general problems of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee - part 1

57 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee based on all problems reported for the 2016 Grand Cherokee.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2026

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.

2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/15/2026

Received a warning light and vehicle decelerated with a loss of power. After researching the issue it was determined that it was the crankshaft sensor that had become delaminated. Of which there is a current recall that would not be honored by fca.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2025

The transmission on this 2016 grand Jeep cherokee had completely went out due to fluids being in the transmission. Which is causing a head gasket problem as well. This car was regularly serviced. Only had this vehicle 7-8 months. My safety was put at risk when I was driving my kids to school and on my way to work when it started to overheat causing me to pull over and not being able to drive this vehicle. This Jeep is currently at an authorized dealer and has been diagnosed. There were absolutely no warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

The contact's son owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had been running rough and idling roughly prior to the warning light becoming illuminated. The owner had taken the vehicle to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer retrieved dtc: p0303 (misfire in cylinder #3). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,045.

5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2025

Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2025

From one day to the next the engine is blown. Mechanic says the engine was hot for a while but no light or notices came up until the day of the major issue. I had jsut taken it to get new headlights and tires rotated and no mention of anything off. From oen day to thenext it overheated. I see similar recalls on the same exact Jeep. Make model and year.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/11/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling, or at a complete stop, the vehicle was shuddering with the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact used a code reader and retrieved a dtc for a stuck intake valve in the high lift position. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to a local dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/07/2025

During a routine trip, in a suburban area, on a cold winter morning my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee laredo was running rough and losing power as soon as I started it. The engine light came on and we immediately stopped driving and had it towed for repairs. The dealer diagnosed the problem by observing that the front of the engine rose up when the gas pedal was pressed, and the engine was loose. We are concerned this failure could have resulted in engine falling out of the car, which could have caused a catastrophic accident, fire from the loss of fuel, and loss of life or serious injuries. The engine mounts failed at about 76,101 miles. This did not result in an accident or damage this problem was diagnosed and repaired by the stafford, Chrysler Jeep rambler dealer (the dealer) at 121a west stafford rd, stafford springs CT who can be reached at 860-684-8877. The dealer stated that it was unusual for the engine mounts to fail at such a low mileage unless there was an accident or heavy usage (we do not know of any such issues). We bought the car the certified used from bolles motors (the previous owner of the dealer) with 46,370 miles. The carfax showed regular maintenance and did show any accidents. We drove only the car 29,731 miles before the engine mounts failed. A copy of the receipt and photos of the engine mounts are attached.

9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2024

Vehicle will stall while driving. Has happened 15+ times when trying to accelerate from a stop light, twice while driving at 45+ mph. Engine will stall and the dash will say "shift to park to continue driving. " vehicle must be shifted in to park, and then the start button must be pressed to restart the engine and continue driving.

10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/06/2024

Rocker arm failure on 3. 6 liter engine. This issue had been reported by many Grand Cherokee owners over multiple years. This is an expensive fix greater than 1000 dollars and should be supported or recalled due to manufacturer error.

11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/19/2024

2016 Grand Cherokee with 3. 0l ecodiesel and the engine failed at 43k mileage. The engine failed while driving on the highway. This could cause an accident and serious safety concern. Ecodiesel had similar failures for different drivers. The engine fails without any previous warnings. The dealer found big metal shaving in the oil pan, possibly due to the rod bearing failure. Currently the engine needs to be replaced.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact became aware of an oil leak coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that oil had leaked into the coolant tank. The dealer was then notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to have the vehicle inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130 ,000.

13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2023

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee started to have rough idle when stopped at light or parked. Turns out the vvt solenoid (front #2 cylinder) went bad. Poor design by Jeep/Chrysler that could cause a safety concern and even internal damage to engine. The vvt solenoid from (hawk Chrysler Jeep in forest park, IL) cost $143. 00 w/o tax part #5047897ac. Part and vehicle is available for inspection at anytime. My incident occurred on oct 1, 2023 in the middle of intersection making a left turn when I experienced rough idle. The next day the check engine light came on triggered code p0302 misfire #2 cylinder. Normal vehicle cylinder misfire would be due to bad ignition coil, plug, vacuum leak or fuel injector but not Chrysler product. That's when I noticed an abundance of Jeep Grand Cherokee owners from 2016/2017 complaining about vvt solenoid causing misfire and rough idle. Independent repair facility confirmed vvt solenoid was faulty and caused rough idle issue. Please open a vehicle recall for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee for faulty vvt solenoid to cover owners repairs and parts to resolve this poor design by manufacturer. Thanks! mario juarez 847-361-7909.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/11/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 22v406000 (fuel system, diesel) and 23v411000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue but offered no assistance. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/26/2023

Purchased "certified used" vehicle December of 2021. I have had 4 water pumps installed due to leaks. It has smelled and vehicle has increased temperature. It is now back at the dealership to have the 5th water pump installed.

16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2023

While exiting an automatic car wash, I pressed the brake pedal to put the vehicle in gear and while turning in the lot to go to a vacuum station the accelerator stuck and went to wide open full speed mode and I could not stop it with the brakes. I shot through a vacuum stall, jumped a curb and hit a concrete drain collection box. The air bags deployed but the car was a total loss.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2023

Since purchased new, vehicle frequently loses acceleration, at varying vehicle speeds and will not exceed engine idle and has happened several times when crossing oncoming speeding traffic and is hard to avoid dangerous collision. To get the engine to accelerate again, operator must stop the vehicle, put the can in park, shut the engine off then restart. Most of the times, it is hard to find a spot in the traffic to go through the above maneuver creating a very dangerous situation as it has happened in the hov lane of freeways during high speed and crowded traffic, no place to pull over.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/21/2023

Dear sir or madam, I want to file this complaint regarding an authorised Jeep dealership and service in kyiv, ukraine (stolychne highway, 90, 03045), which refuses to repair my recall 22v-406 on my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee overland. According to that I'm not able to use my car until it will be maintained and mentioned above safety recall will be completed because it may cause a car accident on the road or highway without my fault and this can seriously affect my, my family’s and others people health. I hope you can make a right influence on this authorised Jeep dealership and service to make sure this unpleasant situation will not happen again with me or any other client. Looking forward to answer from you.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/15/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that multiple attempts were needed to start the vehicle. The check engine warning light and throttle control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where mechanic linked the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 20v475000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part for the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when the part would become available. The approximate failure mileage was 56,800.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2023

On may 8th, son driving Jeep to work and the thermometer gauge suddenly went to "h" check engine light came on, no smoke seen but the the car stopped suddenly. There was coolant in the tank. This incident happened without warning and was quite frightening. Had the car towed by aaa to Jeep dealership in olathe KS. Now awaiting diagnostics. It's been a day and a half and the dealership is unsure of what is going on. Please help/advise.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/08/2023

Water pump issue. While driving, the thermometer gauge suddenly went to "h", check engine light came on, no smoke seen and the car suddenly stopped. Coolant confirmed in the tank. The incident happened without warning and was frightening. The car was towed by aaa road service to olathe Jeep dealership and awaiting additional diagnostics. Please advise on the recalls. Fca/mopar acknowledges issues with water pumps and head gasket issues related to leaks. Please advise.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle overheated. The driver decelerated to 45 mph. The engine hot message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving and making a turn, the temperature needle increased to high. The driver was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where the radiator and hoses were replaced. The mechanic informed her to add additional coolant, the vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired.   the manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136, 249.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2023

