Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Laredo / Altitude / Limited / Overland / Summit / Summit Reserve (WL, 2021-present) - 2021 WL is sold only as the three-row Grand Cherokee L (the two-row WL and the Trailhawk arrive for 2022)
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The WL-generation Grand Cherokee is a complete redesign and a significant improvement over the WK2 — but for 2021 it exists only as the three-row Grand Cherokee L. A 2021 listing described as a two-row Grand Cherokee is the old WK2 carried over for one more year, and a 2021 advertised as a 4xe does not exist; that powertrain starts with 2022. Early WL production had notable quality issues: Uconnect 5 freezing and a 3.6L camshaft recall on some VINs. 2023+ models are substantially more polished. The V8 HEMI with MDS (cylinder deactivation) shares the same lifter concern as Ram/Durango. Preferred: 2023+ with clean records.

Items to check
13
Open recalls
3
NHTSA complaints
580
Top concern
Electrical / Infotainment / Engine

Recalls — Check First

3.6L camshaft / VVT recall (some 2021–2022)

High Risk — Check VIN
Some 2021–2022 WL models were recalled for a variable valve timing solenoid issue that could cause engine stalling.
Run VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Confirm all open recalls are closed.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA Jeep WL recall

4xe electrical / software recall (2022+ cars only)

High Risk on 4xe
Early 4xe models had multiple electrical and software recalls including HV battery management issues.
4xe buyers: confirm ALL outstanding recalls are closed before purchase.
Est. cost: Free dealer repair Source: NHTSA Jeep 4xe recalls

Engine

3.6L Pentastar — solid post-recall

Low Risk
Post-recall Pentastar is reliable. Standard valve train tick at cold start is normal on warm-up.
Cold-start check. Minor tick is normal; persistent knock is not.
Est. cost: Routine maintenance Source: Stellantis Pentastar reliability

5.7L HEMI V8 MDS lifter

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MDS (cylinder deactivation) on the HEMI shares the same lifter failure pattern as Ram 1500. Risk increases at 80k+ miles.
Warm engine and listen for tick at idle. Ask if MDS has been disabled.
Est. cost: $2,500–$5,000 lifter service Source: Stellantis HEMI MDS pattern

Infotainment

Uconnect 5 freezing (early builds)

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Early 2021–2022 Uconnect 5 systems had freezing and reboot issues. Software updates largely resolved this.
Test full infotainment including wireless CarPlay. Any persistent freeze = request software update history.
Est. cost: $0 OTA update Source: Stellantis Uconnect TSBs

Documentation

Recall completion + service records

High Risk without
Multiple recalls on early WL builds make paperwork essential. Prefer 2023+ for cleaner ownership.
Request all recall completion paperwork and service history.
Est. cost: n/a Source: AutoVetting editorial

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple WL
Severity: High
Camshaft/VVT and 4xe electrical recalls on 2021-2022 builds. Remedy: Free dealer repair; run VIN at nhtsa.gov.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

More Jeep checklists

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