2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Common Problems
Ranked from 96 federal NHTSA complaints and 9 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
18 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission malfunction causing unintended shifting
19complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts unexpectedly into neutral or park while driving, leading to loss of control.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V249000
- 2
Vehicle speed control malfunction causing uncontrolled acceleration
15complaintsHigh severityOtherThe vehicle speed control system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably.
- 3
Engine Stall at Idle Due to Stop-Start System Failure
13complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls when the vehicle is idling or coming to a stop, often requiring multiple attempts to restart.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V475000, 20V699000, 17E061000, 23V411000
- 4
Electrical System Issues Leading to Dashboard Malfunctions
8complaintsSafety riskElectricalDashboard indicators and displays malfunction, leading to confusion and potential accidents.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 5
Engine Stall During Deceleration
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls when decelerating or coming to a stop, then requires multiple attempts to restart.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V475000, 20V699000, 17E061000, 23V411000
- 6
Fuel System Recalls Not Addressed
8complaintsMedium severityFuel systemMultiple reports of unresolved NHTSA fuel system recalls leading to intermittent engine issues.
Related recalls: 16V814000, 22V406000
- 7
Electrical System Malfunction Causing Random Shutdowns
6complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe vehicle randomly shuts down and restarts, often accompanied by a blinking hyperbola symbol on the dashboard.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 18V332000
- 8
Sunroof Explosion
6complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof unexpectedly explodes, showering glass on the occupants and potentially causing injury.
- 9
Electrical System Fire Risk
5complaintsHigh severityElectricalWater leaks in the rear compartment pose a risk of electrical fires.
Related recall: 18V332000
- 10
Steering Gear Rack Failure
5complaintsMedium severitySteeringSteering gear rack locks up and requires replacement.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 11
Engine stalling and unexpected acceleration
4complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls and then unexpectedly accelerates, often without warning, leading to loss of control.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recalls: 20V475000, 20V699000, 17E061000, 23V411000
- 12
Brake system malfunction causing unexpected acceleration
3complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system malfunctions, causing the vehicle to accelerate without pressing the gas pedal.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V168000
- 13
Engine Oil Cooler Failure Causing Engine Contamination
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine oil cooler fails, contaminating the engine and causing rapid oil loss and potential engine damage.
Related recalls: 20V475000, 20V699000, 17E061000, 23V411000
- 14
Headlight Malfunction
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe headlights intermittently flicker or fail to illuminate properly, affecting night visibility.
$100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 15
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Failure
2complaintsHigh severityEngineThe Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system fails, causing the vehicle to not recognize gear positions and preventing it from shifting or turning off the engine.
Related recalls: 20V475000, 20V699000, 17E061000, 23V411000
- 16
Fuel System Leaks Causing Cabin Odor and Smoke
2complaintsHigh severityFuel systemFuel leaks cause a strong odor and smoke inside the cabin, posing a fire hazard.
Related recalls: 16V814000, 22V406000
- 17
Service brakes squeaking and failing to operate properly
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe service brakes squeak and fail to operate properly, especially during stop-and-go traffic.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 16V168000
- 18
Steering failure resulting in difficulty controlling the vehicle
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe power steering system fails, making it difficult to steer the vehicle, especially at low speeds.
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.