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.
Service brakes, Jan 1, 2023
Vehicle is currently at a Jeep dealership for the 8th time with another Brake Concern. Brakes repetitively seize causing brakes to rapidly overheat, smoke emitting from the wheel, about to catch fire. Two Dealerships have failed to "duplicate the concern" until I get it there with the wheel about to catch on fire. Initially the drive side rear was the problem, 2 months after having the car returned to me, the passenger side rear began doing the same thing. I have contacted Jeep Customer Care and my concerns over the safety of the vehicle have been dismissed, they stated "this is not a known issue, if you have any other questions or concerns please contact us again". There have been no warning lights from the vehicle, it will be operating fine one trip, and the next trip you will stop after a short drive a cloud of smoke will be coming from the wheel, and the smell of burning brakes. As the brake continues to heat up while you are driving, the vehicle will begin to violently shake and vibrate.
Seats, Nov 3, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the driver's head restraint exploded, which caused him to sustain a whiplash injury. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer; however, the parts for the repair were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that there was a leak in the evap system. The mechanic replaced the Evaporative System Integrity Module (ESIM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,635.
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.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 29, 2022
This Jeep has electrical malfunctions that causes problems with the entire functioning of the vehicle. The ignition often doesn’t work, indicator warning lights suddenly flash, and worse yet, the brakes will come on in the middle of driving. Once incident made me fear for my life because the brakes suddenly came on while I was driving on the highway.
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2022
Dashboard leather trim has come so wrinkled, unglued that it blocks my front windshield defrosters from working efficiently.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 19, 2022
I started the car and before I could change gear, the engine check light came up immediately so I took the car to a dealership to get it checked out. The dealership mechanic accessed the problem and said it was a leaking fuel tank filler pipe assembly that caused the system to not seal. My concern is that my vehicle has never been in any accident so how can a leaking pipe occur with just normal driving?? It must be a manufacturer defect because a leaking pipe can't happen with just normal driving. If it did then that means all the cars on the road will have leaking fuel pipes from regular driving.
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2022
Driving 55 MPH, my vehicle had a slight jerk in transmission, engine light popped on. Alert popped up on dashboard and stated “Place car into P, Trans”. Car automatically shifted into neutral, and I rolled over to side of road, shifted car in park. Car remained running but would not shift back into drive
Steering, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2022
My Electronic Stability Control, Cruise Control and Traction Control all went offline without any notice. Dealership can not figure out what to do. This is a huge issue in my opinion because of the inability to keep the car straight when hitting a pothole or any bumps in the road. the vehicle does not stay in a straight line. I have reported the problem to the dealership with no help. It hasn't caused a wreck yet, but I'm afraid I'm just postponing the inevitable.
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2022
LEATHER DASH IS STARTING TO PEEL OFF MY DASHBOARD OBSTRUCTING MY VIEW ON THE WINDSHIELD
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 24, 2022
electronic stability controls along with traction and FCW AFFECTING TRANSFER CASE WITH STEERING
Structure, May 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the driver's side dashboard leather lifted and blocked the defroster from operating as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the dashboard was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Other or unspecified, Feb 18, 2022
I have an error message coming on stating service shifter then a message to tell you how to get into park if it’s not working It doesn’t come on every time I drive it but it’s annoying when it dings upon stopping and taking off! So far it hasn’t stopped working but I don’t want to be on the road traveling and it does I seen a recall on some Jeep Grand Cherokee but my VIIN isn’t coming up on the recall list They have checked it at the dealership but they don’t know what it is
Electrical system, Feb 5, 2022
When I turn car on, radio sometimes makes loud thump noice. Time resets to different times, until it goes to current time. Radio volume mutes on and off. And when I try to pair call, I can’t connect phone via bluetooth.
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.
Air bags, Jan 2, 2022
The airbag sensor indicator light for front passenger seat illuminated on my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited at only 80,000 miles even when adult passengers are sitting in the seat. This conveys that there is an airbag malfunction. It has stayed illuminated. This poses a danger to passengers in the front passenger seat. It has not been inspected by a mechanic or dealer yet.
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.