How common are transmission problems in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

NHTSA lists 78 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 model year, making up 25% of the 310 total complaints filed for that year.

At what mileage do these transmission failures happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 32,339 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Grand Cherokee transmission?

This dataset shows no related_recalls logged specifically for this complaint set, though some owners referenced NHTSA campaign 16v249000 involving powertrain and hydraulic brakes.

Have these transmission issues caused crashes or fires?

NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 9 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries.

How does the 2016 model compare to other Grand Cherokee years for this problem?

The 2016 year's 25% share of complaints in this area is close to 2015 (26%) and 2017 (24%), and higher than most other years like 2018 (9%) and 2019 (12%).

2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 78 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 25% of all 310 complaints that year. Median mileage at failure is 32,339 miles, and the issue has been tied to 9 crashes and 2 fires. No related recalls are logged in this dataset for this specific complaint set, though owners referenced an outside campaign.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 78; 25% of 310
Crashes reported: 9
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 32,339 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the electronic gear shifter failing to hold the vehicle in park, allowing it to roll away unexpectedly.
Some describe the transmission sticking in drive and being unable to shift into park, followed by sudden unintended acceleration.
Several complaints mention the vehicle failing to move when trying to accelerate from a stop, with dashboard warnings for stability control and engine lighting up at the same time.
Owners describe hard or delayed shifting, especially around third gear, with the vehicle lunging or feeling like it was rear-ended.
A few reports mention gear position indicators flashing and not recognizing the selected gear, leaving the engine unable to shut off.
Some owners noted a related recall campaign (16v249000) but said dealers could not get replacement parts within a reasonable time.

When 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 3, 2016, latest Feb 27, 2026.

78 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q1; peak 2016 Q2 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Grand Cherokee model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201022 (19%)
201190 (5%)
2012102 (6%)
201355 (7%)
2014474 (20%)
2015351 (26%)
201678 (25%)
201788 (24%)
201875 (9%)
201945 (12%)
202039 (16%)
202158 (14%)
202236 (14%)
202338 (10%)
202428 (12%)
202511 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee?: NHTSA lists 78 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2016 model year, making up 25% of the 310 total complaints filed for that year.
At what mileage do these transmission failures happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 32,339 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Grand Cherokee transmission?: This dataset shows no related_recalls logged specifically for this complaint set, though some owners referenced NHTSA campaign 16v249000 involving powertrain and hydraulic brakes.
Have these transmission issues caused crashes or fires?: NHTSA data tied to these complaints includes 9 crashes, 2 fires, and 5 injuries.
How does the 2016 model compare to other Grand Cherokee years for this problem?: The 2016 year's 25% share of complaints in this area is close to 2015 (26%) and 2017 (24%), and higher than most other years like 2018 (9%) and 2019 (12%).