ISOLATOR - ENGINE MOUNT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 51 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 41,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 118 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 49 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 248 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 127 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 51 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 46 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 78 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 30 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 30 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
ISOLATOR - ENGINE MOUNT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Verify Reman part number availability. Order the "R" part number for all orders: Warranty, Mopar, customer pay and service contract. Order "68" part number for New unsold units only.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Rattle Noise
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗When replacing a camshaft and parts kit (P/N 68661146xx and/or 68661147xx), it is NOT necessary to order the roller-finger followers (rocker arms) separately, as these are included in the camshaft parts kit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Engine problems on the 2016 Grand Cherokee run the gamut from annoying to life-threatening. The most common complaint is stalling without warning, especially during deceleration, at traffic lights, or while turning. Owners describe the engine dying, a "Shift to P" message appearing on the dash, and needing to cycle the ignition to get the vehicle restarted. Dealership diagnostics rarely pinpoint the cause; in many cases, no codes are stored. Some owners report 30+ similar complaints online.
VVT solenoid failure causes rough idle and cylinder misfire codes (P0302, P0303), typically in the front cylinders. Engine mounts fail prematurely, with the engine visibly rising under throttle. Overheating recurs even after radiator and hose replacement; one owner had a fire at 55 mph. Oil leaks into coolant systems through failed oil coolers and plastic filter assemblies. Rocker arm failures, rod bearing damage in EcoDiesel engines, camshaft issues, and stuck intake valves occur without advance warning. Start/Stop feature malfunctions cause unexpected stalling and surging on restart. Water pumps fail repeatedly; one owner replaced theirs four times in under a year. Recalls sit incomplete because parts aren't available, leaving owners driving vehicles deemed unsafe.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Engine mount failure
Engine mounts fail, causing the engine to sit loose in the bay. Owners report the engine rising when applying throttle and rattling audibly.
When: 76,101 miles in one documented case; early failure relative to typical wear
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle and loss of power on startup; Engine visibly rising when gas pedal pressed; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacement of engine mounts; owner concerned about catastrophic failure risk
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated early failure unusual without accident or heavy use
VVT solenoid failure
Variable valve timing solenoid, typically front cylinder #2, becomes faulty causing rough idle and misfire codes. Owners report this is a design issue affecting multiple 2016-2017 Grand Cherokees.
When: Mileage varies; one report at unspecified mileage; symptoms began Oct 2023
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle when stopped or parked; Misfire in specific cylinder (reported #2 and #3); Check engine light illuminated
Codes mentioned: P0302 (Misfire #2 cylinder), P0303 (Misfire #3 cylinder)
Repairs/costs cited: VVT solenoid replacement, part #5047897AC, cost $143 plus tax at independent shop
Stalling without warning during deceleration and stops
Engine stalls unexpectedly when decelerating, stopping at lights, or taking turns without producing diagnostic codes in many cases. Restart typically requires shifting to Park and cycling ignition. Multiple owners report 30+ complaints for same issue online.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; reported at various mileages from 14,000 to 129,000+
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning during deceleration; Engine stalls at traffic lights or complete stops; Engine stalls while turning or exiting highways; Check engine light may or may not illuminate; 'Shift to P' message displays on dashboard; Vehicle requires restart cycle to resume operation; Start/Stop feature may be involved in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate failure or identify root cause in most cases; vehicle not typically repaired
Overheating and coolant system failure
Vehicle overheats repeatedly even after radiator replacement and hose service. Oil leaks into coolant system. Engine cooling subsystem appears prone to recurring failure.
When: 136,249 miles in one case; one case at approximately 55,000 miles with smoke/fire event
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle overheats while driving; Temperature gauge rises rapidly; Engine hot message displays; Vehicle deceleration in limp mode during overheating; Oil visible in coolant tank
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replaced twice in one case along with hoses; mechanic recommended additional coolant; oil cooler failure documented in separate report requiring costly repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted but provided no assistance
Engine fire at low speed
Vehicle experienced smoke and flames coming from under hood at low speed (15 mph) during power loss and stall event. Fire extinguisher used to suppress flames.
When: 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving at 15 mph; Engine stall; Smoke and flames under hood; Check engine light had been illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; cause unknown; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; cause of failure unknown
Plastic oil filter assembly failure
Plastic oil filter assembly cracks under normal operation, allowing engine oil to dump into radiator. Owner reports catching failure by noticing oil leak; potential for catastrophic engine lock-up at highway speeds.
When: 128,766 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak observed; Oil found in radiator (approximately 3 quarts)
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $1,477.39; plastic filter assembly replaced
Rocker arm failure
Multiple rocker arms fail, causing loss of engine function. No warnings prior to failure except flashing check engine light under heavy acceleration. Engine recovers after restart but repeats under heavy load.
When: 142,724 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Flashing check engine light only under heavy acceleration; Engine stops functioning correctly under load; No check engine light after restart; Engine resumes normal operation after stop-restart cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple rocker arm replacement; repair cost $2,479.75
Loss of power and limp mode during driving
Vehicle suddenly loses power, enters limp mode, and displays 'Service Electronic Throttle Control' warning. Associated with crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold runner codes.
When: 256,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power at highway speed (60 mph); Vehicle jolts unexpectedly; 'Service Electronic Throttle Control' message displays; Vehicle enters limp mode; Interior lighting flickers in related cases
Codes mentioned: Crankshaft position sensor related, Intake manifold runner related
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic retrieved codes but vehicle not repaired; root cause not determined
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Associated with NHTSA Campaign 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling)
Uncontrolled acceleration on shift
Engine revs and accelerates uncontrollably when shifting into Drive. Owner unable to control vehicle; resulted in crash into building.
When: 11,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine rev uncontrollably when shifting to Drive; Uncontrolled acceleration; Vehicle unable to be controlled
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired; side airbags deployed in crash
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware
Engine seizure and interior lighting flicker
Interior lighting flickers and engine seizes without warning during driving. Vehicle recovers after restart but failure mechanism not identified.
When: 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Interior lighting begins to flicker; Engine seizes without warning; Engine resumes normal operation after restart
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; vehicle not included in recall per dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised VIN not included in recall
High-pressure fuel pump failure
High-pressure fuel pump fails, causing engine stall at highway speed. Vehicle stalls completely and requires towing.
When: 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stall at 75 mph; Check engine light had remained illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure fuel pump replaced
Engine oil cooler failure
Engine oil cooler fails, contaminating entire cooling system with engine oil and causing rapid oil loss. No warning lamps or symptoms prior to failure.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine oil leak; Oil contaminating coolant system; No warning lamps or messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Failure confirmed by dealer and independent shop; repair cost not specified
Intermittent loss of acceleration/limp mode
Vehicle frequently loses acceleration at varying speeds and enters severe limp mode, limiting speed to engine idle. Requires stop-restart cycle to restore power. Creates dangerous traffic situations.
When: Various speeds and occasions throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; Vehicle limited to engine idle speed; Occurs at varying speeds including highway speeds; Occurs in heavy traffic with no safe pull-over area; Requires stop-park-restart cycle to resume normal acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired
EGR cooler failure and recall parts shortage
EGR cooler fails causing coolant loss (Recall W79). Related recall Z46 also issued. Manufacturer unable to provide parts for extended period, leaving vehicles unsafe to drive.
When: Recall notification December 2021; parts unavailable until at least March 2022 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Engine coolant loss; Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive pending recall repair
Repairs/costs cited: Recall W79 for EGR cooler; Recall Z46 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued; parts unavailable for months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts unavailable; manufacturer provided no timeline for availability
Camshaft failure
Camshaft requires replacement. Vehicle vibrates and produces abnormal engine noise when failure occurs.
When: 82,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration while driving at 40 mph; Abnormal engine noise; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Camshaft replacement needed; repair not yet completed
Stuck intake valve
Intake valve becomes stuck in high-lift position, causing shuddering and rough idle at stops.
When: 111,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuddering while idling or at complete stop; Check engine warning light illuminated
Codes mentioned: DTC for stuck intake valve in high-lift position
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to local dealer
Start/Stop feature malfunction causing stalling
Auto start/stop feature malfunctions, causing engine to stall when braking and then surge forward or fail to restart. In one case caused collision with wall due to unexpected surge on restart.
When: Various occurrences; one at 26,000 miles; others unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls when braking at traffic lights; Engine fails to restart when expected after stop; Engine surges forward unexpectedly on restart; 'Start, Stop, Disable' warning message displays in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Frequency control module reprogrammed in one case without resolving issue; feature disabled by owner in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer unable to duplicate failure or determine source in some cases
Rod bearing failure and catastrophic engine damage
3.0L EcoDiesel engine fails catastrophically with metal shavings found in oil pan, indicating rod bearing failure. Engine requires complete replacement.
When: 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure while driving on highway; No prior warning symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Metal shavings in oil pan indicating rod bearing failure; engine replacement required
Water pump failure and leaks
OEM water pump fails prematurely and repeatedly. One owner required pump replacement multiple times within first year of ownership.
When: 29,000 miles (first failure); 35,900 miles (second failure); another report at unspecified mileage with multiple replacements
Symptoms owners cite: Water pump leaks; Increased engine temperature
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple water pump replacements; one owner had 4-5 pump replacements in roughly one year
Ignition coil failure
Ignition coil fails on specific cylinder, causing misfire.
When: 78,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder not working as it should (cylinder #5 reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet repaired
Starter and fuel pump failures
Multiple startup failures occurring despite good battery; starter and fuel pump both replaced without resolving issue.
When: Occurred twice; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle won't start; Click heard when attempting to start; Radio powers on but engine won't crank
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced; fuel pump replaced; issue recurred after both replacements
Recall parts unavailability
Multiple owners report inability to complete mandatory recalls due to parts not being available from manufacturer. Affects Recall 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 23V411000 (Engine and Engine Cooling).
When: Notification received; availability delayed months beyond reasonable timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to schedule recall repairs; Parts not available at dealership; Manufacturer exceeds reasonable timeframe for parts availability
Repairs/costs cited: Recalls 22V406000 and 23V411000 affected; parts distribution issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance provided; parts availability not communicated
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 29 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 20,000 and 65,000 miles, with the median around 41,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,000; a quarter make it past 65,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.