Complaints about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee peaked in 2023, with 47 filed
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
SUV, gasoline, 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Feb 3, 2016 to Oct 1, 2026.
Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.
Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.
Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.
| Campaign | Filed | Subject | Component | Vehicles | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-411 | Jun 8, 2023 | Crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate, causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft… | Engine and cooling | 80,629 | Software update |
| 22V-406 | Jun 9, 2022 | High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation | Fuel system | 138,645 | Part replacement |
| 20V-699 | Nov 12, 2020 | Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system | Engine and cooling | 28,884 | Part replacement |
| 20V-475 | Aug 13, 2020 | Crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may delaminate causing the engine to lose its ability to synchronize the fuel injector pulses and cam shaft… | Engine and cooling | 58,016 | Software update |
| 18V-332 | May 17, 2018 | These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging | Electrical system | 4,815,661 | Software update |
| 17E-061 | Oct 19, 2017 | Supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak | Engine and cooling | 99 | Part replacement |
| 16V-814 | Nov 10, 2016 | During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak | Fuel system | 30,183 | Part replacement |
| 16V-249 | Apr 27, 2016 | Brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function | Lighting | 32,384 | Part replacement |
| 16V-168 | Mar 23, 2016 | In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material | Brakes | 21,183 | Part replacement |
The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.
311 complaints on file, page 1 of 16.
This last Monday, September 28, the Active head restraint in headrest broke/blew out and exploded into my head while driving on street (no collision, pothole, bump or jarring) causing pain, panic, and avoidance maneuver. Worried it will happen again possibly to someone else in passenger seat, and I am afraid to drive the car. Apparently there is an active 10 year extended warranty out for this issue, but the car may not be in that 10 year window. Still need to check with dealer, and has not been inspected except by us, but have serious doubts about their helping. This is a serious problem and should be a safety recall and replaced for free immediately. No warning lamps or messages beforehand.
NHTSA complaint 11768309The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly sputtered and then stalled. The contact stated that there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle when the vehicle turned off. The vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with fuel pump failure. The contact was informed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was caused by the dealer not following the proper procedure prior to a previous recall repair.
NHTSA complaint 11766086While attempting to remove a child's car seat situated in the rear left passenger seat of the jeep, the release latch failed to allow the seat belt to be released. We had to use a pry bar to physically pry the seat belt rearward in the seat, damaging the seat belt latch before the mechanism finally released the latch.
NHTSA complaint 11765494The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under previous ownership under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a recall-related failure 15,000 miles later. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal coolant odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was coolant leaking onto the floor. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
NHTSA complaint 11753581The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the front driver seat head restraint deployed inadvertently and struck the contact in the neck, causing the contact to swerve off the road. The contact sustained a sore neck; however, medical attention was not provided. No warning lights illuminated. A local dealer was contacted and scheduled a service appointment. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was covered under an extended warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,370.
NHTSA complaint 11749332#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine
NHTSA complaint 11748064Abs module malfunctioned and caught on fire
NHTSA complaint 11734028Brakes repetitively seize, causing the wheels to overheat and the vehicle to shake while braking, putting the vehicle at risk of fire, reduced brake performance, and brake failure. Two different dealerships have confirmed from the problem at various points, the brakes are "repaired" and then have the same failure with the same components again. There are no warnings that the brakes are seizing other than the smell of burning brakes, or smoke coming from the wheel.
NHTSA complaint 11728175I 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, as well as myself. I, the driver of the car hit my head very hard on the steering wheel and window during impact, causing whiplash- neck pain, and reoccurring migraines still to this day 3-21-2026. Although I didn't receive medical attention it has been made known that I hit my head. This would've been avoided had my airbags deployed. I assume there may have been a malfunction and had this been a more serious incident, not only would my life be at stake, but most importantly my children. This is unacceptable for safety purposes.
NHTSA complaint 11726116The 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 residence in LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where codes associated with the crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold runner were retrieved, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 256,000.
NHTSA complaint 11722187Tone 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.
NHTSA complaint 11720847Received 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
NHTSA complaint 11718374The 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 diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 151,755.
NHTSA complaint 11716970The 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 #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,045.
NHTSA complaint 11713695While driving then it just shuts off
NHTSA complaint 11713239265/50R20 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.
NHTSA complaint 11711831The 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 vehicle. This jeep is currently at an authorized dealer and has been diagnosed. There were absolutely NO warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!
NHTSA complaint 11706376When 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.
NHTSA complaint 11706041Headlights 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 seen a lot of forums talking about this issue.
NHTSA complaint 11703569This 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 have been less traumatic if this airbag had deployed.
NHTSA complaint 11697449Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall; the 60 most recent are listed.