2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 69 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 22% of all complaints for the year. Owners reported random stalling, unintended engine starts, door/liftgate warning failures, and a shift-interlock recall (16V249000), with median failure mileage of 37,000.
- Electrical System complaints
- 69
- 22% of 310
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 37,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Vehicle stalls suddenly and without warning while driving, sometimes requiring the driver to restart it multiple times before it responds.
- Vehicle starts on its own while parked, without the key or a start command, and cannot be diagnosed by dealer staff.
- No audible chime sounds when the liftgate or trunk is open, so drivers back up unaware the rear is unsecured.
- Gear shifter can become stuck between positions such as park, with the display showing conflicting information, tied to the brake/transmission shift interlock solenoid recall.
- Smoke or fire reported near the rear passenger seat and under the hood in separate incidents involving electrical components.
When 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 6, 2016, latest Apr 27, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- NHTSA 18V332000May 17, 2018Electrical System4,815,661 vehicles
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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 16V249000Apr 27, 2016Electrical System32,384 vehicles
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System complaints by Grand Cherokee model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- NHTSA shows 69 Electrical System complaints out of 310 total complaints for the 2016 model year, which is 22% of all complaints filed for that year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Yes. Recall 16V249000 covers a brake/transmission shift interlock solenoid with a possibly loose electrical connection, and recall 18V332000 covers a related electrical/powertrain software issue on certain 2014-2018 models including the Grand Cherokee.
- At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 37,000 miles at the time electrical failures were reported.
- Are the electrical problems dangerous?
- NHTSA complaint data tied to this problem area for the 2016 model year includes 6 crashes, 3 fires, and 2 injuries.