Recall 21V873 affects 99,255 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer vehicles for air bag software. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 99,255 2021-2022 Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer SUVs because Occupant Restraint Controller software can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning. Disabled air bags can increase injury risk in a crash, and Jeep dealers will update the software free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The occupant restraint controller in 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer vehicles is the computer that manages parts of the air bag system. It reads crash and system signals, then helps command the driver, passenger, and knee air bags when deployment is needed. The controller also reports internal faults through diagnostic trouble codes, which are the codes a technician reads during service.
In NHTSA campaign 21V873, the controller has the wrong software version. That software does not connect specific internal faults to a diagnostic trouble code, so the vehicle does not flag the problem the way it should. When those faults are present, the affected air bags can be disabled without the driver knowing.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag warning light is not expected to turn on for this defect, so the absence of a warning light does not confirm that the vehicle is safe.
Who's affected?
Spans Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer from the 2021 and 2022 model years, with the air bag system listed under both restraint-control software and the broader air bag component.
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | air bag system |
| 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | air bag system |
| 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer | air bag system |
| 2022 Jeep Wagoneer | air bag system |
| 2022 Jeep Wagoneer | air bag system |
| Units affected | 99,255 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the search, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Disabled air bags leave occupants with less crash protection and increase the risk of injury in a crash. There is no warning sign before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the recall repair soon if your vehicle is included. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, or Wagoneer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free ORC software reprogramming that keeps the air bags from being disabled without warning.
- Ask the dealer to reference recall number 21V873 and Jeep recall Y79 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it, or give the dealer your VIN at check-in.
- Drive cautiously until the software update is complete, and make sure every occupant uses a seat belt on every trip.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician reprograms the Occupant Restraint Controller software covered by recall 21V873. The update is free, and parts and labor for the software repair are covered under the recall. The reprogramming addresses software that can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning. If you already paid for a related repair before the owner letter, FCA US asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so it can confirm the expense under its reimbursement policy.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 10, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 30, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| December 30, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 30, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 30, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V873?
Recall 21V873 covers 99,255 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer vehicles with Occupant Restraint Controller software that can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning. Jeep dealers will reprogram the ORC for free.
What should I do if my 2021-2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, or Wagoneer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V873. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free ORC software reprogramming. Reference recall number 21V873 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V873, a franchised Jeep dealer will reprogram the Occupant Restraint Controller software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced air bag protection in a crash. If the ORC software disables the driver, passenger, and knee air bags, occupants face a higher injury risk during a collision. Recall 21V873 addresses that defect with a free software reprogramming.
What warning signs should I watch for?
There is no warning sign before the air bags are disabled. Recall 21V873 states that the ORC software can disable the driver, passenger, and knee air bags without warning, so the VIN check decides whether your vehicle needs the free dealer repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V873000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V873 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V873000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →