2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Should You Buy the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers robust capability and a premium feel, yet it carries a moderate risk profile primarily due to persistent issues with its ZF 8-speed transmission and complex electrical systems. Buyers should proceed with caution and a thorough pre-purchase inspection to mitigate potential expensive repairs down the line.
Biggest Strengths
- Rugged off-road capability (especially with Quadra-Trac II/Quadra-Drive II)
- Powerful engine options (V6 and V8) with good towing capacity
- Upscale interior and comfortable ride for its class
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
9 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
What breaks on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Jeep Grand Cherokee by Year
Compare reliability scores across nearby years of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by reliability score.
Relevant Products for Your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Parts and accessories matched to your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Just bought a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Jeep Grand Cherokee's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Before you buy, discover which Jeep Grand Cherokee years to avoid and the most reliable models in our definitive worst-to-best guide.
How Long Does a Jeep Grand Cherokee Last? (Real Owner Data)
Uncover the definitive lifespan of a Jeep Grand Cherokee with our analysis of real owner data, revealing exactly how many miles it truly lasts.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Common Problems and Repair Costs
Uncover common Jeep Grand Cherokee problems and their typical repair costs to confidently budget for maintenance and necessary repairs.