Home · 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee · Complaints

What 306 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (306)Crash / fire / injury (38)Transmission & drivetrain (78)Engine (76)Electrical system (61)Fuel system (32)Brakes (25)Speed control (22)Steering (16)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (12)Fuel System, Diesel (12)Airbags (11)

Newest first · 306 complaints · page 1 of 13

Jul 2, 2026Engine

#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine

NHTSA ODI 11748064

Apr 27, 2026BrakesElectrical systemFire

Abs module malfunctioned and caught on fire

NHTSA ODI 11734028

Mar 31, 2026Brakes

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 again. There are no warnings that the brakes are seizing other than the smell of burning brakes, or smoke coming from the wheel.

NHTSA ODI 11728175

Mar 22, 2026LightsAirbagsDriver assistanceCrash1 injury

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 impact. My minor children were secured safely in the vehicle, as well as myself. I, the driver of the car hit my head very hard on the steering wheel and window during impact, causing whiplash- neck pain, and reoccurring migraines still to this day 3-21-2026. Although I didn't receive medical attention it has been made known that I hit my head. This would've been avoided had my airbags deployed. I assume there may have been a malfunction and had this been a more serious incident, not only would my life be at stake, but most importantly my children. This is unacceptable for safety purposes.

NHTSA ODI 11726116

Mar 5, 2026Engine

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly jolted, lost power, and went into LIMP Mode, almost causing a rear-end crash. The message "Service Electronic Throttle Control" was displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the shoulder and inspected, but no cause was immediately determined. The vehicle was driven to the residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where codes associated with the crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold runner were retrieved, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 256,000.

NHTSA ODI 11722187

Feb 27, 2026Transmission & drivetrainFuel system

Tone wheel failure resulting in vehicle not operating as intended. Required repair of which FCA stated the repair was not covered by the recall issued against the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11720847

Feb 16, 2026Engine

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

NHTSA ODI 11718374

Feb 10, 2026Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11716970

Jan 27, 2026Engine

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.

NHTSA ODI 11713695

Jan 25, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical system

While driving then it just shuts off

NHTSA ODI 11713239

Jan 19, 2026Tires

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.

NHTSA ODI 11711831

Dec 21, 2025Engine

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!

NHTSA ODI 11706376

Dec 19, 2025Electrical 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.

NHTSA ODI 11706041

Dec 7, 2025Lights

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.

NHTSA ODI 11703569

Nov 4, 2025AirbagsCrash2 injuries

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.

NHTSA ODI 11697449

Nov 3, 2025Engine

Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor

NHTSA ODI 11697234

Oct 2, 2025Fuel systemCrash

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 at least disabled as a default?

NHTSA ODI 11691025

Sep 30, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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

NHTSA ODI 11690622

Jul 11, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11672649

Jul 2, 2025Transmission & drivetrain

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.

NHTSA ODI 11670894

Jun 11, 2025Airbags

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

NHTSA ODI 11666291

May 29, 2025Transmission & drivetrainBrakes

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.

NHTSA ODI 11663646

May 16, 2025Fuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11661381

Apr 14, 2025EngineFuel system

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.

NHTSA ODI 11654598

Mar 10, 2025Tires

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.

NHTSA ODI 11647516

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Working with the data? Download all 306 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 7, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee verdict →