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2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems

85 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 41,000. 5 crashes reported.

owner complaints
85
of this car's complaints
27%
typical mileage
41,000
crashes
5
recalls
3

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems in other years

19911995200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 39Check engine light 25Loss of power 14Overheating 8Won't start 7Misfire 5

Related recalls

Engine and engine coolingReported June 8, 2023 · 80,629 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 23V411000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: gas recirculation valve (EGR valve)Reported November 12, 2020 · 28,884 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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 number 20V699000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: dieselReported August 13, 2020 · 58,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V475000 · Recall details

What 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Engine · NY

This car has a recall repaired for a failed EGR cooler in 2020. We purchased the car about 2 months ago. About a week ago the dash lit up. We took it to our mechanic who is saying the EGR cooler is faulty again. We contacted the Jeep Dealership in Fredonia, NY who are refusing to fix the problem. Jeep themselves is also refusing to fix the problem. This presents a serious fire hazard and is unsafe.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Engine · 125,000 miles · VA

The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under previous ownership under the federal safety agency 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 coolant leaking onto the floor. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

Filed Jul 2, 2026 · Engine · FL

#2 cylinder misfire code P0302. A known problem with this engine. A compression test reveals a common defect with this engine

Filed Mar 5, 2026 · Engine · 256,000 miles · WI

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 codes associated with the crankshaft position sensor and intake manifold runner were retrieved, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V475000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 256,000.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Engine · GA

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

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Engine · 129,045 miles · PA

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.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Engine · FL

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. There were absolutely NO warning signs whatsoever to indicate that this vehicle was going to go out on me. I don’t think it’s fair for me to have to give up my vehicle for something that I did not cause!

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Engine · NY

Oil filler neck leaking and possible due to a blown motor

Filed Apr 14, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

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.

Filed Feb 13, 2025 · Engine · 111,000 miles · TX

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.

Questions about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine

Does the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee have engine problems?

Owners have filed 85 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 41,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee engine?

Yes, 3 recalls: 23V411000, 20V699000, 20V475000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Jeep Grand Cherokee have bad engine?

The Jeep Grand Cherokee model years with the most engine complaints are 2014 (449 complaints), 2011 (359 complaints) and 2012 (302 complaints).

Other 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee problems

Transmission 78Electrical 62Fuel system 45Brakes 25Acceleration 23Driver assistance 16Steering 16Airbags 12Body 11Seats 11Lights 10Wheels 6Seat belts 4Visibility 4Suspension 3Tires 2

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