The Lemon IndexAll cars · Jeep Grand Cherokee
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is better than average by owner complaints: 134 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 63, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 9 recalls, and it gets 15 to 25 mpg combined. The best Jeep Grand Cherokee year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 21.5M views. The 2016 is the same generation.
- Infotainment, battery & electrical2.2M views
Jeep Grand Cherokee Battery Replacement - 2011-2022LJs Garage · 634K views · 11 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring2.2M views
Jeep Grand Cherokee Headlight Bulb Replacement (2011-2019)Inspiring Builds · 893K views · 5 videos - Driveshaft, axles & 4x41.2M views
Shifting The Transfer Case In and Out of Neutral On a 2018 Jeep Grand CherokeeBusMaster99 · 264K views · 10 videos - Transmission & shifter578K views
How to Use Transmission Oil Dipstick 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6TRQ · 218K views · 3 videos
Show 4 more
- Heat, A/C & blend door439K views
How to Replace HVAC Blend Door Actuator 2011-2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeTRQ · 127K views · 4 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils392K views
Jeep Grand Cherokee Spark Plug Replacement | 2018 WK2 3.6LOutJeeping · 211K views · 2 videos - Cooling system285K views
How to Replace Radiator 2011-2021 Jeep Grand CherokeeTRQ · 195K views · 2 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets207K views
How to Replace Oil Filter Housing and Cooler 2011-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L V6TRQ · 207K views
Before you buy, watch
Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems - 2011-2022 WK2Kurt of Trades · 497K views
Top 5 Problems Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011-2021 4th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 472K views
Is The Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 2014-2021 Reliable?! What You Need To Know! 3.6 V6, 4WD, OverlandLJs Garage · 290K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 311 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Jeep Grand Cherokee year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 10K to 55K miles on the car (182 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 4K–49K miles
- engine complaints mostly came at 13K–52K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 11K–54K miles
Recalls 9
- engine 2023
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.
- fuel system, diesel 2022
A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
- engine 2020
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system.
Show all 9 recalls
- engine 2020
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.
- electrical 2018
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
- engine 2017
The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the ABS line, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak.
- fuel system, gasoline 2016
During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
- transmission & drivetrain 2016
The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
- brakes 2016
In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Jeep told dealers about
Jeep sent dealers 408 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "shifter & prndl for 2016 wk only; if vehicle dtc code u114c-00 (loss of communication with…
- Replace Left Front Axle Half Shaft This bulletin involves inspecting and, if necessary,…
- Shifter & PRNDL For 2016 WK ONLY; If vehicle DTC Code U114C-00 (Loss of Communication with…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHigh pressure fuel pump failure2023
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedActive head rest inadvertent deployment2019–2026
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT SUV 4WD | not rated | not rated | not rated | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–5300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
In owners' words
I was driving along and apparently my battery in my keyfob went dead. My engine stopped while I was driving and if I won't have had just bought a new battery I would have been stranded. There is no way to start the engine with key
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner · NHTSA complaint 11277716
More owner reports
I was trying to park and my vehicle would not go into park. A service transmission message came across my dash board. My vehicle was stationary however it would not park nor cut off.
NHTSA complaint 10914453
Took several times to disengage the cruise control even after having new software update installed.
NHTSA complaint 11207649
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 63; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Jeep Grand Cherokee year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (32%), electrical (24%) and engine (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
9 safety recalls (latest: engine). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee get?
15 to 25 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,300 and 55,000 miles. The middle report was at 32,100 miles, from 182 complaints.
Does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 32% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $5300 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have?
3.0L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl.
What Jeep Grand Cherokee year is better than the 2016?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works