2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

Jeep Grand Cherokee
Pictured: 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve 4x4 in Bright White, Front Left, 01-16-2022. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV Laredo 4X4, 4dr SUV Limited 4X4, 4dr SUV Overland/Summit 4X4, Srt 4dr SUV
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl, 6.4L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline, Midgrade Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
Length
189.8–191.3 in
Curb weight
4,676–5,150 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 25 MPG combined — 31% better than the average 2016 standard SUV (19.1 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 8 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 15 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is a standard SUV offered with 4 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl, 5.7L 8-cyl and 6.4L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 190 inches long and 76 inches wide on a 115-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,676 lb (4dr SUV Laredo 4X4).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 31% better than the 2016 standard SUV average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 311 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Grand Cherokee — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Grand Cherokee →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.6L 6-cyl
Engine–3.0L turbo 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

LimitedLaredoOverland

Built in: Detroit, Michigan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 Grand Cherokee configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Laredo 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,676 lb51/49
4dr SUV Limited 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,874 lb53/47
4dr SUV Overland/Summit 4X4189.8 in76.4 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,985 lb53/47
Srt 4dr SUV191.3 in77.2 in69.3 in115 in63.8 / 64.2 in5,150 lb53/47

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Cherokee 2WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+31%$3,850408
Grand Cherokee 4WD Diesel3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+28%$4,000432
Grand Cherokee 2WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21+10%$3,200413
Grand Cherokee 4WD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 8-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+12%$3,200427
Grand Cherokee 4WD5.7L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-9%$4,450533
Grand Cherokee SRT8 4WD6.4L 8-cylAutomatic 8-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 19 / 15-20%$5,500592
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
5/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2016 Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Similar 2016 standard SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee (this car)25 MPGNot rated8
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated3
2016 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2016 Ford Explorer22 MPGNot rated14
2016 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2016 Hyundai Santa Fe23 MPGNot rated3
2016 Volkswagen Touareg24 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (8)

Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 8, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V411000 · 80,629 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jun 9, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V406000 · 138,645 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2014-2019 Ram 1500 vehicles equipped with 3.0L diesel engines. A high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure may introduce internal debris into the fuel system, potentially resulting in fuel starvation.
Risk
Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will replace the HPFP, and inspect and replace, if necessary, additional fuel system components, free of charge. Interim notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 21, 2022. Owner notification letters for were mailed for Jeep Grand Cherokee owners starting January 11, 2024. Owner notification letters for Ram 1500 owners were mailed March 7, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLS's number for this recall is Z46.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Nov 12, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V699000 · 28,884 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Diesel · Aug 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V475000 · 58,016 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Electrical System › Software · May 17, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Nov 10, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V814000 · 30,183 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured February 10, 2016, to April 28, 2016 and equipped with a 3.6L engine built at the Saltillo engine plant. During the assembly of the engine, the fuel rail crossover tube may have been damaged, which, over time, may result in a fuel leak.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly for damage to the fuel rail crossover tube, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S85.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 27, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V249000 · 32,384 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured May 15, 2015 to February 19, 2016. The brake transmission shift interlock solenoid may have a loose electrical connection which could result in a loss of solenoid function.
Risk
If the solenoid loses function, the transmission may lock in the Park or Neutral position when the vehicle comes to a stop, possibly rendering the vehicle disabled in traffic, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shifter assembly, free of charge. The recall began on May 27, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S28.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper · Mar 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V168000 · 21,183 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured December 9, 2015, to January 14, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the left front brake caliper may crack due to being made from an incorrect material.
Risk
A cracked brake caliper may lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front left brake caliper and depending on its casting date, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on May 12, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S16.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

311Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
27Involved a crash
7Involved a fire
18Injuries reported
32,139 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train77
Engine76
Electrical System59
Unknown Or Other31
Fuel/Propulsion System28
Service Brakes22
Vehicle Speed Control22
Steering14
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/07: 424/08: 324/09: 324/10: 124/11: 224/12: 225/01: 225/02: 125/03: 125/04: 125/05: 225/06: 125/07: 225/09: 125/10: 125/11: 225/12: 326/01: 326/02: 326/03: 326/04: 126/07: 326/09: 226/10: 124/0724/1025/0125/0425/0725/1126/0226/07max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 77 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 76 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 59 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 32,139 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Grand Cherokee years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Grand Cherokee23–Not rated00
2026 Grand Cherokee23193.3 inNot rated655
2025 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★5121
2024 Grand Cherokee23193.3 in★★★★★18315
2023 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated23597
2022 Grand Cherokee23204.7 inNot rated24491
2021 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★16502
2020 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★3241
2019 Grand Cherokee24189.8 in★★★★★7370
2018 Grand Cherokee25189.8 in★★★★★10855
2017 Grand Cherokee21189.8 in★★★★★5364
2015 Grand Cherokee25189.8 inNot rated91,366

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →