2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 310 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, filed between 2016-02-03 and 2026-09-22. The most common problem areas are the power train (78, 25%), engine (76, 25%) and electrical system (61, 20%). Owners reported 27 crashes, 7 fires and 18 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 9 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 78 | 25% | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| Engine | 76 | 25% | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 61 | 20% | 4 | 3 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 31 | 10% | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 28 | 9% | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 22 | 7% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 7% | 6 | 0 | 2 |
| Steering | 16 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 12 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system, diesel | 12 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 11 | 4% | 6 | 0 | 6 |
| Seats | 11 | 4% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Structure | 11 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 3% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 78 complaints
- 78 complaints of 310 (25%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 13 of them also name the engine; owners reported 9 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the recall, campaign 16V249000, says: “The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.”
Engine: 76 complaints
- 76 complaints of 310 (25%) name the engine.
- 13 of them also name the power train; owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- 4 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the latest, campaign 23V411000, says: “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: 61 complaints
- 61 complaints of 310 (20%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 12 of them also name the engine; owners reported 4 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the recall, campaign 18V332000, says: “These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 28 complaints
- 28 complaints of 310 (9%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 11 of them also name the engine; owners reported 3 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee covers this system.
Service brakes: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 310 (7%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 9 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; the recall, campaign 16V168000, says: “In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.”
Vehicle speed control: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 310 (7%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 7 of them also name the power train; owners reported 6 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 15 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names GRAND CHEROKEE, GRAND CHEROKEE SRT, model year 2016. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee's most common problem areas are the power train (78 of 310 complaints), engine (76 of 310 complaints) and electrical system (61 of 310 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
NHTSA has 310 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including 27 reported crashes and 7 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee's problems?
NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee; 4 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.