2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Report
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine and powertrain recall history with 303 complaints.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crankshaft Position Sensor Tone Wheel Delamination Affects 3.0L Diesel engines, leading to potential engine stall and increased crash risk. Multiple recalls (e.g., 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee) address this, but complaints indicate issues persist or are not always covered. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| High Pressure Fuel Pump (Hpfp) Failure Specific to 3.0L diesel engines, this can cause fuel starvation and unexpected loss of drive power, increasing crash risk. Subject to recall. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Egr Cooler Cracking (Ecodiesel) For 3.0L EcoDiesel engines, a cracked EGR cooler can allow pre-heated combustion in the intake manifold, increasing fire risk. Subject to recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Solenoid Malfunction A loose solenoid connection can cause the transmission to lock in Park or Neutral, rendering the vehicle immobile. Subject to recall. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Cracked Brake Caliper Affects certain vehicles, specifically the left front brake caliper, potentially lengthening stopping distance and increasing crash risk. Subject to recall. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Cruise Control System Malfunction Electrical system wiring issues can cause the vehicle to maintain or accelerate speed despite attempts to deactivate cruise control, increasing crash risk. Subject to recall. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Fuel Leak (3.6l Engine) Specific to 3.6L engines, a fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of fire. Subject to recall. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee:
The most reported component, with 39 complaints, often related to transmission issues like getting stuck in gear, bucking, or failure to shift, and problems with the park/neutral start interlock.
With 38 complaints, issues include engine stalling, loss of power, 'limp mode,' and 'Service Electronic Throttle Control' warnings, frequently linked to crankshaft sensor or fuel pump failures, especially in diesel variants.
22 complaints, including issues with headlights going out randomly, cruise control malfunctions, and general electrical failures.
10 complaints, often related to fuel pump failures and fuel leaks, particularly affecting diesel engines.
8 complaints, some related to the cruise control system not deactivating or unintended acceleration.
8 complaints, including issues with cracked calipers and general braking effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee received strong crash test ratings (5-star frontal, 5-star side, 4-star overall), indicating good protection in collisions. However, it has a significant number of complaints (303 total) and 9 recalls, many of which address critical components like the engine and powertrain that can lead to loss of power or increased crash risk. There have been 27 reported crashes and 6 fires.
What are common problems with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most reported issues are related to the POWER TRAIN (39 complaints), including transmission malfunctions and the vehicle getting stuck in gear, and the ENGINE (38 complaints), with frequent reports of stalling, loss of power, and 'limp mode,' especially in diesel models due to crankshaft sensor or fuel pump failures. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues (22 complaints) like headlight failures are also notable.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes, there are 9 recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Key recalls address issues such as crankshaft position sensor tone wheel delamination (3.0L Diesel), high-pressure fuel pump failure (3.0L Diesel), EGR cooler cracking (3.0L EcoDiesel), electrical system wiring affecting cruise control, brake transmission shift interlock solenoid malfunction, and cracked brake calipers.
How does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee perform in crash tests?
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star rating for both frontal and side crash protection. Its overall safety rating is 4 stars, though its rollover resistance rating is 3 stars.
Are the diesel engines in the 2016 Grand Cherokee problematic?
Yes, the 3.0L diesel engines in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have been subject to multiple significant recalls. These include issues with the crankshaft position sensor tone wheel delamination, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler cracking, all of which can lead to engine stalls, loss of power, or increased fire risk.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Prospective buyers should prioritize verifying all 9 recalls have been addressed, especially those related to the engine and powertrain, and be aware of potential issues with these components, particularly in diesel variants.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The data includes 303 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 9 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 27 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 18 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 3 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.