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2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
61
Latest Apr 27, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
20%
of 308 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
7
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 61 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 61, in the owner's own words

BrakesElectrical
Filed Apr 27, 2026
Fire reported

Abs module malfunctioned and caught on fire

NHTSA ID
11734028
Incident
Mar 20, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 25, 2026

While driving then it just shuts off

NHTSA ID
11713239
Incident
Jan 12, 2025
Electrical
Filed Dec 19, 2025

When I push on the gas pedal, sometimes the car revs up and the speed does not increase. I have to shut the car down and then restart. When I restart it, then it resets it in a way and I am able to drive. There is a hyperbola symbol that is seen on my dashboard that blinks when this happens. Please help.

NHTSA ID
11706041
Incident
Jun 2, 2023
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 24, 2024

Vehicle will stall while driving. Has happened 15+ times when trying to accelerate from a stop light, twice while driving at 45+ mph. Engine will stall and the dash will say "Shift to park to continue driving." Vehicle must be shifted in to park, and then the start button must be pressed to restart the engine and continue driving.

NHTSA ID
11632300
Incident
Dec 24, 2024
Electrical
Filed Sep 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the A/C system was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the blower motor fuse was burned, melted, and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred several times. The mechanic replaced the blower motor fuse several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID
11616709
Incident
Jun 26, 2023
Mileage
150,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 12, 2024

The shifter failed. It won’t come out of park.

NHTSA ID
11601516
Incident
Jun 22, 2024
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Feb 29, 2024

I've had issues with my vehicle since 2021 -engine light first appeared on the dashboard and towed my car to a Jeep dealership. Vehicle was "repaired" (have the documentation, if needed), but the engine light remained on. I have since driven this vehicle for nearly 3 years with the engine light on, bringing it into different Jeep dealerships (all documentation on record if needed) to repair and was told there was nothing they could find wrong with the engine. Last year (2023) my electronic stability control and 4WD lights came on in addition to the engine light. My car was sliding all over the road and my 4WD was not engaging at all. Brought vehicle to Jeep dealership for repair, was told ABS module needs to be replaced and the traction control is malfunctioning; no 4 wheel drive engagement; that the ABS module has been discontinued and the only way to replace this is to get an after market part. Contacted Mopar and was told there is "no way of knowing if it's available and it's beyond their capability". I was told the after market part would be tied to a specific VIN. I then contacted the Jeep Dealership- Parts department and explained the situation, asking if there's any other way I can fix this part in my vehicle. Was told there's nothing I can do since it's discontinued, that it's odd that a part for a 2016 vehicle would be discontinued, and I could check junkyards for parts but am not likely to find a match since my vehicle is not that old. I live in Colorado and in the last 2 winter months have been terrified to drive when it rains or snows because I have NO traction and am sliding THROUGH traffic lights and stop signs, even going at a very slow speed. I ended up in the next lane over when slowly driving up a hill on a main road. The value of this 2016 vehicle is miniscule compared to value when I purchased; this places safety of MYSELF AND OTHERS at risk. My partner is experiencing a similar issue with his 2014 Cherokee - discontinued part and safety issues.

NHTSA ID
11574742
Incident
May 1, 2023
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jan 21, 2024

Jeep turns off while driving and makes me put it into park to turn it back on and into drive again. Lights flicker from dim to bright inside and outside. I have changed both batteries and the alternator.

NHTSA ID
11566848
Incident
Oct 16, 2023
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Oct 12, 2023

My 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a water leak in the rear compartment area. It is leaking next to the wiring which could cause a fire or electrical short.

NHTSA ID
11549557
Incident
Sep 1, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 30, 2023
Fire reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, he smelled smoke emanating from the rear passenger seat. After a visual inspection, he observed a fire. The local fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed, but no injuries were reported. The contact stated he sustained a nondescript fire-related injury to his right leg but did not seek medical attention. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined an electrical software system wiring fault. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11541621
Incident
Aug 15, 2023
Mileage
30 mi
Body & structureElectrical
Filed Aug 21, 2023

There is a water leak in the rear cargo compartment of the jeep. Searching on-line I saw that there were numerous complaints of water leaking which may cause an electrical fire. There was suppose to be a recall on 2014 - 2016 Jeeps but when I entered my VIN # it did not come up. I am afraid my vehicle will catch on fire with this water leaking.

