Recall 16V249 affects 32,384 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles for a loose shift-interlock connection. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
Jeep is recalling 32,384 2016 Grand Cherokee SUVs under recall 16V249 because a loose electrical connection can stop the brake transmission shift interlock solenoid from working. If that happens, the transmission can lock in Park or Neutral after a stop and disable the vehicle in traffic, increasing crash risk; Jeep dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The brake transmission shift interlock on the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the small electrical lock tied to the shifter and brake pedal. Its job is to keep the transmission in Park until the brake pedal is pressed. The solenoid is the electric actuator inside that lock, and it depends on a clean, tight wiring connection to move when commanded.
On affected Grand Cherokees, the wiring terminal for the solenoid was crimped incorrectly. Worn and misaligned crimp tooling sheared wire strands, leaving weak retention between the wire and terminal. That weak connection can break electrical contact, and the solenoid stops working as designed. When that happens, the shifter interlock no longer gives dependable Park release control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue starts inside the wiring connection, so an owner does not get a clear sound, smell, pedal change, or dashboard message before the solenoid function is lost.
Who's affected?
This recall centers on two switch functions: brake-light operation and the automatic-transmission park/neutral start interlock.
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Switch |
|---|---|
| 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 32,384 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the shifter solenoid fails, the transmission can lock in Park or Neutral when the vehicle stops. That can leave the Grand Cherokee disabled in traffic and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the shifter assembly replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Jeep dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free shifter assembly replacement that restores the brake transmission shift interlock solenoid connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Jeep mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V249 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra space in traffic and pull over safely if the transmission locks in Park or Neutral after a stop.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Jeep technician replaces the shifter assembly tied to the brake transmission shift interlock solenoid. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. If you've already paid for a related shifter or shift interlock repair, the reimbursement process asks for the original receipt or other proof of payment so the expense can be confirmed. Bring that paperwork or ask the service desk how to submit it with your recall file.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 27, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 27, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| May 20, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| May 27, 2026 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V249?
Recall 16V249 covers 32,384 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles with a loose electrical connection at the brake transmission shift interlock solenoid. If the solenoid loses function, the transmission can lock in Park or Neutral after a stop. Jeep dealers will replace the shifter assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V249. If it is, contact a franchised Jeep dealer to schedule the free shifter assembly replacement. Reference recall number 16V249 when you call the service desk.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 16V249, a franchised Jeep dealer will replace the shifter assembly free of charge, including covered parts and labor.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V249?
The safety risk is that the transmission can lock in Park or Neutral when the vehicle stops. That can leave the 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee disabled in traffic and increase crash risk. The repair path is the free shifter assembly replacement at a franchised Jeep dealer.
What if I bought my 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee used?
The free repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Grand Cherokee is included, then call a franchised Jeep dealer and reference recall 16V249 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V249000 |
|---|---|
| Jeep customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V249 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V249000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →