Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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 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 an undisclosed speed, there was large puff of smoke coming from the driver's side of the vehicle while coming to a stop. The contact became aware of a brake fluid leak, causing a complete loss of brake pressure and braking power. The brake fluid was leaking more when the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic and the technicians discovered that the catalytic converter was melted, causing severe heat damage to the adjacent brake lines. The contact stated no other parts were damaged. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the technicians were unable to duplicate the original failure. The dealer was unable to determine what caused the catalytic converter to collapse onto the heat shield near the brake lines. …
Was pulling into a parking spot on the 2nd level of parking garage and the Jeep accelerated and hit the cement wall at front of garage space. It accelerated on its own. The front of the jeep was crushed, and I ended up with a fractured sternum and a seat belt hernia which I will have surgery in the next couple of weeks. The airbags did not deploy. And I did not press on the gas pulling into the parking spot --- it just accelerated on its own. When I first got in the car the system showed that systems disabled, but the then the message went away. When I pressed seat one, it did not go in place and I had to adjust it on my own. I continued on to my dermitologist appointment , pulled into the the parking space and the instant brake when too close did not break and the air bags did not deploy. Thru me into the cement wall, and the whole front of the car was demolished, Not epairable.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph, the vehicle decelerated and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and moved to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmissions lines had detached from the transmission cooler and there was fluid leaking from the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact called another local dealer Faulkner Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram FIAT (6643 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050, [phone]) and was informed that they were unable to service the vehicle for approximately two weeks. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 82,060.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that upon start of the vehicle; an abnormal, clamoring sound would emit from the engine without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they replaced 2 cam shafts and other engine parts; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer a second time where a total of 18 different engine parts were replaced but to no avail. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for a third time where it was kept for an extended period; she was later informed that there was no fault with the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 25-30 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the Lane Keep Assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. While driving 45-50 MPH, the power steering became inoperable, and the vehicle shut down. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while at a stop sign or light the start-stop function engaged. The vehicle was randomly turned off. The start and stop function indicators are active and the hood is open. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the vehicle was driven for three weeks however, they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified The failure mileage was approximately 200. Consumer stated the vehicle is was unable to be fixed after several attempts of being in the shop 6 wks.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power before stalling and shutting off. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The messages "Service Shifter" and "Transmission Temperature High" were displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer and was reprogrammed; however, after retrieving the vehicle, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,899.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that on two occasions while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the message to" Shift to Park and Restart" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled but was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to a dealer during the first failure however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,100.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee WK, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may stick open, resulting in an unexpected loss of drive power.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR valve assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 23, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Engine complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 62 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 15% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 22V-284 (gas recirculation valve (egr valve), Apr 28, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 21,000 miles, and 64% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.