2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 16V249000Apr 27, 201632,384 vehicles
  EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

  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.

  Risk: 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 disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S28.

What owners say

1. Filed Feb 27, 2026GAFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11720847 · source
2. Filed Feb 10, 2026151,755 miINTransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11716970 · source
3. Filed Jul 11, 2025PATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11672649 · source
4. Filed Jul 2, 2025155,347 miGATransmission & Drivetrain

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11670894 · source
5. Filed May 29, 2025COBrakesTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11663646 · source
6. Filed Sep 4, 2024FLTowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   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,…

   NHTSA complaint #11612642 · source
7. Filed Feb 29, 2024COElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11574742 · source
8. Filed Jan 21, 2024OKElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Jeep turns off while driving and makes me put it into park to turn it back on and into drive again. Lights flicker from dim to bright inside and outside. I have changed both batteries and the alternator.

   NHTSA complaint #11566848 · source
9. Filed Dec 28, 2023WYTransmission & Drivetrain

   Engine oil filter housing cracked and there was excessive and continuous oil leakage. Research on the internet shows this is a common problem as the part is made of plastic and destroyed by heat. If not fixed, the car could overheat, the engine fail, and the car stop during use at high speeds. Problem was inspected, confirmed, and part replaced with metal part at Rad Rides in Buffalo WY. Problem first appeared as oil leaking under car about 2 weeks ago.

   NHTSA complaint #11562319 · source
10. Filed Oct 25, 2023123,000 miNCTransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact was unable to shift the vehicle out of 4WD-Low. The vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The 4WD warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transfer case and transfer case control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of…

    NHTSA complaint #11551890 · source
11. Filed Aug 24, 202375,000 miPATransmission & Drivetrain

    The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while slowing to a stop from 5th gear to 1st gear, the vehicle bucked forward. Additionally, the vehicle would jolt forward while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who reset an unknown module in the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11540471 · source
12. Filed Aug 8, 2023SDCrashTowedEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11537221 · source

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