2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 310 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 21st highest complaint count among 26 Grand Cherokee model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 27 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingJun 8, 2023
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.
Campaign 23V411000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, diesel, delivery, fuel pumpJun 9, 2022
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Campaign 22V406000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, gas recirculation valve (egr valve)Nov 12, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.
Campaign 20V699000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, dieselAug 13, 2020
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Campaign 20V475000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, wiringMay 17, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Campaign 18V332000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engine, gasoline, turbo/superchargerOct 19, 2017
Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017. Owners may contact ATI customer service at 1-913-338-2886.
Campaign 17E061000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsNov 10, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.
Campaign 16V814000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switchApr 27, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S28.
Campaign 16V249000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, disc, caliperMar 23, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Campaign 16V168000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
84 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 29, 2026
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under previous ownership under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a recall-related failure 15,000 miles later. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal coolant odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was coolant leaking onto the floor. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Engine, Jul 2, 2026
#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine
Engine, Mar 5, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jolted, lost power, and went into LIMP Mode, almost causing a rear-end crash. The message "Service Electronic Throttle Control" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and inspected, but no cause was immediately determined. The vehicle was driven to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where codes associated with the crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold runner were retrieved, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 256,000.
Engine, Feb 16, 2026
Received a warning light and vehicle decelerated with a loss of power. After researching the issue it was determined that it was the crankshaft sensor that had become delaminated. Of which there is a current recall that would not be honored by FCA
Engine, Jan 27, 2026
The contact's son owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had been running rough and idling roughly prior to the warning light becoming illuminated. The owner had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in Cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,045.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 21, 2025
The transmission on this 2016 grand jeep Cherokee had completely went out due to fluids being in the transmission. Which is causing a head gasket problem as well. This car was regularly serviced. Only had this vehicle 7-8 months. My safety was put at risk when I was driving my kids to school and on my way to work when it started to overheat causing me to pull over and not being able to drive this vehicle. This jeep is currently at an authorized dealer and has been diagnosed. There were absolutely NO warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!
Engine, Nov 3, 2025
Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2025
From one day to the next the engine is blown. Mechanic says the engine was hot for a while but no light or notices came up until the day of the major issue. I had jsut taken it to get new headlights and tires rotated and no mention of anything off. From oen day to thenext it overheated. I see similar RECALLS on the SAME EXACT JEEP. Make model and year.
Engine, Feb 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, or at a complete stop, the vehicle was shuddering with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a DTC for a stuck intake valve in the high lift position. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a local dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Engine, Jan 15, 2025
During a routine trip, in a suburban area, on a cold winter morning my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo was running rough and losing power as soon as I started it. The engine light came on and we immediately stopped driving and had it towed for repairs. The Dealer diagnosed the problem by observing that the front of the engine rose up when the gas pedal was pressed, and the engine was loose. We are concerned this failure could have resulted in engine falling out of the car, which could have caused a catastrophic accident, fire from the loss of fuel, and loss of life or serious injuries. The engine mounts failed at about 76,101 miles. This did not result in an accident or damage This problem was diagnosed and repaired by the Stafford, Chrysler Jeep Rambler Dealer (the Dealer) at 121A West Stafford Rd, Stafford Springs CT who can be reached at 860-684-8877. The Dealer stated that it was unusual for the engine mounts to fail at such a low mileage unless there was an accident or heavy usage (we do not know of any such issues). We bought the car the certified used from Bolles Motors (the previous owner of the Dealer) with 46,370 miles. The Carfax showed regular maintenance and did show any accidents. We drove only the car 29,731 miles before the engine mounts failed. A copy of the receipt and photos of the engine mounts are attached.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 24, 2024
Vehicle will stall while driving. Has happened 15+ times when trying to accelerate from a stop light, twice while driving at 45+ mph. Engine will stall and the dash will say "Shift to park to continue driving." Vehicle must be shifted in to park, and then the start button must be pressed to restart the engine and continue driving.
Engine, Aug 21, 2024
2016 Grand Cherokee with 3.0L Ecodiesel and the engine failed at 43K mileage. The engine failed while driving on the highway. This could cause an accident and serious safety concern. Ecodiesel had similar failures for different drivers. The engine fails without any previous warnings. The dealer found big metal shaving in the oil pan, possibly due to the rod bearing failure. Currently the engine needs to be replaced
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that two separate dealers were contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine, Aug 9, 2024
Rocker arm failure on 3.6 liter engine. This issue had been reported by many Grand Cherokee owners over multiple years. This is an expensive fix greater than 1000 dollars and should be supported or recalled due to manufacturer error.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact became aware of an oil leak coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that oil had leaked into the coolant tank. The dealer was then notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 29, 2024
I've had issues with my vehicle since 2021 -engine light first appeared on the dashboard and towed my car to a Jeep dealership. Vehicle was "repaired" (have the documentation, if needed), but the engine light remained on. I have since driven this vehicle for nearly 3 years with the engine light on, bringing it into different Jeep dealerships (all documentation on record if needed) to repair and was told there was nothing they could find wrong with the engine. Last year (2023) my electronic stability control and 4WD lights came on in addition to the engine light. My car was sliding all over the road and my 4WD was not engaging at all. Brought vehicle to Jeep dealership for repair, was told ABS module needs to be replaced and the traction control is malfunctioning; no 4 wheel drive engagement; that the ABS module has been discontinued and the only way to replace this is to get an after market part. Contacted Mopar and was told there is "no way of knowing if it's available and it's beyond their capability". I was told the after market part would be tied to a specific VIN. I then contacted the Jeep Dealership- Parts department and explained the situation, asking if there's any other way I can fix this part in my vehicle. Was told there's nothing I can do since it's discontinued, that it's odd that a part for a 2016 vehicle would be discontinued, and I could check junkyards for parts but am not likely to find a match since my vehicle is not that old. I live in Colorado and in the last 2 winter months have been terrified to drive when it rains or snows because I have NO traction and am sliding THROUGH traffic lights and stop signs, even going at a very slow speed. I ended up in the next lane over when slowly driving up a hill on a main road. The value of this 2016 vehicle is miniscule compared to value when I purchased; this places safety of MYSELF AND OTHERS at risk. My partner is experiencing a similar issue with his 2014 Cherokee - discontinued part and safety issues.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated, and the vehicle decelerated to 45 MPH. The engine hot message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving and making a turn, the temperature gauge needle rose to the high mark. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where the radiator and hoses were replaced. The mechanic informed the contact to add additional coolant to the reservoir. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,249.
Engine, Oct 3, 2023
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee started to have rough idle when stopped at light or parked. Turns out the VVT Solenoid (Front #2 cylinder) went bad. Poor design by Jeep/Chrysler that could cause a safety concern and even internal damage to engine. The VVT Solenoid from (Hawk Chrysler Jeep in Forest Park, IL) cost $143.00 w/o tax part #5047897AC. Part and vehicle is available for inspection at anytime. My incident occurred on Oct 1, 2023 in the middle of intersection making a left turn when I experienced rough idle. The next day the check engine light came on triggered code P0302 misfire #2 cylinder. Normal vehicle cylinder misfire would be due to bad ignition coil, plug, vacuum leak or fuel injector but not Chrysler product. That's when I noticed an abundance of Jeep Grand Cherokee owners from 2016/2017 complaining about VVT Solenoid causing misfire and rough idle. Independent repair facility confirmed VVT Solenoid was faulty and caused rough idle issue. Please open a vehicle recall for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee for faulty VVT Solenoid to cover owners repairs and parts to resolve this poor design by manufacturer. Thanks! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Diesel, Aug 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Power train, Engine, Aug 8, 2023, crash
While exiting an automatic car wash, I pressed the brake pedal to put the vehicle in gear and while turning in the lot to go to a vacuum station the accelerator stuck and went to wide open full speed mode and I could not stop it with the brakes. I shot through a vacuum stall, jumped a curb and hit a concrete drain collection box. The air bags deployed but the car was a total loss.
Engine, Jul 26, 2023
Purchased "Certified Used" Vehicle December of 2021. I have had 4 water pumps installed due to leaks. It has smelled and vehicle has increased temperature. It is now back at the dealership to have the 5th water pump installed.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 23, 2023
Since purchased new, vehicle frequently loses acceleration, at varying vehicle speeds and will not exceed engine idle and has happened several times when crossing oncoming speeding traffic and is hard to avoid dangerous collision. To get the engine to accelerate again, operator must stop the vehicle, put the can in park, shut the engine off then restart. Most of the times, it is hard to find a spot in the traffic to go through the above maneuver creating a very dangerous situation as it has happened in the HOV lane of freeways during high speed and crowded traffic, no place to pull over.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 23, 2023
Dear Sir or Madam, I want to file this complaint regarding an authorised JEEP Dealership and Service in Kyiv, Ukraine (Stolychne Highway, 90, 03045), which refuses to repair my Recall 22V-406 on my 2016 JEEP Grand Cherokee Overland. According to that I'm not able to use my car until it will be maintained and mentioned above Safety Recall will be completed because it may cause a car accident on the road or highway without my fault and this can seriously affect my, my family’s and others people health. I hope you can make a right influence on this authorised JEEP Dealership and Service to make sure this unpleasant situation will not happen again with me or any other client. Looking forward to answer from you.
Engine and engine cooling, May 22, 2023
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******