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: power train
78 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 27, 2026
Tone wheel failure resulting in vehicle not operating as intended. Required repair of which FCA stated the repair was not covered by the recall issued against the vehicle.
Power train, Feb 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the transmission remained stuck in first gear. The contact shifted to neutral(N) and shifted back to drive(D), and the vehicle responded as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,755.
Power train, Electrical system, Jan 25, 2026
While driving then it just shuts off
Power train, Sep 30, 2025
Car not going out of park. Seems to be stuck in gear. Code P1DAB
Power train, Jul 11, 2025
Transmission will "buck" unexpectedly when slowing to a stop. This causes a violent and unpredictable lunge forward. This has been reported and inspected by the dealer multiple times with the assessment just being "that's an 8 speed transmission for ya". There is no warning of it happening, nor is an event stored within the vehicle ECU.
Power train, Jul 2, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while in park(Park) and attempting to shift to drive(D), the transmission failed to shift to the desired position. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve DTC: P1DB8 and P1DB8-00. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,347.
Power train, Service brakes, May 29, 2025
The gear selector assembly (shifter indicator) failed in accordance with current recall S28 for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The lights stopped illuminating suggesting corruption/inability to flash repair and the "Service Shifter" warning message appeared on the dash. The dealer indicated the vehicle is immediately unsafe for operation stating that the PRNDM indicator operates important features beyond just illumination of the PRNDM display such as driving signals, lights including reverse lights, backup camera, etc and that the vehicle is not currently recognizing all gears. Jeep dealer indicated this is a common failure and indicative of S28 recall but could not provide reasoning why vehicle was not included in the notice.
Power train, Sep 4, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into park(P). The “Service Transmission, Set Park Brake, and Prevent Rolling” messages were displayed. Several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel immediately afterwards and then turned off independently. The parking brake symbol remained flashing with an audible alarm beeping. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure occurred approximately 1 year later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who had diagnosed the vehicle with valve body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V043000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer had been attempting to have the manufacturer add the VIN to the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
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.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 21, 2024
Jeep turns off while driving and makes me put it into park to turn it back on and into drive again. Lights flicker from dim to bright inside and outside. I have changed both batteries and the alternator.
Power train, Dec 28, 2023
Engine oil filter housing cracked and there was excessive and continuous oil leakage. Research on the internet shows this is a common problem as the part is made of plastic and destroyed by heat. If not fixed, the car could overheat, the engine fail, and the car stop during use at high speeds. Problem was inspected, confirmed, and part replaced with metal part at Rad Rides in Buffalo WY. Problem first appeared as oil leaking under car about 2 weeks ago.
Power train, Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle out of 4WD-Low. The vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transfer case and transfer case control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000. The contact stated simple 1, 2, or 3 tire change throws your transfer case off and it becomes bad. It needs to be replaced at the cost of over $4,000.00.
Power train, Aug 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while slowing to a stop from 5th gear to 1st gear, the vehicle bucked forward. Additionally, the vehicle would jolt forward while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who reset an unknown module in the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
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.
Power train, Jul 21, 2023
Powertrain Control Module
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!
Power train, Oct 22, 2022
The shifter inside my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee failed. It started by losing the indicator that told you what gear it was in. Although there is an additional indicator on the dashboard, I would begin to have incidents where it would show in park on the dashboard but would be in reverse. While waiting on parts to come in at the dealership, the shifter lost all power and would not shift out of park. Vehicle was towed to dealership for service.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2022
electronic stability controls along with traction and FCW AFFECTING TRANSFER CASE WITH STEERING
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.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 12, 2021
MY 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO MAKES A GRABBING FEEL OR NOISE WHEN IT DOWN SHIFTS FROM 2ND TO 1ST SO NOT SURE IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANS. OR MAYBE THE BREAKS I FEEL IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE TRANSMISSION BUT CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANY ANSWERS EXCEPT YUM THAT'S NORMAL FOR THE JEEP I CALL BULL**** BUT HAPPENS WHEN IT IS IN MOTION SLOWING DOWN AND TURNING MOSTLY.
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, Electrical system, Nov 3, 2020
THIS IS NOW 4TH OR 5TH TIME. DRIVING CAR, CAME TO A STOP THEN IT STALLED ON ME. THIS TIME SOMETHING DIFFERENT HAPPENED. AFTER TRYING TO SHUT DOWN, RESTART IT AUTOMATICALLY WENT INTO 4 LOW! I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO A PARKING LOT OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNLIKE LAST TIME. THIS TIME I HAVE FOOTAGE OF THE ENTIRE EVENT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT OTHER JEEPS SAME YEAR AS MINE ARE BEING RECALLED FOR SAME REASON, BUT MINE ISN'T MAKING THE VIN CUT. THIS IS NOW MY 3RD REPORT TO THIS SITE. THE OTHERS WERE DONE BEFORE NEW RECALL CAME OUT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THIS KILLS SOMEONE.
Steering, Power train, Service brakes, Oct 26, 2020
WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING AS WELL AS GEAR LIGHT BY THE SHIFTER. LOST POWER AND COSTED TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE LEFT TURN LANE. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE ENCOUNTERED THIS PROBLEM SO FAR.
Power train, Oct 19, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45-50 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ROARING SOUND DETECTED. THE GEAR SHIFTER JUMPED OUT OF GEAR AND SHIFTED TO MANUAL. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE DROVE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND DETECTED AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO EXCEED 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VERIZON HUM DEVICE PROVIDED DTC CODE: P1B93 (GEAR ONE INCORRECT RATIO). THE VEHCILE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Power train, Oct 12, 2020
SERVICE SHIFTER LIGHT CAME. THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THE SHIFTER