedule.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 60,000 mi

Replace transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 for NV3500 and NV245. Wrangler Rock-Trac: 60,000 mi normal, 30,000 mi with regular off-road use.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Brake Fluid

Every 24,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage. Wrangler off-road use accelerates moisture intake — annual fluid testing recommended.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid (ZF 8HP)

Every 60,000 mi

Severe service: ZF 8HP fluid every 60,000 miles. Normal: 120,000 miles. Use Mopar ATF+4 — never substitute.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles. Wrangler driven in dust or sand: inspect at every oil change and replace early.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: 16 spark plugs total, replace at 100,000 miles. Wrangler 392 6.4L HEMI: 16 plugs at 100,000 miles. EcoDiesel: glow plug inspection only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Mopar HOAT Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

Mopar HOAT (purple) for gas engines: first change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000. Do not mix with green or orange coolants.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 20,000 miles. Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, and Compass: behind the glove box. Wrangler/Gladiator: optional cabin filter on later models only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

45 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L reflects Jeep's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.