Recall 21V797 affects 7,082 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for a high-beam activation defect. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 7,082 2021 Grand Cherokee vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams because the high beams do not activate from the auto headlight setting. Reduced high-beam access can cut nighttime visibility and increase crash risk; Jeep dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The body controller module in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the computer that coordinates electrical functions, including exterior lighting. When the lighting switch is set to auto, it should pass the driver's high beam request through the vehicle's lighting controls so the headlamps change from low beam to high beam when requested.
On affected vehicles, the problem is in the programming, not in a broken headlamp or wiring part. Grand Cherokee vehicles without automatic high beams left production with incomplete lighting control instructions. With the master lighting switch in the auto position, the high beams do not activate when requested. Moving the switch to the on position first lets the high beams work, but the auto setting does not meet the lighting behavior required by FMVSS 108.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up only when the driver requests high beams while the master lighting switch is in auto.
Who's affected?
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 7,082 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the high beams do not activate when expected, visibility drops on dark roads and the crash risk rises. There is no warning sign before the lighting problem. Use extra care after dark and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free software reprogramming that fixes the high-beam activation problem.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it, and reference recall number 21V797 when you call.
- Use the headlight switch in the "on" position if you need high beams before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician reprograms the vehicle so the high beams work correctly when the master lighting switch is set to auto. The software reprogramming is covered under the recall, so parts and labor are free. If you already paid to repair this lighting problem before the recall notice, FCA US asks customers to send the original receipt and other adequate proof of payment to the company so the expense can be confirmed for reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 14, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 28, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 3, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 3, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 3, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V797?
Recall 21V797 covers 7,082 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles not equipped with automatic high beams. When the lighting switch is set to auto, the high beams do not activate unless the switch is first moved to the on position. Jeep dealers will reprogram the vehicle for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V797. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the vehicle reprogramming. Reference recall number 21V797 or Jeep recall Y66 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Jeep dealers will reprogram affected vehicles free of charge. The recall remedy is available now.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility when the high beams are hard to activate. If the high beams do not turn on as expected in low-light driving, the driver has less forward visibility, which increases crash risk.
When were owners notified about recall 21V797?
Jeep mailed owner notification letters on October 28, 2021. Used-vehicle owners and anyone who missed the letter should still check the VIN, since the free recall repair follows the vehicle, not the original owner.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V797000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V797 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V797000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →