Last updated: 2026-04-20

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
RELIABILITY SCORE: 63/100 (GOOD)

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Report

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee scores 63/100 ("Good"). With 15 recalls and 427 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

Recalls

15

Complaints

427

Complaint Rate

16.8per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

$666

Annual Fuel Cost

$2,850–$5,300

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity57/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact50/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity79/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues to Watch

  • STEERING (111)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73)
  • POWER TRAIN (50)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 11)

2021 is year 11 of the Fourth generation (WK2).

  • Redesigned for the 2011 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Grand Cherokee (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

2011: Fourth generation (WK2) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: This Model Year

2021 is year 11 of the Fourth generation (WK2).

Should You Buy the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

At 63/100, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2021 is year 11 of the Fourth generation (WK2).

Owners log 427 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.

Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to steering (111). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.

Compared to the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • +Low major repair risk (13%)
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV

Cons

  • Above-average repair costs for its class
  • Above-average recall count
  • STEERING: Power steering failures (111 complaints)

Compare 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 15 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • STEERING (111)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

15

recalls on record

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 15 recalls on record, which is above average. A high count can flag multiple component concerns, though it also shows the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

16.8

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 17.5

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

21

Crashes

9

Fires

14

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Recall Details

15 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V4360002024-06-13

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

24V1320002024-02-22

SUSPENSION, STEERING

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.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

23V5770002023-08-14

BACK OVER PREVENTION

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Showing 10 of 15 recalls. View all on NHTSA.gov →

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Check its history first

Every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Restraint (Not Available)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Jeep Grand CherokeeRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$666

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Grand Cherokee
$666
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

13–21 MPG

Running cost: $3,500–$5,950/yr

Fuel + repair

11–19 city / 17–26 hwy MPG

Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Grand Cherokee 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192621$2,850
Grand Cherokee 4WD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd182521$2,850
Grand Cherokee L 2WD 3.6L 6-cylRear-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd192621$2,850
Grand Cherokee L 4WD 3.6L 6-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd182521$2,850
Grand Cherokee 4WD 5.7L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd142217$4,400
Grand Cherokee L 4WD 5.7L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd142217$4,400
Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD 6.4L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd131915$4,600
Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WD 6.2L 8-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic 8-spd111713$5,300

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

  • Test power steering for responsiveness and warning lights

  • Check for erratic shifting or transmission warnings

  • Verify fuel pump operation and check for any starting issues

  • Inspect air conditioning system for functionality

  • Test infotainment system for freezing or blackouts

  • Check for any unusual noises from suspension components

  • Inspect for oil leaks or burning smells from the engine

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems by Component

427 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

111
73
50
71
STEERING (111)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73)POWER TRAIN (50)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (40)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (32)SERVICE BRAKES (18)ENGINE (17)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15)Other (71)

STEERING

111 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering failures. Common symptoms include the steering assist ceasing to function, warning lights illuminating for the electronic power steering, and increased difficulty maneuvering the vehicle. Several complaints highlight these issues occurring around 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of crashes, including instances where the steering wheel locks or the vehicle loses control, resulting in collisions. Prospective buyers should be aware of these steering-related issues, especially given the associated recalls and the potential for unresolved safety risks.

111 complaints total6 crashes3 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

73 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee often experiences issues with the electrical system, particularly involving the vehicle's startup and operational functions. Common symptoms include the vehicle failing to start, random shutdowns with a "Shift to P" message, and problems with the electronic start-stop feature. Complaints also highlight occurrences of the instrument cluster and settings switching languages unexpectedly, and some vehicles exhibit issues with the Body Control Module, leading to non-functional headlights or horns. Several reports involve fires, some occurring while the vehicle is parked and turned off, and one complaint mentions a crash due to the vehicle dying while driving. These problems often appear around 30,000 to 50,000 miles, indicating potential reliability concerns for prospective buyers.

73 complaints total1 crash4 fires

POWER TRAIN

50 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving transmission failures and transfer case problems. Common symptoms include erratic shifting, vehicles entering limp mode, and "Service Transmission" warnings. These issues often appear at relatively low mileages, with some reports noting failures as early as 8,100 to 19,481 miles. Safety implications are evident, as some owners describe sudden loss of power while driving and vehicles unexpectedly stalling or shutting off, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these reported issues and may want to verify if any repairs or updates have been performed.

50 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (40 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

40 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with sunroof glass shattering spontaneously being a frequent problem. Multiple complaints describe the sunroof exploding without any apparent external cause, often while driving, posing a safety hazard due to potential glass showering into the passenger area. Additionally, there are reports of fires occurring, sometimes while the vehicle is parked or shortly after starting, with at least one being traced to the battery compartment. Complaints also frequently mention problems with the air conditioning system failing prematurely, often around 36,000 to 58,000 miles, leading to significant repair costs. These issues, particularly the fires and sunroof incidents, have implications for safety and could be a concern for prospective buyers.

