Recall 21V950 affects 36,929 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for SLM software that can disable headlights. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 36,929 2021 Grand Cherokee vehicles because an incomplete smart lighting module software update can leave one or both headlights inoperable. Inoperable headlights reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing crash risk; Jeep dealers will complete the software repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The smart lighting module in the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee controls the headlamp assemblies. It is software-driven hardware that tells the exterior lights when and how to operate, so the headlamps turn on correctly and meet the required lighting standard. When that module is programmed correctly, both headlamps respond as intended.
On affected vehicles, the smart lighting module received an incomplete software update. The problem is not a cracked lamp housing or a burned-out bulb. The incomplete update leaves the lighting controller with incorrect software, and that can leave one or both headlamps inoperable. The repair path is to install corrected software for the module.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner would discover the problem when one headlamp or both headlamps do not turn on, or when another person notices the vehicle has missing front lighting.
Who's affected?
The scope is split between headlamp software and headlights, both tied to the headlamp assembly.
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Software |
|---|---|
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Headlights |
| Units affected | 36,929 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Inoperable headlights reduce visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the lights stop working, so avoid nighttime or low visibility trips until the dealer reprograms the SLM software. 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 your nearest franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free SLM software reprogramming that fixes the incomplete update behind the headlight failure.
- Bring the recall notice from Jeep, or reference recall number 21V950 when you call.
- Avoid driving after dark until the repair is complete if the headlights are not working.
- Call Jeep customer service at 1-800-853-1403 with questions and mention Jeep recall Y72.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician reprograms the smart lighting module software so the headlight control software is complete. The software update is free under the recall. FCA US also has a reimbursement program for owners who already paid to repair the same problem before the recall notice. Send the original receipt, or other adequate proof of payment, to the company for confirmation of the expense, using the instructions in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 9, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 23, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 28, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| January 28, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 28, 2022 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 28, 2022 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V950?
Recall 21V950 covers 36,929 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with smart lighting modules. An incomplete software update can make one or both headlights stop working, reducing visibility for the driver and oncoming traffic. Jeep dealers will reprogram the SLM software 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 21V950. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the smart lighting module software reprogramming. Reference recall number 21V950000 or FCA US recall number Y72 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 21V950, Jeep dealers will reprogram the smart lighting module software free of charge, including parts and labor tied to the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility. If one or both headlights become inoperable, the driver has less light ahead and oncoming traffic has less warning that the vehicle is there, increasing crash risk. The free dealer software reprogramming is the remedy.
When were owners notified about recall 21V950?
Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Jeep dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V950000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V950 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V950000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 →