NHTSA lists 9 safety recalls and 312 owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Most complaints involve power train (78) and engine (76). The EPA rates it 15–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Grand Cherokee model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1,342 |
| 1997 | 1,380 |
| 1998 | 1,429 |
| 1999 | 2,004 |
| 2000 | 1,829 |
| 2001 | 1,111 |
| 2002 | 1,476 |
| 2003 | 761 |
| 2004 | 1,295 |
| 2005 | 2,051 |
| 2006 | 1,297 |
| 2007 | 1,109 |
| 2008 | 734 |
| 2009 | 138 |
| 2010 | 118 |
| 2011 | 1,640 |
| 2012 | 1,644 |
| 2013 | 805 |
| 2014 | 2,388 |
| 2015 | 1,369 |
| 2016 | 312 |
| 2017 | 364 |
| 2018 | 855 |
| 2019 | 370 |
| 2020 | 241 |
| 2021 | 410 |
| 2022 | 377 |
| 2023 | 408 |
| 2024 | 254 |
| 2025 | 80 |
| 2026 | 32 |
“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.”
“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 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.”
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended with the vehicle shaking erratically. The vehicle was taken to O’Reilly’s where the vehicle was diagnosed with CAM box failure. The contact was informed that the CAM box needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Cherokee 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,750 | 408 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 21 | 28 | 24 | $3,900 | 432 |
| Grand Cherokee 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 21 | $3,050 | 413 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 427 |
| Grand Cherokee 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 5.7 L · All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $4,350 | 533 |
| Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD Auto 8-spd, 8 cyl, 6.4 L · All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 19 | 15 | $5,300 | 592 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
9 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 312 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (78), engine (76), electrical system (62). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee at 15–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.