One of the better Grand Cherokee years
Owners filed about 49% fewer complaints than a typical Grand Cherokee year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 41,000 miles.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 312 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (84, 27% of complaints), followed by the transmission and drivetrain and the electrical system. That ranks 10th of 13 Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 9 recalls.
3 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee before you buy.
Engine and cooling
84 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 41,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 125,000 miles
#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engineOwner complaint, filed 2026
Transmission and drivetrain
78 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 32,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 151,755 miles
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.Owner complaint, filed 2025
Electrical system
62 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 35,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
When I push on the gas pedal, sometimes the car revs up and the speed does not increase. I have to shut the car down and then restart. When I restart it, then it resets it in a way and I am able to drive. There is a hyperbola symbol that is seen on my dashboard that blinks when this happens. Please help.Owner complaint, filed 2025
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 150,000 miles
Fuel system
45 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 42,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then stalled. The contact stated that there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle when the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was…Owner complaint, filed 2026
I was stuck in traffic as a result of a road being closed while they cleared another incident. Creeping along, the Jeep with it's engine pause shutting down until I removed my foot off the gas and then engaging so I could move forward a foot or two. Keeping in mind this feature has been throwing errors and I've taken it to the shop twice…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Brakes and stability control
36 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 18,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
Brakes repetitively seize, causing the wheels to overheat and the vehicle to shake while braking, putting the vehicle at risk of fire, reduced brake performance, and brake failure. Two different dealerships have confirmed from the problem at various points, the brakes are "repaired" and then have the same failure with the same components…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Cruise control and acceleration
23 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 27,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
Twice in recent months the car accelerated on its own while idling. I received no warning or message. Both times the car surged forward a short distance. I applied the brake both times, but it didn’t seem to have much effect. The car seemed to slow on its own. My search of the internet uncovered many instances of sudden unintended…Owner complaint, filed 2021
I was pulling out onto the highway from a stop position, as I tried accelerate the engine acted like I was in neutral or park! I thought I hit the gear shift into park or neutral, but I was in drive. It went back into drive mode second s later. Scary feeling with traffic going 50 MPH around me! Well it did it again going from a stop…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 32,000 miles
Steering
16 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 20,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
My steering "locked up", I had it towed to a Jeep dealer who diagnosed it as faulty steering gear rack. It cannot be repaired-it must be replaced. The car did show a code when it locked up=but not before. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection,Owner complaint, filed 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the power steering warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 55,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
15 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 40,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
While attempting to remove a child's car seat situated in the rear left passenger seat of the jeep, the release latch failed to allow the seat belt to be released. We had to use a pry bar to physically pry the seat belt rearward in the seat, damaging the seat belt latch before the mechanism finally released the latch.Owner complaint, filed 2026
The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the front driver seat head restraint deployed inadvertently and struck the contact in the neck, causing the contact to swerve off the road. The contact sustained a sore neck; however, medical attention was not provided. No warning lights…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 190,370 miles
Lights, wipers and visibility
14 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 43,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
Headlights will completely go out at night just at random, sometimes it's only one and sometimes it both completely. Yet the High beams and fog lights will work when activated even when the regular lights will not. Has been an ongoing issue for a while now, and upon talking to other Jeep Grand Cherokee owners of around the same year…Owner complaint, filed 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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Air bags
12 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
This last Monday, September 28, the Active head restraint in headrest broke/blew out and exploded into my head while driving on street (no collision, pothole, bump or jarring) causing pain, panic, and avoidance maneuver. Worried it will happen again possibly to someone else in passenger seat, and I am afraid to drive the car. Apparently…Owner complaint, filed 2026
This 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee was hit in the left front by a vehicle that failed to stop at a stop sign. It also spun and was impacted on the left rear as well. All airbags but the driver’s side curtain airbag deployed. The driver hit their head on the seat belt pillar on the driver’s side. I have contacted Jeep but they have not…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
11 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Body (10).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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 emblemOwner complaint, filed 2024
Similar to https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2019/MC-10170403-9999.pdf NUMBER: 23-036-19 GROUP: 23 - Body DATE: December 18, 2019 SUBJECT: Leather Instrument Panel (IP) Cover Delaminating - X81 Warranty Extension This issue still exists in newer years. Including my 2016 Jeep Overland High Altitude. Recall should be extended to include…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Wheels and tires
8 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
265/50R20 Cooper Evolution H/T, all 4 tires have cracks all the way around each tire, possibly sidewall defects. Tires were purchased new from Bob’s tire in Attalla, Alabama.Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Driver assist systems
4 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
I hit a deer at 65 mph, causing significant damage to my vehicle, $7,300+ to the front end. I have a safety beacon that detected the accident through my insurance, that detected the severity of the impact, resulting in an immediate call for safety to check on me. My airbags did not deploy, but there was a nasty aroma of sulfur during the…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Suspension
3 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
2016 jeep grand cherokee. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle front tires wobbling from side to side while being towed by motorhome. *smd the consumer stated he purchased the vehicle to tow behind a 40 foot diesel motorhome. On october 12, 2016, while towing the jeep, the motorhome started shaking/bouncing as though he had a blown out…Owner complaint, filed 2016
While driving to nashville, tn we were driving between 65 - 73 MPH with speed control and hit slower traffic it felt like the vehicle lost power steering. The steering was hard to handle on the jeep. It would pull either left or right and wouldn't seem to go straight. We could stop the vehicle and turn it off and the steering would be…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 6,200 miles
Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by year
Compare the 2016 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2016 midsize SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | One of the better years | 9 |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander | One of the better years | 3 |
| 2016 Honda Pilot | Among the worst years | 8 |
| 2016 Ford Explorer | Among the worst years | 15 |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls
Engine and cooling
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system Fuel pump
- Risk
- Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Gas recirculation valve
- Risk
- Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Diesel
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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…
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system Wiring
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Turbo / supercharger
- Risk
- A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Fuel system
- Risk
- A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Transmission and drivetrain Park / neutral start interlock switch
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Brakes Caliper
- Risk
- A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most reported problem areas on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee are the engine and cooling (84 complaints), the transmission and drivetrain (78 complaints) and the electrical system (62 complaints).
Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee a good year to buy?
One of the better Grand Cherokee years. Owners filed about 49% fewer complaints than a typical Grand Cherokee year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 41,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Grand Cherokee years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recent, from Jun 2023, covers the engine and cooling. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 41,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the transmission and drivetrain gave a mileage of about 32,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years should I avoid?
The Grand Cherokee years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2012, 2014 and 2015. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2016, 2017 and 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
We inspect the car with a scan tool and paint gauge, read the history report and tell you whether it is worth the asking price, before you hand over any money.
- Check a specific car for open recalls at NHTSA
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