40 complaints reported

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
40
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Feb 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2026
Jan 2026

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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2025
Mar 2025

Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2025
Feb 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Nov 2025
Jan 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2025
Sep 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2024
Sep 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2024
Aug 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2024
Oct 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle overheated, and the vehicle 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 gauge needle rose to the high mark. The contact was able to pull over. The vehicle was towed to the same local dealer, where the radiator and hoses were replaced. The mechanic informed the contact to add additional coolant to the reservoir. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed back to the same local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 136,249.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2023
Sep 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2023
Aug 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

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2023
Jul 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2023
May 2023

******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE IT IS REQUESTED BY THE CONSUMER THAT THEY WISH TO HAVE IT REMOVED*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: May 2023
Mar 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 ?

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Mar 2023
Mar 2023

(2) FAILURES; (1) failure of the engine oil filter assembly (BECAUSE IT WAS PLASTIC). No warning whatsoever, only caught because I noticed oil leak. turns out the filter assembly cracked, pump at least 3 quarts of oil into radiator. COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTOPHIC FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEED - ENGINE WOULD HAVE LOCKED UP. - Cost to repair:$1,477.39 Mileage 128,766 (2) failure of multiple rocker arms, only symptom was flashing check engine light under heavy acceleration. NO OTHER WARNINGS. engine effectively stops functioning correctly. Stopping car, turn off and restart- NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IF OCCURS DURING PASSING, ESPECIALLY ON MINOR ROADS. Cost to repair: $2,479.75 Mileage: 142,724 BOTH ARE CAUSE BY DEFECTIVE PARTS INSTALLED IN/ON ENGINE. RECALL FOR THESE ISSUES IS NOT ONLY WARRANTED, BUT DEMANDED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jul 2022
Mar 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! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2023
Oct 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Oct 2022
Aug 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2022
Mar 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.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2022
Dec 2021

OEM WATER PUMP FAILED AT 29,000 MILES, IN JULY 2019, COMPONENT WAS RR. ON 4/8/2021 AT 35,900 MILES WATER PUMP FAILED AGAIN.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Aug 2021
Nov 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate, and he heard an abnormal noise. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his destination. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the camshaft to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2021
Sep 2021

Stopped at a red light and when it turned green, I pressed on the gas pedal and no acceleration. Looked at the dashboard and saw “Shift to P” the engine stalled and I had to roll out of the way of traffic, pressed the brake to a complete stop and restart the ignition/engine and was able to drive again.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Sep 2021
Feb 2021

MONTHS AGO, I WAS ADVISED OF AN ISSUE THAT WOULD CAUSE A DESTRUCTIVE VEHICLE FIRE. AS OF THIS DATE THERE IS NO CORRECTION AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL AND NO INDICATION THAT MY VEHICLE WILL BE REPLACED IF IT IS DESTROYED BY THE RESULTING FIRE. FURTHER, THERE IS NO REMEDY PROMULGATED FOR MY HEIRS IF I OR OTHERS LOOSE THEIR LIFE IN THE FIRE. PLEASE ADVISE ME ON MY AVAILABLE ACTIONS.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2020
Jan 2021

ON JANUARY 22, 2021 AT 0645HRS, I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN QUEENS NY AND WHILE STOPPED AT A STEADY RED LIGHT MY VEHICLE STALLED. WHEN THE TRAFFIC LIGHT TURNED GREEN I NOTICED ON THE DASHBOARD READ 'SHIFT TO P' AND I HAD TO SHIFT TO PARK, PRESS ENGINE START, SHIFT TO DRIVE AND CONTINUE ON MY WAY HOME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THIS HAPPENED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jan 2021
Jun 2020

TWICE NOW I HAVE HAD MY JEEP DIE ON ME WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. FIRST TIME I HAD TO BE PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE STREET BY STRANGERS BECAUSE NOTHING WOULD RESTART IT AND IT WAS AT ON A BUSY ROAD AT PEAK TIME. SECOND TIME WAS THIS WEEK. WAITING AGAIN FOR LIGHT TO TURN, AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS TO GO, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. BOTH TIMES I TRIED TO PUT IT INTO PARK, RESTART, NADDA. THIS TIME IT STARTED BACK UP WITHIN ABOUT ONE MINUTE.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Incident: Jun 2020

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 40 Engine complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.