I've had issues with my vehicle since 2021 -engine light first appeared on the dashboard and towed my car to a Jeep dealership. Vehicle was "repaired" (have the documentation, if needed), but the engine light remained on. I have since driven this vehicle for nearly 3 years with the engine light on, bringing it into different Jeep dealerships (all documentation on record if needed) to repair and was told there was nothing they could find wrong with the engine. Last year (2023) my electronic stability control and 4wd lights came on in addition to the engine light. My car was sliding all over the road and my 4wd was not engaging at all. Brought vehicle to Jeep dealership for repair, was told abs module needs to be replaced and the traction control is malfunctioning; no 4 wheel drive engagement; that the abs module has been discontinued and the only way to replace this is to get an after market part. Contacted mopar and was told there is "no way of knowing if it's available and it's beyond their capability". I was told the after market part would be tied to a specific VIN. I then contacted the Jeep dealership- parts department and explained the situation, asking if there's any other way I can fix this part in my vehicle. Was told there's nothing I can do since it's discontinued, that it's odd that a part for a 2016 vehicle would be discontinued, and I could check junkyards for parts but am not likely to find a match since my vehicle is not that old. I live in colorado and in the last 2 winter months have been terrified to drive when it rains or snows because I have no traction and am sliding through traffic lights and stop signs, even going at a very slow speed. I ended up in the next lane over when slowly driving up a hill on a main road. The value of this 2016 vehicle is miniscule compared to value when I purchased; this places safety of myself and others at risk. My partner is experiencing a similar issue with his 2014 cherokee - discontinued part and safety issues.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/08/2023

The car has a good battery but won’t start. A click is made the radio turns on but the car won’t start. We have changed the starter and also the file pump. Failed 2 times.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/27/2023

I have a transmission fluid leak that can cause a fire. I have noticed there was recalls for a cooler hose in 2021. Can that be possible it is a similar issue ?.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/17/2023

Over a 3 year time span my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has on multiple occasions had an extremely rough idle, has a hard time accelerating and car drives extremely rough and bumpy. I’ve taken it to multiple different auto shops and all they ever do is change spark plugs or they just don’t know what’s wrong. No engine light illuminated and no codes. Spark plugs changed March 2020, August 2020, January 2021 and now January 2023 I’m having this problem again and the shop says they don’t think it’s spark plugs . I just want this resolved. This cannot be safe!.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/14/2022

I have only 78,000 miles on my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited and I am having issues with ignition coil. The number 5 cylinder isn't working like it should.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 10/04/2022

Alternator failed and passenger seat belt does not retract. Coils misfired.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 08/19/2022

The engine oil cooler failed allowing engine oil to contaminate the entire engine cooling system and leak out. It is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk because the engine oil leak caused my oil level to drop rapidly risking an engine freeze/lock up on the highway. The problem was confirmed by a dealer and an independent service center, but has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure nor afterward.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power before stalling. Moments later while attempting to restart the engine smoke and flames were seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. A contact used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames and the fire department was called to the scene. During the incident no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was also contacted regarding the incident. The failure mileage was 55,000.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 22v406000 (fuel system, diesel) and 23v411000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that two separate dealers were contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issues. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/09/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 22v406000 (fuel system, diesel) and 23v411000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while slowing down, approaching a stop, the vehicle stalled. There were rats detected in the vehicle that chewed the interior wires. There were no warning indicator lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated the wires were damaged. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 22v406000 (fuel system, diesel). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/06/2022

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 mph, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light had remained illuminated. The contact was able to veer off to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic. The certified mechanic diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/08/2021

Initially called to schedule an appointment with the Jeep dealership due to engine coolant loss in December of 2021 in regards to a recall of egr cooler (w79). Couldn't get an appointment until 2/25/2022. Told it was safe to drive until. 2/25 took vehicle in for inspection of said recall, told yes it does have problem, but no parts until 3/14/2022, safe to drive. Brought back 3/14/22 dealership still has vehicle, not safe to drive, still waiting on parts. Now there is a new recall (z46), vehicle unsafe to drive, no parts or time when parts will be available.



Grand Cherokee Service Bulletins
Grand Cherokee Safety Recalls
Grand Cherokee Defect Investigations