Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced a computer failure, causing an unknown module to be replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH and pulling out of the parking lot, the message "Activate The SOS" was displayed. The contact called Jeep Emergency System Department and inquired about assistance with turning off the emergency system and was informed that there was no indication that the SOS system message had been activated. The contact parked, turned off, and restarted the vehicle; however, the instrument panel lights and center display failed to activate even though the engine was still running. The vehicle lost motive power independently turned off and failed to restart. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that whenever the heat or a/c was turned on, the cabin filter would release an unknown black substance into the air, causing his eyes to burn. The objects in the glove box were covered in an unknown black substance. The contact was concerned that the unknown substance could cause cancer and other health issues to himself and his passengers. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer informed the contact that there was nothing they could do and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer also referred the contact to another dealer Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Roseville (25800 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066) and sent a new glove box for replacement. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the "power steering unavailable, service required," appeared on the instrument panel. As she began to drive to the dealer, the "active lane management unavailable, service required" warning also appeared on the instrument panel. Once at the dealer, she was informed that a software update would be performed on the vehicle. Five days later, the "service four-wheel drive" warning message was illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the computer module was reset; however, the failure returned, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. A service tech informed the contact that he had been instructed to reset the computer module and that he knew that the reset would not correct the failure. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH and approaching a parking spot, several warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be recharged. The batteries were recharged but the contact continued to experience the failure. The contact took the vehicle to another local dealer: Normandin Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (900 Capitol Expressway Auto Mall, San Jose, CA 95136:[phone]), where it was diagnosed with needing the two batteries to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact towed the vehicle back to the first dealer: Putnam Chrysler Jeep Dodge. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the messages "No Seat Belt", "Service Air Bags", "Service Seat Belts" and "Auto Park Disabled" were displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred with the driver and the front passenger's side seat occupant wearing their seat belts. Additionally, the brake and the check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) had failed, and the loss of communication with the ORC had caused the electrical failures. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V873000 (Air Bags), but the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the crash warning lane departure alert was sounding and failed to disengage. The contact stated that the vehicle would indicate that the vehicle was running even though the vehicle had not been started. The speedometer failed to provide the correct information and the seats would move independently. The contact stated that since purchasing the vehicle there had been several electrical issues with the vehicle. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who linked the failure to the radio frequency hub. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,000. Dealer stated that the radio frequency hub needs repair but they are unable to get the part as it part of a recall on the 2022 model.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the service power steering warning light was illuminated with an audible chime. The contact stated that while attempting to move to the side of the roadway the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was grease in the power steering connectors and cleaned the connectors. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000. THE CONSUMER MENTIONED ANOTHER RECALL NEEDING TO BE COMPLETED, BUT THE NECESSARY PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE RECALL CONCERNED THE TAIL LIGHTS.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the power steering assist, traction control, lane assist, emergency brake, backup assist, air bags, and check engine warning lights all illuminated and the vehicle failed to operate and function as needed. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle off the road and had to repeatedly pump the brake pedal. Additionally, the turn signals and warning lights failed to operate as needed. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to a dealer however, the mechanic was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 19,146.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the GPS navigator screen inadvertently turned blank. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not assist because there was no software update for the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 31.
On Feb 5, 2025, vehicle was started with remote start (in garage with garage door open). Within a few minutes, the entire cabin was engulfed in flames. No warnings, no prior vehicle issues, no recalls. Fire department was called and got fire out. Cause unknown, but appears to have been related to electrical. No or minimal damage under hood. Insurance now has possession of vehicle. Unsure of inspection but they did gather photos and declare a total loss. This could have happened while I was driving, injuring me, my family and others. This could have burnt my garage and/or house down. Please reach out to me for questions or more info. Thank you.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 115 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 28% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 3,000 miles, and 79% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.