Power Liftgate Inoperative.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 76 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 37,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
76
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 82 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 51 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 450 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 346 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 76 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 84 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 66 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 37 |
9crashes
2fires
5injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 76 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 76 powertrain 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.
Powertrain accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
The vehicle will exhibit a service transmission/check engine warning indicator for the following transmission models: 845RE, 8HP45, 850RE, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75, 8HP75-PHEV, 8HP75-LCV, 8HP90, 8HP95. Transmissions may exhibit the following diagnostic codes: P07E4, P1DB2, P0716, P1B14, P0733, P1D90, P1DB7, P1B13.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Plate - Planetary
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Verifying Camshaft Diagnosis
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Powertrain Diagnostic And System Enhancements
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Grand Cherokee powertrain is plagued by transmission failures and loss-of-drive incidents. Owners report the transmission slipping into Neutral mid-drive while the shifter reads Drive, or refusing to shift out of first gear after an audible pop—sometimes leaving the vehicle stranded at 15–20 mph. Harsh jerking during shifts, bucking on downshifts, and violent upshifts occur from day one on some vehicles and persist even after transmission replacement. Multiple owners had transmissions burn up or require replacement within months or years, with Chrysler denying warranty coverage by citing mileage just past the powertrain limit or blaming owner maintenance.
Safety issues compound the driveline problems. Vehicles roll forward or backward while parked and locked in Park, some hitting structures or nearly striking people. The electronic shifter misbehaves—showing Park on the dashboard while the vehicle sits in Reverse, or refusing to engage any gear. Engine stalls occur without warning at highway speed, leaving drivers powerless to accelerate or steer. Unintended acceleration in Reverse threw one owner into a garage wall; stuck throttle pins one owner to the brake pedal for 60 feet.
Electronic stability control, traction control, and 4WD modules fail without fix: manufacturers have discontinued parts and refuse to support repairs. An owner in Colorado cannot drive safely in rain or snow because the ABS module is gone and the aftermarket is unavailable. A Ecodiesel caught fire on the highway at 70,000 miles after the dealer found nothing wrong a month earlier. Loss-of-communication faults (U220) cascade through multiple systems—lights, wipers, brakes, cruise control, even the ability to shut the engine off. Recall parts for transmission solenoids remain on indefinite backorder, leaving vehicles unrepaired and unsafe months after owner notification. Dealerships and Chrysler consistently deny problems, claim inability to replicate documented failures, or refuse warranty coverage.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
ABS/Traction Control Module Failure
ABS module discontinued; traction control and 4WD engagement malfunctioning. Aftermarket parts VIN-specific and unavailable. Safety-critical function loss in wet/snow conditions.
When: Multiple years of ownership; accelerated post-2021
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic stability control light illuminated; 4WD light illuminated; No 4WD engagement; Vehicle sliding in wet/snow conditions; Persistent traction loss
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module discontinued; aftermarket part VIN-tied; parts availability extremely limited; junkyard sourcing unlikely for 2016 model
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mopar stated 'no way of knowing if available and beyond capability'; dealership confirmed part discontinued and offered no alternative solution
Unintended Vehicle Movement from Park
Vehicle rolls forward or backward while parked and in Park with ignition off or idling. Multiple incidents of vehicle rolling into structures or creating collision hazard despite Park selection.
When: Various mileages and ownership durations; some within first year
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls forward from Park while parked; Vehicle rolls backward from Park while parked; No warning lights or indication of malfunction; Shifter shows Park on dashboard but vehicle moves; Electronic gear shifter moves vehicle despite Park engagement
Repairs/costs cited: Typically attributed to transmission slippage or electronic shifter malfunction; repairs inconsistent or unsuccessful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA claimed 'human error' despite owner recreation showing vehicle movement at 1-2 mph with door open and foot off brake; refused to acknowledge design issue
Transmission Loss of Communication / CAN Bus Failure
Main computer loses communication with transmission and other vehicle systems (DTC U220). Results in multiple cascading failures: incorrect shifting, inability to disengage cruise control, non-responsive vehicle controls, inability to turn off engine.
When: From early ownership (as early as 2016 lease start); recurring over multiple years
Symptoms owners cite: DTC U220 (loss of communication from main computer); Incorrect shifting patterns; False brake warnings; Headlights unavailable 50% of time; Lane change/object sonar warnings non-functional; Automatic windshield wipers non-functional; No communication with iPhone/Bluetooth; Inability to turn vehicle off; Cruise control malfunction (rapid acceleration without stopping); No warning codes visible to technician despite symptoms
Codes mentioned: U220
Repairs/costs cited: STAR fix implemented for headlight issue; brake warning issue resolved with STAR reprogramming; communication issues persisted despite multiple dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: STAR fixes implemented after multiple visits; communication problems remained unresolved over two-year period
Rear Driveshaft Failure
Driveshaft fails prematurely, causing vibration and clunking. Multiple failures occur within short intervals after replacement. Driveshaft breaks during test drive after installation. Manufacturer denies warranty coverage citing misalignment.
