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
310 reports, newest first.
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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the message "Shift into Park" was displayed. The contact stated that moments later the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The fuel pump was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact indicated that approximately 30,000 miles later the same message was displayed, and the vehicle stalled and was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed that the replacement fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer's part number for both failed fuel pumps were identical. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 61,000.
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.
Tires, Mar 10, 2025
Tires: Pirelli 285/40R22. Tires failed: Front passenger + Both -Driver/Passenger tires. Failures did not occur concurrently. I am writing to report significant issues with the Pirelli tires on my vehicle, raising serious safety concerns. (Usage, two tires - 11 months / 1 tire - 4 months) Firstly, the front passenger tire has developed noticeable bumps on the sidewall near the rim. Notably, these tires have never encountered foreign objects or rough terrain that could have caused this damage. The bulges indicate potential internal damage, compromising the tire's structural integrity and posing a risk while driving. Additionally, the passenger rear tire suffered a catastrophic blowout at 65 mph on Interstate 75. Examination revealed a 10-inch strip had detached from the tire's inner layer. This sudden failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in a severe loss of control, endangering my safety and that of other road users. Similarly, the driver rear tire also blew out at 65 mph on Interstate 10 due to a failed section measuring approximately 6 inches along the contact area. These incidents raise critical concerns about the reliability of these tires, especially at highway speeds. Following these events, my technicians inspected the vehicle and found no other underlying issues, raising further questions about the quality and durability of these tires. I urge you to investigate thoroughly to prevent risks for other customers relying on your products. Thank you for your attention to this issue.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 7, 2025
The 2011-2021 Jeep WK2 Grand Cherokees all have a safety issue when driven in colder climates in snowy, or icy conditions. Where the wipers are parked on the windshield is below the level of the dashboard, so any heat that is produced by the windshield defroster does not warm the glass where the wipers are parked. This leads to the wipers freezing to the windshield, and cannot be operated to clear the windshield. I don't know why this hasn't been a recall issue in the past, as it effects every WK2 in those years. The solution would be to remove the windshield, and add a heating element to the inside of the glass, similar to the rear window, which happens to have a heating element underneath the rear wiper. There are other vehicles that do have heating elements under the front wipers, namely the Jeep KL Cherokee models. So, FCA knew this was a problem, and decided to ignore it, as they have done many other issues.
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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 11, 2024
Passive head rest deployed while sitting idle in drivers seat! Slamming into the side of my head! Causing a mild concussion! Took it into dealership and they replaced saying it didn’t have a recall! That only replaced if it failed! We wanted to have passenger side replaced also!
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 6, 2024
NHTSA Recall Number22V-406 I've been on the waiting list for many many months. Manufacturer doesn't have parts. Dealership doesn't know if parts will ever be available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 6, 2024
The DPF exhaust flange bolts broke, causing exhaust gasses to leak from joint into cabin. Known issue with eco diesel vehicles.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2024
On October 26, 2024, I stopped at a gas station to pick up a few items, turning my vehicle off before going inside. When I returned about five minutes later, the vehicle wouldn’t start. The fuel pump module wasn’t supplying fuel to the high-pressure pump. Since it wouldn’t start, I left it at the station overnight. The next afternoon, after about an hour of attempts, the fuel pump module finally engaged, and the vehicle started, running normally. This issue had actually occurred once before, about a year ago, while I was pulling out into traffic. At that time, the vehicle stalled, and I had to push it out of traffic and into a nearby parking lot. The fuel pump module was also silent then, indicating it wasn’t functioning. Fortunately, after around five minutes, I was able to restart the vehicle without further issues. The vehicle hasn’t exhibited this issue since—until last night. If you research this problem online, it seems there are other reports of similar incidents with Jeep Grand Cherokees and Ram 1500 models equipped with the EcoDiesel engin
Electrical system, Sep 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the A/C system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the blower motor fuse was burned, melted, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The mechanic replaced the blower motor fuse several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2024
There are issues with the leather dashboard wrinkling, delaminating, and bubbling. I contacted Jeep (case #91040374) after the dealership refused to fix the dashboard. This situation has worsened and requires a new dashboard ($3500) to repair the issue.
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.
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.
Exterior lighting, Jul 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, the headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Air bags, Jul 22, 2024, crash
I was involved in a car crash accident on the freeway, I was hit by a Ford Raptor truck from the back (left side) and pushed against the median barrier (center division) bounced back and spun twice and while spinning I hit another vehicle. Through all this I had three impacts, but when I hit the center divider I bumped my head on the left side and while spinning I heard the sound of gas (and felt air also coming into the car on the side of my head) but the side airbags never deployed. I suffered a head concussion and neck injury due to whiplash and bumping my head. I called the Jeep Company and claimed about the side/curtains airbags not deploying, they said they will send someone to check the car and investigate, they also made me sign the order authorizing them to check the car and after doing the investigation they sent me a letter with a vague explanation and no copy of the report that supports it. This needs further investigation, Jeep is not being cleared about this.
Electrical system, Jul 12, 2024
The shifter failed. It won’t come out of park.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 10, 2024
I have attempted to have recall Z46 performed by several Jeep dealerships and have been unsuccessful at getting the work done or even any estimate when it might be done. I complained to Jeep online advocate and was told there was a “huge” backlog and they would not commit to any repair date. The vehicle is dangerous to drive as the fuel pump may fail and subject the occupants to unnecessary risk of injury or death.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 20, 2024
I have a problem with my air system no air when i turn it on and when i turn the heat on its cold
Structure, Jun 9, 2024
The paint on my hood has bubbling underneath. I’m not sure but someone informed me this was a manufacture related incident when the vehicle was painted and not done correctly, causing paint bubbling. This is only on the front hood area on both side of jeep emblem
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.