NHTSA ID
11539699
Incident
Aug 4, 2023
Electrical
Filed Aug 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was jumpstarted and taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred two weeks later. The battery was replaced a second time; however, the failure persisted. The battery was replaced a third time. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID
11537630
Incident
Jun 24, 2023
Mileage
87,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 19, 2023

Car shut down without warning while i was driving in traffic. Car locked it shelf out and was not drivable. Had to have it towed to local Jeep Dealer. They looked into it and determined that the alternator failed and fried a fuse block as well. the Repair cost just over $1500. There is a recall out for Grand Cherokee's from 2012 to 2014 for the same issue. P60 / NHTsA 14v634. I know my jeep is a 2016 but i feel like this is the same issue.

NHTSA ID
11533245
Incident
Jul 7, 2023
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 15, 2023

Terrible band aid like fix of the software “update” truck runs awful, .The fuel pump recall has me worried about safety concerns, the transmission tune feels unsafe for new drivers and the big , loss of value, and lack of reliability it took 2 months for a recall. I am a disabled combat veteran on a fixed income I can not afford such maintenance and the lack of reliability

NHTSA ID
11527295
Incident
Apr 12, 2023
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Feb 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while slowing down and coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled. There were rats detected in the vehicle that chewed the interior wires. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the wires were damaged. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V406000 (Fuel System, Diesel) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

NHTSA ID
11508977
Incident
Jun 1, 2022
Mileage
157,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 29, 2022

This Jeep has electrical malfunctions that causes problems with the entire functioning of the vehicle. The ignition often doesn’t work, indicator warning lights suddenly flash, and worse yet, the brakes will come on in the middle of driving. Once incident made me fear for my life because the brakes suddenly came on while I was driving on the highway.

NHTSA ID
11487014
Incident
Sep 24, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Aug 3, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owns a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph the vehicle suddenly began to lose automotive power before stalling. Moments later while attempting to restart the engine smoke and flames were seen coming from under the hood of the vehicle. A contact used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames and the fire department was called to the scene. During the incident, no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the cause of the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was also contacted regarding the incident. The failure mileage was 55,000

NHTSA ID
11477304
Incident
Jul 9, 2022
Mileage
55,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 5, 2022

When I turn car on, radio sometimes makes loud thump noice. Time resets to different times, until it goes to current time. Radio volume mutes on and off. And when I try to pair call, I can’t connect phone via bluetooth.

NHTSA ID
11450592
Incident
Jan 10, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 30, 2021

My first report (#11396370) was made to you in February 2021. The recall was started in 2020 and as of this date my jeep dealer does not have the parts to repair my vehicle. According to reports, I am driving a "time bomb" ready to burst into flames and threatening the safety and lives of me, my family, and my passengers. To make things worse jeep has notified me that the "U-Connect" emergency contact system will become degraded and inoperable in the coming months making it impossible for me to contact "911" or the jeep emergency assistance contact system. The latter being a paid service (similar to GMC's "On-Star" system) for which they have not promulgated any remedy, any thought of a remedy, or attempt to provide any remedy. THE BOTTOM LINE: I am driving a "time bomb" without a here to fore active emergency contact system with no resolution or parts available from Jeep. Someone needs to report and inquire about the above cited Jeep issues.

