2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

56 owners have reported engine problems with the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 32% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 56,800 mi.

Engine complaints
56
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Related recalls
3
Median mileage
56,800 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine48
Engine and engine cooling8

Engine complaints across Jeep Grand Cherokee years

14200514112007922009480201188512013263165201556822017114662019566220215084202310521202515
Engine complaints by model year. The 2016 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

1Under 10k210k–30k1030k–60k560k–100k5100k–150k2150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 23V411000Jun 8, 202380,629 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L Diesel engines. 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.

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 3, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed October 31, 2023. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated July 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 66A. This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-475.

  • Recall 20V699000Nov 12, 202028,884 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engines. The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may crack and allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system. This mixture may combust inside the intake manifold.

    Risk: Combustion in the intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EGR cooler, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and, as necessary, replace the intake manifold. Parts are not currently available. Owners were mailed an interim notification on December 21, 2021. A second notification will be mailed when parts are available, currently expected to be around March 11, 2021. The recall began March 11, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W79.

  • Recall 20V475000Aug 13, 202058,016 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Ram 1500 and 2014-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. 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.

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: FCA US will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain control module software to maintain vehicle propulsion by reading the camshaft position signal in the event that the crankshaft position signal is lost, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 13, 2021. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-2002. FCA US's number for this recall is W58.

What owners say

  1. Filed Jul 29, 2026125,000 miVAEngine
    The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under previous ownership under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V699000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the recall repair failed to prevent a recall-related failure 15,000 miles later. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal coolant odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon further inspection, there was…
    NHTSA complaint #11753581 · source
  2. Filed Jul 2, 2026FLEngine
    #2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine
    NHTSA complaint #11748064 · source
  3. Filed Mar 5, 2026256,000 miWIEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11722187 · source
  4. Filed Feb 16, 2026GAEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11718374 · source
  5. Filed Jan 27, 2026129,045 miPAEngine
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11713695 · source
  6. Filed Dec 21, 2025FLEngineOther / Unknown
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11706376 · source
  7. Filed Apr 14, 2025FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11654598 · source
  8. Filed Feb 13, 2025111,000 miTXEngine
    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.…
    NHTSA complaint #11642590 · source
  9. Filed Jan 15, 2025CTEngine
    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,…
    NHTSA complaint #11636120 · source
  10. Filed Dec 24, 2024CAElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11632300 · source
  11. Filed Aug 21, 2024NYEngine
    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
    NHTSA complaint #11609940 · source
  12. Filed Aug 12, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11607999 · source

Other 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problem areas

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology