
2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE has 437 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 656. The most common issue is engine problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2016 jeep grand cherokee. while driving various speeds, the vehicle accelerated independently and increased in rpms. the failure recurred on numerous occasions. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 500. There are 9 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 13 fire reports filed.
437
Total Complaints
9
Recalls Issued
4/5
Safety Stars
0.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
82 complaints- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND INCREASED IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. AS THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE ENGINE REVVED AND ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE SIDE AIR BAGS ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS F
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND INCREASED IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE
Based on 261 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 33K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
ENGINE
ELECTRICAL
SPEED CONTROL
FUEL SYSTEM
BRAKES
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (9)
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.
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Above-average theft risk
The Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE was the #23 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 4,300 thefts reported to law enforcement.
Notes: Popular SUV; parts and tuning demand
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE Service Intervals
4WD Wrangler/Gladiator have shorter transfer case + differential intervals if off-roaded frequently.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Jeep New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Jeep. If you're buying a used 2016 GRAND CHEROKEE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Jeep dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 437 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND INCREASED IN RPMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: THE ELECTRONIC GEAR SHIFTER IN THIS VEHICLE WENT FROM PARK TO ROLLING DOWN A HILL. I WAS PARKED AND PROCEEDED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS. I JUMPED BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND HIT MY RIGHT KNEE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASH BOARD. TO AVOID HITTING THE PEDESTRIANS BEHIND M
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO QUICKLY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE AND MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET IT TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION, BUT THE DEALER DID NOT SUPPLY AN I
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: LESTER GLENN DEALERSHIP, TOMS RIVER, NJ DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS RECALL!
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 9 recalls have been completed — free at any Jeep dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE — Year Comparison
How does 2016 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 437
- Recalls
- 9
- Fire reports
- 13
- Crash reports
- 32
- Injury reports
- 13
- Segment avg
- 656
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2016 Jeep GRAND CHEROKEE