Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee shows some reliability concerns, particularly related to engine, powertrain, and electrical system issues, evidenced by 312 NHTSA complaints and nine recall campaigns. Recalls involve engine stalling, fuel leaks, and transmission problems. While many issues relate to the diesel engine, potential buyers should conduct a thorough inspection to ensure functionality due to limited data on specific failures.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 312 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #23V411000 Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V406000 High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V699000 EGR Cooler May Crack Internally NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #20V475000 Crank Position Sensor Tone Wheel may Delaminate NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17E061000 Supercharger Bracket may Damage ABS Line NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V814000 Damaged Fuel Rail Tube may cause Fuel Leak NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V249000 Brake Transmission Shift Interlock Failure NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V168000 Front Left Brake Caliper May Break NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 78 complaints
- Engine 76 complaints
- Electrical System 62 complaints
- Unknown or Other 31 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 28 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 23 complaints
Of the 312 complaints on file, 27 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 312 complaints, owners report 18 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Crankshaft sensor delamination
How to check: Ask the seller about any engine stalling incidents.
Wiring issues
How to check: Inspect for any unusual wiring repairs or modifications.
Shift interlock solenoid failure
How to check: Test the gear shift multiple times for smooth operation.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Knocking or ticking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for consistent idle speed.
Red flag: Rough or fluctuating idle
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Observe gear shifts for smoothness.
Red flag: Hesitation or jerking
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test steering responsiveness.
Red flag: Loose or unresponsive steering
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for any engine power loss.
Red flag: Lag or engine hesitation
- 06
Hard braking
What to check: Ensure straight trajectory without sounds.
Red flag: Pulling or squealing brakes
- 07
Return and idle
What to check: Check for any warning lights.
Red flag: Engine or transmission warning lights
- 08
Parking
What to check: Operate all electrical systems.
Red flag: Any malfunctions or blinkers
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have any engine-related recalls been addressed?
- Can you provide service records for the transmission?
- Have there been any electrical system repairs?
- Have there been issues with engine stalling?
- Have you experienced any fuel system leaks?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Service and maintenance records
- Proof of recall repairs
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Emissions inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.