2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pictured: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4x4 in Bright White, Front Left, 01-16-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Laredo 4X4, 4dr SUV Limited 4X4, 4dr SUV Overland/Summit 4X4, L 4dr SUV AWD V6
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
Horsepower
295 hp
Transmission
8-speed automatic
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Seats
6
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 19 city / 26 hwy
Length
189.8–204.7 in
Curb weight
4,619–5,331 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
16 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Higher rollover riskNHTSA estimates a 20.4% chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash.
  • Emergency braking not standardAutomatic emergency braking is optional or limited to some trims.
  • 16 recallsMore than similar models (about 5). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,676 lb (4dr SUV Laredo 4X4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 26 highway), 7% better than the 2021 standard SUV average of 19.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 16 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 502 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Grand Cherokee — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Grand Cherokee →

Trims, performance & features

Engine295 hp3.6L 6-cyl
Transmission8-speed automatic
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating6 seats · 3 rows

Trims

LimitedLaredoOverland

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingOptional
Forward collision warningOptional
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Lane centeringOptional
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes

Built in: Detroit, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Grand Cherokee configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Laredo 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,676 lb51/49
4dr SUV Limited 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,874 lb53/47
4dr SUV Overland/Summit 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,985 lb53/47
L 4dr SUV AWD V6204.7 in77.6 in71.3 in121.7 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,747 lb51/49
L 4dr SUV AWD V8204.7 in77.6 in71.3 in121.7 in65.4 / 65.4 in5,331 lb52/48
L 4dr SUV RWD204.7 in77.6 in71.3 in121.7 in65.4 / 65.4 in4,619 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+7%$3,200414
Grand Cherokee 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200427
Grand Cherokee L 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+7%$3,200416
Grand Cherokee L 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200428
Grand Cherokee 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-10%$4,450533
Grand Cherokee L 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-10%$4,450533
Grand Cherokee SRT 4WD6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-20%$5,500592
Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 4WD6.2L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive11 / 17 / 13-31%$6,300664
4/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
4/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.6 MPG2021 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★16.9%
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★20.4%
StandardElectronic stability control
OptionalForward collision warning
OptionalLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD
Side crash test — 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car)21 MPG★★★★★16
2021 Toyota Land Cruiser14 MPGNot rated0
2021 Toyota 4Runner17 MPG★★★★★1
2021 Ford Explorer27 MPG★★★★★27
2021 Toyota Highlander36 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Kia Telluride23 MPG★★★★★5
2021 Jeep Wrangler25 MPGNot rated17

Recalls (16)

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Sep 1, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V562000 · 328,381 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Grand Cherokee 4XE vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
Risk
Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the rear coil spring lower isolators, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 29, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 89D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on September 9, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall numbers 26V051 and 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recalls will need to have the new remedy completed.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Jan 29, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V051000 · 80,620 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The rear coil springs may be incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
Risk
Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and repair the rear coil spring assembly, as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed February 12, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated in March 2026. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 20D. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on January 30, 2026. This recall replaces NHTSA recall number 23V413. Vehicles already repaired under the previous recall will need to have the new remedy completed.
Equipment › Electrical › Infotainment › Video (Touch)Screen/Monitor/Unit · Feb 13, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V083000 · 133 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The center stack upper display (DCSD) contains a transistor that may overheat and prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers replaced the DCSD, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been repaired. Owner notification letters were mailed February 27, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 11C.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Nov 27, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V897000 · 14 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the front seat side air bags (SAB) may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers secured the connector, free of charge. All affected vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed December 17, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is B3B.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V436000 · 1,033,433 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Ball Joint · Feb 22, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V132000 · 338,238 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Back Over Prevention › Display Function · Aug 14, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V577000 · 162,713 vehicles

Problem
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."
Risk
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.
Fix
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.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Coil Springs · Jun 8, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V413000 · 305,282 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The rear coil springs may have been incorrectly installed and detach from the vehicle while driving.
Risk
Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and if necessary, repair the rear coil spring assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 29, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 64A. This recall is replaced by NHTSA recall 26V051. All vehicles will need to have the new recall remedy performed.
Steering › Column · May 18, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V352000 · 89,372 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights · Jul 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V544000 · 99,186 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. The tail light side marker assemblies may be damaged and not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamp, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace both body-mounted tail light assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 8, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z50.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Apr 28, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V284000 · 1,308 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.
Seats › Critical Fasteners · Mar 24, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V180000 · 4,586 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a missing weld from the seat back frame to the child seat tether anchorage. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk
A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat back frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z24.
Exterior Lighting › Lighting Control Module › Software · Dec 9, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V950000 · 36,929 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles equipped with smart lighting modules (SLM). An incomplete SLM software update may cause one or both headlights to become inoperable. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the SLM software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y72.
Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module › Software · Nov 10, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V873000 · 99,255 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Occupant Restraint Controller (ORC) may have incorrect software which can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning.
Risk
Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the ORC, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 2, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y79.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights · Oct 14, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V797000 · 7,082 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams. When the master lighting switch is set to the auto position, the high beam headlights will not activate unless the master lighting switch is first changed to the 'on" position. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Risk
Difficulty activating the headlight high beams may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will reprogram the vehicles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Y66.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 21, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V729000 · 69,138 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. A radio software error 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."
Risk
A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
FCA US LLC will update the radio software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 28, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Y67.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

502Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
24Involved a crash
9Involved a fire
15Injuries reported
24,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System140
Steering121
Power Train74
Unknown Or Other71
Engine69
Exterior Lighting47
Suspension43
Fuel/Propulsion System42
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 624/12: 825/01: 725/02: 1025/03: 925/04: 525/05: 425/06: 1525/07: 925/08: 825/09: 1425/10: 925/11: 825/12: 226/01: 826/02: 926/03: 1126/04: 526/05: 1226/06: 426/07: 426/08: 726/09: 926/10: 1524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 15

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 16 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 140 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Steering — 121 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  4. Power Train — 74 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 24,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Grand Cherokee years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Grand Cherokee23–Not rated00
2026 Grand Cherokee23193.3 inNot rated655
2025 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★5121
2024 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★18315
2023 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated23597
2022 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated24491
2020 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★3241
2019 Grand Cherokee24189.8 in★★★★★7370
2018 Grand Cherokee25189.8 in★★★★★10855
2017 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★5364
2016 Grand Cherokee25189.8 inNot rated8311
2015 Grand Cherokee25189.8 inNot rated91,366

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →