NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization of fuel injector timing and camshaft operation, which can result in engine stall.
This page covers 10 recalls, 305 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
17–24 mpg combined
9.8–13.8 L/100km
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the heaviest concentration of owner complaints centers on the powertrain and engine. On the powertrain side, owners frequently report the vehicle unexpectedly entering limp mode at highway speeds, often accompanied by a loss of power and electronic throttle control warning messages. Some describe a sudden jolt before the power loss, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate normally until restarted. Engine complaints follow a similar pattern of unexpected power interruptions and warning indicators. The electrical system draws the third-highest complaint volume, with owners describing a range of control module issues affecting normal vehicle operation. A smaller but notable group of brake-related reports describes wheels seizing and overheating during braking, with the problem reportedly recurring after dealer repair attempts. A single report mentions an ABS module that caught fire, and another describes a tone wheel failure that disrupted normal vehicle function.
305
Total Complaints
27
Crash-Related
7
Fire-Related
16
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 10 recalls, with multiple fire risks standing out as the most serious: a fuel rail crossover tube on 3.6L V6 models can leak fuel near ignition sources, and on 3.0L EcoDiesel models, a cracking EGR cooler can allow combustion inside the intake manifold.
Several other recalls affect the 3.0L diesel. A high-pressure fuel pump can shed internal debris into the fuel system and cause the engine to lose drive power without warning. A crankshaft position sensor tone wheel can delaminate, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly. There is also a software issue where the cruise control may fail to disengage and maintain or increase speed against the driver's input.
On the electrical and transmission side, a loose or incorrectly crimped connection in the brake-transmission shift interlock solenoid can cause the transmission to lock in Park or Neutral when the vehicle stops, leaving it stranded in traffic. Two separate filings describe this same solenoid concern.
Rounding out the list, a front brake caliper made from incorrect material can crack and extend stopping distances, and the brake light switch circuit is tied to the same solenoid issue already described.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization of fuel injector timing and camshaft operation, which can result in engine stall.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module software to restore proper engine operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pump can fail and release debris into the fuel system, which may block fuel flow and cause the engine to stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the fuel pump and inspect and replace other fuel system parts if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The EGR cooler may crack, allowing heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture can combust inside the intake manifold.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect and replace the intake manifold if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The crankshaft position sensor tone wheel may separate into layers, causing the engine to lose synchronization between fuel injector timing and camshaft timing, which can result in engine stall.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control software to read the camshaft position signal if the crankshaft position signal is lost, maintaining engine operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A wiring short circuit can prevent cruise control from disengaging. When engaged, you may not be able to turn it off by braking or using manual controls, causing the vehicle to maintain speed or accelerate unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine or powertrain control module software at no cost to fix the cruise control disengagement issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail crossover tube in the engine may have been damaged during assembly, potentially causing fuel to leak over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube and replace it if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel rail crossover tube on certain 3.6L V6 engines may become damaged over time, potentially leaking fuel that could ignite and cause a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the fuel rail crossover tube for damage and replace the fuel rail assembly and lower intake manifold if damage is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid wire harness terminal may have an incorrect crimp, causing the solenoid to stop working. This could lock the transmission in Park or Neutral when the vehicle stops, unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the gear shifter assembly to restore proper solenoid function.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection, causing the solenoid to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the shifter assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left front brake caliper may crack because it was made from incorrect material.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the left front brake caliper and replace it if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
