2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
2021 Grand Cherokee: comfortable, capable WK2, but below-average reliability, occasional engine, air-suspension and Uconnect screen problems (396 NHTSA complaints). One of the more settled WK2 years. 9 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee ranged from $35,460 to $89,780 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
2021 Grand Cherokee: comfortable, capable WK2, but below-average reliability, occasional engine, air-suspension and Uconnect screen problems (396 NHTSA complaints). One of the more settled WK2 years.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=grand ch…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/jeep/grand-cherokee
- jeepmodified.comhttps://jeepmodified.com/jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-reliability/
- abcodieselinc.comhttps://abcodieselinc.com/most-common-problems-of-engine-2014-2018-jeep-grand…
- stiverscdjr.comhttps://stiverscdjr.com/blog/are-jeep-grand-cherokees-reliable-vehicles
Known issues
-
Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and electrical faults cause random stalling, no-start, fuel-pump-relay and alternator failures
widespread · 250 NHTSA complaints · electrical
-
Pentastar 3.6L V6 left-cylinder-head failure and later rocker-arm / lifter (camshaft) wear causing misfires and ticking
commonly reported · 180 NHTSA complaints · engine
-
Confusing monostable electronic gear selector linked to rollaway incidents; vehicle rolls or shifts to neutral after "Park"
commonly reported · transmission
-
3.0L EcoDiesel emissions-system problems, NOx sensor, EGR cooler and high-pressure (CP4) fuel-pump failures; subject of an emissions settlement and extended warranty
occasional · engine
-
Brake-booster failure from water intrusion and ABS warnings causing loss of braking assist
occasional · brake
-
Loss of motive power / transmission shifting to neutral while driving
occasional · transmission
-
Active head restraints deploy spontaneously without a collision, sometimes causing injury
commonly reported · 80 NHTSA complaints · inspect
-
Uconnect touchscreen delamination causing "ghost touches" and unresponsive controls
commonly reported · electrical
-
Quadra-Lift air suspension faults, uneven ride height, sagging and air leaks
occasional · suspension
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (7)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=grand ch…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=grand ch…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=grand ch…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=jeep&model=grand ch…
- jeepmodified.comhttps://jeepmodified.com/jeep-grand-cherokee-diesel-reliability/
- abcodieselinc.comhttps://abcodieselinc.com/most-common-problems-of-engine-2014-2018-jeep-grand…
- stiverscdjr.comhttps://stiverscdjr.com/blog/are-jeep-grand-cherokees-reliable-vehicles
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Class-leading off-road capability with Quadra-Trac/Quadra-Drive and available air suspension
- Upscale, comfortable interior with a quiet, composed on-road ride, more refined than most rivals
- EcoDiesel offers strong torque, towing and highway economy when healthy
- Strong V6, V8 and SRT/Trackhawk performance; HEMI V8 tows well
Cons
- EcoDiesel emissions-system repairs are frequent and costly
- Below-average reliability, TIPM electrical, engine and transmission problems are well documented
- Monostable shifter design tied to rollaway recalls on 2014-2015 cars
- Cargo space and rear-seat room trail some midsize rivals
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laredo E | $35,460 | discontinued | — | — |
| Freedom | $37,655 | discontinued | — | — |
| Laredo X | $38,960 | $41,415 | — | — |
| Limited | $41,560 | $44,320 | — | — |
| 80th Anniversary | $43,950 | discontinued | — | — |
| Limited X | $46,655 | discontinued | — | — |
| Trailhawk | $46,815 | discontinued | — | — |
| Overland | $48,200 | discontinued | — | — |
| Summit | $54,275 | $60,600 | — | — |
| SRT | $70,995 | discontinued | — | — |
| Trackhawk | $89,780 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-jeep-grand_cherokee-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/jeep-grand-cherokee-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($35,460). Higher trims started higher (up to $89,780), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 32% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $1,100–1,200/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/maintenance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
Documented issue patterns include: Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) and electrical faults cause random stalling, no-start, fuel-pump-relay and alternator failures; Pentastar 3.6L V6 left-cylinder-head failure and later rocker-arm / lifter (camshaft) wear causing misfires and ticking; Confusing monostable electronic gear selector linked to rollaway incidents; vehicle rolls or shifts to neutral after "Park"; 3.0L EcoDiesel emissions-system problems, NOx sensor, EGR cooler and high-pressure (CP4) fuel-pump failures; subject of an emissions settlement and extended warranty. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
2021 Grand Cherokee: comfortable, capable WK2, but below-average reliability, occasional engine, air-suspension and Uconnect screen problems (396 NHTSA complaints). One of the more settled WK2 years.
How much did the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee cost new?
Between $35,460 and $89,780 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Jeep Grand Cherokee expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,100–1,200/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.