Complaints fall by about 90 percent
By 2016 the early electrical and transmission problems were largely fixed. Complaints run well below average for the model. A few owners report engine and fuel system issues, and older recalls still need checking.
Updated November 2026 · based on 312 owner complaints and 9 recalls
147 67% below the Grand Cherokee average
9 free to fix at a dealer
Every Grand Cherokee year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2016 Grand Cherokee
Top problems and what they cost
Engine warning lights
Check engine lights and occasional rough running.
Fix: Varies; diagnosis $100 to $150.
Engine
Fuel line recall
Recall 16V814 covers a fuel line that may leak.
Fix: Recall repair, free.
Fuel system
Brake recall
Recall 16V168 covers a brake component.
Fix: Recall repair, free.
Brakes
Recalls
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
A brake fluid leak may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Show all 9 recalls
If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle di...
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Confirm recalls 16V814, 16V168 and 18V332 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Grand Cherokee has 9 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask for service records, especially transmission fluid.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 20 complaints about shifter confusion and rollaway on the 2016 Grand Cherokee.
- Make sure no check engine light is on.Warning lights should come on briefly at start and then go out. One that stays on means the car has stored a fault, and a parts store can read the code for free.62 of the 312 owner complaints about the 2016 Grand Cherokee involve the electrical system (20%).
- On diesel models, confirm emissions recall 17E061 and 20V475 work.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2016 Grand Cherokee has 9 recalls on record, listed below.
Questions
Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
Complaints fall by about 90 percent. By 2016 the early electrical and transmission problems were largely fixed. Complaints run well below average for the model. A few owners report engine and fuel system issues, and older recalls still need checking.
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
9 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
Engine warning lights; Fuel line recall; Brake recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.