Problems · NHTSA complaints
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
Owners filed 312 complaints about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with NHTSA between Feb 2016 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (78).
Complaints
312
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
27
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
18
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train78
- Engine76
- Electrical system62
- Fuel/propulsion system28
- Vehicle speed control23
- Service brakes22
- Steering16
- Air bags12
- Fuel system, diesel12
- Electronic stability control (esc)12
- Seats11
- Structure11
- Exterior lighting10
- Engine and engine cooling8
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
43
31
27
33
38
16
21
47
22
17
17
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 43 |
| 2017 | 31 |
| 2018 | 27 |
| 2019 | 33 |
| 2020 | 38 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
78 reports9 crashes2 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Engine
76 reports5 crashes2 fires
“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.”
Electrical system
62 reports4 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“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.”
Fuel/propulsion system
28 reports3 crashes2 fires
“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 appointment scheduled within a few days of the accident. Car in front of me moved forward, I took my foot off the gas, and the self start struggled, and then burst into life at a full throttle. I stomped on my break and tried to steer away, but nicked the corner of the car in front of me, and tangled with their bike rack. But slowed enough there were no air bags deployed. But still, this has become MY fault because of some faulty feature in a car and I get to pay an increase in premiums despite 25 years of no accidents. Is it going to take people getting hurt before this feature can be fixed or at least disabled as a default?”
Vehicle speed control
23 reports6 crashes
“I'm not sure what components malfunctioned but my vehicle is in a body shop currently getting work done from the accident I was recently in. The safety of my cousin and I was put into risk when I was driving on the highway and I hydroplaned on the highway and did a 180 degree turn but luckily no one hit me and I didn't hit anyone else. I slammed on the concrete median which is what stopped my vehicle on the highway leaving my vehicle with 9 thousand in damages. I filed an insurance claim and is now getting fixed like I mentioned. Prior to the accident I had noticed the car shifting to the left and dramatically declining acceleration and a loud pop by the front driver tire. That is the best way to describe what the car does. So on the day of the incident I believe the car did what I just explained and it caused me to hydroplane and I'm in fear it is going to happen again. I have taken it to another shop after the accident because my vehicle would not start and a different shop said they heard the noise but could not figure out what it was. When I get my vehicle back I planned on taking it to a recall center but I decided to make this report first. There were no…”
Service brakes
22 reports1 crash
“Brakes 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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.