Problems · by component

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee power train problems

78 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee cite power train, 25% of all 312 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
78
25% of all complaints
Crashes
9
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 27, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11720847
“The 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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 10, 2026Power trainODI 11716970
“Transmission will "buck" unexpectedly when slowing to a stop. This causes a violent and unpredictable lunge forward. This has been reported and inspected by the dealer multiple times with the assessment just being "that's an 8 speed transmission for ya". There is no warning of it happening, nor is an event stored within the vehicle ECU.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 11, 2025Power trainODI 11672649
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while in park(Park) and attempting to shift to drive(D), the transmission failed to shift to the desired position. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that a handheld diagnostic machine was used to retrieve DTC: P1DB8 and P1DB8-00. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 155,347.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 2, 2025Power trainODI 11670894
“The gear selector assembly (shifter indicator) failed in accordance with current recall S28 for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The lights stopped illuminating suggesting corruption/inability to flash repair and the "Service Shifter" warning message appeared on the dash. The dealer indicated the vehicle is immediately unsafe for operation stating that the PRNDM indicator operates important features beyond just illumination of the PRNDM display such as driving signals, lights including reverse lights, backup camera, etc and that the vehicle is not currently recognizing all gears. Jeep dealer indicated this is a common failure and indicative of S28 recall but could not provide reasoning why vehicle was not included in the notice.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 29, 2025Power train, Service brakesODI 11663646
“The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle, the transmission failed to shift into park(P). The “Service Transmission, Set Park Brake, and Prevent Rolling” messages were displayed. Several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel immediately afterwards and then turned off independently. The parking brake symbol remained flashing with an audible alarm beeping. The contact turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the valve body had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure occurred approximately 1 year later. The vehicle was returned to the dealer who had diagnosed the vehicle with valve body failure. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V043000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer had been attempting to have the manufacturer add the VIN to the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 4, 2024Power trainODI 11612642

Showing 6 of 78 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: park

Free remedy

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.

Power trainReported Apr 27, 2016NHTSA 16V249000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.