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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-JEEP-GRAND-CHEROKEE NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2016 · Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

305 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Grand Cherokee?
Avoid — the powertrain

The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
76 reports · fails ~38,748 mi · avg $2,500
severe
engine
50 reports · fails ~55,560 mi · avg $3,100
severe
electrical
48 reports · fails ~39,640 mi · avg $850
severe
steering
16 reports · fails ~33,164 mi · avg $700
severe
fuel system
13 reports · fails ~78,439 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
brakes
12 reports · fails ~14,113 mi · avg $450
severe
airbags
10 reports · fails ~24,446 mi · avg $1,100
severe
cruise control
10 reports · fails ~19,664 mi · avg $600
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Grand Cherokee's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Grand Cherokee?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Grand Cherokee · steering Crash
2016 Jeep grand cherrokee was making left 90 degree turn at approx 5 MPH on an a non-public city airport access road, hit a small golf cart and stopped. Damage to the golf cart was minor and consisted of broken plastic parts. Visible damage to the Jeep was a dented license…
12/29/2018 · at 33,040 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163970.0 · see steering pattern →
2016 Grand Cherokee · powertrain
Engine oil filter housing cracked and there was excessive and continuous oil leakage. Research on the internet shows this is a common problem as the part is made of plastic and destroyed by heat. If not fixed, the car could overheat, the engine fail, and the car stop during use…
2016 Grand Cherokee · electrical
Uconnect radio/satellite channels randomly change by themselves which is a real distraction while driving. I started happening about a month ago.
12/28/2020 · at 85,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385310.0 · see electrical pattern →
2016 Grand Cherokee · steering
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…
12/27/2016 · at 6,200 mi · NHTSA ODI #10937585.0 · see steering pattern →
View all 305 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 16V249000 April 27, 2016

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016

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. 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.
severe NHTSA 16V168000 March 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

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. 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.
severe NHTSA 16V814000 November 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

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. 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.

Under investigation 2 open at NHTSA

EA Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery · opened March 2023

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA23001 on NHTSA →

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 305 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

On the NHTSA data, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 76 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 11,000–51,000 mi; Engine: 50 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 20,000–65,000 mi; Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 76 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 38,748 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 38,748 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Jeep Grand Cherokee has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 305 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Grand Cherokee. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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