2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
3.6L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-20 Full Synthetic (5.9 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Wheel Torque
130
ft-lbs

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Jeep Grand Cherokee.

For oil changes, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee takes 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5.9 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet), and transmission fluid is ATF+4. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Jeep Grand Cherokee, torque the lug nuts to 130 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee have reported 5 common issues including "Power Steering Failure", "Water Leaks into Cabin" and "Backup Camera and Infotainment Failures". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 12 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee uses 5W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5.9 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 130 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specifications
Motor Oil5W-20 Full Synthetic
Oil Capacity5.9 qt
Lug Nut Torque130 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantMopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Transmission FluidATF+4
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
ATF+4
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Mopar OAT (Purple/Violet)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Common problems reported by 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Power Steering Failure

Power steering can fail intermittently or completely, making the vehicle extremely difficult to steer. Some owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff without warning, and dealer attempts to fix the issue have required multiple visits.

Solution

The electronic power steering module or rack may need replacement. Jeep has issued TSBs addressing the steering control module software. Start with a software update at the dealer, and if the problem persists, demand the steering rack replacement under warranty.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $1,500 - $3,000 for steering rack
2

Water Leaks into Cabin

Water intrusion occurs during rain, especially on the passenger side, leading to pooled water on the floor mats. The water can travel through the cabin and cause electrical shorts, damaging control modules and causing intermittent electrical failures.

Solution

Check the windshield seal, cowl drain channels, and A-pillar seams for leaks. The dealer can reseal the windshield and clear blocked drain tubes. If electrical damage has occurred, affected modules will need replacement.

Est. Cost: $200 - $500 for resealing; $1,000+ if electrical damage
3

Backup Camera and Infotainment Failures

The rearview camera may display a blank screen, distorted image, or fail to activate when the vehicle is in reverse. The Uconnect infotainment system can freeze, reboot, or lose touchscreen responsiveness.

Solution

A software update to the Central Vision Park Assist Module (CVPAM) usually resolves the camera issue. For persistent infotainment problems, the Uconnect head unit may need replacement. Check for OTA updates in the Uconnect settings.

Est. Cost: $0 for software update; $800 - $1,500 for head unit
4

Engine Oil Leaks (3.6L V6)

The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is prone to oil leaks, commonly from the oil filter housing adapter gasket and valve cover gaskets. Owners may notice oil spots under the vehicle or a burning oil smell after driving.

Solution

Replace the oil filter housing adapter gasket and inspect valve cover gaskets. This is a known weakness of the 3.6L Pentastar engine. Use OEM gaskets for the best seal. The repair is straightforward but labor-intensive due to accessibility.

Est. Cost: $400 - $800
5

Brake Pedal Feels Soft or Unresponsive

Some owners report the brake pedal feeling soft, spongy, or requiring excessive pressure to stop the vehicle. This can be intermittent and is particularly concerning when transitioning from regenerative to hydraulic braking.

Solution

Bleed the entire brake system to remove trapped air. Check the brake booster and master cylinder for proper operation. Inspect brake fluid for contamination. Some cases require master cylinder replacement.

Est. Cost: $100 - $200 for brake bleed; $400 - $900 for master cylinder

12 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign: 24V436000 Date: 13/06/2024

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

2

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT

Campaign: 24V132000 Date: 22/02/2024

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.

Consequence

A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

3

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Campaign: 23V577000 Date: 14/08/2023

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."

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

4

SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS

Campaign: 23V413000 Date: 08/06/2023

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.

Consequence

Rear coil springs that detach from the vehicle while driving increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

5

STEERING:COLUMN

Campaign: 23V352000 Date: 18/05/2023

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.

Consequence

A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

6

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

Campaign: 22V544000 Date: 28/07/2022

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."

Consequence

A tail light side marker that does not illuminate can reduce vehicle visibility to other drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

7

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

Campaign: 22V284000 Date: 28/04/2022

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.

Consequence

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.

8

CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE TETHER ANCHOR

Campaign: 22V180000 Date: 24/03/2022

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."

Consequence

A missing weld may allow the child seat tether to separate from the seat frame during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

9

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 21V950000 Date: 09/12/2021

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."

Consequence

Inoperable headlights can reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

10

AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign: 21V873000 Date: 10/11/2021

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.

Consequence

Disabled air bags can increase the risk of injury to occupants in a crash.

Remedy

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.

11

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign: 21V797000 Date: 14/10/2021

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."

Consequence

Difficulty activating the headlight high beams may result in reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

12

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Campaign: 21V729000 Date: 21/09/2021

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."

Consequence

A rearview camera that does not display an image reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

Have the VIN?

Decode your VIN for even more detailed specs including trim-level data.

Decode a VIN
Grand Cherokee — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220202019201820172016
See Also
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeAll Vehicles Using 5W-20 Full Synthetic OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeWiper Replacement: 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee