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
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 10, 2023
Water pump issue. While driving, the thermometer gauge suddenly went to "H", check engine light came on, no smoke seen and the car suddenly stopped. Coolant confirmed in the tank. The incident happened without warning and was frightening. The car was towed by AAA road service to Olathe jeep dealership and awaiting additional diagnostics. Please advise on the recalls. FCA/Mopar acknowledges issues with water pumps and head gasket issues related to leaks. Please advise.
Engine, May 9, 2023
On May 8th, Son driving Jeep to work and the thermometer gauge suddenly went to "H" check engine light came on, no smoke seen but the the car stopped suddenly. There was coolant in the tank.This incident happened without warning and was quite frightening. Had the car towed by AAA to Jeep dealership in Olathe Ks. Now awaiting diagnostics. It's been a day and a half and the dealership is unsure of what is going on. please help/advise.
Engine, Apr 8, 2023
The car has a good battery but won’t start. A click is made the radio turns on but the car won’t start. We have changed the starter and also the file pump. Failed 2 times
Engine, Mar 27, 2023
I have a transmission fluid leak that can cause a fire. I have noticed there was recalls for a cooler hose in 2021. Can that be possible it is a similar issue ?
Engine, Mar 19, 2023
(2) FAILURES; (1) failure of the engine oil filter assembly (BECAUSE IT WAS PLASTIC). No warning whatsoever, only caught because I noticed oil leak. turns out the filter assembly cracked, pump at least 3 quarts of oil into radiator. COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTOPHIC FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED - ENGINE WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP. - Cost to repair:$1,477.39 Mileage 128,766 (2) failure of multiple rocker arms, only symptom was flashing check engine light under heavy acceleration. NO OTHER WARNINGS. engine effectively stops functioning correctly. Stopping car, turn off and restart- NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF OCCURS DURING PASSING, ESPECIALLY ON MINOR ROADS. Cost to repair: $2,479.75 Mileage: 142,724 BOTH ARE CAUSE BY DEFECTIVE PARTS INSTALLED IN/ON ENGINE. RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES IS NOT ONLY WARRANTED, BUT DEMANDED.
Fuel system, Diesel, Electrical system, Engine, Feb 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while slowing down and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. There were rats detected in the vehicle that chewed the interior wires. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the wires were damaged. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was 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 not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Power train, Engine, Jan 19, 2023
Over a 3 year time span my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has on multiple occasions had an extremely rough idle, has a hard time accelerating and car drives extremely rough and bumpy. I’ve taken it to multiple different auto shops and all they ever do is change spark plugs OR they just don’t know what’s wrong. No engine light illuminated and no codes. Spark plugs changed March 2020, august 2020, January 2021 and now January 2023 I’m having this problem again and the shop says they don’t think it’s spark plugs . I just want this resolved. This cannot be safe!
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
I have only 78,000 miles on my 2016 jeep Grand Cherokee limited and I am having issues with ignition coil. The number 5 cylinder isn't working like it should.
Seat belts, Engine, Oct 15, 2022
Alternator failed and passenger seat belt does not retract. Coils misfired.
Engine, Sep 3, 2022
The engine oil cooler failed allowing engine oil to contaminate the entire engine cooling system and leak out. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because the engine oil leak caused my oil level to drop rapidly risking an engine freeze/lock up on the highway. The problem was confirmed by a dealer and an independent service center, but has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure nor afterward.
Engine, Aug 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The contact was able to veer off to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic. The certified mechanic diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 3, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power before stalling. Moments later while attempting to restart the engine smoke and flames were seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. A contact used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames and the fire department was called to the scene. During the incident, no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was also contacted regarding the incident. The failure mileage was 55,000
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 25, 2022
Initially called to schedule an appointment with the jeep dealership due to engine coolant loss in December of 2021 in regards to a recall of egr cooler (W79). Couldn't get an appointment until 2/25/2022. Told it was safe to drive until. 2/25 took vehicle in for inspection of said recall, told yes it does have problem, but no parts until 3/14/2022, safe to drive. Brought back 3/14/22 dealership still has vehicle, not safe to drive, still waiting on parts. Now there is a new recall (Z46), vehicle unsafe to drive, no parts or time when parts will be available.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 11, 2022
My 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition 3.0L Ecodiesel stalled with no warning while driving on a two lane highway in the middle of NoWhere, New Mexico. No warning lights, until the entire dashboard turned on and the car starting losing speed and power. I don't know how I was lucky enough to make it to the shoulder. I sat there for 2 hours with my 2 kids in the car waiting for a tow, 8 hours from home. I have come to find out that there is one recall for my EGR but when taken to the dealership I was told that my car was built with magnetic material attached to the tone wheel which provides a signal to the crankshaft position sensor and was lost therefore leaving me stalled and stranded. I have looked up my recalls and that one is not on there! How is that possible.
Engine, Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate, and he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the camshaft to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2021
My first report (#11396370) was made to you in February 2021. The recall was started in 2020 and as of this date my jeep dealer does not have the parts to repair my vehicle. According to reports, I am driving a "time bomb" ready to burst into flames and threatening the safety and lives of me, my family, and my passengers. To make things worse jeep has notified me that the "U-Connect" emergency contact system will become degraded and inoperable in the coming months making it impossible for me to contact "911" or the jeep emergency assistance contact system. The latter being a paid service (similar to GMC's "On-Star" system) for which they have not promulgated any remedy, any thought of a remedy, or attempt to provide any remedy. THE BOTTOM LINE: I am driving a "time bomb" without a here to fore active emergency contact system with no resolution or parts available from Jeep. Someone needs to report and inquire about the above cited Jeep issues.
Engine, Sep 28, 2021
Stopped at a red light and when it turned green, I pressed on the gas pedal and no acceleration. Looked at the dashboard and saw “Shift to P” the engine stalled and I had to roll out of the way of traffic, pressed the brake to a complete stop and restart the ignition/engine and was able to drive again.
Engine, Apr 12, 2021
OEM WATER PUMP FAILED AT 29,000 MILES, IN JULY 2019, COMPONENT WAS RR. ON 4/8/2021 AT 35,900 MILES WATER PUMP FAILED AGAIN.
Engine, Feb 15, 2021
MONTHS AGO, I WAS ADVISED OF AN ISSUE THAT WOULD CAUSE A DESTRUCTIVE VEHICLE FIRE. AS OF THIS DATE THERE IS NO CORRECTION AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL AND NO INDICATION THAT MY VEHICLE WILL BE REPLACED IF IT IS DESTROYED BY THE RESULTING FIRE. FURTHER, THERE IS NO REMEDY PROMULGATED FOR MY HEIRS IF I OR OTHERS LOOSE THEIR LIFE IN THE FIRE. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON MY AVAILABLE ACTIONS.
Engine, Jan 22, 2021
ON JANUARY 22, 2021 AT 0645HRS, I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN QUEENS NY AND WHILE STOPPED AT A STEADY RED LIGHT MY VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN I NOTICED ON THE DASHBOARD READ 'SHIFT TO P' AND I HAD TO SHIFT TO PARK, PRESS ENGINE START, SHIFT TO DRIVE AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY HOME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 22, 2020, fire
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND TOWING MY BOAT (APPROX 4500LBS) FOR THE PREVIOUS HOUR OR SO ON STATE HIGHWAY BETWEEN 50-65 MPH WITH SOME STOPLIGHTS (NOT INTERSTATE), THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT (CEL) CAME ON AND THE DRIVER INTERFACE ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER CAME ON DISPLAYING SOMETHING TO THE EFFECT OF "SERVICE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL SYSTEM". CONTINUED DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES TO GET TO AN INTERSECTION TO TURN OFF THE MAIN ROAD. ONCE STOPPED AT THE STOPLIGHT I NOTICED SLIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM THE LEFT FRONT CORNER OF THE HOOD BY THE HEADLIGHT. I PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK, PUT THE HAZARDS ON AND PULLED THE HOOD RELEASE. BY THE TIME I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND MADE MY WAY AROUND THE DOOR TO THE HOOD, THICK BLACK SMOKE WAS BILLOWING FROM ALL AROUND THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE NOTICED COMING THROUGH BODY GAPS AND THE GRILL. WITHIN 30 SECONDS THE ENTIRE ENGINE BAY AND HOOD WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. I DID MANAGE TO GET THE BOAT UNHOOKED AND PUSHED BACK AND DOCUMENTED WITH PHOTOS. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THESE INDICATIONS (CEL) AND DRIVER INTERFACE DISPLAYED THE EXACT SAME INDICATIONS. THE FIRST TIME IT RESOLVED UPON SHUTTING DOWN THE VEHICLE. THE SECOND TIME, IT WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALER. APPROX 1 MONTH PRIOR TO THE FIRE THE DEALER FOUND NOTHING ON INSPECTION AND RESET THE CODE. THE CODE WAS FOR EXCESSIVE EGR FLOW. ADDITIONALLY THE DEALER PERFORMED ANY OUTSTANDING RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE 3.0 ECO DIESEL ENGINE AND WAS BOUGHT NEW, DEALER, SERVICED ITS ENTIRE TIME AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 70K MILES ON IT. I HAVE NO DOUBT THIS WAS DIRECTLY RATED TO AN EGR PROBLEM THAT THESE PARTICULAR ENGINES HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH DIRECTLY RESULTING IN THE FIRE.
Power train, Engine, Sep 17, 2020
SOMETIMES WHEN IN DRIVE THE CAR STARTS FORCING ITSELF TO MOVE FORWARD MOTION, ONLY HAPPENS WHEN TURNING ON A 4WAY STREET! ALSO THE CAR AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF AT RED LIGHTS IF LOW ON GAS IT SHUT OFF AND WE WERE STUCK AT A RED LIGHT
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2020
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND LOST ALL POWER. WILL NOT RESTART. TOWED TO DEALER THEY SAY IT'S FUEL PUMP RELATED. IT IS A FUEL PUMP RELAY WHICH IS A VERY KNOWN ISSUE (RECALL) ON 2011-2013 BUT NOT ON ANYTHING NEWER.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 7, 2020
SEVERE BUCKING & JERKING WHILE DRIVING. MORE MODERATE BUCKING WHILE CAR IS IDLE. CODES BEING THROWN ARE P0406 & P0301. IT HAS ALSO THROWN A P0402 AS WELL. I'VE REPLACED THE EGR VALVE AS WELL AS ALL SPARK PLUGS AND THE PROBLEM STILL HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED. MY FUEL MILEAGE IS TANKING AND DRIVING THE JEEP HAS BECOME ALMOST UNBEARABLE.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 11, 2020
28000 MILES +\- DRIVING CAR ON FREEWAY IN HIGH SPEED LANE IN LAS 405 - THE MOST TRAVELED HIGHWAY IN THE US, AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A DEAD STOP. COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. ALL ELECTRICAL STILL WORKING, LIGHTS, DASH, RADIO. WOULD TURN OVER BUT WOULD NOT START. HOUR EARLIER CAR WAS IDLING AND IDLED TO A STALL. ALL ELECTRICAL STILL WORKING. POLICE HAD TO COME AND STOP TRAFFIC TO WAIT FOR A FLATBED.