40 complaints total4 fires
SERVICE BRAKES (18 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

18 complaints

Owners report several issues with the service brakes on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Commonly described problems include warped brake rotors leading to vibrations and shaking, typically noted around 32,000 miles. Multiple complaints detail the automatic emergency braking system engaging unexpectedly, causing abrupt stops without warning and resulting in injuries. Additionally, some owners experience brake system failures, including loss of braking ability and issues with electronic stability control, often requiring repairs such as brake module replacements. These issues potentially pose safety risks, such as loss of vehicle control and unexpected stops, which are crucial considerations for prospective buyers.

18 complaints total3 injuries
ENGINE (17 complaints)

ENGINE

17 complaints

Owners report several engine-related issues with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, primarily involving unexpected engine shutdowns and excessive oil consumption. Complaints frequently mention the engine shutting off while driving, even at high speeds, posing a significant safety risk. Other symptoms include delayed starting, engine misfires, and oil leaks, often occurring around 20,000 to 70,000 miles. Multiple owners describe problems with the auto stop/start system and the intermixing of antifreeze and oil, which can lead to engine damage. These issues can result in loss of power and control, with one injury reported, making it crucial for potential buyers to consider these patterns when evaluating this vehicle.

17 complaints total1 injury
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (15 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

15 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the fuel pump, leading to vehicles failing to start or stalling unexpectedly. Typical symptoms include repeated attempts to start the vehicle, the engine shutting off while driving, and being unable to restart the vehicle, often without prior warning lights or alerts. These issues are noted to occur across various mileages, with some reports as early as 1,000 miles and others around 68,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple owners describe stalling in traffic or on highways, posing risks of accidents. Buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially if considering a vehicle with a similar mileage range.

15 complaints total
SUSPENSION (15 complaints)

SUSPENSION

15 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with the suspension, particularly involving loud noises over bumpy surfaces and components like sway bar links and tie rods requiring replacement. Complaints often describe symptoms such as abnormal sounds, vibrations, and handling difficulties, sometimes at relatively low mileages around 20,000 to 42,000 miles. Several reports mention parts like the rear lower A-frame and air suspension components failing, sometimes attributed to defects rather than external damage. Safety implications include one crash incident where suspension failure contributed to loss of control, and multiple owners express concerns over the potential for accidents due to these issues. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring problems and the associated safety risks.

15 complaints total1 crash
AIR BAGS (10 complaints)

AIR BAGS

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee frequently report issues with airbag deployment during crashes, with eight complaints involving crashes and six reporting injuries. A common pattern is the failure of airbags to deploy in various crash scenarios, including frontal, rear-end, and side impacts, as well as collisions with stationary objects and animals. Complaints often describe the airbag warning light illuminating without prior incidents, and some mention previous recall repairs that did not resolve the issue. Mileage at the time of incidents varies, with some reports noting around 13,000 to 27,914 miles. The lack of airbag deployment is a significant safety concern, particularly given the variety of crash types and the occurrence of injuries, which potential buyers should consider.

10 complaints total8 crashes6 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (8 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report several issues with the vehicle speed control in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Complaints frequently mention unintended acceleration, especially when cruise control is engaged, with some vehicles accelerating beyond 100 mph unless manually deactivated. There are also reports of the vehicle failing to decelerate when the brake is applied, leading to crashes in some cases. Mileage at the time of incidents varies, with some reports occurring as early as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes resulting from loss of control due to these speed control issues. Buyers should be aware of these patterns and consider the potential for speed control malfunctions when evaluating this model.

8 complaints total3 crashes

When Do 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

8,000–20,000 milesTransmission failures
1,000–68,000 milesFuel pump failures
2,000–8,000 milesPower steering failures

Best & Worst Jeep Grand Cherokee Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Buy

The best Jeep Grand Cherokee year is 2025 with a reliability score of 75/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2020 (72/100) and 2019 (67/100).

Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid

The worst Jeep Grand Cherokee year is 2018 with a score of 60/100, primarily due to electrical system (301) issues.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Score Trend

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 66/100.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Jeep Grand Cherokee reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201967/100Good
202072/100Good
202163/100Good
202262/100Good
202363/100Good
202466/100Good
202575/100Good

Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202668/100 (predicted)Predicted20
202575/100+9Good359
202466/100+3Good20204
202363/100+1Good22363
202262/100-1Good14192
2021(selected)63/100-9Good15427
202072/100+5Good3207
201967/100+7Good7336
201860/100Good11804

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 63/100. It is reasonably reliable with 15 recalls and 427 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee include: STEERING (111 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (73 complaints), POWER TRAIN (50 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (40 complaints), EXTERIOR LIGHTING (32 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 15 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has estimated annual repair costs of $666/year, which is $93 more than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 63/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

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Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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