2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Common Problems
Ranked from 152 federal NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
21 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Power Steering Failure
36complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe power steering system intermittently fails, making it difficult to turn the steering wheel.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 23V352000
- 2
Electrical System Failures Causing Dashboard Malfunction
22complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe electrical system frequently causes the dashboard to malfunction, including warning lights and system failures.
- 3
Engine Stall During Operation
20complaintsSafety riskEngineThe engine has stalled during operation, often without warning, leading to loss of power and difficulty restarting.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V284000
- 4
Electrical System Glitches Causing Screen Malfunctions
18complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe infotainment screen glitches, flashes off, and malfunctions, affecting various electronic systems and safety features.
- 5
Lane Departure Assistance Failure
15complaintsHigh severityOtherThe lane departure assistance system intermittently fails, causing the vehicle to lose lane keeping capabilities.
- 6
Suspension System Issues
13complaintsMedium severitySuspensionThe suspension system has failed, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
$150–$1,200est. suspension diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 23V413000, 24V132000
- 7
Sunroof Malfunction
12complaintsSafety riskOtherThe panoramic sunroof has exploded, causing glass to shatter and injure passengers.
- 8
Fuel Pump Issues
11complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel pump malfunctions cause the engine to stall and fail to start.
$500–$1,100est. fuel pump replacement · 2–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Forward Collision Avoidance System Malfunction
9complaintsSafety riskOtherThe forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, causing unintended braking and false alarms.
- 10
Brake System Malfunction
7complaintsMedium severityOtherThe anti-lock braking system (ABS) has failed, disabling the electronic stability control and cruise control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Recall issues with exterior lighting
7complaintsMedium severityOtherIssues with exterior lighting, including taillights and headlights, remain unresolved despite multiple recalls and notifications.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Steering Column Failure
7complaintsSafety riskSteeringThe steering column fails, leading to a loss of power steering and requiring immediate repair to ensure safe operation.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 23V352000
- 13
Engine Mount Defects
5complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine mounts fail, causing the engine to shake and affecting overall vehicle performance.
$250–$700est. engine mount replacement · 1.5–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V284000
- 14
Automatic Emergency Braking Malfunction
4complaintsSafety riskFuel systemThe automatic emergency braking system engages unexpectedly, stopping the vehicle suddenly without warning, posing a safety risk.
- 15
Engine and engine cooling issues
4complaintsMedium severityEngineEngine malfunctions and cooling system failures lead to abnormal sounds and require multiple repairs.
Related recall: 22V284000
- 16
Transmission Malfunction Causing Uncontrolled Gear Shifts
4complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts unexpectedly into different gears, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably and potentially leading to accidents.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 17
Uconnect System Issues
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe Uconnect media screen and related features fail, including hands-free text and backup camera functions.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 18
Air Bag Deployment Failure During Collision
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe air bags failed to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury or death for passengers.
- 19
Brake System Issues Leading to Loss of Braking Power
2complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system fails, causing loss of braking power and white smoke emission, potentially leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 20
Electrical System Issues Leading to Random Shutdowns
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle randomly shuts down with no warning, often accompanied by a 'Shift to P' message, posing a significant safety risk.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 21
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
2complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls at idle when the stop-start system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to unexpectedly turn off during driving.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 22V284000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.