NHTSA ID
11438749
Incident
Jun 1, 2020
Electrical
Filed Aug 17, 2021

I stopped at a traffic light and the the "D" Drive transmission light began to flash. The car would not move. It was like it was in Neutral. I had to shift the car to Park. Turn it off and turn it back on before the transmission would engage and the car would move. What happened is similar to Recall s28

NHTSA ID
11429395
Incident
Aug 17, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jan 23, 2021

THE RADIO SCREEN STOPPED WORKING BUT WILL COME BACK AT TIMES. WHEN THE SCREEN GOES BLANK, I CAN'T DO ANYTHING OR ADJUST ANYTHING THAT WOULD NORMALLY BE ON THE SCREEN. WHICH MEANS I CAN NOT CONTROL HEAT OR GET ANY. IT IS LIKE THIS DURING DRIVING OR SITTING STILL.

NHTSA ID
11389573
Incident
Jan 21, 2021
Mileage
79,200 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 28, 2020

UCONNECT RADIO/SATELLITE CHANNELS RANDOMLY CHANGE BY THEMSELVES WHICH IS A REAL DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING. I STARTED HAPPENING ABOUT A MONTH AGO.

NHTSA ID
11385310
Incident
Nov 1, 2020
Mileage
85,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 3, 2020

THIS IS NOW 4TH OR 5TH TIME. DRIVING CAR, CAME TO A STOP THEN IT STALLED ON ME. THIS TIME SOMETHING DIFFERENT HAPPENED. AFTER TRYING TO SHUT DOWN, RESTART IT AUTOMATICALLY WENT INTO 4 LOW! I WAS ABLE TO GET INTO A PARKING LOT OF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD UNLIKE LAST TIME. THIS TIME I HAVE FOOTAGE OF THE ENTIRE EVENT. I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT OTHER JEEPS SAME YEAR AS MINE ARE BEING RECALLED FOR SAME REASON, BUT MINE ISN'T MAKING THE VIN CUT. THIS IS NOW MY 3RD REPORT TO THIS SITE. THE OTHERS WERE DONE BEFORE NEW RECALL CAME OUT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE THIS KILLS SOMEONE.

NHTSA ID
11372922
Incident
Oct 2, 2020
Mileage
31,678 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Oct 3, 2020

WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A LIGHT MY STOP/START WILL KICK ON AND WILL SHUT OFF MY LIGHTS TO MY VEHICLE AND THE POWER TO MY RADIO. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT MY LIGHTS WILL DIM AND GET BRIGHTER ALONG WITH MY VOLTAGE JUMPING UP AND DOWN FROM A LOW OF 10V TO A HIGH OF 15V WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING MY LIGHTS DIM AND GET BRIGHTER ALONG WITH MY DOME LIGHTS DOING THE SAME THING. MY JEEP HAS STALLED OUT WHILE STARTING THE CAR AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING. MY JEEP HAS ALSO POPPED UP WITH A WARNING SAYING MY STOP/START IS UNAVAILABLE AND NEEDS TO BE SERVICED. I HAVE ALSO HAD TO REPLACE A YEAR OLD BATTERY WITH A BRAND NEW ONE BECAUSE MINE WENT COMPLETELY OUT.

NHTSA ID
11362532
Incident
Dec 9, 2019
Mileage
54,000 mi
ElectricalFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 12, 2020

MY CAR WILL RANDOMLY STALL OUT WHEN I SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A STOP WHILE DRIVING. THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 4 TIMES WHERE I'VE BEEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND IT AUTO-STOPS AND THEN DOESN'T START BACK UP AGAIN WHEN THE TRAFFIC STARTS MOVING AGAIN. A MESSAGE COMES UP ON MY DASHBOARD TELLING ME TO SHIFT TO P AND THEN BACK TO MY DESIRED GEAR. I'LL TRY TO RESTART MY CAR 2-3 TIMES BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPENS. I'VE BEEN ON HILLS AND ON HIGHWAYS WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND ALMOST GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT ON AT LEAST 4 OCCASIONS BECAUSE OF IT. I'VE ONLY HAD THIS CAR FOR A YEAR SO 4 'CLOSE CALLS' IS A BIT MUCH FOR SUCH A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.

NHTSA ID
11338918
Incident
Jul 10, 2020
Mileage
42,800 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .