2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Report
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (9) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (303) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 33 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 212 complaints and 3 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee before buying across this generation. |
Jeep Grand Cherokee Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Jeep Grand Cherokee years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 355 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1325 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 816 | 11 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 344 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 212 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 387 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Power Train
39 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Jeep onlyEngine
38 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Jeep onlyElectrical System
22 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Jeep onlyUnknown Or Other
20 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Jeep onlyFuel/Propulsion System
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel/Propulsion System issues Jeep onlyFuel System, Diesel
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Fuel System, Diesel issues Jeep onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Reliability Score
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine And Engine Cooling Recalls for exhaust system and gas recirculation valve issues have been issued. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Recalls for wiring issues have been issued. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Train Recalls for fuel system and transmission issues have been issued. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Service brakes have been reported as problematic. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Recalls for exhaust system and gas recirculation valve issues have been issued.
Recalls for wiring issues have been issued.
Recalls for fuel system and transmission issues have been issued.
Service brakes have been reported as problematic.
Recall Details for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The following 9 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee by NHTSA:
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC cust...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Consequence: Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners m...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.
Consequence: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March ...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft timing, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
Consequence: A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: ATI will notify owners and will replace the supercharger brackets, free of charge. The recall began on December 12, 2017. Owners may contact ATI customer service at 1-913-338-2886.
Summary: 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 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
Consequence: A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
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...
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 r...
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.
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
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 diagnos...
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...
While driving then it just shuts off
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.
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...
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.
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...
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 ha...
Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor
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 appointm...
Car not going out of park. Seems to be stuck in gear. Code P1DAB
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.
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 t...
Passenger front seat headrest deployed while parked, no collision or accident, was parked in my driveway.
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 bey...
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 tha...
Showing 20 of 303 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Seats
Opened 2019-09-09 · Closed 2026-02-25
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19014 on September 9, 2019, to investigate 128 consumer complaints alleging that the Active Head Rest (AHR) inadvertently deployed without the occurrence of a crash or other rear impact event in model year (MY) 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles.When ODI opened the investigation, ODI was aware of thirteen alleged injuries.A small number of Early Warning Reports identified driver and/or passenger front seat AHR inadvertent deploy...
Component: Fuel System, Diesel:Delivery:Fuel Pump
Opened 2023-03-17
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response...
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Has the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 9 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE have?
The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 303 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 27 involved crashes. 18 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 3/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE involve power train (39 complaints), engine (38 complaints), electrical system (22 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, fuel/propulsion system, fuel system, diesel.
How many crash reports does the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE have?
There are 27 crash reports associated with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE out of 303 total complaints (8.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE have?
There are 6 fire reports for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE out of 303 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
18 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 303 complaints, 9 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE are: 1. POWER TRAIN (39 complaints), 2. ENGINE (38 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (22 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints), 5. FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (10 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 39 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
Be cautious of engine and electrical system issues, as they are the most common. Check for recalls and address any warning lights promptly. The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE has 303 NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
The 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 303 owner complaints, 9 recalls, and 33 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine and engine cooling and Electrical system.
What are the known issues with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE?
Known issues with the 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE include: Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Power train, Service brakes. These are based on patterns found across 303 NHTSA complaints. 9 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Engine and engine cooling, and electrical system issues are the most common.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Yes, there are recalls for exhaust system, gas recirculation valve, and wiring issues.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues?
Check for recalls and address any warning lights promptly, as transmission issues can be serious.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and electrical system issues, as they are the most common. Check for recalls and address any warning lights promptly.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16