When: At approximately 2000 miles post-replacement; recurred within 2000 miles of second replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration from rear; Clunking noises from rear; Unsafe for operation per dealer assessment
Repairs/costs cited: First replacement driveshaft failed after 1.5 weeks; second replacement broke during dealer test drive; chassis misalignment of 1/4 inch identified; manufacturer denied warranty citing prior repair error
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler denied warranty on second failure, claiming first repair in Idaho was done incorrectly; cited 1/4 inch chassis offset; refused further warranty coverage
Engine/Emissions Control Failures and Engine Fire
Multiple engine-related issues including check engine light persistence, emissions leaks, EGR problems, and catastrophic engine fire. Fire occurred while towing with electronic throttle control warning displayed.
When: Emissions leak detected days after purchase; EGR issues at 70K miles on Ecodiesel; fire at 70K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light persistent despite multiple dealer visits; Emissions leak indicated by check engine light; Service electronic throttle control system message; Smoke from engine bay; Complete engine fire while on highway; Excessive EGR flow code (detected one month prior to fire incident)
Codes mentioned: Excessive EGR flow
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found nothing on inspection approximately one month before fire; code reset; no repair performed; owner performed own diagnosis linking EGR to fire
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed recall work but did not address EGR issue; Jeep acknowledged EGR as known issue for 3.0 Ecodiesel but no preventive action taken
Transmission Slipping into Neutral While Driving
Transmission independently shifts from Drive to Neutral without driver input while vehicle is in motion. Shifter display continues showing Drive. Multiple occurrences over several years with no diagnostic codes found.
When: Multiple years of ownership; recurring events
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle slips into Neutral while driving; Shifter display shows Drive while in Neutral; No warning lights or codes appear; Loss of engine power/acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No codes found on diagnostic testing at multiple dealerships despite repeated failures; no repairs performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships and Jeep Resolution Team refused to acknowledge issue, citing lack of diagnostic codes; directed owner to drive vehicle despite stated safety concern
Transmission Failure to Engage/Stuck in First Gear
Transmission fails to shift out of first gear or fails to engage any gear. Vehicle capable of only 15-20 mph and unable to accelerate normally. Typically occurs after audible pop or mechanical failure during acceleration.
When: At approximately 7000 miles over warranty; some within first 500 miles; at various mileages up to 155K
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate beyond 15-20 mph; Stuck in first gear; Audible pop or revving sound before failure; Fluid leaking from transmission; High RPMs (7000-8000 RPM) at low vehicle speed; No transmission engagement possible
Codes mentioned: P1DB8, P1DB8-00, P1B93 (Gear One Incorrect Ratio)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; costs cited $2000-$4000 out-of-pocket after warranty expiration; repair can take 2+ weeks; multiple instances of transmission failure requiring replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty denied on vehicles slightly over warranty mileage; FCA refused to acknowledge transmission defect; dealership blamed owner maintenance (oil changes) for transmission failure despite manufacturer's powertrain warranty
Transmission Harsh Shifting and Jerking
Transmission exhibits jerky, harsh upshifts and downshifts with violent bucking sensation, particularly at low speeds, during braking, and on inclines. Problem persists after transmission reprogramming and replacement. Vehicle feels like being rear-ended on downshifts.
When: From early ownership/first 1000 miles through multiple years; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh upshifts while driving; Jerking/bucking sensation during acceleration; Double downshift feeling when slowing to stop; Vehicle lurches forward or backward unexpectedly; Loud clunking when putting into Reverse on incline; Rough idle and hard acceleration; Transmission light illuminates intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reprogramming performed multiple times with temporary relief; problem recurred; transmission replacement performed but same symptoms returned within 3 weeks; third transmission installed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain reprogrammed at 7788 miles; again at 48,254 miles; transmission replaced at 58,273 miles; subsequent transmission burned up; no ongoing warranty coverage despite pattern of failures
Transmission Valve Body Failure
Transmission valve body fails, resulting in inability to shift into Park and warning messages. Failure recurred approximately one year after initial repair.
When: Initial failure timing not specified; recurred approximately one year later
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift into Park; 'Service Transmission, Set Park Brake, Prevent Rolling' warnings displayed; Multiple warning lights illuminate and turn off independently; Parking brake symbol flashing with audible alarm beeping
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replaced on first occurrence; same failure recurred one year later
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to NHTSA Campaign 20V043000 (Powertrain); VIN not initially included in recall; dealer attempted to add VIN to recall after second failure
Inability to Shift Out of Park / Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid
Transmission stuck in Park or unable to shift from Park despite brake pedal applied and engine running. Multiple restart cycles required before shift becomes possible. Related to recall S28 but many vehicles not included despite manufacturing dates within recall window.
When: Multiple instances from early ownership through various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift out of Park; Brake pedal applied but shift still blocked; Multiple engine restart cycles required; Delay before transmission responds to shift command
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple restarts and waiting periods required before shift engagement; no permanent repair noted in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships claimed vehicles not part of recall S28 despite similar symptoms and manufacturing dates within recall window; recall S28 relates to brake transmission shift interlock solenoid for vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016
Transmission Unable to Shift / Stuck Gear Selection with Engine Stalling
Transmission fails to engage gears, gear indicators flash, vehicle will not turn off, and engine warning lights appear. Transmission stuck in Drive or unable to change position. Requires dealer intervention with extended repair time.
When: Very early in ownership (500 miles or less on new vehicles)
Symptoms owners cite: No gear engagement possible; Gear indicators (P, N, D, etc.) flashing; Vehicle does not recognize current gear; Engine will not turn off; Electronic stability control warning lights; Check engine warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Valve body replacement attempted first but did not resolve issue; full transmission replacement required; vehicles in shop longer than owner had possessed them (weeks); extended diagnosis period
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No explanation of root cause provided; Jeep dealership reported seeing similar issue on Chrysler 300 same timeframe
Unintended Acceleration / Stuck Throttle
Throttle becomes stuck wide open causing unintended rapid acceleration. Vehicle unable to reduce power despite brake application. Requires emergency brake and ignition shutdown to stop. Occurs in both forward and reverse.
When: During routine driving and parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle stuck wide open in Reverse; Throttle stuck wide open in Drive; Rapid uncontrolled acceleration; Brake pedal ineffective against acceleration force; Vehicle maintains high acceleration despite brake application
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; incident documented with photos/video evidence
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Loss of Power / Stalling While Driving
Engine stalls without warning while driving at highway speeds or in traffic. Vehicle loses all power and coasts to shoulder. Electronic throttle sensor or fuel system component failure suspected. Recurring issue (multiple stalls reported by same owner).
When: Multiple occurrences over ownership period; one incident at 70K miles (Ecodiesel); another 3rd occurrence on different highway
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning at highway speed; Loss of power during driving; No warning lights until stall occurs; Vehicle coasts to shoulder; Dashboard error messages appear after stall; Electronic throttle sensor failure indicated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose; states problem cannot be replicated; no resolution found despite multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer closed all claims and cases; denied arbitration; refused to provide comparable loaner vehicle; would not honor 100K-mile powertrain warranty; claimed unable to fix issue
Stalling on Stop/Restart Failure with Automatic Stop-Start System
Vehicle stalls at traffic lights or during automatic stop-start activation. Engine does not restart immediately, requiring multiple restart attempts. Dashboard warning messages display ('Place in P then Shift to Desired Gear'). Steering wheel may lock during stall.
When: Multiple occurrences across ownership; recurring at red lights and during stop cycles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at stop lights; Auto-stop system failure to restart; Multiple restart attempts required (2-3 cycles); 'Place in P then Shift to Desired Gear' dashboard message; Steering wheel lock-up during stall; Alternator/electrical component strain suspected
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs documented; problem continues to recur after multiple service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives
Gear Shifter / PRNDL Assembly Failure
Gear shifter indicator lights fail; shifter unable to shift out of Park; dashboard display shows incorrect gear while physical shifter in different gear. Related to recall S28 but VIN not included. Dealer notes common failure.
When: Multiple mileages; can occur early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: PRNDL indicator lights stop illuminating; 'Service Shifter' warning message on dash; Shifter display shows incorrect gear position; Physical shifter cannot move from Park; Dashboard shows Park while shifter in Reverse (mismatch); Backup lights non-functional; Reverse lights non-functional
Repairs/costs cited: Recall S28 identified as related; VIN not included in recall notice despite similar failures; vehicle deemed immediately unsafe for operation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Related to recall S28 but vehicle VIN not included in recall notification; dealership unable to provide explanation for exclusion
Push Button Ignition Malfunction / Unable to Turn Off Engine
Push button start ignition will not respond to shutdown command. Engine continues running despite multiple button presses and hold attempts. Vehicle stalls in traffic and cannot be turned off; battery drains overnight.
When: Mid-ownership; one instance at approximately 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Push button ignition unresponsive to shutdown; Engine continues running after button presses; Multiple shutdown attempts unsuccessful; Ignition stuck in 'Run' position; 'Vehicle Not in Park' error messages displayed; Multiple error messages flashing on screen; Battery drains after extended running time
Repairs/costs cited: Windshield replacement performed same day; battery died overnight clearing fault codes; no diagnostic codes available next day for technician analysis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated unable to help despite numerous electrical issues reported by owner
Transfer Case / 4WD Control Failure
Transfer case stuck in 4WD-Low or unable to shift out of 4WD mode. 4WD warning light illuminates. Vehicle hesitates during acceleration. Faulty transfer case and transfer case control module identified. High replacement cost.
When: At approximately 123,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to shift out of 4WD-Low; 4WD warning light illuminated; Acceleration hesitation; Vehicle stuck in 4WD mode
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed faulty transfer case and transfer case control module; replacement cost over $4,000; vehicle not repaired per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in any recall for transfer case issues; owner noted tire changes throw transfer case off and cause failure
Emission Control Reprogramming (AEM) Causing Safety Issue
2019 Approved Emissions Modification (AEM) software flash/reprogramming implemented to meet emissions compliance resulted in reduced engine power at cold start. Vehicle has insufficient power to accelerate through intersections, make turns, or evade oncoming traffic. Multiple near-miss accidents resulted.
When: After 2019 AEM software flash
Symptoms owners cite: Very low engine power at cold start / low engine temperature; Inability to accelerate through intersections safely; Difficulty making left turns; Unable to move out of way of approaching traffic; Reduced power compared to pre-reprogramming state
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer acknowledged issue and stated working on fix but provided no loaner or accommodation; fix development taking months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep acknowledged issue; stated fix in development; refused accommodations for safe vehicle use during fix development period
Rough Idle and Acceleration Hesitation
Vehicle exhibits rough idle, hard acceleration from stops, and rough/bumpy driving. Occurs over multiple-year period. Multiple spark plug changes did not resolve. No engine warning lights or diagnostic codes present.
When: Recurring over 3-year ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Extremely rough idle; Hard time accelerating from stop; Rough, bumpy driving feel; No check engine light illuminated; No diagnostic codes available
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple spark plug changes (March 2020, August 2020, January 2021, January 2023) performed without resolution; shops unable to diagnose
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement; independent shops unable to determine cause
Recall Part Availability Issue (Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid)
NHTSA Campaign 16V249000 and related powertrain recall issued but parts unavailable for extended periods. Owners unable to schedule repairs. Manufacturer unable to provide estimated repair timeframes. Creates safety compliance backlog.
When: Recall notifications issued; repairs delayed indefinitely
Symptoms owners cite: Recall notification received; Parts unavailable at dealership; No estimated availability date provided; Unable to schedule repair appointment
Repairs/costs cited: Parts on national back-order; no delivery timeframe provided; multiple owners affected; recall repairs remain incomplete months/years after notification
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer unable to provide parts availability or repair timeline; referred owners back to dealerships unable to fulfill recalls
Oil Filter Housing Leak (Plastic Cracking)
Oil filter housing made of plastic cracks and leaks excessively. Heat-related degradation of plastic part. Risk of engine overheating, failure, and stall at highway speeds if not addressed.
When: Approximately 2 weeks of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive oil leakage under vehicle; Oil filter housing cracked; Continuous fluid leakage
Repairs/costs cited: Part replaced with metal equivalent at independent shop (Rad Rides, Buffalo WY); original plastic part inadequate for thermal conditions
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; issue attributed to design flaw (plastic housing for high-heat application)
Unintended Acceleration While Reversing
Vehicle accelerates uncontrollably in Reverse at high speed despite brake application. Occurs during low-speed parking maneuver. Brake pedal unable to overcome acceleration force.
When: During routine parking in driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended high-speed acceleration in Reverse; Brake pedal unable to slow vehicle sufficiently; Vehicle hits structures during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided; incident documented with photographs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 76 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Lester glenn dealership, toms river, nj does not acknowledge this recall!
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 at high speeds. Problem was inspected, confirmed, and part replaced with metal part at Rad Rides in Buffalo WY.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the engine stalled. The transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 76 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 11,000 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 37,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.