JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE · model year

2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

428 NHTSA complaints, 42 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016JEEPGRAND CHEROKEE carries 428 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 42 crashes, 11 fires, 21 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 GRAND CHEROKEE is power train with 76 filings, followed by engine (74) and electrical system (58). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 9 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 6 investigation files overlapping the 2016 GRAND CHEROKEE. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

428
Complaints
42
Crashes
11
Fires
21
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 5.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

428 filings

Crashes Reported

42 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 5/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
POWER TRAIN76
ENGINE74
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM58
UNKNOWN OR OTHER31
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM27
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL22
SERVICE BRAKES21
STEERING14
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)12
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL12
AIR BAGS10
STRUCTURE:BODY10
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
SEATS7
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING7

Recalls (9)

16V24900027/04/2016

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

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.

16V16800023/03/2016

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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.

17E06100019/10/2017

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER

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 res

18V33200017/05/2018

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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

20V47500013/08/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

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, p

20V69900012/11/2020

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

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.

16V81400010/11/2016

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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 be

22V40600009/06/2022

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

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.

23V41100008/06/2023

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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,

Recent Complaints

20260216ENGINE

Received a warning light and vehicle decelerated with a loss of power. After researching the issue it was determined that it was the crankshaft sensor that had become delaminated. Of which there is a current recall that would not be honored by FCA

20260210POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 151,755

20260127ENGINE

The contact's son owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had been running rough and idling roughly prior to the warning light becoming illuminated. The owner had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved DTC: P0303 (Misfire in Cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,045.

Mileage: 129,045

20260125POWER TRAIN

While driving then it just shuts off

20260125ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving then it just shuts off

20260119TIRES:SIDEWALL

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.

20260119TIRES:TREAD/BELT

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.

20251221ENGINE

The transmission on this 2016 grand jeep Cherokee had completely went out due to fluids being in the transmission. Which is causing a head gasket problem as well. This car was regularly serviced. Only had this vehicle 7-8 months. My safety was put at risk when I was driving my kids to school and on my way to work when it started to overheat causing me to pull over and not being able to drive this vehicle. This jeep is currently at an authorized dealer and has been diagnosed. There were absolutely NO warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!

20251221UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The transmission on this 2016 grand jeep Cherokee had completely went out due to fluids being in the transmission. Which is causing a head gasket problem as well. This car was regularly serviced. Only had this vehicle 7-8 months. My safety was put at risk when I was driving my kids to school and on my way to work when it started to overheat causing me to pull over and not being able to drive this vehicle. This jeep is currently at an authorized dealer and has been diagnosed. There were absolutely NO warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!

20251219ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20251207EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 model they complain that there's do it randomly as well, and I've seen a lot of forums talking about this issue.

20251104CrashAIR BAGS

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 responded to me in over a week. Injury to the driver’s head would have been less traumatic if this airbag had deployed.

20251103ENGINE

Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor

20251002CrashFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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 in the last 6 months with no results, and another appointment scheduled within a few days of the accident. Car in front of me moved forward, I took my foot off the gas, and the self start struggled, and then burst into life at a full throttle. I stomped on my break and tried to steer away, but nicked the corner of the car in front of me, and tangled with their bike rack. But slowed enough there were no air bags deployed. But still, this has become MY fault because of some faulty feature in a car and I get to pay an increase in premiums despite 25 years of no accidents. Is it going to take people getting hurt before this feature can be fixed or

20250930POWER TRAIN

Car not going out of park. Seems to be stuck in gear. Code P1DAB

20250711POWER TRAIN

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.

20250702POWER TRAIN

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.

Mileage: 155,347

20250611AIR BAGS

Passenger front seat headrest deployed while parked, no collision or accident, was parked in my driveway.

20250529POWER TRAIN

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.

20250529SERVICE BRAKES

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.

Compare 2016JEEPGRAND CHEROKEE to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE have?
The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 428 NHTSA complaints, 42 crashes, 11 fires, 21 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 5/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
Yes, the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The most-complained component for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE is POWER TRAIN with 76 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.