Jeep · Known Issues
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Problems: 37 Known Issues
2016 model year · 5,812+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2016 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2016 model year · 5,812+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2016 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,812+ owner reports, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 37 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are TIPM (Fuse Box) Failure ($800-$1,500 repair), 3.0L EcoDiesel Oil Cooler Failure Causing Oil/Coolant Cross-Contamination and Engine Damage ($500-$4,000 repair), 2014-2019 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Fire-Risk Recall (W79 / 20V-699) ($0-$0 repair), Cruise Control That Will Not Shut Off — Wiring Short Circuit Recall (18V332000), 2011-2021 5.7L Persistent Tick or Misfire - Confirm Valvetrain Damage Before Parts and 2014-2020 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel High-Pressure Fuel Pump Recall (Z46 / 22V-406) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is TIPM (Fuse Box) Failure with 1,892 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $20 to $4,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and 2022-2024 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer vehicles. The Central Vision Park Assist module (CVPAM) software may prevent the rearview image from displaying when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Jeep Wrangler and 2022-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. A hybrid control processor (HCP) software error may cause the defrosting and defogging system to be inoperative. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 103, "Windshield Defrosting and Defogging Systems."
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:UPPER BALL JOINT
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2023-2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An improperly connected coaxial cable may prevent the rearview camera image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,812+ owner reports, the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 37 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: TIPM (Fuse Box) Failure, 3.0L EcoDiesel Oil Cooler Failure Causing Oil/Coolant Cross-Contamination and Engine Damage, 2014-2019 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Fire-Risk Recall (W79 / 20V-699). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 37 known issues documented across 5,812+ owner reports. 6 issues are rated critical: TIPM (Fuse Box) Failure and 3.0L EcoDiesel Oil Cooler Failure Causing Oil/Coolant Cross-Contamination and Engine Damage and 2014-2019 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel EGR Cooler Fire-Risk Recall (W79 / 20V-699) and Cruise Control That Will Not Shut Off — Wiring Short Circuit Recall (18V332000) and 2011-2021 5.7L Persistent Tick or Misfire - Confirm Valvetrain Damage Before Parts and 2014-2020 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel High-Pressure Fuel Pump Recall (Z46 / 22V-406). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Jeep Grand Cherokee issues range from $0 to $4,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, TIPM (Fuse Box) Failure, typically costs $800-$1,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) can fail, causing various electrical issues including fuel pump relay problems (no start), random horn honking, and erratic behavior of lights and accessories. Repairs typically run $800-$1,500. Severity: high.
The integrated engine oil cooler/oil-filter housing on the 3.0L EcoDiesel develops internal failures that let engine oil and coolant cross-contaminate — owners report 'milkshake' oil and oil in the coolant bottle. Casting debris left in the engine can become trapped in the cooler… Repairs typically run $500-$4,000. Severity: high.
Certain 2014-2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine are included in safety recall W79 / NHTSA 20V-699. NHTSA lists 28,884 potentially involved Jeep vehicles. Thermal fatigue can cause the EGR cooler to crack internally over time, allowing pre-heated vapo… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Recall 18V332000 covers 2014-2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee models among a long list of FCA vehicles. The defect is in the cruise control system: a short circuit in the vehicle's wiring can leave the cruise control unable to be disengaged once it has been set. According to NHTSA, the d… Severity: high.
A persistent tick and cylinder misfire on a 5.7L Grand Cherokee can be consistent with valvetrain damage, but those symptoms do not identify a failed MDS lifter or worn camshaft by themselves. Exhaust-manifold leaks, ignition or injector faults, oil-pressure problems, rocker/push… Severity: high.
Certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) vehicles with the 3.0L diesel engine are included in safety recall Z46 / NHTSA 22V-406. The high-pressure fuel pump can fail prematurely and introduce internal debris into the fuel system, causing fuel starvation. FCA says occupants may… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
Quadra-Lift is a closed, electronically controlled air-suspension system, so a Service Air Suspension message, a low corner, or a denied height change does not identify one universal failed part. The factory diagnostic path covers electrical and communication faults, fuses and vo… Severity: medium.
The ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh shifts, hesitation, or erratic behavior. Some owners report the transmission hunting between gears or feeling like it's in the wrong gear for the driving conditions. Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
The water pump on the 3.6L Pentastar V6 can fail, causing coolant leaks and overheating. The pump is internal and driven by the timing chain, making replacement labor-intensive. Failure often occurs between 80,000-120,000 miles. Repairs typically run $800-$1,800. Severity: medium.
Oil found around the Pentastar oil filter adapter does not prove that the complete adapter or oil cooler has cracked. FCA's service guidance separates several repair paths: a cap O-ring that is cut, damaged, or installed in the wrong groove; five adapter bolts that are not at the… Severity: medium.
The electronic-throttle-control warning lamp and reduced-power or limp mode are protective responses, not a diagnosis that the throttle body has failed. Depending on the stored DTC and application, the factory path may lead to a stuck or contaminated throttle plate, throttle moto… Severity: medium.
A DEF/SCR warning or reductant-system DTC on a 2014-2016 Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel does not prove that the complete DEF tank has failed. FCA documentation shows materially different causes and remedies within this model range: one defined 2015 population received PCM software and… Severity: medium.
Uconnect resets or a blank screen, intermittent accessories, a discharged battery, and communication faults may occur together, but they do not establish that the Body Control Module is defective. Radio software or hardware, a weak battery or charging problem, poor power or groun… Severity: medium.
A WK2 front-end clunk over bumps, during braking, or while steering can come from more than the sway-bar links or lower control arms named in the old card. The source can vary with loading and may involve a stabilizer link or bushing, control-arm bushing, ball joint, tie-rod end,… Severity: medium.
Grand Cherokee 4x4 differentials (and the transfer case) are a known spot for pinion-seal leaks — owners find gear oil weeping where the driveshaft meets the diff, leaving puddles and, if ignored, running the diff low on lube. A low/contaminated differential then produces a speed… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
WK2 Grand Cherokees commonly develop a speed-dependent driveline vibration or shudder felt through the floor/seat, typically appearing around 45-75 mph and often worse under light acceleration or on deceleration. The rear driveshaft uses CV-style joints and a splined slip section… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Owners of panoramic-sunroof-equipped Grand Cherokees (WK2 and 5th-gen WL) report the glass panel spontaneously shattering or 'exploding' with a loud pop while driving on clear days, with no impact. NHTSA complaints and forum reports describe the tempered panel bursting outward/in… Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: medium.
The 3.6L Pentastar's oil filter housing is an integrated plastic oil-cooler assembly that mounts in the valley under the intake manifold. The plastic warps and becomes brittle from repeated heat cycling — expanding and contracting at a different rate than the aluminum engine — so… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.
Because the A/C condenser sits at the very front of the Grand Cherokee behind the grille, it is highly exposed to rocks and road debris, which puncture the thin tubes and cause refrigerant loss. Condenser leaks are one of the leading causes of an A/C that blows lukewarm or no col… Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: medium.
Front wheel hub/bearing assemblies are a recurring wear failure on the WK2 Grand Cherokee, producing a humming, whining, or growling noise that rises with road speed (commonly noticeable from about 35-50 mph) and often changes pitch when the vehicle is loaded or steered left/righ… Repairs typically run $200-$750. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.