2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Problems
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 75 engine complaints filed with NHTSA, 19% of all 403 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 18,000 miles. A recall (22V284000) addresses an EGR valve issue on the 3.6L engine.
- Engine complaints
- 75
- 19% of 403
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 18,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report unintended acceleration while parking or maneuvering at low speed, sometimes resulting in a crash into a wall, pole, or fence.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle failing to stop when the brake pedal was pressed, with cruise control appearing to increase speed on its own before slowing down.
- Several complaints describe jerking, vibration, and exhaust smell during acceleration shortly after purchase, with a check engine light and misfire code recorded.
- Owners report the engine stalling or losing power suddenly at low speed, in one case with only steering and no brakes remaining functional.
- One complaint describes a transmission line detaching after the vehicle decelerated and stalled with the check engine light on.
- A separate complaint describes a black substance released from the cabin filter into the air when heat or air conditioning was used.
When 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 28, 2020, latest May 14, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- NHTSA 22V284000Apr 28, 2022Engine1,308 vehicles
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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
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. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is Z31.
Engine complaints by Grand Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
- NHTSA lists 75 engine complaints for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which is 19% of the 403 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Yes. Recall 22V284000, reported April 28, 2022, covers 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK and related models with 3.6L engines for an EGR valve assembly issue. Dealers replace the EGR valve assembly free of charge.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2021 Grand Cherokee?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints is 18,000 miles.
- Are engine problems linked to crashes or fires on the 2021 Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA records 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among complaints filed in the engine problem area for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
- How does the 2021 model compare to other Grand Cherokee years for engine complaints?
- The 2021 Grand Cherokee's engine complaints make up 19% of its total complaints, lower than several other years such as 2024 at 45% and 2017 at 34%.